Just Before Dark

by Jim Harrison
Just Before Dark cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 5888
  • Added: 2025-10-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-25
  • ISBN: 9780618001934
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Just Before Dark is a collection of Jim Harrison's essays and articles, spanning 25 years of his diverse work published in magazines like PLAYBOY, THE NATION, OUTSIDE, and the AMERICAN POETRY REVIEW. These pieces delve into Harrison's passions, from ice fishing and bar pool to nouvelle cuisine and night walks, showcasing his distinctive voice and perspective on life's varied experiences. /n/n Harrison's writing is a testament to his love for the natural world and the simple pleasures in life. His essays are not just about the subjects he covers but also about the human experience, making this collection a must-read for those who appreciate thoughtful and engaging nonfiction.

Reviews
Rogue Literary Society · 2025-10-25
insightful 4.00

The book offers a unique perspective on life and memory, with a tendency to over-remember rather than seek new experiences.

The reviewer at Rogue Literary Society highlights the unique perspective on life and memory presented in 'Just Before Dark'. They note that Harrison's writing has a tendency to over-remember life rather than look for new experiences to be lived. This introspective approach is both a strength and a weakness, as it provides deep insights but can also feel somewhat nostalgic. The reviewer appreciates the depth of thought and the unique voice Harrison brings to his essays, making it a compelling read despite its introspective nature.

Quick quotes

    I have a good memory, though good is somewhat questionable, since there is a tendency to over-remember life rather than to look for new life to be lived…

    Harrison's writing has a tendency to over-remember life rather than look for new experiences to be lived.

    The introspective approach provides deep insights but can also feel somewhat nostalgic.

Goodreads · 2025-10-25
mixed 3.00

The organization of the book doesn't make much sense, as the essays written over twenty plus years are organized into three themes.

This reviewer has a mixed opinion of 'Just Before Dark'. They find the organization of the book to be confusing, as essays spanning over twenty years are grouped into three themes. This makes the reading experience somewhat disjointed. However, they also acknowledge that there are some standout pieces within the collection that they found particularly engaging. Despite the structural issues, the reviewer appreciates Harrison's writing style and the depth of his thoughts.

Quick quotes

    The organization of the book doesn't make much sense.

    The essays written over twenty plus years are organized into three themes.

    There are some standout pieces within the collection that are particularly engaging.

ScholarWorks at University of Montana · M Vanek · 1992-01-01
joyful 4.50

The book opens up a number of different thresholds to this poet and novelist's sometimes frenetic world. It's a joy to read.

M Vanek finds 'Just Before Dark' to be a true joy, acting as a door that opens up to the poet and novelist's sometimes frenetic world. They appreciate the diverse range of essays and the unique perspective Harrison brings. The reviewer is particularly drawn to the way Harrison's essays blend the personal with the philosophical, creating a rich tapestry of thought and experience. Vanek's enthusiasm for the book is palpable, making it clear that they found the reading experience to be both engaging and enlightening.

Quick quotes

    It's a true joy, a door opening up a number of different thresholds to this poet and novelist's sometimes frenetic world.

    Harrison's essays blend the personal with the philosophical, creating a rich tapestry of thought and experience.

    The diverse range of essays and the unique perspective Harrison brings make this a compelling read.

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