I have a soft spot for books filled with two- and three-page stories. Perhaps it is because I grew up reading outdoor magazines. It could be that I prefer to write in a short format. Or, it may very well be the case that I have succumbed to the short attention span beguiling so many of my generation. No, it can’t be that.
Life and Death in the Middle: Reflections from the Seam Line is a book filled with good short stories and observations. Focused on and around fly fishing, they are easy reads that take up a few minutes of time. Loosely connected through the authors’ experiences, they don’t need to be read serially or in long sittings. Having this book on the nightstand or in the screen porch might be the best way to enjoy it.
So where did Life and Death in the Middle come from? It is the shared work of Anthony Surage and Mike Aleckson. Both are accomplished and seasoned fly fishers. Surage brings the perspective of a professional guide as well. Their reflections, spread across nearly 60 brief chapters, intertwine, diverge, and run parallel with one another.
Why else might you consider picking up Life and Death in the Middle?
It is well written. Both men produce quality work, each with his own voice. A dozen chapters in and it is possible to hear Anthony or Mike without referencing the header. The tones range from conversational to philosophical, with fly fishing functioning as the narrative glue holding it all together.
What I most appreciate about the book is that it doesn’t shy away from asking deeper questions. Purpose, family, society, and God are not off limits. The short work benefits from eschewing the false “no religion” taboo of modern society. Men contemplate the universe. Men do so while fly fishing. You do it. I do it. Why not write about it and read about it?
From both a style and a content perspective, I can recommend Life and Death in the Middle if you like what you read on Casting Across. The point might be higher or on the periphery of fly fishing. But fly fishing serves as a great vehicle for illustrating, emphasizing, and broaching all manner of important topics. Practically, it is a perfect “pick up and casually read a few pages” book. It would make a great gift for a novice or a veteran angler. And most of all, it is a pleasant read.
Interested in picking up a copy? Head over to Amazon to see what others are saying and order yours.