Honkytonks and Fishing in the Wild West

by Aaron C. Anderson

More than a decade after returning home from Afghanistan, Jake Freeman is still tormented by the emotional consequences of war. Desperate for a better life, he enlists the help of a VA doctor who prescribes a motorcycle tour of the Western States. Jake hopes an adventure like this can quiet the chaos in his mind, so he leaves his familiar world behind and rides his Harley north toward Bend, Oregon. On his journey, he realizes it may take more than fishing in majestic rivers and dancing at great honkytonks to free him from the trauma locked inside his vault of memories. As he encounters fellow veterans and dangerous detours, he gets glimpses of what a meaningful life could look like. When Jake discovers he has been running away from the exact things he wants most, he decides to change course. However, healing isn’t a linear journey. Will his mental anguish consume him? Or will he be able to rise out of the past and follow a road toward a place where love and joy exist?

Paperback

Published August 8, 2024

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio via HOOPLA app
This is the fictionally embellished remembrance of a veteran's road trip on a Harley through the northwest US. It is a focused healing journey by one man to cope with PTSD from his military experience. He traveled, met people, connected with members of his unit, and focused on his experiences with the natural world. I have no knowledge of or interest in fishing, but now understand that it's more about being immersed in nature and the quiet moments. He was a catch-and-release fisherman unless giving to someone. It was about the chase-he didn't waste. I found his strategic thinking about understanding fish interesting. For example, looking at the local insect population as diet information regarding what lures to use was logical, but news to me. He also had a couple of dramatic encounters with dangerous animals. He helped several people along the way, and was helped by some. He interacted with people regularly through visiting storied honkytonks/dance halls and fishing-supply shops, diners-cafes, and staying in friendly rooms and cabins. He made friends with multiple ladies along the way, some romantically, but that wasn't the primary focus. He was a kind and respectful man unless in defense of others in need, then the soldier emerged. Not every encounter was a good experience but made the story more realistic.
I found this to be a calming, interesting story, almost like having a getaway of my own.

I gave this 5 stars because it was totally outside my usual reading areas, and would probably be more interesting to a man or someone with a military background, but it captivated me, and that was impressive.

[Tara Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal read for veterans to calm and distract their thoughts after securing for the day. With a little action, some romance, great fishing and killer dancing bars this book will motivate you to finally take that R & R and power down in God’s country.
-Nic D., Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, once I started I couldn’t put it down. There is something uniquely American about hitting the open road on a motorcycle out west, laying yourself bare to whatever life and Mother Nature throw your way. The call to adventure and the unknown resounded in my ears as I followed the main character on his journey. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Brandi Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 🌟 Completed book Honkytonks and Fishing in the Wild West by Aaron C. Anderson.
HOOPLA BONUS BORROW
Not worth the read

[Erin Krieg]

For being his 1st book, I thought it was pretty good. It wasn't the type of book I usually read.

[Marissa D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️