Book Review: Another Bend in the River By Kevin Callan
One of those random thoughts that go through my head is… “if I ever had the chance to sit around the campfire with Kevin Callan… what would I ask him?”. I think a good icebreaker is a question I ask a lot of fellow outdoors enthusiasts…. “how did you get into camping and canoeing?”. This book is the answer to that very question, and more. On the outside you would envision a simple enough answer, but 240 pages later you get a better understanding of the personal life of Kevin Callan.
Odds are if you follow Kevin Callan on social media you enjoy his storytelling. Every now and again we get a trip down memory lane as Kevin shares moments of his past. Memorable canoe trips, brief snippets of Dr. Nature, etc. and this book finally gives Kevin the space to flesh these stories out. The short blurbs on social media don’t capture the thoughtful reflections that are present here in the book.
Kevin recounts a good smattering of stories about his childhood, high school, career and camping trips. Each story is a great reminder that everyone faces a lot of challenges in life... including figuring out how to use a compass! I think we’re all used to Kevin’s mis-adventures on YouTube, but this book also includes some heartfelt tales and lessons that one learns only by living them themselves.
Even Kevin himself was unsure when I asked him his thoughts about writing the book. He felt it was different than his normal writing and I agree. I think it is one thing to write about your misadventures and let everyone have a good chuckle about them… and another thing to write openly about your personal self.
This book is exactly what I was looking for… and the answers I would hope for in a campfire chat. Forget about asking about the biggest fish you caught, or the secret campsite that you’ve never shared the location of. I was looking for the things that aren’t conveyed in the Happy Camper videos. Thanks for sharing a lifetime of personal adventures (and misadventures) Kevin that make you… you.
Grab your copy today by asking your local bookseller or at Amazon.ca, or Chapters/Indigo. Also inquire at your local outdoors store as some are carrying it as well…
