Yesterdays Yarns

By Ken Overcast

Yesterdays Yarns by Ken Overcast is a collection of stories from the real West. Some are completely historically accurate, while many of the others dont have a shred of truth. In both cases, the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0971848106
• ISBN13: 9780971848108
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Bear Valley Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Yesterday's Yarns: Recommended Reading

Nothing removes a person from the humdrum of eveyday life faster than a good book. One such good book, "Yesterday's Yarns," will entertain anyone who delves between its covers, whether the reader is a rancher weathered by years on the range or an urban grandmother who has never seen a cow pie in her life. Yesterday's Yarns, written by Montana rancher and cowboy Ken Overcast, provides good entertainment for readers from all backgrounds. The short stories and vignettes contained in the book consist of both factual and fictional tales of life in the west as observed from a true cowboy's point of view.Overcast's stories explore family history, repeat tales concerning colorful Montana villains and good guys that helped shape the west, and bring everyday events, such as a pesky neighbor child or an unruly cow, to vivid life. In his fictional stories, Overcast has the ability to take an ordinary situation, see the humor contained in the predicament, embellish the facts and the characters, and turn out a rollicking good yarn. His factual stories depict life as it was in the old west as well as life in the modern west today. He shares with the reader small gems of little-known Montana history, written in a way that makes a person either want to laugh out loud or weep in despair. Some of the stories blend fact with fiction. "It's all true except for the part I made up," Overcast observes at one point in the book. Those of us who live in the west can identify with nearly every story or situation described in the book, such as coming out on the losing end in an argument with a cow, or sleepwalking through a night calving check. The beauty of Overcast's work, however, lies in the fact that those not familiar with our way of life can still read and enjoy the book. They may not understand how to ride a fence line, or recognize a prairie oyster when they see one, but they can still empathize with the situations in the book, appreciate the humor and the eccentrics they meet, and learn a bit about the American west in the process. I highly recommend this book for urban and rural folks alike.

a rewarding cultural tour of the Highline region of Montana.

This collection of humorous anecdotes, little histories, little mysteries, regional folklore, cowboy philosophy, and intimate glimpses into family life on the Northern Ranges is a rewarding cultural tour of the Highline region of Montana.Ken Overcast himself is the real deal. A real cowboy from a real ranch family in one of the least hospitable agricultural environments in the world, his is the voice of the real West. Unquenchably optimistic, friendly, and as familiar and reassuring as Grandma's oatmeal cookies, his warmly conversational style immediately involves the reader in circumstances sometimes quirky, sometimes profound and with characters who are wise or good or naïve or comically villainous or deadly as a prairie rattlesnake.These little stories cover just about every topic you could name, from the best excuse ever for being two hours late for school, to an unsolved murder mystery, to advice on what to do if you drop your favorite shovel into the irrigation ditch and then you spot your wife swathing hay in a bikini less than a quarter mile away. No matter whom you are and no matter where you are, you will find yourself at home with Ken. His delightful stories take you far away from your ordinary day-to-day experiences. He puts you, willing or no, onto the vast Montana ranges or high among the peaks of the Bearpaw Mountains and among people you wish you could know.

A great read for folks who love the west

Ken's humor and history are sure to keep you smilin. It's a cinch!

Best Western Stories I've Ever Read Bar None - Buy It

Ken Overcast is the last of a dying breed. Cowboy/Poet/Storyteller. He has the unique ability to draw you into a life that most of us can appreciate but only imagine. The author shares the humor, the hard work, and the ingenuity of the Cowboy life in a voice that is a wonderful gift to us all. Yesterday's Yarns is a roundup of funny, candid, amazing and thought provoking stories of the real West today and of the last hundred plus years. You'll be completely captivated by Ken's ability to spin a tale. I was drawn in, alternately laughing out loud and then fondly remembering my own Western upbringing in the feedlots, ranches and farms of Idaho. I found myself filled with joy as I blew the dust off shelved memories of myself and characters that I'd not thought about in a very long time. The book is also filled with great pictures and wonderful cartoons. I guarantee if you are a fan of Western writing, they don't come any better than Ken or this book. Ken Overcast I find out is also an Academy of Western Music Will Rogers Award winner and a real cowboy, living on a working ranch in Montana. This book is a real standout in this genre.

Yesterday's Yarns will keep you laughing out loud

I loved this book. I was laughing and smiling through every chapter. Ken Overcast is the best Yarn spinner in the west. If you want an enjoyable read (one you can't put down!) then order this book. You will have stories to share with your friends and families. If you have any cowboys in your family this is the book for them because they will understand and appreciate every story Ken's has put together so well. Whether they are yarns or the truth they will keep you laughing. Heck, I was laughing out loud even when I was all by myself reading this book. It is the best and will make you feel good.