Download The Last Cowboys An Pioneer Family in the New West edition by John Branch Politics Social Sciences eBooks
Download As PDF : The Last Cowboys An Pioneer Family in the New West edition by John Branch Politics Social Sciences eBooks
An NPR Book of the Year
A gripping portrait of one family’s gamble that rodeo and ranching are the future of the West—and not just its past.
For generations, the Wrights of southern Utah have raised cattle and world-champion saddle-bronc riders—some call them the most successful rodeo family in history. Now Bill and Evelyn Wright, parents to 13 children and grandparents to many more, find themselves struggling to hang on to the majestic landscape where they’ve been running cattle for 150 years as the West is transformed by urbanization, battered by drought, and rearranged by public-land disputes. Could rodeo, of all things, be the answer?
In a powerful follow-up to his prize-winning, best-selling first book, New York Times reporter John Branch delivers an epic and intimate family story deep in the American grain. Written with great lyricism and filled with vivid scenes of ranch life and the high drama of saddle-bronc competition, The Last Cowboys chronicles three years in the life of the Wrights, each culminating in rodeo’s National Finals in Las Vegas. Will Bill and Evelyn be able to hold the family together as rodeo injuries pile up and one of their sons goes off on a religious mission? Will their son Cody, a two-time world champion, make it to the finals one last time—and compete with his own son? And will the younger generation—Rusty, Ryder, Stetson, and the rest—be able to continue the family’s ways in the future?
This is a grand and compelling work of reporting that, like Buzz Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights, offers deep insight into American ritual and tradition. And in telling the Wright family’s story, from branding days to rodeo nights to annual Christmas gatherings, Branch captures something vital of the grit, determination, and integrity that fuel the American Dream.
An unforgettable book by one of the finest reporters of our time, The Last Cowboys is a moving tribute to an American way of life.
Download The Last Cowboys An Pioneer Family in the New West edition by John Branch Politics Social Sciences eBooks
"I got this on Kindle and read it in two days. We live in the area written about and I loved reading about the family that runs the cattle on the Mesa behind our house. I bought it for that and then got pulled into the rodeo scene. I would have never imagined what it takes to get through a season, it left me worn out! The author did a good job of not romanticising the life, lots of heartbreak, family problems, land issues, all in the book.
I have friends that know the family very well and they loved the book, too."
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The Last Cowboys An Pioneer Family in the New West edition by John Branch Politics Social Sciences eBooks Reviews :
The Last Cowboys An Pioneer Family in the New West edition by John Branch Politics Social Sciences eBooks Reviews
- John Branch has captured an incredible tale about an incredible family in Utah. And it is so very well told. Not only do readers learn about what it takes to be a world champion rodeo competitor and the importance of family, but we're also treated to a portrait of southwestern Utah (think Zion National Park) and environs and the challenges to those who live there. The detail clearly was gleaned by careful observation over time. Branch treats everyone with great respect. His prose is spare and effective, mirroring the reticence of the men and women he writes about and passing no judgment about triumphs, tragedy and missteps. It was about a subject in which I had little interest until Branch made me interested.
- Great book about a remarkable family. It's not just the story of undoubtedly the greatest bronc riding dynasty in rodeo history, it also examines the problems endured by many modern ranchers in the West. Drought, capricious and incompetent administration of range allotment's by the BLM and Forest Service, as well as the steady encroachment of tourism and developers, cause the family to explore option's that will enable them to continue to raise cattle on this land that five generations of Wright's have worked and loved. I've followed the boys' careers in the arena and marveled at their talent. This book gives you a behind the chutes look at their toughness and physical skills. There is also much to admire in Bill, the patriarch, as he runs the cattle, virtually alone as his Sons and Grandsons burn up the highway chasing a berth at the National Finals Rodeo.
- I enjoyed the detail accounting of the Wright family and the many hardships they've endured on their ranching operations and on the rodeo circuit. I now have a better understanding of the rodeo cowboy and the hard scrabble life they follow. I was amazed at the many busted bones, bruised muscles, and very serious injuries the Wright brothers and all the cowboys absorbed on those mean saddle broncs. The prize money can be substantial especially for the world champions but as Mr. Branch wrote, it is a hard life with all the travel and expense of following the circuit. After reading the book though, these cowboys have earned my respect for competing in the sport they love.
- Fascinating story of a family doing so well in a single rodeo event. A lot of long days of travel and overcoming injury are not so visible to the public. Couple the 250 nights away from home with the demands of running a family cattle ranch and you understand the work ethic and passion for winning that the Wrights demonstrate. Beautiful images of country living cast against the demands for other land uses and the limitations on grazing rights made me appreciate the challenges of modern cowboys.
- Compelling - beautifully written. I learned so much. The Wrights are an amazing family. And cowboys! So tough.
Thank you, John Branch. I’m going to read ALL your books... - I got this on and read it in two days. We live in the area written about and I loved reading about the family that runs the cattle on the Mesa behind our house. I bought it for that and then got pulled into the rodeo scene. I would have never imagined what it takes to get through a season, it left me worn out! The author did a good job of not romanticising the life, lots of heartbreak, family problems, land issues, all in the book.
I have friends that know the family very well and they loved the book, too. - I grew up riding horses and rodeoing in Nevada and was drawn to read this book since it focused on a family that lived a "cowboys life!" The famous Wright family, exemplifies generational traditions steeped in honest thoughts, words and moments that have shaped this family's history. For me, knowing the Las Vegas branch of Wright's, also cowboys, with the same goodness and heart, it brought back the many stories I'd heard about Uncle Bill and leading the tourists down the Grand Canyon over the summer months. If you want a glimpse into the life of real ranch cowboys chasing the dream to qualify for the NFR, this is the book for you. Its not always pretty or clean but its truthful and filled with the love a family has for each other, always.
- This is a great story of a saddle bronc riding family, with three of its members achieving world champion status. The story isn't just about rodeoing, it's about life on a big cattle ranch. I enjoyed it tremendously.
