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I've Never Met an Idiot on the River

Reflections on Family, Photography, and Fly-Fishing
by Henry Winkler
I've Never Met an Idiot on the River: Reflections on Family, Photography, and Fly-Fishing. Insight Editions, dist. by PGW. May 2011. ISBN 9781608870202. $21.95. SELF-HELP
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Actor, director, and children's author Winkler offers an amalgam of memoir, self-help, fishing, and photography in this slim, illustrated volume. Born to German immigrant parents in Manhattan, Winkler had undiagnosed dyslexia that wreaked havoc on his early education and self-esteem (his parents calling him "dumb dog" didn't help either), yet he managed to graduate college, earn a drama master's from Yale, get film work, and land a career-defining role on a popular sitcom. An invite from a friend introduced Winkler to fly-fishing; he was instantly smitten. Fly-fishing became his overwhelming passion, and his angling jaunts to the trout heaven of Montana's rivers became an annual ritual. The majestic scenery surrounding the water led to an interest in nature photography (the book sports numerous pix).
VERDICT Winkler's message is positive and upbeat, making the book as much a motivational title as a fishing memoir. The important lesson he learned from his achievements is that with patience, persistence, and practice you can accomplish anything. Although that might seem simplistic, it's a core lesson that, alas, is often forgotten in our current narcissistic age. Well done, Henry. This breezy, charming volume is for fans of celebrity memoirs and self-help.
Reviewed by Mike Rogers, Library Journal , May 01, 2011
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