First, my apologies for the long absence. I offer my thanks to those of you those of you who queried about a new post during that time. I write today to let you know about another piece of writing you might enjoy.
Earlier this month, writer Rebecca McCarthy published an essay about Norman Maclean in The American Scholar. In the essay, she recounts meeting him in Seeley Lake, Montana, while visiting her brother. The essay is titled “Norman Maclean and Me: Advice for Living and Drinking from the Author of A River runs through It” (great title, eh?).
McCarthy describes spending time with Maclean, whose summer home was near her brother’s, during a pivotal time in her teen years. Maclean, who knew the young woman wrote poetry, offered her advice and convinced her to attend the University of Chicago, from which he had recently retired.
She describes a visit to the 7 Up Ranch Supper Club, near Lincoln, for dinner. The restaurant burned down years ago, but locals will remember it fondly. And many non-locals from small towns will relate to the discussion in the essay about how being an intellectual in rural Montana or in South Carolina, where McCarthy lived as a girl, can sometimes be a lonely or even limiting experience.
McCarthy paints Maclean as a kind but colorful man, and any fan of his work will enjoy the essay. The publication notes that McCarthy is currently working on a book about Maclean. Meanwhile, you can find other examples of McCarthy’s excellent writing in The American Scholar, at Long Reads, and elsewhere.
I’ll be back soon.
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The Literary Fly Fisher 
December 15, 2019 at 5:23 AM |
The McCarthy article is a great read. Thanks!
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December 15, 2019 at 4:59 PM |
It should be an interesting book!
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December 15, 2019 at 2:24 PM |
Great to see your post, and the article by McCarthy was fascinating. It reminded me of the some people whose success did not keep them from helping me.
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December 15, 2019 at 4:59 PM |
Indeed. We all have probably had people like that in our lives, to whom we owe thanks.
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December 17, 2019 at 5:31 AM |
Ken- This is so good! Thanks so much for sharing. Miss you brother. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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December 17, 2019 at 10:38 AM |
Likewise. Munsey. The invitation out here always stands.
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March 11, 2020 at 11:12 AM |
Thanks for the kind words. Knowing Norman was a privilege and a gift that came by grace.
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March 24, 2020 at 4:02 PM |
You bet, and nicely said. I really look forward to the book.
And apologies for the slow response.
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June 5, 2023 at 4:12 AM
The last of three readers for my Norman Maclean manuscript offered a very positive review, so the U of Wash. Press is going on to the next step in publishing my book. There’s work and revision ahead for me, but I am very excited to think of holding a book in my hands. They’re even helping me promote it!
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June 6, 2023 at 10:16 PM
That’s really great to hear! I have wondered how things were progressing. My university has one of hte largest collections of angling lit,, and we also have a strong writing program. Perhaps we can arrange a visit when to book in in print. We have often discussed such programming, but have been distracted by other tasks. Congratulations!
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