Men & boys, women & girls: This one deserves 6 Stars!

books:

	• The Old Man and the Boy Robert Ruark Owl Books, 1993 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 49 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Tom Sawyer with a message and an elder mentor

The Norman Rockwell paintings of the freckle-faced boy with a fishin' pole on his shoulder or otherwise engaged in play in a rural setting is an American idyllic childhood. Robert Ruark was able to live this life and he sums it up best in the author's note: "Anybody who reads this book is bound to realize that I had a fine time as a kid." No one who reads this book could dispute that claim.
He grew up in North Carolina with his grandfather as a mentor. From him he learned how to hunt and fish, manage the land and resources and even how to treat people. His grandfather's respect for black people and his willingness to stand up for them was a rare thing in North Carolina at the time. Ruark always refers to his grandfather as "the Old Man", but it is clear that it is rendered with deep affection. In fact, the amount of attention he received and the wisdom he learned from the Old Man is something to be envied. Few boys are taught as much valuable knowledge as Ruark was when he was a child.
The story is captivating and comes to a fitting end. When it is clear that the Old Man is wearing down and will die soon, he tells his grandson, "I promise you on my word of honor that I won't die on the opening day of bird season." The last line of the book is, "He kept his promise." This is one of the best descriptions of childhood ever written, it is Tom Sawyer with a message and an elder mentor.

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A Song of the South

Ruark's 'The Old Man and the Boy' is the touching tale of a boy's memory of experiences with his beloved grandfather. It is also a story of a South which is, so very unfortunately, very nearly gone. It's a story not just of jasmine, polite living and fireflies, but of guns and men and the explosion of a covery of quail, glittering in the early morning sun.

It's the story of the training of a boy to be a man in the finest Southern tradition. It's a tale of dogs, shotgun shells and men. It's not, Thank God, politically correct. It's a story of a deep love of nature and a deep love of the people who respect it.

Ron Braithwaite, author of novels, "Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico

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Books I Love

During a move from Florida to Tennessee a box containing my "out of print" RObert Ruark books went missing. I had searched estate sales,book stores, you name it I had searched for Robert Ruark books. None were to be found.. I was advised by someone to try Amazon.Com.. Sure enough, I was able to replace three of my favorie Robert Ruark books..They arrived promptly and all in good condition. I was delighted with the excellent service.

Men & boys, women & girls: This one deserves 6 Stars!

I've meant to review this classic for years: Today's the day. My first copy of this book was a well-worn recycled paperback version, from my mother having purchased it as a gift for my granddad to her getting it back after his death in 1968, to her giving it to me sometime in the 1990s. It's the kind of read that makes you long for the hardcover edition, for all the times you'll reread it in the future.

Buy the paperback versions for gifts (buy several; those you gift with this book will thank you for it vociferously!), but latch onto a hardcover for yourself.

A treasure, I note that several reviews lean toward recommending it for men & boys, but girls, don't let that fool you! There's so much to be learned from this gem -- plus you can share it with others!

Many folks today haven't yet had the fire lit under them to read -- more's the pity. Read this book to those you love that don't read and I'm certain they'll come out the other side understanding why you love to read!

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A Heartwarming Collection of Stories

The story of Robert Ruark's (the Boy)humble beginnings and outdoor adventures with the Old Man (his Grandfather)while growing up in the coastal area of North Carolina during the Depression. This is what I call wisdom literature. Not only do we have ducks, bobwhite quail, doves, pheasants, rabbits, deer, bluefish, pogies, croakers, oysters and terrapins but many lessons on life. It is about timeless topics like gun safety, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, wildlife conservation and protecting the environment. Contains some really good dog stories, playing hooky to go hunting, using a pole boat, working with the Coast Guard to catch rum runners and dealing with Grandma by keeping out of her way. Like a good sandwich this book should be consumed in small bites. Ruark in this, and his later works, in my opinion ranks right up there with fellow outdoor writers Gordon MacAuliffe and Gene Hill. Superb reading.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

This classic captures the endearing relationship between a man and his grandson as they fish and hunt the lakes and woods of North Carolina. All the while the Old Man acts as teacher and guide, passing on his wisdom and life experiences to the boy, who listens in rapt fascination.

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