I received this book for Christmas from my wife after several "subtle" hints. After completing it in just two sittings (I could not put it down) I felt compelled to shout my praises through a public media. As a young man of 24 years who is supporting a young family I have not had the opportunity to partake in nearly as many experiences as Mr. Mitten. However, I long to roam out-of-the-way places with a pack on my back and a bow in my hand. Mr. Mitten did a splendid job conveying the majesty of not only his surroundings, but also his more intimate inner-thoughts, many of which I also have found myself entertaining on more than one occasion.
Although occasionally slipping into the more "romantic" side of his adventures, he was, in my opinion, always true to the primal side. I found this book to be a stand-out in the hundred or so of books I have read this year.
So, from a "wannabe" in rural Illinois, I applaud Mr. Mitten's effort and hope to see some more of his other works in the future.
Wishing a great year to all,
Dusty Nethery
I got his book for Christmas too. Haven't read it yet. I got a couple of others and can't decide which to read first. I'm still behind in by Traditional Bowhunters and Tradarchers World too.
Whereabout in IL are you, by chance?
I was fortunate to win the book at Compton's in June, also met Mike, and my son, Adam, and I had a nice chat with him.
Adam loves the part in Primal Dreams where Mike walks out at the end with 2 (TWO) bucks on his back. When I introduced Adam and Mike, Adam was amazed at Mike's big hands.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. One of my all time favorites.
Mike's heart is way bigger than his hands.....
I have the book and I am about half of the way through it. To be frank, I am disappointed. It seems to me to be not much more than a series of stories similar to what you read in Traditional Bowhunter Mag.
I am not saying it is bad, it is not bad, it is ok. It is just not what I expected with the name of the book.
John, you need to finish the book.
Dusty,
Sounds like we need to swap some readin' material! I have a load of books you might be interested in. I been meaning to pick that one of Mike's up myself. Gimme a call or stop by sometime. Good to hear from a fellow "Flat Rocker"
James "Todd" Smith
Just started reading it the other day (had to finish 'Come November' first :D ) and so far so good. The bit about the moose hunt with his buddies had me fairly riveted and I just finished his chapter 'Antler Mines' (sounds like one of the areas we hunt quite a bit).
I'm enjoying (and learning from) his work.
I am about 3/4's of the way through.What I am enjoying so much is how real and honest it is.That's what I want from any communication with some one.Sincerety and truth.Who Mike is comes across so clearly in his book.
He has my admiration and respect!
Read it and really enjoyed it! I agree there are stories in it and that is what makes it such a good read. The stories are pieced together nicely so that the inner thread of the entire book culminates nicely at the end. It is about one man's thoughts, trials, tribulations, successes, and connection with the wilderness and the animals he hunts. I thought he did a very nice job in conveying his thoughts and feelings. I've only had the pleasure of meeting Mike a couple times and have been impressed by his humble and unassuming nature.
Just finished it. Good Book. Editing could use some help. I really like the pictures in each chapter and throughout the book.
Editing was not top notch because Mike was trying to complete the book before his wife passed. I think it adds some character. Great book!! Joe
That book is "next" on my rather long list. Have heard many good things.....besides I thoroughly enjoyed Primal Dreams.
The editing in the second edition is much better than the first. No matter what, OWTW, if one has hunted or only plans to hunt truly wild places, is a treasure. To get the full effect, you need to understand the book builds up, just like a man's experience as it/he goes on.
Am about finished with it after having to finish some other projects. Hats off to him for writing a heck of a good read. It is one thing to have dreams another to make them reality.
Kudos,
J
Now to get Barry's book, then Gene's new one!
Just wanted to add that it is far from a "how to" not even close but throughout the book you pick up good little ideas to try in your own neck of the woods.
J
I've been reading a couple chapters at a time, when I have down time. Great readin'! Downright informative too!