Mary E. Trimble

Child of Steens Mountain, an autobiography by Eileen O’Keeffe McVicker with Barbara J. Scot, is an enlightening account of living on a sheep ranch in the late 1920s through the 1940s. A detailed forward written by historian Richard W. Etulain provides information about the geological history and early human habitants of the Steens Mountain region in southeastern Oregon.

Eileen O’Keeffe, the oldest of three children, was born in 1927 to an Irish immigrant sheep rancher and a school teacher. Eileen’s childhood was a fantasy, a life few children today could even dream about. The natural grandeur of mountain and valleys was her playground. Eileen delighted in picking buckets of wildflowers for her mother. The children had responsibilities, primarily tending sheep, but for them romping after the sheep in fields of sagebrush and juniper was pure joy. Of course, they had to learn how to avoid rattlesnakes and stay clear of rabid coyotes. But Eileen, together with highly trained dogs, trailed sheep, knowing the importance and value of her watchful care.

The children attended elementary school in the small hamlet of Fields, five miles from their ranch. Later, they attended high school in Burns, 130 miles from home. Since her parents were still running the ranch, Eileen and her brother John stayed in Burns by themselves in a little rented house with no running water. On most weekends, her parents would come to visit them and leave food for the coming week.

When Eileen meets Gene, a hired hand at a neighboring ranch, their relationship becomes serious, and her parents’ trust and faith in their daughter’s good judgement falters. Although Eileen was raised to be independent and responsible, her relationship with Gene threatens to break up the loving family.

In an afterword, writer Barbara J. Scot, McVicker’s friend and neighbor, describes how the two collaborated in writing Child of Steens Mountain. Scot effectively helped organize the kaleidoscope of Eileen’s memories into a readable and entertaining story.

My husband and I have camped at Steens Mountain, watched sheep herders and their amazing dogs, driven through Fields, and have spent time in Burns, so visiting these places again through the eyes of the author was a delight.

I highly recommend Child of Steens Mountain to those who love the outdoors, enjoy learning about old-time ranch life, and who appreciate a good story.

Book Review: The Son

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Mary

The Son, an epic novel by Philipp Meyer, covers more than 150 years of the McCullough family, from a humble Texas homestead to the oil booms of the 20th century.

In 1849 Eli McCullough, 13-year-old son of Texas homesteaders, is captured by Comanches after they raid the farm and brutally kill his mother and sister. At first, Eli is treated like a slave, doing women’s chores, until he stands up like a man and defies the women. He learns tribal skills of riding, hunting, and warfare. He learns their language, takes an Indian name, and becomes the band chief’s adopted son. He fights in their wars against other Indians and against white men. Illness, starvation, and the infringement of settlers plague the tribe, and Eli finds himself alone in a world in which he belongs nowhere, neither white nor Indian, civilized or wild. He must decide which path to take.

The story toggles between memories of three main characters: Eli, known as “the Colonel” from his Texas Ranger days, Eli’s son Peter, and Eli’s great-granddaughter Jeanne Anne. Each has a part in the tumultuous rise through the acquisition of land, and the industries of cattle and oil. The individual stories are sometimes brutal, the people scheming, the reality of gaining property often criminal.

The Son, 580 pages of vivid Texas history, speaks of people caught up in the pursuit of power, wealth, and privilege beyond what most of us will ever know. While reading this epic novel, I was often reminded of two of my favorites— Edna Ferbers’ Giant, and Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove.

I very much enjoyed The Son, especially the sections about Eli’s early life with the Comanche. The historic details are fascinating and the story believable. Brutality, power and greed are realistically portrayed. I highly recommend this gripping novel.

Book Review: The Editor

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Mary

A highly entertaining novel, The Editor by Steven Rowley, takes place in 1990s Manhattan.

Writer James Smale finally sells his novel to a major publishing house. When he has his first appointment to discuss the book, he is astonished to learn his editor is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, or Mrs. Onassis as she is known in the office.

Mrs. Onassis is highly impressed with James’ autobiographical novel, but makes it clear the story’s end lacks believability. And no wonder. The story exposes James’ own dysfunctional family and his relationship with his partner, Daniel. It’s obvious to Jackie that James has unresolved issues, particularly with his mother, which is affecting his fictional story’s ending. Jackie urges him to confront and resolve his fragile family relationships. By doing so, she believes, James will find the way to give his novel an authentic ending.

