From On the Mother Lagoon: Fly Fishing and the Spiritual Journey
(Wish, 2003)
Reviews & Testimonials
Reviews and Testimonials for On the Mother Lagoon:
Fly Fishing and the Spiritual Journey
Kathy Sparrow weaves ageless principles of psychology and spiritual practice with a fresh, distinctly feminine approach to fly fishing. A fascinating read.
–Richard Moore, outdoor writer
For Sparrow seeking her first redfish on a fly is part of a process that involves reflection, prayer, personal and spiritual growth––including exorcising old demons––yoga, and the accumulation of angling techniques that ultimately lead to a women's lineclass record for speckled sea trout. Integral to all this is the theme of appreciation for fish and the fascinating Laguna Madre where Sparrow finds them; for family, friends and religious inspiration; and for the kind of connectedness that leads her to feelings of redemption.
––Seth Norman, Fly Rod & Reel
Dan and I just retuned from Moosehead Lake in Maine where I finally had the time and headspace to read your book. What beautiful writing. I admire and respect your candidness regarding your struggles and I love the spiritual quotes which show up at just the right time. As a non-fisherwoman...I "got" what it's about.
–Hedda Leonard, Hellerworker and Reflexologist, South Britain, Connecticut
I just finished your book and the eloquence and grace that have blessed my days this past week were pinned by you. Your passion and your yearnings are vividly reflected off the shimmering surface of the Mother Lagoon. A blessing for all to read, fly fishermen or not, and a must for all women. You have captured the essence of the spirit involved in life itself and with it you have solicited my tears, laughter, and many smiles.
–Shane (The Meister) Wilson, South Padre Island, Texas
I finished your book this afternoon and had to write and tell you how much I enjoyed every page. What an exciting experience it must be to wade and fish surrounded by the great Mother Lagoon. The solitude and beauty must encourage spiritual growth in most people.
I found it to be a very personal account of your life. Thank you for the courage it took to share yourself with your readers. You have opened a new interest in me and have caused me to do a lot of soul searching about my own life. Soon after beginning your book, I started fishing from my dock and enjoying my life more.
–Judy Bertram, Cut Foot Sioux Lake
Dear Kathy,
I have not seen you in a few years, but let me congratulate you on your captain's license and to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your book, On the Mother Lagoon.
I have read it twice now in preparing a text on the history and practice of sight fishing on the Texas coast. Frankly, it is one of the best and most honest books on starting out and becoming proficient in fly fishing on the Texas coast. I would recommend the book to anyone.
–John Pettigrove, MD, Corpus Christi, Texas