In Search of Small Gods

In Search of Small Gods cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Technical
  • ID: 5606
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-26
  • ISBN: 9781619320895
  • Publisher: Copper Canyon Press
  • Published: 2012-12-28
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 2

Jim Harrison, often hailed as a renegade genius, is one of America's most celebrated writers, particularly renowned for his poetry. His work is characterized by a deep exploration of the human condition, nature, and the divine, often blending raw emotion with philosophical depth. /n/n In 'In Search of Small Gods,' Harrison's unique voice and unparalleled talent shine through, offering readers a glimpse into his extraordinary mind and the themes that have captivated audiences for decades.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-26
lovely 4.60

The writing is heavy yet accessible, a rare balance achieved by the author. The love for birds and nature is evident throughout the work.

This reader found the book to be a delightful mix of depth and accessibility. It's not easy for a writer to strike that balance, but Jim Harrison manages it beautifully. The author's passion for birds and the natural world shines through, making the reading experience all the more enriching. The prose is weighty, yet it never feels overwhelming, which is a testament to Harrison's skill. It's a book that will appeal to those who appreciate nature and thoughtful writing.


Quick quotes

    This was the first writing I've read by Big Jim. It's lovely.

    Heavyweight but accessible- not an easy thing for a writer to achieve.

    JH clearly loved his birds ...

factandfictionbooks.com · Unknown · 2010-08-17
good 3.50

The book is one of the better running books, with twists, turns, and tragedy, but it lacks depth to be fully engaging. It offers insights into overtraining and coaching philosophies, making it a valuable read for serious runners.

This book stands out among running literature with its engaging narrative, twists, and tragic elements, though it falls short of being fully immersive. It's particularly appealing to those with a background in running, as it delves into the mental and physical challenges faced by collegiate runners. The character development is commendable but struggles to differentiate team members, as many runners will relate the characters to their own experiences. The book also provides a valuable perspective on overtraining and various coaching philosophies, making it a worthwhile read for serious athletes. Additionally, the reviewer found an interesting connection between the coach's love for Tom Wolfe's works and the book's themes, adding a layer of personal intrigue.


Quick quotes

    One of the better books I've read about running. Has twists, turns, a lot of dirt paths, and tragedy but stops short of being enveloping.

    The book could be used to study incidences of overtraining among runners and different coaching philosophies.

    It turns out that Mark Wetmore and I both fell in love with reading after encountering Tom Wolfe's _The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test_.