JH's first novel. Loaded w what was to become his main stays, forests of the UP, travel, memory, and characters w no need of money. Full of phrases and words rarely used but used well here. A man remembers his life, which is at least partly Harrison's, while trying to get his present under control. Always a well written slice of life. Have read all of his books but this is the most recent. Am now starting into his poetry.
Above was from my first read from 15 years ago. I needed more than a god plot and a detective murder mystery so I read a JH. This is his Kerouacian ode to his time as a young man on the road, juxtaposed with drying out on a camping/fishing/wolf scouting trip to the UP. Thinnly fictionalized events, mostly not very tied together, forming his life and a sturdy base of experience. I will read others again as well. ( )

I read the Brown Dog books too - I think that's the only other Harrison novel(s) that I've read. Wolf certainly fits the same pattern. I'm guessing that Wolf was written earlier - the machinery is a bit more visible. He confesses here to some of his reading, his influences. Henry Miller stands out, which I find satisfying because Harrison's writing strikes me as quite similar to Miller. Of course Harrison in up in the U.P. where Miller, well, I can't imagine! But my family's roots are up around there so I like that aspect.

I was reading this while riding the bus and at one point I just burst out laughing. The thing is constantly over the top, which could easily get tiresome, but Harrison makes it so colorful that it stays fresh and fun. The whole thing is crude from start to finish, but somehow stays tender too. This is the Henry Miller angle. Good stuff! ( )

Wolf isn't a very likable fellow, I am glad I didn't read this when I was younger - perhaps the assholism is catching. It is a young man's novel in the shadows of Hemingway or Kerouac. ( )

If you only read one Jim Harrison novel in your lifetime, choose this one. On the other hand; if you only read one Jim Harrison novel (or fewer) in your lifetime, something is seriously wrong with you. ( )

Curious book. Not sure what to make of it. I liked it. A memoir, of sorts, by the author of Legends of the Fall. I had not read any of his work previously but picked this up used primarily on the strength of the movie made from Legends.

A memoir, likely with a significant amount of truth in the wrapping of fiction, describing early adulthood from a point ten to fifteen years down the road, frequently moving back-and-forth between past and present. I enjoyed the book, although it will not be for everyone. Will read Harrison again. ( )