Its Head Came Off by Accident

Mead-Ferro's wonderful memoir more closely resembles a collection of picaresque snapshots of the rough-and-tumble western life and times that existed even well into the twentieth century in Wyoming. More than that, though, her reminiscences beg a question. Did growing up on a ranch imbue her with a willful spirit? Or was it the result of having a mother who apparently believed in keeping loose but ready reins on her children? Whatever the answer, Mead-Ferro seems to have come away none the worse for it.In fact, arguably better. Certainly more capable. Indeed, she misses her unique-at least to city folk--heritage so much that she is attempting to recapture just a glimmer of it for her own children to experience. Even so, there is no going home again. The family ranch was sold off and Mead-Ferro has had to settle for being a part-time rancher and farmer on the wrong side of the Tetons. Ah, but the memories. It is good to savor the memories.-- Donna Chavez, Booklist