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	Home Page Waiting for White Horses About the Author Nathan C. Jorgenson Purchase Waiting for White Horses Reviews Study Group What are White Horses? Contact Us
		Book Reviews for "Waiting for White Horses" The novel "Waiting for White Horses" by Nathan C. Jorgenson, has been awarded 2004 Benjamin Franklin Award for Best New Voice Fiction (first book by a new author) To hear Nathan C. Jorgenson's interview with Andrea Sisco at Armchair Interviews, please Click Here (Once you are directed to the page, you will need to scroll down the page to Nathan's interview) Armchair Interviews "It's more about how we all get along.... Anyone who has spent hours with close hunting buddies in the confines of a duck blind or fishing boat quickly will understand the passion that Nathan Jorgenson feels for the outdoors. His engaging accounts of days on the water, of fresh walleye sizzling in the oil, of devoted Labrador retrievers, of the muted rustle of wing feathers in the early morning darkness, are rich in detail and clearly come from the heart of someone who has been there many times. But 'Waiting for White Horses' isn't really about duck hunting or fishing at all. The hunting and fishing passages are the fabric into which Jorgenson weaves a lovely story that chronicles the human condition of life, death, love, devotion and redemption. With remarkable insight and sensitivity, readers are led along one middle-aged man's journey through the human experiences common to all of us. Jorgenson's tale likely will inspire many to examine their own relationships with people and things that matter most to them. And perhaps to wonder if, ultimately, they will measure up when tested. Given the masterful setting created by Jorgenson's words, 'Waiting for White Horses' seems like movie waiting to happen. It also has the requisite ingredients of romance, humor, tragedy - even a little political intrigue. Movie treatment of Jorgenson's novel might validate his commercial success as an author. However, that the book itself can move readers to tears, sometimes to laughter, is validation enough that the good doctor indeed can spin a pretty fine yarn." John Cross - Writer for Mankato Free Press - Mankato, MN "Waiting for White Horses is a romantic novel for both men and women (a macho chick book?). Yes, that’s what it is. Take a sportsman who has experienced the untimely loss of a wife and father to devastating illnesses; add an old flame and a new love interest plus the very best of a male hunting buddy. Then mix with some of the best descriptions and philosophies of duck hunting and fishing. Finally cook with the seasoning of emotional conflict, misguided misunderstandings between a father and his maturing daughter, and the flavorings of the Northern Midwest and Washington DC with its politics. What comes out of the literary oven is one of the most interesting and touching novels I’ve had the pleasure to review. The author is an experienced journalist and, more importantly, one heck of an outdoors sportsman. He manages to balance an understanding of man’s natural hunter psyche with a sensitivity for women’s emotional needs. There is something for everyone, even dog lovers. His characters are real and understandable. His use of dialogue definitely captures the nuances of the regions. His settings are very visual. An added plus is a superbly designed book cover and a gorgeous interior design of the book. We rated this book a max five hearts." Bob Spear, Publisher and Chief Reviewer Heartland Reviews "A novel for Duck Hunters! Need a book to read at the duck camp or during those long post-season nights? Waiting for White Horses" would be a good pick. Winner of the 2004 Ben Franklin Award for Best New Voice in Fiction, Nathan Jorgenson's first novel tell the story of Grant Thorson, a middle aged dentist who tries to regain his life's order and purpose during a series of personal losses. Set in Jorgenson's native Minnesota Lake Country, the hunting scenes are to true to life and show how the camaraderie and rituals associated with waterfowling can elevate the experience beyond that of a mere pastime." "Waiting For White Horses is not about white horses. Indeed, they don't show up until the last third of the book ... and they probably aren't what you're expecting anyway. The novel contains quite a bit "Waiting for White Horses is a romantic novel for both men and women (a macho chick book?). Yes, duck hunting and fishing on a placid lake in Minnesota ... but it's not about that either. It's certainly not a political drama, although the President of the United States plays a pivotal role. Mostly, this is a book about family, friends and lovers, what binds them together and what tears them apart. If you read it, you will quickly get caught up with the characters' lives, loves and pain. You will not be able to help yourself. It doesn't matter if you've ever set foot in a boat, held a fishing rod or pulled the trigger on a rifle. Waiting For