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Out Here: Essays And Encounters From The Heart, Soul, And Left Field
352 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 30, 2024
Bob Hill's work is a heartfelt tribute to a rich and multifaceted career spanning nearly 60 years in journalism.
Through the pages of his essays and reminiscences, he weaves a narrative that is as nostalgic as it is insightful, reflecting on small-town roots and adventures around the globe. The preface sets the tone with humor and self-awareness, drawing readers into a life that balances everyday humanity with extraordinary encounters.
It’s telling that, right off the bat, Hill hooks us with powerful quotes that let us know that he’s actually been through it, and obtained wisdom from years of experience and work, both in his life, his work, and his marriage.
My favorite is:
“Happiness is inside out. Hang on to it.”
His book, structured around his journey through three distinct newspaper stops, offers a masterful narrative that is equal parts memoir and cultural commentary. Hill captures the essence of his experiences with slices of life that are not only fun and educational but also deeply humbling. His ability to revisit old stories with fresh eyes gives the narrative a timeless quality, ensuring that even the most nostalgic pieces feel relevant and engaging.
Hill’s prose is peppered with wit and sincerity, making his reflections on the demise of print journalism and the rise of digital media both poignant and thought-provoking. The vintage pictures of several moments in the columns add an extra layer of storytelling. The one with Bob wrestling a bear had me chuckle.
All in all, Hill masterfully captures the essence of moments, whether it's the quiet simplicity of small-town life in the 1950s or the grandeur of an interview with Mohammed Ali. His prose strikes a perfect balance, never overwhelming the reader with detail.
This is a man who, at the beginning of his career, had never taken a journalism class, was writing by pencil in longhand, and had never taken a focused writing class, was also, eventually, presented with the Ernie Pyle Legacy Award for his vital role in the founding of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.
Hill’s career is proof that, when there’s a will, there’s a way, and especially so for writers.
This man knows his stuff.
Through the pages of his essays and reminiscences, he weaves a narrative that is as nostalgic as it is insightful, reflecting on small-town roots and adventures around the globe. The preface sets the tone with humor and self-awareness, drawing readers into a life that balances everyday humanity with extraordinary encounters.
It’s telling that, right off the bat, Hill hooks us with powerful quotes that let us know that he’s actually been through it, and obtained wisdom from years of experience and work, both in his life, his work, and his marriage.
My favorite is:
“Happiness is inside out. Hang on to it.”
His book, structured around his journey through three distinct newspaper stops, offers a masterful narrative that is equal parts memoir and cultural commentary. Hill captures the essence of his experiences with slices of life that are not only fun and educational but also deeply humbling. His ability to revisit old stories with fresh eyes gives the narrative a timeless quality, ensuring that even the most nostalgic pieces feel relevant and engaging.
Hill’s prose is peppered with wit and sincerity, making his reflections on the demise of print journalism and the rise of digital media both poignant and thought-provoking. The vintage pictures of several moments in the columns add an extra layer of storytelling. The one with Bob wrestling a bear had me chuckle.
All in all, Hill masterfully captures the essence of moments, whether it's the quiet simplicity of small-town life in the 1950s or the grandeur of an interview with Mohammed Ali. His prose strikes a perfect balance, never overwhelming the reader with detail.
This is a man who, at the beginning of his career, had never taken a journalism class, was writing by pencil in longhand, and had never taken a focused writing class, was also, eventually, presented with the Ernie Pyle Legacy Award for his vital role in the founding of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.
Hill’s career is proof that, when there’s a will, there’s a way, and especially so for writers.
This man knows his stuff.
December 2, 2024
Bob Hill's Out Here is an evocative journey through the decades-long career of a journalist whose pen captured the spirit of ordinary people and extraordinary events. Beginning in 1964 on a well-worn sofa in a Montgomery Ward store, Hill's career led him to diverse corners of America and the world, from the World Ice Skating Championships in Czechoslovakia to the rural isolation of Loretta Lynn's Butcher Holler. Whether interviewing legends like Muhammad Ali in Louisville or observing life in a Southern Indiana nudist colony, Hill’s storytelling is rooted in authenticity and empathy.
What makes Out Here stand out is Hill’s unparalleled ability to connect with people and translate those connections into compelling narratives. This talent, recognized by his receipt of the prestigious Ernie Pyle Legacy Award, shines through in this book. Hill’s reflections not only chronicle his career but also delve into the heart and soul of "real America," as experienced through 4,000 columns and ten books, including the bestseller Double Jeopardy.
The charm of Out Here lies in its variety—each story is a vignette of humanity, whether humorous, poignant, or profound. Hill’s writing style is approachable yet rich, making readers feel as though they are sitting across from him, hearing his stories firsthand. The book doesn’t just recount a career; it immortalizes the art of storytelling itself, proving that good journalism is about more than reporting facts—it's about capturing the essence of life.
What makes Out Here stand out is Hill’s unparalleled ability to connect with people and translate those connections into compelling narratives. This talent, recognized by his receipt of the prestigious Ernie Pyle Legacy Award, shines through in this book. Hill’s reflections not only chronicle his career but also delve into the heart and soul of "real America," as experienced through 4,000 columns and ten books, including the bestseller Double Jeopardy.
The charm of Out Here lies in its variety—each story is a vignette of humanity, whether humorous, poignant, or profound. Hill’s writing style is approachable yet rich, making readers feel as though they are sitting across from him, hearing his stories firsthand. The book doesn’t just recount a career; it immortalizes the art of storytelling itself, proving that good journalism is about more than reporting facts—it's about capturing the essence of life.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews