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 enlarge | Author: Linda Greenlaw
Publisher: Hyperion
Category: Book
List Price: $30.95
Buy Used: $0.01
You Save: $30.94 (100%)
New (37) Used (59) Collectible (3) from $0.01
Avg. Customer Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 326228
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.9
ISBN: 1401300707
Dewey Decimal Number: 799.16
EAN: 9781401300708
ASIN: 1401300707
Publication Date: July 7, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Small stickers. Ships Next Business Day!
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| Customer Reviews:
A Readable Introduction to an Unfamiliar World March 20, 2005
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
In her latest book author and fisherman Linda Greenlaw introduces readers to the salty denizens of the Dry Dock Bar in Portland, Maine. Greenlaw's lunch date there with her mentor and friend of 25 years, Alden Leeman, provides the framework for the series of stories she shares with readers--the very stories, or so the author alleges (though the book's title may give one pause)--that she and Alden and hangers on at their table swapped that day at the Dry Dock over a very extended luncheon.
The stories Greenlaw includes in the book are a mixed bunch--rough seas and unlikely survivals, noisome deck hands and shiv-wielding mates, a refrigerated dead guy. Many of the stories are stirring; the rest are at least good reads. Greenlaw writes nicely, and her characterization of her friend Alden--for whom her affection is palpable--is well done: "I ordered a glass of Chardonnay and waited for Alden to think about what he might like to drink. I knew that he would eventually order a rum and Coke, but he did not know this. He never did."
It is not necessary to know anything whatever about fishing or sailing to enjoy All Fishermen are Liars. Nautical types will surely want to view their world through Greenlaw's lens, but landlubbers like myself will appreciate the author's readable introduction to an unfamiliar world. She and her gang of mendacious fishing buddies make for good company for the book's duration.
Reviewed by Debra Hamel, author of Trying Neaira: The True Story of a Courtesan's Scandalous Life in Ancient Greece
 Hey, Linda, let's go for a drink. February 24, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
At the beginning of this, her third and latest book, author Greenlaw says, "I could only hope that there might be someone who was interested in hearing more from me. I was full of apprehension and fear that...I had caught my last fish the trip before." No need to fear, in fact, if you keep writing like this you will soon be known not as the lady swordfish skipper from "The Perfect Storm," but as the writer of very good and popular seafaring books. Because that's what "All Fishermen Are Liars" is, a book of so-called true tales from the Dry Dock Bar in Portland, Maine, exchanged in one day-long session over scotch, red wine, beer, cigarettes and eventually coffee. Interspersed between the dozen or so fascinating tales of hair-rising and humorous episodes on board various boats, Greenlaw inserts what she calls "Bar Snacks," interesting tidbits regarding the fisherman's life, such as 10 excuses why there's no fish, top 10 fishermen's lies, and how to hire a crew. In addition to herself, there are three other storytellers: Alden, her fishing mentor, and George and Tommy, two guys that probably shouldn't be, but are life-long commercial fishermen. By the end of the evening, they are our friends, too, as Greenlaw paints them for us as the colorful characters they indeed are. Linda also says at one point that she is thinking of writing a seagoing epic fictional tale. Well, get to it. I can't wait to read it. And the offer stands. I don't ask many ladies out for a drink, well that's not exactly true, but I sure would like to tip a few with you.
Holding a turn February 18, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
The author began fishing in 1979. It was lucrative business. At the end of her swordfishing career, the deckhand pool was shallow.
The book is structured around the theory that it is time for a good friend and her mentor, Alden, to retire. Holding a turn is maintaining the status quo, letting the line fun on the drum of the capstun.
This is a bright and spritely account of fishing and all things nautical. Even if this is the writer's third nonfiction account of life as a fisherman, she obviously has not exhausted her store of information.
Best so far December 27, 2004
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I enjoyed this book alot, I thought it was her best so far and I'm looking forward to more. I'd like to hear her talk more about fishing regulations - both the good and "stupid" as she calls them. Only one thing bothered me about this book - HOW could she throw a YOO-HOO box overboard?
It's the truth. October 22, 2004
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Fishermen ARE liars... they usually have time to ruminate enough to make up good ones so they do and Greenlaw IS a fisherman. Of course all good lies are extrapolated beyond some good truth. That's what makes them good. I don't know what it is that makes a good story teller, though. Maybe it is the ability to explain exactly who it is who is involved in the story so you know who she is talking about. I think I recognized myself scattered among all those people. Of course all liars are not fishermen.
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