Description:

In The Undying West, Carlene Cross creates a memorable blend of personal and regional history. The voices in her stories include those of her father and his “sod-busting” friends; the Salish, Kootenai, Nez Perce, and Iroquois Indians; the fossil remains of Montana’s prehistory; and even the wind, the soil, and the prairie grasses. Whether describing the glacier birth of Lake Missoula or cattle futures or land preservation issues, Carlene’s observations are those of one seasoned by this unique landscape and its people. Cross is a storyteller in the tradition of such notable Western writers as William Kittredge, Rick Bass, and Ivan Doig. And like them, she offers a personal testament to the enduring qualities of the West.

“Captured within the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Montana rests a vast grassland called Camas Prairie. Trees are scarce here. When they do exist, it’s merely to announce a group of worn-down buildings–farmhouses sheltering equally weathered inhabitants. To the stranger’s eye, the meadow rolls on hypnotically in waves of drab monotony. But to its longtime caretakers, the land holds as many nuances as Eskimos see in what others simply call snow.”

Ivan Doig, author of This House of Sky says “Carlene Cross’s stories from Camas Prairie are longitudinal longing in the most searching sense, a ruminative quest back into the pocket of land that produced her and those before her. The spirit of The Undying West speaks to any of us who ponder our grass roots history.”

Find The Undying West on Amazon.

PRAISE:

Runner up: Washington State Governor’s Award

“Carlene Cross’ treasure-laden book The Undying West is as rich as the land it describes, and must be explored with a sense of adventure. To read it is to lose yourself in an evocation of the place, people and times she writes about.” The Statesman Journal

“In this graceful look back at the land, Cross’ sympathetic view of the Indian’s struggle is especially interesting because she is a rancher’s daughter.” The Seattle Times

The Undying West is longitudinal longing in the most searching sense.” Ivan Doig, author This House of Sky

The Undying West deserves a spot in the libraries of every Western Americana enthusiast.” Paul Fugleberg, Author: Proud History

Cross beautifully captures the spirit of Montana’s people and its history.” Ben Marra, Author of Powwow: Images Along the Red RoadThe Hero’s Journey book description;