Goodbye to a River: A Narrative

by John Graves

Book Overview

A three-week canoe trip down a two-hundred-mile stretch of the Brazos River celebrates the author's nostalgic return to scenes of boyhood expeditions. He weaves Comanche Indian and pioneer lore into... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375727787
• ISBN13: 9780375727788
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A piece of Texas to carry with you

I carried a copy of this book with me while away from Texas, while in the US Army back in '71. Every time I would get terribly lonely for home and Texas, I would read this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves history, Texas, nature, or rivers. I own several copies (five last count, as have given away half a dozen to good friends), and continue to re-read the book, as I always enjoy Mr. Graves' words, his history lessons, and his use of the English language. His imparting of the north Texas dialect is wonderful, as that dialect is the one in which I also was and am immersed. I have many other of Mr. Graves books, but GTAR is the first you should read! By the way, I also went to Boy Scout Camp at Worth Ranch on the Brazos as many boys did during the mid 50s, boated and canoed and fished on the Brazos, or the Brazos de Dios, the Arms of God. The sweet smell of oak and cedar, of campfires on river islands, the sounds of water rushing down river, the taste of fresh catfish fried up in a campfire...the bald eagles and deer, the ghosts of "The People" and early settlers....the best times..

The best book ever, without exaggeration.

With all the previous and excellent reviews for this wonderful book, I will only add brief personal comments: This was recommended to me for a Texas history course, but this is not merely the best history book I have come across, but this is the best book I have read bar none. If you read for self-discovery, history or for appreciation of good writing, then you will not leave this book on your shelf disappointed when you are done. You will, if you are like me, go and find your parents or your grandparents or both, hug them and say, "I never appreciated what you did and what you left behind for my generation. Thank you." And thank you, John Graves.

This is the Gospel of St.; John

I first met John Graves in 1981 at a Texas Writers' Convention in Ft. Worth. I told him that I'd bought at least 30 copies of Goodbye (which was true), having lent or given outright some 29 previous copies. He autographed it, and wrote a prelogue thanking me for my good opinion of the book. Read it for yourself, and enjoy Texas history and the mind of a man who is attached to every feeder creek, low water crossing, or sweeping bend. This book is what the best and worst of Texas is all about. Read it, then come on down to the River, and catch some fish. I'll set you up with a canoe rental ...

An excellent book for anyone interested in Texas history.

I live 25 miles from the spot on the Brazos river where John Graves begins his tale. I have floated this section of the river many times. Reading this book before making the trip makes the float immeasurably more interesting. Each time you come to a certain spot or bend in the river, you recall the tale the author related about the history surrounding that particular spot. This is a great book for anyone who has ever floated or would like to float this section of the Brazos river.