The story of a journey of discovery on the country’s most celebrated waterway, and an exploration of the wonderment, joy, and fear that will invariably grab hold of you when you’re sitting alone in a 14-foot plastic boat on America’s greatest river: the mighty Mississippi.

Whether you are a paddler or an adventurer looking for a guidebook to the river, you will revel in Dennis’s many stories, told in a tumblehome kind of way, a cascade of stories, like the channels of the river herself, weaving in and out of each other, and bubbling, boiling, ricocheting round and round—sometimes in harmony, and sometimes in chaotic fashion. . . . As you journey along with “Dangerous Eddy,” read between the lines and interpret the difficult choices made, and the hard miles paddled. Dennis makes it sound easy. But it’s not. You are holding the final paddle stroke in your hands. And lucky us that Dennis decided to share the trials and tribulations!

"Sure, the Mississippi River is well worth reading about, as Mark Twain once wrote. It's even more worth paddling: to see the river from its surface. Dennis Van Norman has seen the Mississippi River, as this charming memoir and travelogue makes clear. As it introduces you to the river's eccentric cast of characters and glimpses its landscape, present and past, don't be surprised if this book compels you to pick up paddles of your own." —Boyce Upholt, freelance writer

"I grew up on a channel of the Mississippi River and, along with many fellow Grey Cloud Islanders, acquired the appellation 'river rat.' But after reading Dennis Van Norman’s From Minnesota to Mile Zero on the Mississippi, I realized how little I knew about the river. I thoroughly enjoyed and was impressed by Van Norman’s account of kayaking the entire length of 'Old Man River,' especially given that his age placed him quite appropriately on it. From Minnesota to Mile Zero gives the reader an involving mix of history and geography of the river, sprinkled with a highly entertaining account of the river people Dennis met on his thirteen-year adventure." —Steve Larson, author, screenwriter, movie director

"Not since Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain has there been such an elegant story about the mighty Mississippi. It’s not about the river, it’s about the people this river attracts. From Minnesota to Mile Zero on the Mississippi captures with grace the essence of Dennis's journey and the people he met along the way. Great read." —Jeffrey A. Redmon, author of Cash: The Fuel for Your Economic Engine

"Dennis Van Norman takes us on a fascinating thirteen-year sojourn in his quixotic effort to kayak the entire length of the Mississippi River. Starting as a complete kayaking novice, he grew into a legitimate 'River Man.' Dennis shares with us his river experiences through the full range of human emotions: serenity and solitude, purposeful engagement, and sheer adrenaline-fueled panic when dodging barges, rapids, and huge Asian Carp missiles. While the river is the main character, Dennis introduces us to many colorful people, historic towns, and delightful culinary experiences along the way. The book is a treat—for the mind and the soul." Jeff Wright, author of Breaking Bold: Capers from a Well-Spent Youth

Dennis Van Norman was born and raised in a river town, St. Paul, Minnesota, and now lives in Maplewood. His childhood included playing in Indian Mounds Park, climbing on the limestone bluffs and cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River, and exploring the caves scattered along the river’s banks.

He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota and the College of St. Thomas. His professional writing has been in the corporate world and includes a business journal publication, writing strategic plans, mission statements, and executive speeches. His writing for fun has included a regular column for a small-town Wisconsin newspaper. The column, Random Shots from a Grassy Knoll, featured different golf courses and the characters that crowded them. He also has published a book of poetry, Courtside Chatter, that covered his daughter Kelly’s four years of varsity basketball at Gustavus Adolfus College, earning him a Varsity Athletic Award and Letter as Honorary Poet Laureate.

From Minnesota to Mile Zero on the Mississippi—part history, nature, travel, adventure, and memoir—is Dennis’ first published book. When he is not traveling, Dennis still enjoys his regular morning walks along the timeless Mississippi River, at the foot of those same bluffs he scrambled about as a boy.