The Wisdom of Rivers: Family, Friendship, and the Fly-Fishing Life

by Roger Thompson

Genres: Nature, Memoir

192 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Iryna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway, and I'm very grateful to both Goodreads and the publisher for the opportunity.
On one hand, it's a quiet, heartfelt story about a man who loves fishing, misses his father, and deeply cares for his family.
On the other hand, I found it a bit slow at times. I know plenty of people with fascinating hobbies, and the stories they tell are often just as engaging - if not more so. I also think the book would have benefited from more visual material. Photos, sketches, or maps could have brought the story to life and made the reading experience much more immersive.

[Naturegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wisdom of Rivers by Roger W. Thompson comes out in September 2026, and I am thrilled to see outdoor/nature memoirs like this one making their way into the world. The stories about fishing are written with heart and humor, and include poignant reflections on life, faith, parenting, and loss. A deep love of nature is evident in each account, and I enjoyed “revisiting” beloved outdoor locations through a new lens. Readers who appreciate nature memoirs will find lots to love about this book, and those interested in fishing will feel right at home on every page.

[Rebecca Muniz · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I am not a fisher and have never fished in my life, this was not only educational but also a beautiful recounting of life, family, love, and the connection we continue to find with each other and with our beautiful planet.