After a brief hiatus due to that pesky election, Dylan is back with a new BOTWW.
NOVEMBER 11TH, 2020: Barbarian Days by William Finnegan, Penguin Press
Decided to give the book reviews a much-needed break for the election chaos of last Wednesday. OK, it wasn’t nearly that intellectual—I was actually too wrung out to write one. As probably the world’s worst surfer, I don’t know much about riding waves beyond the magic carpet ride I’ve been lucky enough to experience on rare occasions when it all comes together. But I do know a thing or two about obsession, which Finnegan’s book captures beautifully. This is a story of one man’s intense connection to surfing, and while it’s full of adventure, discovery, and travel, it’s also a deeply thoughtful memoir of a life experienced through the filter of a specific passion. This I understand fully, and it makes for a captivating read. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Finnegan, a longtime writer for The New Yorker, has more than enough lyricism and literary chops to keep you reading for the beauty of his prose alone. Fantastic book.
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I have a LOT of surfing buddies who are also anglers – the overlap is real!
Great book! I have thoroughly enjoyed your recommendations so far!