In the last few weeks, my reading for pleasure has taken a decidedly different turn than “normal.”
Normal for me is contemporary chick lit, improbable romances and family sagas written by authors so familiar that I know exactly what to expect.
Always a happy ending, just enough sizzle to keep it interesting without bordering on filth and occasionally an “oh my God!” moment at the end that leaves the neighbors wondering.
But in the past few weeks, I read Craig Johnson, C.J. Box and Father Bryce Lungren nearly in succession.
These guys are all from Wyoming - Ucross, Saratoga and Worland.
They are as far from Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts as you can get.
But their latest works, especially, were eminently readable and delightful, and maybe I learned something as well.
The Longmire Defense
Craig Johnson writes about Sheriff Walt Longmire of Absaroka County, a thinly disguised mythical version of Johnson County.
In the TV series “Longmire,” Walt was played by big, brawny Australian Robert Taylor. So I can’t read about him now without the vision of handsome Taylor in my head.
In the latest “The Longmire Defense,” Walt stumbles on an old rifle, the key to a family disgrace.
Nearly all of the regulars make an appearance. It was a really quick read and there was even a chick lit reward at the end.
Three Inch Teeth
C.J. Box brought us the latest Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett adventure in “Three Inch Teeth.”
I read it in a day and a half, and Owen is still in the middle, which makes me crazy because I need to discuss it.
I waited way too long to start reading about Joe Pickett because I have never owned a Wyoming hunting or fishing license and I have never stood in a freezing cold stream trying to catch a fish.
Also, someone erroneously said that they were all about “fighting eco-terrorism,” which is not true.
There are so many cool things about Joe Pickett stories. The way he loves his family tops the list.
Box also includes the names of real Wyoming folks in his books, and I love the treasure hunt picking them out.
In “Three Inch Teeth,” they include Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon and rodeo champion Brody Cress, neither of whom are portrayed as who they are in real life.
And I was delighted to see Cowboy State Daily make its first appearance in a Box book.
People on chat forums often ask if Joe Pickett books need to be read in order, and I would say, ideally, yes, but it’s more important that you just read them.
As you know, I find most of my books at the used book sale at the library, and I started reading Box so late that I can’t be picky.
The early ones especially are becoming harder to find, so read what you can grab.
And the ending of “Three Inch Teeth,” certainly hints at a sequel - hopefully very soon.
The Catholic Cowboy Way
Father Bryce Lungren was raised in Worland and ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cheyenne in June 2018.
His book, “The Catholic Cowboy Way,” is an easy read combining the principles of the Catholic faith with what it means to be a real cowboy.
The book’s tagline is “Finding Peace and Purpose on the Bronc Called Life.”
It is heavily annotated with Bible references for those who want to read passages from Scripture more fully.
It is a great refresher for old Catholics like me and I think it would be the perfect gift for those about to be confirmed or coming into the church this Easter.
It’s also really funny, as when he relates the Transfiguration as “Jesus and His boys, Peter, James and John hiked up Mount Tabor.”
Lungren then writes, “He probably spent that time retreating from the craziness of first-century Israel and just chilled with His Father. I’m sure, too, that if Coors Light were around back then, He would have had a few with Him as well.”
So there you have it. Three Wyoming dudes writing about three Wyoming dudes.
Walt Longmire of Absaroka County, Joe Pickett of Twelvesleep County and, yes, we all know that Jesus wears brown and gold on Saturdays and ends every conversation with “Go Pokes.”
Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at: SallyAnnShurmur@gmail.com