Jackie and James become friends and she even invites him to stay for a weekend in her guest house at Martha’s Vineyard. In their informal chats, James learns the depth of Jackie’s dedication to truth and whatever it exposes. Her encouragement helps pave the way for James to face and reveal a long-held family secret.

The author does a wonderful job of portraying Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as the intelligent, private, quietly charming person that she was. Not only is the story itself engaging, the portrayal of Jackie reinforces what I have always believed about this very private person who was continually thrust into the limelight.

Book Review: Water Mask

Posted on January 4, 2021 by Mary

Water Mask by Monica Devine is an impressive collection of fifteen powerful essays about creating a life in the far north. But more than that, it’s a book about being an active participant in your own life, savoring all its parts, and engaging with all that’s around you.

Originally from Michigan, Monica Devine graduated from college with a master’s degree in speech and language pathology. For the next 25 years she worked with Indian and Eskimo children in villages throughout Alaska. During that time, she immersed herself into the land and its people, learning how to not only survive, but to embrace all of life. Living in harsh conditions takes courage and patience. Waiting for weather to clear enough to fly to a distant village may take days, but it’s vital to put faith in a bush pilot’s expertise. Riding a sled over ice can be dangerous, but native whalers know the sound and feel of their frigid world and it’s wise to trust their instincts.

Water Mask primarily centers around rugged Alaska and its challenges of physical and emotional survival, with brief forays to New Mexico, Wyoming and Michigan. The author met and married her husband in Alaska and together they’ve raised a family in the spirit of listening to the land, following its dictates, and embracing all that life has to offer.

Water Mask is a spiritual book in the sense of being one with nature, valuing traditions, recognizing the strength and challenges of nature, and appreciating the wisdom of its native peoples. Don’t rush through this collection of dynamic essays. Each has a message, a theme. Savor the poetry of the author’s words, take seriously the wisdom of cherishing the moment, and learn what it means to adapt to life’s changing conditions.

Book Review: Norske Fields

Posted on December 28, 2020 by Mary

Norske Fields: A Novel of Southern California’s Norwegian Colony by Anne Schroeder brings to life the struggles and joys of Norwegian immigrants as they become part of the American fabric. The story takes place from 1884 through 1957.

Nils Uren, together with four bachelor friends and the sister of one of the friends, leave Norway for America, the promised land. None of them are their families’ eldest sons and therefore will not inherit family land in Norway. America’s spacious land brings promise for farming and growth.

The group set sail from Norway to London, board a train to Liverpool, then board a ship bound for New York. From New York they travel 12 days by train to Sacramento. They end up in the Conejo Valley, a region in Southern California. The area where the families settle becomes known as the Norwegian Colony.

The friends purchase 650 acres and split the land between them, agreeing to payments over a period of seven years. They work hard on this raw land, coaxing crops from the virgin soil, and building rough living spaces. All the work is done by manual labor until they can afford work horses and more efficient tools, but they persist. They also work at becoming American citizens, taking American-sounding names and learning English.

Each works hard to keep the others from discouragement. Small kindnesses to one another remind them of their blessings. They are a people used to scrimping and they find creative ways to make life joyous. Their land is a constant reminder of God’s provision. American ways and its inherent freedoms are precious to the group.

The story mainly centers on Nils Uren and his wife, Ellen, and their children, but includes all the families with their struggles and successes in the new land.

In Norske Fields author Anne Schroeder brings to life the fictional account of her ancestral Norwegian family. Her exquisite descriptions of the land and people kept me turning the pages of this fascinating account of early America and its blending of people and ideals.

Book Review: My Dear Hamilton

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Mary

My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, is an epic story written in the voice of Alexander Hamilton’s wife.

The novel covers the period of 1777 through 1837. Elizabeth Schuyler, the daughter of a general, grows up in colonial North America during the American Revolution. When she meets a young officer, Alexander Hamilton, she’s captivated by his charisma and brilliance and falls in love despite his perceived shameful bastard birth and the uncertainties of war.

