She Talks to Fish

by Brian Hester Barbara Beam

Embark on an unforgettable journey with SHE TALKS TO FISH – a novel that offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every reader. This riveting story highlights the serenity of nature, the importance of family, exhilarating adventures, and a connection that grows into an enduring love. Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and empowered as you are immersed in a world unlike anything you have ever experienced before.

Maya Jones, a young, Black woman from the mountains of North Carolina, is introduced to fly fishing through her mentor, Ed Myers. This introduction and subsequent passion for fly fishing offers an intriguing and imaginative story of respect, acceptance, loyalty, and courage. As Ed mentors young Maya on her coming-of-age journey, her struggles are met with brazen resilience as she defies stereotypes, bigotry, nature, and even death with immeasurable perseverance.
Fish are her counsel and through the extension of a fly rod, Maya finds her space of belonging. Amidst her quest for personal growth, Maya’s heart is mesmerized by an enigmatic man exposing her to what, not only becomes her obsession, but, also, guides her pursuits to protect those she loves most. In a world that is begging for a pioneer of change, Maya’s personal voice becomes a beacon of how the human spirit always triumphs over the human condition. Dive into an amazing adventure with Maya as she transcends mere survival to become a source of hope and a symbol of the indomitable human spirit.

SHE TALKS TO FISH is a story about a young lady navigating her life’s path that centers around fly fishing and its unforgiving fortunes. Along the voyage, she leans on her Christian foundation, the spiritual lessons from the Crow Tribe, and her own inner voice. Maya’s and Ed’s lives will forever be tethered with a bond of mutual rescuers as Ed saves her, and she saves him, both literally and figuratively. The life cycle thread between Ed and Maya is captured in none other than what lies beneath the rivers’ surfaces and the beautiful creatures that occupy those spaces. Fish are her counsel and through the extension of a fly rod, Maya finds her place as She Talks to Fish.

If you are looking for an exciting book that encourages hope, then SHE TALKS TO FISH is the book for you. When the human condition is no match for the human spirit, resolute survival is the only option. Maya Jones is a survivor--- a survivor who talks to fish.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

Reviews

[Cori Krick · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an English teacher, an avid fly fisher, lover of classic literature and nature, this book hit all the right notes for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the literary references to authors and quotations, and at times I felt like these were little Easter eggs to be found and accumulated throughout the novel. As a huge Tennessee basketball fan, I had a good chuckle at the Pat Summit reference too. Maya's struggles for acceptance in academia, fly fishing, and even with Montana itself never seemed insurmountable, and she definitely didn't lack for pluck or determination.

[Jodie Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in an early draft and loved it. Now reading the revised product I am even more impressed with the merits of this truly enjoyable story. The writing is fresh and engaging all at once. An enjoyable story written with depth and detailed care to both the content and the context. Maya is one of those everyday heroes from an imperfect time in our history as a people trying to overcome both bigotry and the injustice of stereotyping. I have no real passion for fishing of any kind, but the joy and love of anything that helps us feel empathy for the struggles of others can make for a great read when written from such a real perspective. She Talks to Fish talks to me as a reader.

[Rita Jennings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good book. I know nothing about fly fishing and this book is full of details, but I enjoyed the story so much that I could see myself as a fly fisherman. Fly fishing is like the second main character so as the reader, I cared about it like a character. There weren't a lot of moments of tension, but you definitely saw the characters change over the course of the book. It is probably the best independently published book I've read.
The story is well developed and moves quickly without unnecessary fluff. You get to know the characters. And the settings are the beautiful mountains and rivers of Boone, NC, and Bozeman, Montana. What's not to love! I recommend.

[Timothy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me back to my childhood in the mountains of Boone, NC. As someone who isn't an avid reader, I found it compelling and recommend it. The story encourages anyone with a dream to pursue it relentlessly. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. It has inspired me to chase some dreams of my own. Bian and Barbara, keep up the good work. Mark

[Sage Arroyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

She talks to fish is a very meaningful book. It shows how mentorship and determination can inspire people to overcome obstacles they thought was impossible to overcome. Her connection with the fish represents her newfound relation and her journey through self discovery.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! 🤩🤩