We're excited to welcome Austin Adventures Guide, David, as he shares some of his favorite books — each one offering a deeper look into the places he explores. In the first of his book review series, David reflects on Norman Maclean’s beloved novel A River Runs Through It.
"Stories of life are more like rivers than books..."
Every time I return to guide in the Montana and Yellowstone region, A River Runs Through It feels like required reading. Norman Maclean’s storytelling captures the spirit of this landscape — the winding rivers, towering forests, and the quiet beauty that makes this part of the world so special. His words bring the wilderness to life, not just as a setting but as a living, breathing presence that shapes those who walk its trails and stand along its waters.
As a guide, this book deepens my connection to these wild places. Maclean’s descriptions of Montana’s rivers mirror the experience of hiking alongside the cold current of the Gallatin River on a sunny, crisp Montana morning, feeling the cool mist rise from the water and hearing the soft rush of the current against the rocks. Time seems to slow down in these moments — the rhythm of the natural world takes over, inviting quiet reflection and a sense of belonging in a landscape that feels both timeless and fleeting.
What makes this story resonate so deeply is how it captures the profound bond between people and the land. The rivers Maclean writes about are more than just waterways — they're lifelines, places of reflection and connection. Whether you’re trekking through dense forests, pausing to take in a sweeping mountain vista, or resting beside a quiet stream, the book invites you to notice the smaller moments: the whisper of the wind through the pines, the scent of the earth after rain, the warmth of the sun on your face. These experiences, much like the rivers, flow endlessly through the land and through us.
Maclean writes, "At sunrise, everything is luminous but not clear." That line captures so much of what it feels like to be out here. In the early morning, when the first light spills across the mountains and the mist lingers above the rivers, there’s a quiet magic in the air. It’s a moment of possibility — where the world feels vast and mysterious, and you’re reminded that understanding nature, like understanding life, is a journey, not a destination.
For anyone traveling to Montana or Yellowstone, A River Runs Through It offers a glimpse into the heart of this region. Reading it before exploring these landscapes enriches the experience, making every trail, forest, and riverbank feel like part of a much larger story. As a guide, I’ve watched guests find that same sense of wonder — a quiet realization that these places aren’t just scenic backdrops but sacred spaces that connect us to nature and ourselves.
One of my favorite things to do on these trips is to lead meditations by a river or stream, focusing not just on what we see in these special places but also on what we hear, smell, touch, and taste. It’s a chance to fully immerse in the moment, letting the natural world wash over us. Often, I end these meditations with a quote from this very book:
"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters."
If you’re heading this way or preparing to, read this book. It’s more than just a story; it’s a companion to the rivers, the forests, the mountains and to Montana — a reminder that some places, and some stories, stay with you long after you’ve left.
Experience the peace and beauty of Montana for yourself on an Austin Adventures tour — David could be your guide! We have a fantastic selection of Yellowstone adventures to choose from, and if you'd like to venture to North Montana, check out our Glacier National Park Adventures.
