Montana is home to some outstanding writers and here we’ll mention our favorites; those that capture a sense of real Montana.  Please add your two-bits about your favorite Montana Good Reads.

Amongst many who enjoy this genre, Ralph Beer is mentioned as a favorite author, about anything or anywhere, but certainly as a writer with an eloquent pen, down-to-earth style, and one with a knack for capturing an authentic sense of Montana in the 1970s and 1980s.  Although having written several short stories and essays, Ralph Beer has been lamented by his following for having only written two books: The Blind Corral (1980) and In These Hills (2000).  We’re immensely pleased that this talented author has another two books now published: the Jackson Creek Road (2016) and Afternoon Light (2016).  Great reads to look forward to enjoying this winter!

Another author we’d like to mention is Norma Tirrell, composer of We Montanans (1988). We Montanans was published by Montana Magazine in celebration of Montana’s Centennial, which occurred in 1989.  This book is the culmination of a year-long effort to gather a contemporary view of Montana’s people at home in their native or chosen setting.  We feel that it certainly did that and have loved this book since its publication.  Through her vivid photos and text, the author intended the book to “hold a mirror up to the people of Montana on the occasion of their state’s 100th birthday”.  She went on to say, “If there is something truly different about Montana–something that won’t let go–it is the people who won’t let go of Montana”.  If you are curious to see a glimpse of Montana in the 1980s, we hope you will  find a new or used copy to read and share with others.