Lou Ureneck, in his memoir Backcast, invites us to join him on a deeply personal journey of reflection and rediscovery. Through the lens of fly-fishing, Ureneck explores the complexities of family, the passage of time, and the enduring power of memory. This book is more than just a fishing tale; it's a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the search for healing and connection in the natural world.

Ureneck's writing is characterized by its honesty, vulnerability, and evocative descriptions of the landscapes he explores. He takes us to the rivers and streams of his childhood, where he first discovered the joys of fly-fishing with his father. He revisits these waters years later, now an adult grappling with the loss of his parents and the challenges of middle age.

Backcast weaves together past and present, interweaving memories of Ureneck's father and their shared passion for fly-fishing with his own experiences as he navigates the complexities of adulthood and confronts the inevitability of aging and mortality. He reflects on the lessons he learned from his father, both on the river and in life, and the enduring impact of those lessons on his own journey.

Ureneck's memoir is a testament to the healing power of nature. He finds solace and renewal in the rhythm of casting a line, the quiet solitude of the river, and the beauty of the natural world. Fly-fishing becomes a metaphor for navigating the currents of life, for finding balance and meaning in the face of adversity.

Backcast is a beautifully written and deeply moving memoir that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss, grappled with the passage of time, or sought solace in the natural world. Ureneck's story is a reminder of the importance of cherishing our relationships, honoring our memories, and finding joy in the simple pleasures that life has to offer. It's a testament to the enduring power of family, the healing power of nature, and the transformative power of reflection.