MWSA Book Review

Mountain Trails

Author:  G. LaVerne Crowell

Publisher:  Publish America

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

A Western Tale About a Young Mountain Man

Vietnam veteran and author G. LaVerne Crowell takes us to a place and time in our history that many know very little about. In his second book “Mountain Trails,” he takes his readers in a totally new direction than his Vietnam memoir about the legendary Phoenix Program. It is a refreshing read about what the early 1800’s life was like in the new unexplored and undeveloped parts of this country – which were still territories or not even possessions of the USA at that time.

Crowell takes the reader along with his main character as he grows up on a homestead and struggles with farm duties and life before taking off on his own at a young age to explore the Rocky Mountains and become what is referred to as a Mountain Man. His young hero meets Indians and various people along his journey. The book is more like a coming of age story for his hero as we get to see him mature and learn his way in the world.

Crowell takes the reader on a fantasy tour of the past and for daydreamers like me, it a vicarious voyage of the mind and the heart to read the story. It unfolds slowly but allows you time to learn about the people in his book and what makes them who they are. We also pick up some tidbits about what life was like for those homesteaders back then and what being a Mountain Man was really about. If you like hunting, camping and the outdoors then this book will warm your heart. It would make a great story to sit back on a cold winter day and read.

The author uses a straight forward narrative to convey his story so there is no dialogue. The action flows and is easy to follow. It is good entertainment especially if you happen to love western novels!