Bookworm on the Ranch: A Reading Life Deep Dive
The year is , and even on a Wyoming ranch, technology hasn’t fully replaced the comforting weight of a physical book. Forget pristine shelves organized by genre or author; here, literary exploration takes on a life of its own.
Organized Chaos – The Wyoming Rancher’s Bookshelves
Imagine sun-bleached paperbacks jostling for space alongside leather-bound classics. This isn’t a library, it’s a living testament to a life lived with a book always within arm’s reach. “Reading stations” are scattered throughout the ranch, each a testament to a stolen moment of literary escape. A well-worn copy of “The Dancing Wu Li Masters” might be found on the truck dashboard, a testament to the eclectic taste that thrives in the solitude of the Wyoming landscape.
You might find a dog-eared Louis L’Amour western tucked next to a biography of Georgia O’Keefe. A first edition Hemingway leans casually against a well-thumbed copy of “The Poisonwood Bible.” It’s a bibliophile’s version of a “Where’s Waldo” puzzle, each shelf a scavenger hunt waiting to be unraveled.
A Literary Blizzard – The Ideal Reading Experience
Step inside a cozy cabin nestled deep in the Bighorn Mountains. Snow falls silently outside, blanketing the world in white. A fire crackles in the hearth, casting a warm glow on the worn wooden floorboards.
This is where the magic happens. Not alone, but sharing the silence with his wife, Judy, their fingers intertwined. A new author’s words fill the air, each sentence a voyage of discovery. This is the essence of reading bliss – a shared experience, a retreat from the world, and the thrill of the unknown.
There’s a rhythm to it, a slow and deliberate pace that’s as soothing as the crackling fire. He reads aloud, his voice a low rumble that’s as familiar as the wind whistling through the pines. She listens, her eyes closed, her mind painting vivid pictures conjured by the author’s words.
Hidden Gems – Unearthing Literary Treasures
Every book lover has their secret stash, those little-known gems they can’t wait to press into someone else’s hands. “Doctor Dogbody’s Leg,” by James Norman Hall, is one such treasure. Written by one-half of the duo who penned “Mutiny on the Bounty,” this book spins a yarn about a peg-legged Royal Navy surgeon and his nightly tavern tales. Each evening, a new, increasingly outrageous story unfolds about the loss of his leg.
It’s the kind of book you stumble upon in a dusty used bookstore, its spine cracked and its pages yellowed with age. You pick it up on a whim, intrigued by the bizarre title and the promise of a good story. And then, you find yourself utterly captivated, transported to another time and place by the power of the written word.
The Nightstand Stack – A Glimpse into Current Reads
A rancher’s nightstand isn’t just a place to rest a glass of water and a dusty Stetson (though those might be there too). It’s a literary launchpad, a preview of coming attractions in the world of words. Here’s a peek at what’s currently gracing the rancher’s bedside table:
- “The Horse” by Willy Vlautin (pre-publication copy): A testament to keeping up with contemporary authors, this rancher clearly appreciates Vlautin’s work, having even met him at a literary festival in Paris.
- “The Madstone” by Elizabeth Crook: Next in line, hinting at a penchant for historical fiction or perhaps a Western setting given the author’s known themes.
- “Woman of Light” by Kali Fajardo-Anstine (re-read): This book has earned its place on the nightstand for a second reading, described as “transcendent,” signaling a deep appreciation for Fajardo-Anstine’s writing.
- “Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles (re-read): Another return visit, this time prompted by Towles’ latest work, “Table for Two.” The rancher’s humorous description of Towles as “charming, entertaining, and elegant” enough to “hit…with a rock” speaks volumes about the author’s engaging style.
Beyond the Printed Page – Expanding Literary Horizons
While the feel of paper between the fingers holds a certain timeless allure, even a Wyoming rancher knows the digital age has its perks. Audible has become a trusty sidekick, offering companionship on those long drives across the vast plains. Podcasts, too, have found their way into the rancher’s life, providing a different kind of literary companionship.
The rancher’s favorite? “Longform,” a podcast that delves into the minds of long-form journalists and storytellers. It’s a fitting choice for someone who appreciates the power of words to captivate, transport, and illuminate.
The Last Word – A Legacy of Literacy
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and soundbites, this rancher’s dedication to the written word is a breath of fresh air – or perhaps a gust of Wyoming wind. It’s a reminder that the simple act of reading, whether curled up by the fire or out on the open range, has the power to connect us to ourselves, to each other, and to the wider world.
And who knows, maybe somewhere out there, a young ranch hand is inspired by the sight of their boss lost in a book, discovering that even in the rugged beauty of Wyoming, the most captivating adventures are often found within the pages of a well-loved story.
