Book Review: Astray of the Herd: Observations, Commentaries and Rants from Outside the Mainstream

I picked this short book up this weekend and read it through in one sitting. I knew of Scott Williams from some of his others books like The Pulse and Paddling the Pascagoula, but this one is written in a completely different vein. From lawns to taxes to time itself, the author weaves his way through a myriad of topics in a humorous, but revealing, tone. The way the book is written, I first thought the beginning included an extended glossary of terms, and was waiting for the actual book to begin, but then discovered that the entire book was like a glossary - each topic connected to the term preceding it and following it, in some way.

You can't miss the unique perspective of the author, and he clearly doesn't want you to. It's one of those books that either you'll really enjoy and find yourself smiling and nodding along with if your worldview is similar to Mr. Williams, but if not, then it will likely seem a irritating and overly simplistic commentary on modern society and culture. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt like the author was able to articulate some of the very thoughts I have had myself. In fact, I am pretty sure the author and I would be friends in real life if we ever met. Fishing, paddling, wilderness, and an independent perspective - what's not to appreciate?