Subject
Idaho -- Fiction Books
Best books
B. M. Bower
Good Indian
"Good Indian" by B. M. Bower is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the American West and follows the lives of Peaceful Hart and his family, highlighting the interactions and relationships between Native Americans and the settlers, particularly focusing on the character of Grant Imsen, who navigates his identity as a half-breed living on the Hart ranch. The opening of "Good Indian" introduces us to the Peaceful Hart ranch and its owner, an aging gold prospector who has settled into ranch life, raising his five boisterous sons. The narrative explores the contrasting personalities within the Hart family and introduces Grant Imsen, referred to as "Good Indian," who feels caught between two worlds as he interacts with the Hart family and local Indigenous communities. The chapter presents a rich description of the ranch setting, the dynamics within the Hart household, the relationships with the local Indigenous people, and the complexities of identity faced by Grant. We witness humor, tension, and warmth as innuendos and lighthearted banter hint at deeper themes of acceptance, friendship, and cultural clashes in the unfolding narrative.
Edison Marshall
Shepherds of the Wild
"Shepherds of the Wild" by Edison Marshall is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the majestic yet unforgiving wilderness of Smoky Land, Idaho, and revolves around the life of a bull elk named Spread Horn, as well as the human character Hugh Gaylord, who embarks on a journey to rediscover his manhood and purpose in the wilds. As wildlife navigates the harsh realities of life in the forest, the novel also explores themes of survival, nature's beauty, and the struggle between man and the wild. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the bull elk, Spread Horn, who confidently traverses his territory, oblivious to the dangers that lurk nearby. The narrative intertwines his perspective with that of Hugh Gaylord, who, spurred on by the Old Colonel, has ventured into this raw landscape in search of adventure and personal growth. As Hugh grapples with his past and his motivations, the plot hints at increasing tension involving a large cougar named Broken Fang, emphasizing the predator-prey dynamics in the wilderness. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for a gripping exploration of the deep connections between all creatures, both human and animal, in this wild setting, ultimately foreshadowing Hugh’s confrontation with his own nature and that of the wilderness.
Willis George Emerson
My "Pardner" and I (Gray Rocks): A Story of the Middle-West
"My 'Pardner' and I (Gray Rocks): A Story of the Middle-West" by Willis George Emerson is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Vance Gilder, a young journalist from New York City, who discovers that he is the partial owner of a gold mine named Gray Rocks in Idaho, a property once owned by his late father. The narrative explores themes of ambition, the pursuit of wealth, and the contrasts between urban and rugged frontier life. The opening of the story introduces Vance Gilder, who is established as a cultured and ambitious individual with dreams of becoming a great journalist. He is presented with a letter from Louise Bonifield, whose father, Ben Bonifield, owns the Gray Rocks mine. In a charming encounter at his Manhattan apartment, Vance learns of his father’s legacy, which sparks curiosity about the mine's potential and his connection to the Bonfield family. As the story unfolds, the reader is invited into Vance’s world, where his aspirations clash with the realities of mining life and the complexities of relationships formed in the rugged West.
Zebina Forbush
The Co-opolitan: A Story of the Co-operative Commonwealth of Idaho
"The Co-opolitan: A Story of the Co-operative Commonwealth of Idaho" by Zebina Forbush is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the trials and hopes of a group of individuals seeking to establish a co-operative society in Idaho during a period marked by economic distress. The narrative focuses on the main character, Mr. Braden, a young man who, despite initial personal losses, is drawn into the ambitious project led by a charismatic figure named John Thompson. At the start of the story, the author presents a backdrop of despair in 1897 America, where wealth disparity has left many in poverty despite the country's riches. The narrative introduces Braden as he navigates his way through Chicago, reflecting on his losses while encountering Thompson, who introduces him to the ideas of co-operation as a remedy for social and economic inequalities. Their discussions ignite Braden's interest in the evolving co-operative vision that aims to establish a community where resources and responsibilities are shared, epitomized by the founding of Co-opolis in Idaho. The opening deftly sets the stage for the larger themes of community, idealism, and the pursuit of a new social order that will unfold throughout the work.
Vardis Fisher
Odyssey of a hero
"Odyssey of a Hero" by Vardis Fisher is a novel written in the late 1930s. The book explores the profound psychological and social impacts of war through the story of John Benton, a World War I veteran who grapples with the disillusionment of returning home to a world that idealizes combat and glorifies heroism, despite his own traumatic experiences. The narrative challenges the glorified perceptions of war and heroism, delving into themes of identity, social acceptance, and the search for peace. The story follows John Benton as he returns to his hometown in Idaho after the war, greeted as a hero, yet burdened with the grim realities of his experiences on the battlefield. Initially celebrated, John quickly realizes that his candid reflections on war clash with the town's romanticized views. As he struggles for acceptance in a society that values his fabricated war stories over the truth of his experiences, John is consumed by his internal conflict, oscillating between fulfilling societal expectations and advocating for peace. His journey ultimately leads him into isolation and despair as he tries to navigate a world that demands glorification of violence while he yearns for a future free from war.
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