You can't lose with a book about Wyoming wildlife written by a man with 35 years experience as a game warden for the state. However, know what you will and will not be getting. This book reads like a series of short stories detailing the author's decades of experience as a game warden in Wyoming. It has a conversational style. When I picked up this book, in my ignorance I thought it might be about his general experiences in the wilds of Wyoming, perhaps covering some of the wildlife management issues of the state, and maybe relating some of the joys of his work.

Rather this book describes a career of seasonal antagonism, story after story of individuals attempting to violate wildlife and exploit the system designed to protect wildlife. In this regard he does describe wildlife issues in the state but with a conflict orientation. Might be expected, that is his job, after all. But this is a discouraging book and a real eye-opener. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I would like to think that the author's jaded tone is a result of year after year of struggle. However, it was not always easy to see things from his point of view when his list of antagonists grows and grows as the pages progress, to include groups such as indians, scientists, welfare recipients, lawyers, ranchers, Texans, and especially unethical hunters ("slobs" and "nimrods"). I admire someone who could struggle for so long in a situation where seemingly everyone is against him and the wildlife he stewards.

I found that the author's perspective has enriched my understanding of the complexity of wildlife conservation issues, and the role played by outdoor sportsman, for good or ill. Outdoor sportsmen, as much or more than urban environmentalists, are in a position to make a greater difference towards conserving what little remains of our country's wild lands and species.

I have to say I was wishing that he would have written about what it was that kept him at it for so many years. I can't imagine that this man didn't have daily joys and amazing experiences related to the Wyoming wilderness that made it worthwhile for him to defend those lands and deal with all the "nimrods" and "slobs" . I got the sense that this is a man with a deep understanding and appreciation for the natural world, and an account of his wisdom in this area would have perfected this book for me. As it stands, however, I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in conservation issues, hunting and outdoor recreation.

This book is well woth the price. Well-balanced, strong characters, vicious bad guys, and a sexy lead man. Aunt Louise, with her platoon of stray youngsters, is a feisty, determined character. Ella is a strong-minded, independant, determined young woman. I had a problem with Harrigan's lack of trust, but this is clarified quite neatly later on. The love scenes are steamy, poignant and tender. I would definitely buy another of Hannah Howell's novels.

Kerrie Kenndy and her family inherited a small ranch from an uncle they hadn't seen in 20 years. What was supposed to be a new start was fated with love, betrayal, fresh emotions and even raw passion and hatred. The Sabers ranched this land and took to their liking the small shack the Kennedy's intened to call home, when the owner left it twenty years ago. Elliot Saber built a his Circle S ranch with bare hands with the help of lifetime friend Jim. Only Elliots desire to build an empire would let no one stand in his way. He was driven to his soul and it could cost him his two sons lives; both sons would die to defend honor and Circle S ranch. The eldest son Damien was sensitive, a trait inheirited from his mother who died at childbirth she had been a fragil woman who couldn't handle hard work and trying to make her husband love her as much as she did. Damien was also the strong, desire driven son that worked hard along his father. Britt who's mother Elliot Saber had stayed married too was soon torn from comming from two different worlds. Britts mother, an indian woman, saw Elliot had no love to give anyone but to Circle S decided she would rather be back with her people then to not be loved by her own husband. So, she unselfishly went back to her brothers tribe and left Elliot to raise his two sons. Elliot showed them hard work and somehow disfunctial devotion drove them apart. But helping make a legend out of Circle S was the main focus on all three Sabers. So scarring off the Kennedy's was a minor problem, considering no one knew the limits the Saber's would go to put their threat in motion. The Saber's try to scare the Kennedy's to look elsewhere to "squat" but fate always rules and the two brothers fall for a Kennedy lady name Kerrie who would protect her father and family until no end. But without knowing a strong force would draw Kerrie and Damien together. There seemed no end to this war which was becoming violent; but passion and raw love kept these two fated people in love and war. Who would have known someone other would try to destroy both theirs and their families lives. Disaster strikes but honor, regret, forgivness, faith bind these families as one. Great book, read it in a day and hoping there might be a sequel.

