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ashrafulla's review against another edition
4.0
The title does not give this away, but this book is actually a half-sports-half-society documentary. As a result, the reader thankfully does not get pushed into believing that the characters are romantic heroes. Even at the end, the family doesn't win their last rodeo. That makes this book much more grounded and accessible than most other books on society (or sports for that matter).
The inside flap compares this book to Friday Night Lights. I disagree. This is actually more like A Good Walk Spoiled. Both books take us on a ride with a set of characters and a sport, looking at the many facets of their existence. In this book you feel the depth of the Wright family. You see how a real-life matriarch has to act, or how kids learn from being around their parents. You get a fantastic description on the ranchers-versus-conservationists battle, with (rightfully) no judgement from the author. That depth is the abstract reason to read this book: it's the kind of multidimensional portrait that is hard to find elsewhere.
This book is very accessible; I recommend this to anyone looking for a escape from their current reading pattern. Books like these are what make you appreciate non-fiction.
The inside flap compares this book to Friday Night Lights. I disagree. This is actually more like A Good Walk Spoiled. Both books take us on a ride with a set of characters and a sport, looking at the many facets of their existence. In this book you feel the depth of the Wright family. You see how a real-life matriarch has to act, or how kids learn from being around their parents. You get a fantastic description on the ranchers-versus-conservationists battle, with (rightfully) no judgement from the author. That depth is the abstract reason to read this book: it's the kind of multidimensional portrait that is hard to find elsewhere.
This book is very accessible; I recommend this to anyone looking for a escape from their current reading pattern. Books like these are what make you appreciate non-fiction.
vspinazola's review against another edition
1.0
Stopped about halfway through, page 150. I was expecting - and enjoyed the portions of the book dedicated to - more of how the family dealt with change, and descriptions of their lifestyle. What I got was a LOT of pages with play-by-plays of rodeos. So if that's what you enjoy, this book is for you!
codyk's review against another edition
5.0
Grit, commitment, familial love, love of sport, of place and of people. And all penned by one of the best sports journalists around. Now exists somewhere in my top 10 favorite reads.
sarahreadsalotofbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
1.0
The audiobook seems to bounce all over in time without any indication which distracts from the flow of the stories.
rely's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
4.5
kdferrin's review against another edition
4.0
The Wright family has an interesting story but this book could have used a family tree in the front, pictures in the middle, a quick overview of how rodeos are scored and how you qualify to go to Nationals, and way, way fewer rodeo scores and exact dollar amounts for each win.
hannahquin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
tanyarobinson's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book about a family of Southern Utah rodeo cowboys and cattlemen. I've been to a few rodeos, and known a few modern cowboys, but this book gave a much more intimate look into this lifestyle. I was amazed at how busy the rodeo circuit can be! And it was fascinating to learn how complex an operation running cattle is nowadays, with all the permits and AUD measurements and the need to move cows from pasture to pasture.
Even as I read the paragraph I just wrote find it odd that I was so interested in this subject matter, but John Branch's colorful writing carried me right along, enjoying the journey. 4 stars.
Even as I read the paragraph I just wrote find it odd that I was so interested in this subject matter, but John Branch's colorful writing carried me right along, enjoying the journey. 4 stars.
taralorraine's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
I thought the author did a really commendable job here.