The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings is a work that has many facets available throughout it. The work is part country, part adventure, part nature, but it is always a story about life. I rate The Reel Sisters with a 3 out of 4 stars. Here are some of the reasons why:
This book is a metaphor unto itself. One of the main draws of this book would be its presentation of life through such a unique metaphor. Indeed, we usually think of fly fishing like a man’s hobby. However, these women are every bit as enthusiastic over this hobby as any man would be.
Moreover, the women have various motives for engaging in this unorthodox hobby, and the author interweaves this into the plot almost effortlessly. For example, we have Sophie, who is one of the leaders of the group. She became interested in fly fishing because of the movie ‘A River Runs Through It’ with Brad Pitt! One of the things this teaches us about life is that pop culture can give rise to many different unique interests in people.
Then we have Veronica, who became interested in fly fishing because she just happened to sit next to Sophie on a flight. This illustrates how often chance meetings can change the course of our lives. And then we have Melody who is the newest convert to the fly fishing hobby; she only became interested in it when she was swept downstream after engaging in her unusual hobby!
Overall this book would appeal to a broad cross-section of people. People from many different walks of life would enjoy this book. Those who are into nature would like it. Those who value the outdoors would get a kick out of it. Sports enthusiasts would enjoy it. Just one caveat is necessary, however. There are some areas of the book where the action lags somewhat. There is one particular scene with Melody that the author could have used more vivid language. Thus, the book was rated a three out of four, but only because of these deficiencies (if decimal ratings were allowed, I would give this book 3.5 out of four). The reader will grow fond of all of these characters and they will soon identify with many of them. All of these characters are in various stages of their lives, and they all use the sport of fly fishing as their therapy!