Reviewed
by: ?wazithinkin
Genre:
Contemporary Fiction/ Satire
Approximate
word count: 70-75,000 words
Availability
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Author:
“Rick Just is a native Idahoan who grew up on a ranch
along the Blackfoot River. He is a former Marine, a whitewater kayaker, a
sculptor, a sports car buff and the alpha male of his schnauzer pack... He was
the editor of 100 Years, Idaho and its Parks, the centennial history of
Idaho's state parks system. He is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild.”
Mr. Just also has a few young adult fantasies published, The
Wizards Trilogy and Anjel. To learn more please visit his website
and blog.
Description:
“Coyote never seems to learn. Yet, he never fails to
teach, mostly through the error of his ways. He taught the Nez Perce that they
came from the Heart of the Monster. Now, he is teaching modern day Idahoans,
they have a monster in their heart. This is Private Idaho, a place that exists
in the minds of accidental natives and territorial pranksters who take out
their resentments on tourists and real estate speculators. They are anonymous
and deadly. In this tale of the New West, where the cowboys are women and the
Indians wear Rollerblades, be alert for exploding potatoes, the allure of mineshafts
and the terrible finesse of chainsaws.”
Appraisal:
This book takes a wry look at xenophobia
from many different angles, it also applies to many other states or even
countries. Idaho just happens to be the home state for Mr. Just and he is
knowledgeable about many aspects that were explored in this book. The fact that
the B-52's had a song titled Private Idaho is just icing on the cake.
Yes, I had to Google it and then got caught up in all sorts of other 80s music.
Really, I don't want to talk about it... don't judge me!
So what we have here is a serious character study laced
with some humorous aspects and spotted with tragic consequences. Mr. Just does
an outstanding job weaving this tale from many different points of view.
However, I felt like Coyote was used as a scapegoat to avoid pointing fingers
at any one person, group, or business. While I felt a little cheated about the
personification of Coyote, I am pretty sure he was happy to fill that role so
perfectly suited for his character.
This story reflects on several characters from different
walks of life which were handled skillfully and realistically. Several concerns
are addressed from multiple angles and I found it easy to be drawn into each
person’s story. Here is where I wish there had been more personal interaction
with Coyote, instead he mainly orchestrated the events that affected these
characters lives. I was appalled at the lengths some people would go to in
order to protect their own self interests, it's not easy for me to have my rose-colored
glasses ripped off my face. I found this book interesting, entertaining, and a
worthwhile read that has a valuable moral to be heeded.
Format/Typo
Issues:
No significant issues.
Rating: ***** Five stars
Rating: ***** Five stars
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