Cattle Kate (Ella Watson) was the only woman ever hanged in Wyoming. For years afterward the history books portrayed her as a wanton hussy who traded her favors to lonely passers-by while shamelessly rustling their cattle in the meantime. Hufsmith, however, has done an incredible amount of research to prove that such was not the case. In fact, claims Hufsmith, Ella was never called Cattle Kate before her unfortunate demise. That moniker was rustled(sorry) up by a Cheyenne newspaper editor who was in cahoots with the wealthy rancher who wanted Ella's land bad enough to kill her for it and make up a pack of lies about her which have survived until today. Another fascinating mystery in Wyoming history, which unfortunately, has never drawn the attention that the other mystery--that of Tom Horn-has garnered throughout the historical community. Read Hufsmith's book. Analyze both sides of the "Cattle Kate" story. What do you think really went on?

I purchased this book along with Moon Publication's book on Wyoming. I was looking for books to tell me about the rest of Wyoming, where to go, what there is to see and where to stay. I defintiely wanted info on stuff "off the beaten path". Don't get me wrong, the Tetons and Yellowstone are breath taking, but there are plenty of books written about them. I was interested in seeing what else this big and relatively empty state has to offer. It's great to find a book that tells you about the other parts of Wyoming. This title covers the history and geology of the state but, in addition gives information about locals events. It tells about some of the smaller, less traveled places and describes some great places to stay and visit. I especially enjoyed the vivid descriptions of places and the people. I like to be away from the crowds and this book can get me there, but somehow feeling it will all be familiar when I get there. If you are looking for lesser known, lesser traveled places, if you enjoy the experience of meeting people in these places and getting a real feel for what it is like to live there this book is for you. I know I will be taking it on my next trip to Wyoming.

This was an indespensible part of a recent road trip I took with my kids through Wyoming. It was a convenient source for side excursions and ways to see things off the "tourist trail". It also presents little known facts and anecdotes. I also own its companion for Texas. You cannot say you truly know a place unless you own one of these books for the State in which you live. The books open a whole new world of weekend excursions to places and things odd, quirky, historic and wonderful. I highly recommend any in this series.

This book is a fascinating study of the origins of the place names in Wyoming. You can study the origins and history behind just about every place in Wyoming. I am a WY native, and I didn't know the origins of some of the place names in this book!

I found this to be a well-written, fast-moving Western with plenty of action and interesting characters. I've only read a few of the Trailsman books, but this is one of the best so far.

Yes, this is a source book. The bibliography alone is worth the price with 271 entries. Ever wonder what happened to Tom Horn, or where the world's first fossil of Triceratops was discovered? Each page of this wonderful book was a surprise even though I was born in Wyoming and am somewhat familiar with the state. I admit I didn't know the three most deadly highways, the number of reported rapes in 1988, or the trona production from 1950. I have always been proud to have been born in the Equality State but, even so, was surprised by the comparable worth stats. Maps, all types of charts, pictures, and drawings lay out a plethora of facts and interesting, informative bits covering health, politics, topography, economy, conservation, education, and much more. If abandoned settlements is your shtick, see the map on page 314. This is definitely a book for researchers but I really enjoy finding some of the weird stuff hidden amongst the stats such as how much Butch Cassidy netted in the Tipton train robbery and what the Colorado Cannibal preferred for dinner. Only 4 stars? Even researchers like color. Thanks guys-

"I had to read it for school. and I hated it!" seems to be the common theme, here. As a middle school teacher, I can vouch for the observable fact that many many children 1. hate to read (sad) and 2. hate to read - even more - what they are told to read. Shane, while now somewhat dated, was a classic in it's time, and often imitated. One direct imitation is the Clint Eastwood movie, "Pale Rider", which serves as a wonderful comparison piece. As far as the young reviewers not being able to "understand" the novel "Shane", one can only ask if TV has destroyed their brain cells, or if they can't understand how Shane and Marion resisted their temptation to be with each other at the expense of friend and husband Joe Starret. In today's age, such restraint must surely seem confusing. A fine, easy- to- read book.

