Tim Nicholas is a man who takes comfort in the laid-back aspects of his adult life. He successfully manages a bank in Pendleton, Oregon, but has recently suffered from job apathy. Tim is married and is the father of four children, and his youngest child has urged him to be at peace with nature. Tim enjoys catch-and-release fishing on the Umatilla River, where he fishes for steelhead. As much as Tim savors the quiet, he’d prefer fishing with his two best friends, Bob and Gary, more. When the trio are on the water, they can cast a rod and razz each other over their lack of caught fish, or they can discuss their current travails in life. The good times always seem to fly by, but they mean the world to Tim.

Nature's tranquility is just one theme explored in this folksy narrative. When Tim is introduced, he is mired in the throes of a mid-life crisis. The rebellion against the continuation of a humdrum nine-to-five existence is understandable as the monotony starts to steal Tim’s zest for life. The importance of friendly advice is stressed as Bob and Gary urge Tim to think before acting rashly. The lifelong friendship between Tim, Bob, and Gary, as well as Tim’s relationship with his parents and his youngest daughter, serves as the emotional crux of the novel. The plot is relatively uncomplicated, but the book distinguishes itself with its pensiveness and heart. This wonderful read will evoke nostalgia while fostering an appreciation for what matters in life.

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