Brilliant read about life in Montana
936210
I have not read many memoirs but was recommended this book, so I thought I would give it a go. I was so glad that I did.
Living in the city I have always envied people who live in the country and all the open space they have. This book tells the authors story from city to country girl and the daily struggle she had to go through to make her house her home. From building her home to scaring cougars, this story had all the excitement of a fictional adventure story. There was never a dull passage in this book and even some comedy element was thrown in, thanks to Kobi her cross breed dog, who got into many a scrape, the skunk incident was priceless and I dread to think how much the house smelt.
Living in the UK I could never imagine coming face to face with a cougar or a grizzly bear and those scenes made me want to read more to find out whether or not the horses were safe.
I hope Nancy carries on with her story as I would love to know whether or not the grizzly bear re-appeared and if she finally got any cows. I now find myself not as envious of the people that live in the country.
This was a great read quick read that will keep your interest from page 1
4426716
Working Song by Ivan Doing
The author is a skillful storyteller.  While reading the book, I felt like I was in Butte, Montana and felt the spirit of the bustling mining town.  What a variety of characters came to life in the everyday happenings of this western municipality.  Morris Morgan was such an interesting character with a past that added depth to the story.  You never knew what was going to come up from his past that would help him in his future endeavors.  I didn't want to put the book down as I got closer to the end of the tall tale.  This is the first one of Ivan Doing's books that I have read but it will not be the last.
2802772
Being from Montana, I can relate to the land descriptions of eastern Montana.  Moore does a terrific job depicting the flavor of growing up in eastern Montana.  It isn't a very happy book but one that keeps your interest to the very end.  I also recommend reading the sequels.
4472553
I have previously read quite a few Kim Law books and I'm a huge fan; the way she writes paints such a picture it's like a movie.  So naturally, when I stumbled across this one I didn't hesitate to add it to my list.  This author writes such a moving story in Montana Cherries.  The Wilde children had to deal with so much hurt and pain growing up that it's a wonder if any of them will be okay or have healthy relationships.  I'm hoping that each sibling gets a book of their own because I would be so upset if I didn't learn the stories of all the siblings.  Currently Montana Rescue  book 2, Nick's book  has been published and it looks like Montana Mornings  book 3, Gabe's book  will be released early 2017; so I think it'll happen, YAY I can't wait!
I was so sad while reading this, but at the same time so hopeful.  Dani just wants to be loved and the author wrote her character so well that you can't help but to want to hug her.  Her personality is exactly what you would think of when you think of someone who is longing to be accepted for who she is; the way she makes sure everyone is taken care of before herself and is always there whenever someone else backs out just speaks to her trying to please others.  The relationships she has with her family and Ben are tested in ways that have you wondering if the book will end on a sour note.  This is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it, and you can't help but wonder how things went after the ending.
3293116
Powerful novel about tensions between native Americans and white residents in small Montana town. Also about a young lady growing up in such an environment and the positive and negative forces that will shape her future. Hard to put down.
634645
Leaving Montana is an amazing quick read!  The author creatively takes the reader between past and present as
The main character discovers a family he never knew he had.  The twists and turns of the plot will make you angry
one minute and laugh out loud the next.  This story left an imprint in my heart, I highly recommend this book.
3728345
I just finished Leaving Montana and could not put it down.  A beautiful read.  Though the story is quite unique, I think everyone can identify with many of the emotional issues Thomas deals with.  I found myself neglecting things I needed to be doing while reading this book.  I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.  I am looking forward his next one!
151362
My buddy grew has lived in Butte his entire life.  And he is Irish Catholic.  The history and story of Butte Montana is very complex.  My Cultural Anthropology passion has been ignited.  And this book brings Butte life alive. Very rich.
332635
Having grown up in Montana, I have always wanted to read this book because I wanted to see how the Anaconda Co. took possesion of the copper mine in Butte.  My parents had read it when we moved to Montana, but wouldn't let me read it due to my age at the time.  This book captivates you from the start and it is hard to put down.  It really grasps the West at that time and how hard it was back then.  This is one book I will keep and read again.
4262467
