The Old Man and the Boy

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Summary: A Gentleman's guide to living
Review: I have loved this book for over 30 years, and worn out 3-4 paperback copies re-reading about 18 times. I'm not a hunter, but those of us who aren't shouldn't be fooled because that is what it appears to be about. This book is about the importance of a real mentor in the life of a young person. It is obvious from the way Ruark conveys his story that he learned ever so much more than outdoor skills from his grandfather. He learned respect, dignity, patience, and acceptance. A beautifully written, timeless story... the inner lessons of life as a real gentleman are as pertinent today as they were almost 80 years ago.

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Summary: A first rate primer for daily living and life lessons.
Review: I keep coming back to this book over and over. Robert Rourk has created a timeless tapastry of character and feeling which all can learn from. We have all had a person in our life like the old man. The lessons which he teaches to the boy through nature and the nature of man are timeless and can apply to all ages. As a teacher I have used these words to inspire students to make the right choices for the right reasons. The story telling style is approachable by all. A must read!!!!!!

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Summary: A pleasant surprise!
Review: I read the Chinese translation in Taiwan about 20 years ago. It was one of my favorite books. I am really excited to find it here and re-read it in English. What amazes me is how nicely the translation was done. I can see, hear, and smell every scene in this book in both versions. The real amazing thing was when I went to duck hunting with some friends a couple years ago in Indiana. We did exactly what he described in the book! Step by step! (Except that no duck showed up that day so I didn't have to witness the actual killing, which I am not really into.) This book is highly recommended to boys and girls, men and women. In the unlikely case that you can read Chinese, you can get it from the Guo-Yu-Ru-Bou (The Mandarin Daily) Publish Co. in Taiwan.

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Summary: The Old Man and the Boy
Review: I was first given this book by a long time friend and hunting companion. I at the time had never heard of Robert Ruark, but after reading this book my hunting life changed forever. This book is a must for the old and new hunter alike. It contains the wisdom and foresight only achieved from years in the field. It will make one appreciate hunting and life afield itself. It is a must read for all.

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Summary: This book continues to have a profound effect on me
Review: i was first introduced to this book when i was about 10 years old, and i have come back to it countless times in the years since. i have come back to it for humour, for memory, for comfort- all the good reasons why anyone would return to a timeless book. having grown up in eastern north carolina, this book subtlely recalls a landscape of indelible images, images which are only strengthened and developed as i reread Ruark's classic. the small-world adventures of the boy and his grandfather have become inerasable in my memory, and for that i am truly grateful. it is, without a doubt, my favorite book of all time.

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Summary: Something for everyone
Review: If you love to hunt or fish or enjoy the outdoors, this book will be very appealing for you. And even if your favorite hobby is indoors, you will still enjoy this book. The book focuses a lot on outdoor activities, but it still has a little bit of intrigue for every reader. For the outdoorsy readers, this book focuses on hunting and fishing and may bring back memories of your previous adventures. For the other readers, this book has many subtle messages. This novel has an abundance of life lessons that you can make much use of in your life. So whoever you are and whatever you enjoy doing, I recommend that you read this book.

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Summary: Repeating the same message
Review: Imagine a walk in the woods with your Grandfather and all the stories you would hear about the past, and all those lessons he would teach you. Now, times that by 28 chapters and you have the flavor of The Old Man and the Boy. There are so many descriptions and details in the novel that at times it feels almost as if you are right there next to the boy. But while the novel was peaceful and stimulating at first, after awhile - with no plot change - it got old. Even with the novel's noteworthy teachings, I wouldn't read it again because it never managed to keep my attention. At times, it just dragged.

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Summary: Memories and Life Lessons
Review: It is hard for me to believe that I just came across this excellent book. It brought back wonderful memories of staying with my grandparents in the hills of Tennessee. The responsiblities, morals, and general way that life was lived, and the lessons taught are still as important now as then. I can remember hearing some of the same views on guns and hunting/fishing from my father and passing those on to my sons. I cried at times and laughed out loud at the billy goat episode! This book would not be a bad idea for required reading in schools

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Summary: The Old Man and the Boy
Review: My dad introduced this book to my husband a long time ago, and it is his favourite book. The story of the idyllic childhood of Robert Ruark is a must for anyone who loves nature, it make you and laugh and it makes you cry. There is a lesson to be learned in every chapter of this book, which young people do not realise that they are being taught. We have a grandson and he has two copies of "The Old Man and the Boy", one which he leaves with us and one he keeps at home. My husband is teaching Kieron the philosophy of life, as a result of this wonderful story. I have read it too, and can recommend it without reservation.

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Summary: The greatest hunting story book of all time!
Review: My father fell in love with this book, and had his sons read it as well.It sort of turned out to be the "family book." I will pass this story down as well. This book makes you laugh, and cry. It will make you warm all over and you'll want to go huntin with your dad again. Every time i read this book, i tell my dad, and he always says,"dont read the last chapter." So, i'll tell you the same thing......"Don't read the last chapter."