If the Fish Is a Trout: A Love Story

By: Bill Stokes

Narrated by: Johnny Mack

Length: 13 mins

Publisher's summary

A man can love a woman. There's no trick to that. And a man can love a dog, especially if it is a good dog with worship in its eyes. But can a man love a fish?

An experienced trout fisherman reminisces about the love of opening day in various location in Wisconsin.

©1972 The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (P)2017 Paul Stokes

Entertaining view from a passionate fisherman

My son and I enjoyed this quick listen on the way to the doctors the other day. My son and I both live to fish and we really enjoyed the obvious passion for fishing the author and narrator delivered. The story is a wonderful glimpse into a specific style, type and time for/of fishing that we haven't done yet. The imagery brought back to me though the childhood cartoons of Goofy, the park rangers and the bears that Disney would air on tv. As the story went those images is what ran through my mind. Very enjoyable. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Funny short story

Another excellent short story by Bill Stokes. I love his books. They always give me a good laugh. This is a love story about a trout! How could that not be humorous? I live in Florida so I can somewhat relate to this, although I don't have enough to deal with the freezing cold weather. Can't say I've fallen in love with a fish but I have been pretty excited! This is a great fishing tale that any fisherman would enjoy! if you're not a fisherman but love funny short stories, you'd love it too.

A Man and His Rod

If you could sum up If the Fish Is a Trout: A Love Story in three words, what would they be?

Trout Season Opening

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Keep in mind, this is a passion for fishing. It was actually rather open ended. No definitive "The End".

Which scene was your favorite?

The mass chaos of the season opening day!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I must admit that I have a very strong connection to most of Bill Stokes' stories. I was missing that with this work. My opinion is that it is no way a lesser story, just that it didn't resonate with me on a personal level as everything else by the author has. I'm sure it will connect with many listeners though

Any additional comments?

The narration was top notch. The writing was sublime.

I don't fish so I couldn't as strongly empathize with this recording. My shortcoming, if there is any analysis here.

I have enjoyed most of the stories from Bill Stokes! As I listen, I can often relate similar experiences in my youth and later, as an adult!

Thanks for the opportunity to review it!

A review copy was gifted to me at no charge. In return, I am happy to provide an honest review. Also at no charge.

Love & respect for both fish & fishing.

This is a sweet reminiscence of a man falling in love with a trout taking place in the Wolf River in Wisconsin.

I have never been fishing but this short tale has piqued my interest. I now want to fall in love with a river and her fish and the sport of claiming a meal with patience and perseverance.

Bill Stokes eloquently talks of cool misty mornings as well as steamy afternoons along a river as fish hunters claim their spots and do their best to entice a large trout to sink their mouths on their carefully crafted (or bought) hook-in-disguise. While I have always had some respect for fly fishing, since it requires skill and patience, I now see some beauty in it as well.

As always with Stokes’s works, there’s some humor tucked in here and there. I especially enjoyed his references to love affairs with the fish, his wife’s reactions to his addiction, and the light jabs to those weekend fishermen who drive right up to a chosen spot in the river instead of hiking along the bank a quarter mile or so.

I’ve listened to a few tales by Stokes at this point and I believe this is his most eloquent work. Obviously, he has a love of not only the sport of fishing but also a love and respect for the trout as well.

I received a free copy of this book.

Narration: Johnny Mack did well with this tale. He seemed to get caught up in the beauty of trout season and that came through in his narration.

A True Passion

Listening to this story I could feel the breeze and sunshine, see the tall grass and the calm cold water and be there. It is indeed heaven on earth. I loved this story and how poetic and relaxing it was to listen to. I think the overall tone of this story was harmonious with the art and love of trout fishing. Bill Stokes paints a beautiful image in my mind with his words.

Johnny Mack is a fantastic narrator. He nails this story with his smooth, even-toned voice. He's poetic as well. Just awesome!

I was provided this audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.

Cute but do true

This is a cute do true story of fishermen and his love for fishing and all the fun and planning for a fishing trip.

I love good short stories.

I don’t like to fish, but I can appreciate a great short story. I have listened to other stories by this author and have enjoyed all of them.

This is a story from the 1970s so I can forgive the one poor use of the word retarded.

I have also enjoyed other books by this narrator using this name as well as books that he narrates under his Kenneth Obi pen name.

Funny love affair

If you could sum up If the Fish Is a Trout: A Love Story in three words, what would they be?

Funny. Odd. Love. These are the best words I could come up with for the story. It is unusual to say the least, which is the point. Told from the perspective of a fisherman crazy for his pastime. It had the feel of an open love letter to trout. If you have ever been fishing you can relate, well understand at least.

Any additional comments?

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review

Falling in love with a fish

This is a poetic narration about a man's passion for trout fishing. The narrator's voice fits the MC's character well. Listening to him feels like he is enticing me to give trout fishing a go.