This remains my favorite book, and I've read thousands, literally, over the years, including some pretty sophisticated stuff (I have an M.A. in American History from Columbia). I saw the movie when it first came out. I was a New York City area kid then, and I fell in love with the Tetons where it was filmed. I then bought the book and loved it. I was captured very early by the scene involving Shane and Joe Starrett and Ledyard, the phony salesman. When Ledyard asks Starrett how he can take the word of a stranger, Shane, Starrett responds: "I can figure men for myself. I'll take his word on anything he wants to say any day of God's whole year." I still get chills re-reading those words; I still strive to live so others might say that of me. Can there be any higher praise? So... read it, and give it to your kids. If you have brought them up right, Shane will become one of their heroes and perhaps they will "grow strong and straight" as Shane wishes for young Joey Starrett in the book.

The film version of Jack Schaefer's 1949 novel "Shane" is one of those touchstone movies of childhood, along the lines of the unforgettable tearjerker "Old Yeller." The last scenes of the film are sure to bring a lump to the throat of the most stalwart among us. With memories of the film firmly etched in my mind, I decided to read Schaefer's novel, to go to the source itself and see whether the book is better than the movie. I have to say Shane as a novel is a must read, even more important than watching the film version.

The plot should be familiar to many people. The Starrett family is working some land in Wyoming, trying to cut a living out of the rugged landscape. Several other families are staking claims in the area even though Fletcher, the big rancher in the region, hates their presence and is working behind the scenes to drive them out. The homesteaders look to Joe Starrett to protect their interests in the face of this intimidation, a battle Joe is slowly losing until the arrival of Shane.

When Shane arrives, he quickly takes up residence with the Starrett family, working as a hand around the place. Within a short period of time Shane finds himself sucked into the feud between Fletcher and the homesteaders. Ranch hands goad Shane into several violent fistfights, although Shane goes out of his way to avoid trouble. As the level of conflict escalates and the dangerous qualities of Shane emerge, Fletcher brings in a hired gun from the outside to deal with the troublesome homesteaders for the last time. The final scenes of the novel balance gripping action with the heartrending departure of Shane back into the wilderness from which he came.

Schaefer pulls off a triumph of epic proportions with this short novel. Not only is the story told in a sparse, no nonsense style, Schaefer makes Joe Starrett's son Bob the narrator of the story. Through this touchingly innocent narration, Bob manages to convey the mysterious qualities of Shane while still revealing adult themes. For example, a rather platonic love emerges between Shane and Marion, Bob's mother. Joe knows about the love springing up between the two but chooses to keep it in perspective. The beauty of this incident is how Bob relates it; he discusses it just as a child would, without really understanding the implications of the situation while the reader understands perfectly what is happening. Brilliant, just brilliant!

Shane is the main character of the novel even though we do not learn much about him. Shane is an enigma clad in dark clothing, riding in off the land like some mysterious omen of doom. Schaefer tells us nothing about Shane's past, although it is obvious he is a master with a pistol and that he has a checkered past involving trouble of some sort. Whatever trouble Shane is in, he is what we would call "good people." Shane wants to avoid conflict, but he will never back down from a fight or fail to help people who treat him as a friend. His past haunts his actions, making him reluctant to rely on his seemingly vast reservoirs of strength. When pushed to the wall, Shane lashes out with a terrible violence usually kept in check because he knows what he is capable of doing to a man.

There are several themes arcing their way through this book. One deals with fate and how it is impossible to escape your past. Another involves violence; not reckless violence of the type employed by Fletcher and his goons, but a measured violence used to solve a seemingly insolvable situation. Schaefer shows us that no matter what our intentions in this life, there are going to be times when violence in the name of a cause is the only answer to those who are incapable of relying on any method other than intimidation to get what they want out of life.

This is an excellent read for any type of reader both young and old, although that does not make it a necessarily easy book. The bare bones writing style makes it very easy to gloss over important themes and symbolisms. In other words, "Shane" is a book to think about both when reading it and after finishing the story. Reading the story more than once may not be a bad idea, as more themes are sure to emerge from this fascinating character study. Schaefer dedicated "Shane," his first book, to his first son. What a beautiful and wondrous tribute.