White Horses follows a pivotal year in the lives of Grant and Will, two old college friends who enjoy nothing better than spending their free time in a duck blind, harassing and joking with each other. Their unique relationship is beautifully and hilariously detailed almost from the first page and serves as the hook that pulls the reader deep into the narrative. The focus is really on Grant, who has recently suffered the first personal loss of his previously-charmed life, and is trying to regain his emotional bearings. Even as Grant reels from this tragedy, he quickly finds himself on an emotional roller-coaster, facing difficulties and surprises from every direction. He seeks calm and comfort in past relationships, but nothing seems to offer the stability he craves. No one enjoys the experience of grief and upheaval, but almost everyone has to find a way to cope with it eventually. (Those that don't have died too young and thereby caused others grief.) The first impulse is to say that life is not fair, but eventually one is forced to admit that life isn't even supposed to be fair. That's not why we're here. That is what Grant has to learn through the course of this novel. The seriousness of this theme is leavened by a remarkable sense of humor. When Will and Grant get together, they are irrepressible, childish and utterly charming. Many of the situations in the story also contain elements of the absurd while remaining firmly grounded in reality. Life is just ridiculous sometimes, and author Nathan Jorgenson captures that beautifully. And I haven't even mentioned the love story! Waiting For White Horses is a compelling, thoughtful read for anyone interested in the nature of life, the power of love or the mystique of duck hunting." John Voorhees, Gulfport, Mississippi Best Book Ever "Recently I finished what, in my opinion, is one of the very best books I have EVER read..."Waiting For White Horses." by Nathan Jorgenson. Truly a moving novel about two middle aged men who are life water fowling companions and the struggles that they endure over the course of their lives.. I would encourage anyone who likes to read at all to pick this one up, as you won't set it down once you begin it." "Doc Greenhead" at American Water fowlers Forum From Bill Urseth, Editor of MTH Magazine "Nathan Jorgenson has written a novel with universal appeal. The 2004 Benjamin Franklin Award winning story is very important because although most novels are purchased by women, this one reaches out to hunters like none that MTH has read before. It is as appealing to men as it is to women...maybe more so. Set largely at Spider Lake Duck Camp, in Northern Minnesota, this book cleverly works in the places we know, behaviors we share, pranks and stunts we've pulled, and continue to pull. The story is built around two huntin' buddies who have the kind of special friendship, and bond, that seems to come only from outdoor experiences shared. From there we get a feeling for their lives and especially the life of Dr Grant Thorson, the clear-spoken, dog lovin', easy smiling', huntin' crazy guy, who lives at the Spider Lake Duck Camp. Like most of us, Grant's life is good, but not necessarily simple, or perfect. Getting to know him can, times, be the best way for some of us to get to know ourselves! Jorgenson has authored a compelling and readable book and we'll be surprised if after you read it, you don't offer it to your best huntin' buddy...unless your wife grabs it first!" "I always have a stack of books I'm working on, and delayed for a long time starting Waiting for White Horses. That was a mistake. I thoroughly enjoyed the book to the point that I had a hard time putting it down. I don't believe I've read a book I've enjoyed more in the last ten years. In my mind, it should be a best seller. Many of the paragraphs and chapters were so comfortable that I felt I was reliving them. It portrays a man as he should be, a mixture of weak, vulnerable, strong, masculine, etc. I felt I could relate to everything. In addition, his description of Northern Minnesota from the Spider lake to Emils cafe were right-on. Thank you very much for sharing a story that is part of all of us. I have no doubt that I will be reading selections from the book for the rest of my life." An avid reader. "I just finished Nathan Jorgenson's Waiting for White Horses. A great "guy book"? Yes...probably. However, I'm a woman and loved it. If someone had told me that an author could use duck hunting to carry me such an emotional roller coaster, well I just wouldn't have believed it! I laughed, I cried, I was there! It's a great read for girls too! Amazon.com reader reviews "I am not a hunter, but you don't have to be to love our Minnesota and to appreciate the work of Nathan Jorgenson, one of our own, who paints beautiful word pictures, The story of "Waiting For White Horses" swirls and twines around two middle aged men and their strong bond of friendship. The author gives you a window into their very souls as you learn about