High Country News

Reasons to persevere

In his novel, Blind Your Ponies, Stanley Gordon West looks into the heart of a fictional small town in Montana.

by Karen Rigby, Feb 06, 2011
RV Nation

On a Western road trip, Evelyn Spence ponders the peculiar names – and increasing numbers – of gigantic RVs.

by Evelyn Spence, Oct 15, 2007
No frigate like a book

This special issue focuses on books and essays that help us understand the complex, chaotic West.

by Jodi Peterson, Oct 29, 2007
Breaking the silence of suicide

It may seem like a considerable departure for High Country News to write about mental illness and suicide, but as Ray Ring’s deeply personal lead story shows, both tragedies are rooted in the West.

by Jonathan Thompson, Mar 31, 2008
My Crazy Brother

Ray Ring takes a personal, painful look at the West’s suicidal tendencies, as shown in the life and death of his brother, John.

by Ray Ring, Mar 31, 2008
The Rise of the Minotaur

Bull riding explodes from its rural Western roots to become a modern spectacle along the lines of NASCAR.

by Craig Childs, May 18, 2009
A life in the wild

Carter Niemeyer's memoir Wolfer is the entertaining story of a government trapper who loves wildlife - especially serious predators like wolves.

by Hal Herring, Aug 21, 2011
Hero worship: A review of Let the Birds Drink in Peace

In Robert Garner McBrearty’s fresh and funny new story collection, ordinary guys occasionally experience an instant of greatness – and have to deal with the unexpected consequences.

by Jenny Shank, Jul 22, 2012
Once upon a time in a small town: A review of The Other Shoe

Matt Pavelich takes what appears to be an ordinary tale about traveling the rural West and turns into something much darker and stranger in his new novel.

by Chérie Newman, Jul 22, 2012
It may be High Noon for tumbleweed

The tumbleweed may seem like a Western icon, but actually it's an invasive nuisance that scientists are struggling to control.

by Emilene Ostlind, May 19, 2011