Elizabeth, or Eliza, as she prefers to be called, finds herself in the thick of war, ugly politics, even scandal. Hamilton is revered by many, but also has powerful political enemies. The Hamiltons joyfully celebrate the inauguration of George Washington, the nation’s first president. The two main political parties of the day are the Federalists, President Washington’s party, created largely by Alexander Hamilton, and the rival Republican party, formed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

The Hamiltons have several children and Eliza works hard as a wife and mother. Although many in high office have slaves, the Hamiltons firmly believe in the concept of the Constitution, that all men are created equal, applies to all, including slaves and women. They believe slavery is cruel, a sin against God, and a betrayal to the principles of the revolution. Eliza not only makes due with their meager finances, she helps her husband with his speeches and social obligations. They have a loving and supportive marriage.

When a sex scandal encroaches her own home, Eliza struggles through heartbreak and betrayal to find forgiveness. She is a strong woman, a woman of passion and principles. Eliza finds the strength to face the humiliation, the gossip mongers, the cruel newspaper accusations. Eliza is an inspiration, an American legacy in her own right.

My Dear Hamilton is a large volume—672 pages—that held my fascinated attention throughout. I learned so much about the attitudes and conditions of our nation’s early years. Alexander Hamilton was a remarkable man. He fought and helped win a war, raising to the rank of general. He was instrumental in building a federal government. He created a coast guard, a national bank, and devised a scheme of taxation that held the states together. He was brilliant, but flawed, as Eliza was to learn. I loved reading about our country’s early days and I appreciate even more what it took to establish our great nation.

Book Review: Last Bus to Wisdom

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Mary

Ivan Doig’s (1939 – 2015) last novel, Last Bus to Wisdom, is a story to cherish. Donal Cameron, 11, is being raised by his grandmother since both his parents were killed in an automobile accident. For the last several years, Grandma has been a cook at a large Montana ranch, but in the summer of 1951 she needs serious surgery and must make temporary arrangements for Donal to stay with his Aunt Kate and Uncle Herman in Wisconsin.

Donal travels by dog bus (aka Greyhound) and along the way meets interesting fellow passengers, people who fire Donal’s active imagination. He arrives in Wisconsin to a rude surprise: Aunt Kate is bossy, narrow-minded and tyrannical. Henpecked Uncle Herman hangs out in his greenhouse most of the day, avoiding her. Although Donal tries to behave, his actions don’t suit Aunt Kate and she sends him back to Montana. Never mind that with his grandmother in the hospital, he no doubt will be placed in an orphanage, at least temporarily. Downcast, he had just settled in on the bus for the long trip home when to his surprise and amazement finds Uncle Herman as his seat mate.

The two, Donal and Uncle Herman, manage to have adventures and misadventures along the way. As it happens, Uncle Herman has a fascination for the west, and Donal knows and loves ranch life and is more than happy to share his knowledge with Uncle Herman. Now together, as they travel, they stop to take in a rodeo, an Indian pow-wow, and camp in Yellowstone National Park. Eventually they find themselves broke and desperate, but finally catch the last bus to Wisdom, Montana to hopefully find work on a ranch.

Last Bus to Wisdom is a marvelous story. Ivan Doig’s characterization is impeccable. He knew the American West, particularly Montana, and his vivid descriptions of landscape, the economic times and people are realistic. Every chapter is packed with fun incidents and surprises. I loved this book and highly recommend it to readers of all ages.

Book Review: The Tumor

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Mary

John Grisham, known for his legal thrillers, made a detour in The Tumor: A Non-legal Thriller. It’s very short—74 printed pages—though I read it on my Kindle.

The story begins with Paul, born in 1980 and now 35 years old, his wife, Karen, and their children. The family lives a normal, busy life. Paul is healthy, active, doesn’t smoke and takes no medication.

One day Paul suddenly experiences a grand-mal seizure and is rushed to the hospital. In looking back, Paul and Karen realize that he has been gradually showing unusual symptoms. He has headaches, has difficulty concentrating at work, becomes irritable, and at times experiences blurred vision.

Tests reveal that Paul has a brain tumor about the size of an egg, a type known as a glioma. Surgery is the only solution and the operation takes about three hours. Gliomas are graded one through four, with one and two benign; three and four malignant. Paul’s is a four and his chances of survival for more than five years are slim. Grisham goes into some detail about the actual surgery, the findings, the recovery, the recurring symptoms and the grim prognosis.