A book worthy of its high praise and awards.  Ivan Doig's memoire of his youth in the rugged, harsh, and beautiful Montana landscape is poetic and heartfelt.  This is a story of hardship, triumph, and love of his father and maternal grandmother.  I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of a family's love and perseverance.
- Please note: as of 5/18/17 author Ivan Doig's Amazon biography is badly out of date.  To our collective great misfortune, Mr. Doig died on 4/9/15.
4933639
Finished reading this book last night. With 10 chapters to go I knew I would have to finish it before I went to bed. Being a PA resident all my life, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about places that were familiar to me. Montana is certainly on my bucket list of places to go. I do not read a lot of mystery books but found this one quite enjoyable. I wouldn't have predicted the ending but liked how it ended.
3862315
The author is my great-aunt Elsie, so I just might be a teeny-weeny partial, but...I think it's a great book!  Elsie writes about her family's experiences as settlers in Montana around the turn of the century, in the town that was eventually named for them.  The story is told primarily through the eyes of her mother, from the courtship between her parents to a natural conclusion about 20 years after they migrated to the frontier with babies in tow.  Largely a collection of anecdotes, it also tells a story of the hardships of settling a new land, the deep faith and spirit of adventure of Elsie's father, the joys and tragedies of family life, pioneer life, and just life in general.  Personally, I found it amazing all the different kinds of things people knew how to do back then.  Many of the references were confusing to me (not having been born in 1908 myself), but it all adds to the flavor of authenticity.  And I can guarantee you, as a direct descendent of the two main characters of this book, it is indeed authentic!
809413
This book was such a great read! I really enjoyed how the author could give me a glimpse into this real-life, mountain man's past while tying in a bit of her own experiences. I was so drawn in by the characters that I often found myself wishing I could see those Sierra Mountains that Phantom loved so dearly. I'd definitely read again and recommend to others.
3765849
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The descriptions and setting reminded me of my time spent in Montana and Wyoming. Awesome and inspiring scenery and a realistic love story. I enjoyed the passionate and compassionate characters. The life of a Christian woman or man is challenged by everyday situations. Jessie's decisions about falling in love with a non-believer is a true to life reaction, and her faith is put into action. I will recommend this book highly.
4464308
What was life like on the Montana prairie in a one room schoolhouse?  This book will take you back to simpler times.  Elegantly written Doig takes you in to the homesteads and the schoolroom where life becomes a microcosm with children navigating its many paths.  As a teacher, I truly enjoyed the inspirational instruction and unique approaches the teacher employed to address the myriad of issues he confronted.  I really enjoyed this book.
1803880
This novel covers many important historical events in American history while, at the same time, telling the wonderful history of two Scots who emigrate to Montana.  The weaving of the history of the statehood and settling of Montana with the personal history of both Rob and Angus is interesting.  Mr. Doig's writing style is excellent.  This is the second book of his that I have read.  I will definitely be reading the other books in this trilogy.
1482071
The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig is a beautiful novel, with rich and delicious prose, and characters that are detailed, complex and fully developed. I dreaded reaching the final page, wanting to spend more time with Paul Milliron, his family, Rose, Morris, and the community.

Paul Milliron is the Montana state superintendent of schools in the 1950s. It is his job to determine the fate of the few rural schools that are still in use. As he returns to his home, he reminisces about the year 1909, when he was thirteen and attended a one-room school in Marias Coulee.

In 1909 Paul's father, recently widowed and caring for his three sons, hires a housekeeper from Minnesota. The housekeeper's ad in the Westwater Gazette read, Can't Cook But Doesn't Bite.

The housekeeper, Rose Llewellyn, arrives in Montana with her brother, Morris. She's already received several months advance on her salary and immediately begins to organize the Milliron's home and quietly insert herself in their lives. But as she said in her ad, she doesn't cook.

When the local schoolteacher leaves to marry an evangelist, Morris accepts, for the rest of the school year, her job. His arrival impacts the Milliron children and their schoolmate's education in ways no one expected.

I expected Rose to be the focal point of the novel, but in many ways, Morris' personality took center stage. His relationship with Paul continually broadened the young man's life and education. There are several interesting twists and turns that were unexpected and contributed to the charm of Doig's novel.

Armchair Interviews says: The Whistling Season is a wonderful and satisfying read.