Quick Answer

If you want a touching family story, start with Looking Through Water. For lighthearted humor and outdoor tales, pick The Right Angle. If you crave real fishing adventure, go with Fish Fights.

Why the order matters less than the mood

Bob Rich's books are not a connected series. Each stands alone, so you won't miss plot points by starting in the middle. That means your choice should be based on the kind of story you enjoy most, not on a reading order.

All three books share Rich's voice as an avid sportsman and owner of the Buffalo Bisons, but they differ sharply in tone. One is a novel, one is a collection of tales, and one is a fishing memoir. Knowing that distinction helps you pick the right first read.

What each book is really about

Looking Through Water is the only novel among the three. It follows William McKay as he relives his past to help his grandson Kyle face the present. The story moves from an Adirondacks lake to Manhattan, so expect an emotional, character-driven journey.

The Right Angle is a collection of entertaining tales about the adventures of an avid sportsman. One friend described it as 'Erma Bombeck meets Ernest Hemingway,' which hints at humor mixed with outdoor life. It's lighter and easier to dip in and out of.

Fish Fights is a fishing memoir. Bob 'Bubba' Rich sets out to qualify for the Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament Hall of Fame, and the book covers the strength and determination that quest required. It's the most action-focused of the three.

What the catalog doesn't tell you

The store listings note that each book may have minor wear on the cover, but they don't specify whether the wear affects readability. For a collector who wants a pristine copy, that could be a limitation. For a reader who plans to enjoy the book, minor cover wear is usually acceptable.

None of the listings include page counts for Fish Fights or details about the number of stories in The Right Angle. If you prefer a longer read, the 341 pages of The Right Angle and the 210 pages of Looking Through Water give you a sense of length, but Fish Fights is listed as 376 pages, so it's the longest of the three.

Decision Rules: Which Bob Rich Book to Read First

  • Looking Through Water: Choose this if you want a novel with emotional depth and a family bond at its center. It's the only work of fiction among the three, so it's the right pick for readers who prefer a complete narrative over short stories or memoir. If you finish it and want more of William's world, check whether other Rich novels exist before assuming this is part of a series.
  • The Right Angle: Choose this if you enjoy humorous, self-contained tales about outdoor adventures. The 'Erma Bombeck meets Ernest Hemingway' description signals a blend of wit and sportsman life, ideal for light reading. Because it's a collection, you can start with any story—no need to read cover to cover.
  • Fish Fights: Choose this if you're a fishing enthusiast or want a real-life quest story. It's a memoir, so you'll get authentic details about the challenges of qualifying for a fishing hall of fame. If you're not into fishing, this may be less relatable; consider one of the other books instead.

Product Facts

  • Looking Through Water - A Novel by Bob Rich: Looking Through Water is a 210-page hardcover novel about William McKay helping his grandson Kyle deal with the present by reliving his past. If you want a complete, emotional story in one sitting, this novel delivers a full arc in a shorter page count.

    Looking Through Water - A Novel by Bob Rich

    Looking Through Water - A Novel by Bob Rich

  • The Right Angle - by Bob Rich: The Right Angle is a 341-page hardcover collection of entertaining tales about the adventures of an avid sportsman, described as 'Erma Bombeck meets Ernest Hemingway.' Its story format makes it easy to read in short bursts, perfect for casual reading between games or commutes.

    The Right Angle - by Bob Rich

    The Right Angle - by Bob Rich

  • Fish Fights - by Bob Rich: Fish Fights is a 376-page paperback memoir about Bob 'Bubba' Rich's quest to qualify for the Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament Hall of Fame. If you love real fishing action and perseverance stories, this memoir offers the longest, most adventure-packed read.

Which Book Fits You Best?

Best for

  • Readers who want a touching family drama and a complete novel
  • Fans of humorous outdoor tales and short-story collections
  • Anglers and sportsmen who enjoy real-life fishing adventures

Not for

  • Readers who prefer a single continuous story and dislike short-story collections (avoid The Right Angle)
  • Those who want a fictional plot rather than a memoir (avoid Fish Fights)