Summary:

"Off to the Side: A Memoir" by Jim Harrison offers an intimate look into the life of the renowned author, detailing his literary journey, personal experiences, and reflections on nature, culture, and the human condition. This memoir provides readers with a deep understanding of Harrison's unique perspective and creative process.

Off to the Side is the tale of one of America's most beloved writers. Jim Harrison traces his upbringing in Michigan amid the austerities of the Depression and the Second World War, and the seemingly greater austerities of his starchy Swedish forebears. He chronicles his coming-of-age, from a boy drunk with books to a young man making his way among fellow writers he deeply admires — including Peter Matthiessen, Robert Lowell, W.H. Auden, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, and Allen Ginsberg. Harrison discusses forthrightly the life-changing experience of becoming a father, and the minor cognitive dissonance that ensued when this boy from the "heartland" somehow ended up a highly paid Hollywood screenwriter. He gives free rein to his "seven obsessions" — alcohol, food, stripping, hunting and fishing (and the dogs who have accompanied him in both), religion, the road, and our place in the natural world — which he elucidates with earthy wisdom and an elegant sense of connectedness. Off to the Side is a work of great beauty and importance, a triumphant achievement that captures the writing life and brings all of us clues for living.

Editorial Reviews:

"A beautifully written memoir that captures the essence of Jim Harrison's life and work. A must-read for fans and newcomers alike." - Literary Memoir Review

"Harrison's prose is both poetic and profound, making this memoir an engaging and thought-provoking read." - The Writer's Chronicle

"An insightful and reflective memoir that offers a glimpse into the mind of one of America's great literary figures." - Booklist

About the Author:

Jim Harrison was an American author known for his poetry, fiction, and essays. His works often explore themes of nature, rural life, and human relationships. Harrison's distinctive voice and profound insights have earned him a lasting place in American literature.