The Secret Life of Cowboys, by Tom Groneberg

Really good book about what it takes to ranch ahe life, and work with animals in the west, what depending on the land really means, now. The author takes care not to overly mythologize the subject, and is very honest about his failings, and discoveries of strengths. Nicely written, very evocative.

I miss the West.

Wolf, No Wolf, by Peter Bowen

Somewhat difficult reading for a mystery, because the author writes the main character's dialogue in Métis Creole. The story is about the murders that occur when wolves are reintroduced to a ranching area in northern Montana. Fascinating view of how people living in underpopulated areas view the government and outsiders in general. [Hint: not very pleasantly, and with pretty good reason]

A good book for a quick primer on how people "out west" think.