?'Good Water' a series of well-written essays that fail to engage
"Reasonable WATER ," by Kevin Holdsworth, University of Colorado Push, $21.95, 192 webpages (nf)
Kevin Holdsworth has written rather eloquently about southern Utah, its people, its history and its geography in the series of essays gathered inside of a book called “Good Water,” but the collection ultimately fails to fully engage the reader.
On the first of all essay, Holdsworth describes establishing a uncomplicated, rustic honeymoon shed that sounds rather quaint but invites visits from the neighboring mice, spiders and snakes. Commencing out this way, it appears as though the book may perhaps go somewhere as a story, even so it doesn’t. Instead, it wanders all over from subject to subject, this includes opposition to dams and fights over water rights. Several of these subjects are a great deal more interesting to scan about than others.
Holdsworth tends to meander as he warms to diatribes against the government and law enforcement when locals disregard the rules.
He also shares his distress over his failed previous marriage and other musings from his personal life around the midst of commenting on historical and political issues, mentioning locations throughout Utah, which include Cache County also as Torrey and Hanksville in Wayne County, along the way. The result is definitely a strange mix of words and waxings.
He mentions his great-great-grandparents, who he says have been part for the migration into the Salt Lake Valley but not among the first of all so “therefore not among the Mormon royalty.” Added references to early members within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are sprinkled throughout, on occasion favorably but mostly not.
Followers of Holdsworth's previously published essays may enjoy this collection for a minor leisurely reading, but for anyone seeking a coherent story or adventure, it is probably most beneficial to keep researching.
The book features some coarse slang references, this includes at least a particular which is sexual in nature, and several employs within the F-word. There isn't any violence.
Holdsworth lives in southern Utah with his wife and son.
What: Kevin Holdsworth book signing
When: Friday, March four, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Note: Places within the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy on the featured book from The King's English.
Sharon Haddock is truly a professional writer with a lot more than 35 years' expertise, 17 with the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.