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Book Reviews "Is there anyone having logged a few miles in this journey called life who has not wondered if given a second chance in golf parlance, to take a mulligan, where a second opportunity might have led them? By all outward appearances, Joe Mix was living the good life in Rochester, MN. He had the all American family, nice home, standing in the community, a prestigious career, all of the ingredients of the American dream. But in truth, all of it was a facade. Behind all the trappings of success, he was languishing in a marriage devoid of affection, smothered by all the daily rigors and routines of his dental practice, plagued with self-doubts over the choices he had made with his life. A health crisis finally brings the simmering issue to a boil and Mix is forced to deal head on with his increasing dissatisfaction with a life he had been living for everyone but himself. He decides to chuck it all, his bad marriage, his practice, his home, his personal wealth, everything except a few hundred dollars and the old Ford pickup he steers westward down Interstate 90 in one last attempt to find meaning and happiness in his life. Writer Nathan Jorgenson takes us along on this journey of rediscovery in a story rich in detail and imagery and with a keen observation of the human condition as we bounce along the interstate with Mix, through Minnesota, across South Dakota to a Montana cattle ranch, and finally to the hallowed banks of the famed Big Horn River. Along the way, we are introduced to Jake, the erstwhile Labrador, the irascible Murdo and eccentric Marsh, lovely Molly, the predictably practical brother Donny and to the Kadoka Kid. The story is one of a physical journey but much more than that, it is a a spiritual trip that Jorgenson takes us on as Mix is forced to reexamine the choices and decisions he has made along the road of life. To take a mulligan on the golf course is to take a second shot to substitute for an errant first shot. Joe Mix may have sliced his first shot at happiness into the rough. But in this fine tale of life, of friendships and devotion, of love rediscovered, Jorgenson has us rooting for Mix to keep his head down, to slow down his backswing. And finally, to make his hole in one." John Cross - Writer for the Mankato Free Press "The Mulligan recounts the metamorphosis of a "successful dentist" who is both unhappy and unfulfilled. Joe Mix abruptly finds his professional and married life to be meaningless and unbearable. He decides to cast it all aside and try to find some true meaning in his life. His journey becomes a trip into the past, a re-examination of his life and an awakening hosted by a cast of memorable characters that rival those of "Lonesome Dove". As with "Lonesome Dove" I just didn't want this book to end." Mike Craig - Trout Bum and Philosopher "The Mulligan is one of those big, rich books you don't want to end, full of colorful characters and incidents. In other words, a great story, well drawn, that also deals imaginatively with mid life, middle class crisis. Don't take "a mulligan" on this book; it's one of the best novels in recent years." Ron Gower - Professor Emeritus, MSU "Take a break from your mid-life crisis and spend some time with Joe Mix. I did, and I couldn't put the book down! Not having a mid-life crisis? Well, read The Mulligan and you'll probably wish you were. Jorgenson has really hit the mark with this enjoyable story. Joe, a middle aged dentist who has had it with his job, his wife, and his habit of settling for "good enough", decides to call it quits and then kick starts his new life. Hey, who hasn't felt like doing that from time to time? Enjoy the ride with Joe as he transforms from a frazzled wreck into Cool Hand Luke! Tell your friends about this one, they'll thank you for it. Jorgenson made me laugh and cry at the same time. I thought only my wife could do that to me. (She loved the book too!) This one belongs on the big screen - someone please tell Kevin Costner!" Paul Zoch - Author of the "What Do You Need Series" of Children's Book. "The Mulligan is one of those books that as soon as you finish, the first thing you do is get extra copies and send to your family and friends. I consider myself a tough guy, but this book had me crying - on a plane no less. I also laughed so hard in several places that I couldn't hold onto the book This book is genuine. The pain, the joy, the confusion and the clarity are so real. Jorgenson took a great story and then added the human emotions that everyone has felt - on the best and worst days. I highly recommend the The Mulligan (and his first book, Waiting for White Horses) to anyone with a heartbeat" Clint Greenleaf, CEO of Greenleaf Book Group Joe Mix lives out the fantasy of all those people who look around their lives and don't recognize themselves in it - he finally takes action. Leaving all the trappings of his old life behind, he strides out on his own with one suitcase, a beat-up truck and a lifetime of frustration and regret. Joe's journey leads him across the northern plains - to a ranch, a fly fishing shop and a ultimately himself. This book was a pleasure to read - Jorgenson's story is poignant and touching. I certainly felt the pain, regret, courage, wonder and joy in the book. However, my favorite element was the characters - they are so lively and memorable that I missed them when the book ended. For all those people who haven't yet experienced Jorgenson's rich writing full of colorful characters, hilarious incidents, tear-jerking moments and overall great stories - The Mulligan is a great place to start. |
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