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A review by djpax13
The Names of the Stars: A Life in the Wilds by Pete Fromm
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.