Fishing Across America

By: Luke Ovgard

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Is it still called a “midlife crisis” if you’re only 28?

On the eve of his 30th birthday, an ordinary Millennial takes a life-altering, 46-day road trip across the United States that serves as the catalyst for change he so desperately needs in his life, a way to climb out of the depression brought on by a lifetime in the same small town and a chance to embrace new experiences.

It is the summer of 2019, the last COVID-free summer the world will ever know, and the author is fueled by an aching quest for the new and novel. In total, he will pass through 19 states in a span of six weeks in search of fishes he has never caught, delicious food he has never before tasted, new and old friends, and, most of all, meaning.

Fishing is in the title, but don't let that stop you. What sets this book apart is its one-of-a-kind blend of travel, food, humor, introspection, purpose, and fishing within a single, summerlong adventure. Like the books Eat, Pray, Love or Wild or the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, this book is about one person choosing to change his life for the better by pursuing his passion wherever it leads him, by Fishing Across America

One Man's Odyssey

I've never caught a fish in my life, and I loved this book. While fishing enthusiasts will love the author's detail and knowledge about the many species listed in the book, the story at its heart should be accessible and inspiring to all readers: a once-in-a-lifetime journey in self-discovery and following one's passion.

Like The Odyssey, The Alchemist, or even Forrest Gump, this tale is about one man's goal and the people he meets along the way, and the author puts as much detail into the beautiful fish he encounters as he does in describing the way his hosts' homes were decorated. It feels as if he's not just documenting a memory he can relive later, but giving the reader a chance to step into his shoes. He goes out of his way to mention these friends and family members who contributed to his journey, showing a deep sense of presence and gratitude that not only adds to the book's warmth, but paints his experiences as not just a summer trip, but something spiritual. It's clear from the story's careful words-- even with an AI narrator -- how much the journey meant to its writer, and it gives the reader a special feeling to be invited into something so personal.

It's impossible not to like the author with his unique brand of television quotes, puns, innuendos, and humility. And it's immediately clear to any reader how brilliant he is. His self-deprecation doesn't always work because he's way too impressive for that. But his openness about his emotions and fears is incredibly relatable. And like The Odyssey, each chapter is funny and entertaining, with playful touches that wink to the reader. For example, a fishing tale from the 4th of July doesn't just recap the day's events, but mentions the fisherman's start time as "the dawn's early light" and describes the fish as "gallantly streaming."

More than anything, I related to the author's struggle with depression. I so value his vulnerability in discussing mental health struggles so casually, because doing so normalizes them and lets us all know that we're not alone. While the book's topic might appear to be about fishing and traveling across the nation, those passions and hobbies are simply this author's tools in battling his own darkness to find joy. It seems that writing the story down for the rest of us was his way of sharing that light -- not only to feel less alone himself, but to inspire the rest of us to find our own reason to get up early and go on an adventure (even though the author hates that basic white girl term).