them, their families, and touches their professional lives as dentists. Whether they are secreted in a duck blind on Spider Lake, pan fishing, or eating at Emil's Cafe where the motto is, "If you can't see your reflection in it, it ain't breakfast", they enjoy an unbreakable bond that few men have. The author dips into their lives with humor, pathos, a smattering of "gooey free" romance, and it's all wrapped up in an understanding of what life is all about. It will have you laughing out loud at times, and others, catching your breath. Whether you are a man or woman, because this isn't just a man's book, you will sometimes feel great sadness. This story is a tapestry of words, and is woven with great skill, showing what we, as human beings, must cope with in this thing called life. You'll wish you knew Will and Grant, the two friends, and every hunter will want a dog like Nellie. In meeting Big Ole you will recognize his Scandinavian distinctiveness and know that somewhere, at some time, you have known this man before. There is so much meat in this book that singling out one certain event would do the book a disservice. Minnesotans will recognize the places of our beautiful lake country, and many of us have watched the early morning fog rising in wispy tendrils from the still waters. There is an ethereal quality found in these moments that is like no other time or place. This is a book you won't want to put down, but will gobble up in great hunks while hoping Nathan Jorgenson will write another one soon. "Waiting For White Horses" is unbelievably special, and makes a great re-read." Patricia Carter Harding "I love this book. Initially I was drawn by the outrageous humor...the humor is just a great teaser, though...Jorgenson enveloped me with so many enjoyable experiences of his characters, that I just wanted more" Doug Mallory (Fairmont, MN) "WOW, what a book. I just finished reading this book and was sad that the book had to come to an end. As an avid reader, it is a rare author that can take me from laughing to being choked up in a few pages. Not only is it well written, but is beautifully designed". Amazon.com reader reviews "By the third page I was sitting in my own duck blind. It was almost as if the author had been eavesdropping in our duck camp for years. Having recently lost my husband to cancer, my most favorite hunting buddy, I could hardly keep a dry eye reading this wonderfully insightful, warm, funny tale of friendship, camaraderie and family. I have just purchased a copy for my hunting camp and if my Labrador could read, she would get her own copy!" A REAL Blue Bill hunter -Amazon.com "It is hard to believe that this is Nate Jorgenson's first book. He writes like a pro! The novel has everything --nature, romance, intrigue, politics, humor, and pathos. I think that it will be a HUGE success and would make a great movie". Claudia R. Warner (Algona, IA) "Rarely is there a book which will make you laugh out loud and fight back tears as well...even for guys! This book does this and so will be one of the unforgettable books that I have read and one that I will re-read in years to come. It doesn't matter if the reader is neither a hunter or fisherman...it's all about the ones we love, as the author himself has said". Patrick H. O'Connor (Golden Valley, MN) "Great book, couldn't put it down" Karibu "book reader" "The authors approach to the people he loved and the losses he endured was touching and heart warming. I felt his pain as he searched for reason and understanding. He had me laughing out loud and one minute and crying only pages later" Wayne E. Christianson (Moorhead, MN) Nate Jorgenson has written a book that will appeal to readers of various genres. He portrays the beauty and wonder of nature reminiscent of Barbara Kingsolver in Prodigal Summer and the romance and introspection of Nicholas Sparks. The characters are endearing, humorous and honest. Their interaction with each other and with nature shares many universal themes, male bonding, parental love, rediscovering love after loss and the splendor and power of nature. The pace is really good and the character interaction is superb." Mindy Reed, book editor, The Authors' Assistant "Waiting For White Horses by Nathan Jorgenson is one of the best reads of the season, with a story line and characters that hit home for this generation of anglers and hunters, who have lived through much of the best and some of the most difficult times life has to offer. Deep friendships have lost and found, the struggle of life and death as we all get to know it. are played skillfully against the backdrop of of an outdoors setting-in this case, the Northwoods at Leach Lake, Minnesota. The plot isn't difficult; it's the nuances connecting each scene as it plays forth that are so surprising and inspiring, making the book enjoyable and emotionally compelling. A treat waiting to be read, if you haven't yet had the chance." Doug Stange, In Fishermen Magazine

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