Postcards From the Empire Builder: II
We rolled through Montana, marveling at the scenery, the bleakness, and the space--sky all the way to the horizon: We don't have that in Seattle, where you can sometimes see the horizon on the water, when looking out over Puget Sound, but never on land.
Even in early spring, it's beautiful country, and we talked about what it would be like to live in Montana. I, of course, was reminded of Ivan Doig, one of my favorite writers, who was born and raised in Montana and writes fiction based on his own family's history.
I keep hoping that reading Doig will improve my own writing, and I resolved to give his books to Younger Son to read after we get home.
I read his "Ride With Me, Mariah Montana" just recently. And I've read "English Creek" and several others of his novels about several generations of this family.
I need to check my notes, or ask Younger Son, to find out how many hours it took us to cross Montana--almost two days, I believe. It's a big, empty state.
Read:
@ Jeanne Sather 2008.
An Ivan Doig fan!
I love everything he's written. I assume you're moving onto "Dancing at the Rascal Fair."
One of those novels had the writer looking up old letters at the historical society. Maybe "Ride with Me"? I wonder what fictional vehicle writers in the future will turn to since everybody sends emails these days.
Posted by: MaryM | March 30, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Hi Mary--I've read, "Dancing at the Rascal Fair"--loved that one too. He has several I haven't read, though, so I want to get them. My neighborhood bookstore--Third Place Books--sells both new and used books, which is great for someone who reads as much as I do. And they buy books back, too.
Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne | March 30, 2008 at 01:24 PM
oh my! Third Place Books? i wonder if i didn't get my copy of Thomas Moore's "Care of the Soul" there... where in seattle are- oh, never mind. probably don't want to tell the internets where you live.
hmm. small world.
Posted by: jessica | March 30, 2008 at 04:16 PM
There are two Third Place Books locations now. One is near my house. I'm not too worried about people finding me (No house numbers on my dwelling at the moment. I took them down to paint and haven't put them back up yet).
I LOVE Third Place Books. It is the neighborhood hangout now.
Posted by: jeanne | March 30, 2008 at 04:41 PM