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arielamandah's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I’m not sure how meaningful this book would be had I not read Indian Creek Chronicles - it certainly would have been a different read. I think Fromm is a good writer and does a nice job with the subject matter. He adds meaning to his memoir through his explorations of aging and fatherhood - the section about Sage was especially poignant. Some parts/thoughts felt a little redundant, but overall a compelling story about wilderness (and how it intersects with and informs our lives) and the tension between family, independence, and the urge for solitude.
jcpate's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
liberrydude's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely beautiful writing that weaves the wild, family, and our mortal coil together. It reminded me so much of Norman Maclean's The River Runs Through It and Other Stories except these were all true. Fromm mainly tells of his three week sabbatical from his family in the Bob Marshall Wilderness back in 2004. He signed up to babysit some fish eggs. He captures the solitude of being alone in the woods while pining for his young boys and family. In between this tale he alternates to the younger Fromm's adventures decades ago at Lake Mead, the Tetons, and Big Bend. We meet some real characters (stuff of legends) that if this was the naval service we would be calling these "sea stories." This belongs in the pantheon of literature on the West and life.
haleynelsonpermar's review
adventurous
inspiring
slow-paced
3.5
A love story to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Beautiful descriptions of the scenery and place.
djpax13's review against another edition
4.0
The Names of the Stars was a bit of a step outside my normal reading list; I’ve never read a “wilderness memoir” of this type before.
I must say, however, that I’m quite pleased. I’m happy I took the chance.
As some others have mentioned, the pace is not fast - if you’re looking for a quick page-turner, Fromm’s delightfully crafted memoir probably isn’t for you. Even though it’s not a page-turner, though, his writing does keep you interested, especially after the first third of the book.
Part adventure tale, part reflective musings on life and fatherhood, Fromm does a great job tying in his month-long sojourn into the Montana wilderness with his own reflections on what it means to be a father, the path his life has taken, and where he finds true fulfillment. His descriptions of various events also place you right in the scene, from the Rio Grand, to the Tetons, and to many other places he has been throughout his varied and adventurous life. The only drawback for me is that there were a couple places in the book that seemed a bit repetitive.
An easy read (it took me so long only because I was preparing for comprehensive exams for grad school), To Name the Stars will not only introduce you to some wild places away from the comfort of your home, but it might also introduce you to some wild longings (known or unknown) within your heart.
I must say, however, that I’m quite pleased. I’m happy I took the chance.
As some others have mentioned, the pace is not fast - if you’re looking for a quick page-turner, Fromm’s delightfully crafted memoir probably isn’t for you. Even though it’s not a page-turner, though, his writing does keep you interested, especially after the first third of the book.
Part adventure tale, part reflective musings on life and fatherhood, Fromm does a great job tying in his month-long sojourn into the Montana wilderness with his own reflections on what it means to be a father, the path his life has taken, and where he finds true fulfillment. His descriptions of various events also place you right in the scene, from the Rio Grand, to the Tetons, and to many other places he has been throughout his varied and adventurous life. The only drawback for me is that there were a couple places in the book that seemed a bit repetitive.
An easy read (it took me so long only because I was preparing for comprehensive exams for grad school), To Name the Stars will not only introduce you to some wild places away from the comfort of your home, but it might also introduce you to some wild longings (known or unknown) within your heart.
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