The Second Fly Caster: Fatherhood, Recovery and an Unforgettable Tournament : Randy Kadish

Summary:
Erik, a young boy, is proud that his father, the winner of several state championships, is probably the greatest long distance fly caster on earth. But then a threatening prelude and an unexpected outcome of a casting tournament leave Erik reeling with unanswered questions about what once seemed to be only a sport.

These questions linger and then, years later, deepen when Erik’s idealistic plans and actions are crushed when he experiences combat in the Vietnam War. He struggles, unsuccessfully, with his demons, until a seemingly accidental discovery lead him back to the ways and new meanings of fly casting. Through their prism Erik learns to see himself and the world in a forgiving light.

This novel is very short, but well-written.  The characters really serve to draw the reader into the novel, the reader will soon come to know them as friends and be able to predict their actions and thoughts.  This novel contains a universal truth:  parents cannot be as perfect as their children would like to believe.  The author finally understand this when he fights in Vietnam, an important lesson that should not be dismissed or taken lightly.  Flaws are a fact of life, the sooner we realize this the better off we will be.  The reader will enjoy the author's journey from a more oblivious childhood to a realistic, competent adult.  The novel moves along fairly fast, the reader will not have to drag through scenes.  This book is great for young adult and adult readers.