The Quest and the Quarry

The Quest and the Quarry is one heck of a unique little deer hunting book. You won't find its like anywhere that I've looked, and I am a voracious reader. From beginning to end, you won't know what to expect around the next bend, and by the time you've finished the book you will be in love with the people and the way of life it depicts. I was, anyway. Hunter or not, this is a great book that illustrates many things, not the least of which is the hunter's deep respect for the animals he - or she - hunts.

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The Quest and the Quarry is a dandy little book. You won't find its like anywhere that I've looked, and I am a voracious reader. From beginning to end, you won't know what to expect next, and by the time you've finished you will be in love with the people and the way of life it depicts. I was, anyway.

The author, Gordon Hutchinson, is a friend of mine. He has a unique approach to writing, so when he told me he had written a book, I didn't quite know what to expect. I'd seen many positive comments before I started reading it, including many comparisons to Robert Ruark, so when I began reading, I suppose I had Ruark on the brain. That was, perhaps, unfortunate.

Initially, I was thrown and a touch put off by the first section of the book - its conversational style had the grammar-police siren screaming in my head. But by the time I got to the second section I was home, and loved it - a lot. By the time I reached the end of the book, where the same style returns, it seemed right and natural, and my editor's red-pencil twitch had all but disappeared.

This is a wonderful little book. It ain't Ruark, and doesn't need to be. Man, woman, or young 'un - hunter or not - you will find this a unique book that illustrates many good things, not the least of which is the hunter's deep respect for the animals he - or she - hunts. You want morals and strong values? Tales to literally make you laugh and to cry? They're all here, plus a pile of other goodness.

- Russ Chastain