Had Paul been born in 1990 and diagnosed with the brain tumor at age 35, his story could be rewritten. With focused ultrasound technology, it is possible to have a non-invasive therapeutic treatment that will improve outcomes and decrease the cost of care. In addition to brain tumor treatment, focused ultrasound treatment is in development to treat many other diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and tumors of the liver, pancreas and lung.

John Grisham believes this book is the most important he’s ever written. He is an active member of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation (https://www.fusfoundation.org/). The Foundation’s mission is “To accelerate the development and adoption of focused ultrasound.” The book refers the reader to different aspects of the foundation’s functions to find treatment centers, learn about clinical trials, and how to become active in the support of the foundation and its goals.

I found The Tumor, published 2016, enlightening and well-written. I admire the author’s departure from writing best-selling legal thrillers to applying his impressive talent toward furthering a technology aimed at saving or improving lives.

Book Review: Death in the Time of Pancho Villa

Posted on November 30, 2020 by Mary

Death in the Time of Pancho Villa, a novel by Sandra Marshall, blends the Mexican Revolution’s real-life people and facts together with compelling fictional characters and situations. The story takes place in the Texas/Mexico border town of El Paso, 1911.

Rose Westmoreland travels by train from Ohio in search of her missing husband, Leonard. His well-to-do parents are disapproving of a woman traveling alone, but Rose must know what has happened, good or bad. All Rose knows is that Leonard, an accountant, was sent to El Paso by his employer to audit the company books, and a short time later he disappeared.

Rose is fortunate to find a woman’s boarding house where she is befriended by the owner and another guest, a young Mexican expatriate. The three women plot together how Rose might find her husband. The further she delves into the mystery, the more complicated and dangerous the situation becomes. As it happens, Rose’s arrival coincides with a critical Mexican revolutionary battle that takes place in Juárez, directly across the Rio Grande River.

Rose’s investigation gets even more puzzling when it appears her husband’s reason for being there was far more complicated than auditing books. Drilling rights among competing international oil companies enter the fray and Rose’s situation becomes even more dire as she gets closer to the truth.

I very much enjoyed Death in the Time of Pancho Villa, the first in “A Rose in Old El Paso” series. The author weaves historical people and events into a realistic, captivating mystery. When I’m reading fiction, I always enjoy learning more about real- life characters and the author’s portrayal of Francisco “Pancho” Villa, a Mexican revolutionary general, made me want to learn more about him.

Book Review: All that Remains

Posted on November 23, 2020 by Mary

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful, It’s the transition that’s troublesome.
–Isaac Asimov

All that Remains, by Sue Black, is an absorbing memoir on death, mortality, and solving crimes, a renowned forensic scientist. Among her many accomplishments, she has served as Director of the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee, Scotland.

Black’s experience working in a butcher shop as a school girl in Inverness, Scotland, piqued her interest in how bodies work. She shares her early college experiences and how she learned the priceless lesson that there is much the living can learn from the dead. The author is an enthusiastic proponent of people donating their bodies after death so that others may learn.

The author has used her forensic expertise in solving high-profile crimes as well as identifying bodies of missing people. She was the lead forensic anthropologist for the British team’s work in the 1999 war crimes investigations in Kosovo, helping to organize and identify bodies buried in mass graves. She goes into some detail about the terrible acts against humanity in this horrific conflict. The author also worked in Thailand after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. She has appeared in court, giving testimony about the scientific facts surrounding crimes, and also speaks on radio and television about her experience as a forensic scientist. Black shares these experiences in honest detail, acknowledging that not everyone can tolerate this information, but insisting that knowledge allows people to come to grips with the deaths of their loved ones, especially those who have been missing for a period of time.

I strongly recommend All that Remains. It’s an informative account of life and death written not only by someone who has enormous experience, but one who has compassion and understanding. The author shows her gentle humor when working in the field, often being the only woman on a team, of dealing with extreme heat, or freezing cold. She is adept in making scientific data understandable to the layman. Not everyone is comfortable with this subject, but I appreciated Black’s unapologetic look at death and immortality, and how knowledge of death can help us accept the inevitable.