Customer Reviews

High-mountain Two-manner: A Montana smokejumper recalls hitting the silk and the books in his college years

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This was such a fun read. There's an interesting sense of present and past, as Mr. Fowler tells his story through letters written to his mother during those years Mr. Fowler relives his smokejumping years with candor, humor, and humility. While I'm not sure I want to grab a parachute and jump, I did want to head West and experience the wilderness! .

I went to the University of Montana in the 50's and began smokejumping in '56 so the words of Mr. Fowler had personal meaning to me as they realistically described the jump stories and classroom episodes he experienced. But even more important than the realistic descriptions he gives of an obviously defining time of his life is the loving relationship with his mother that comes out through the letters he so faithfully wrote. I wish I had known her.

This is a great coming-of-age tale! One of those rare books that is totally unpretentious, but totally inspirational at the same time. A simple, positive message of hard-work, dedication, focus, and a love of the outdoors is presented by Mr. Fowler in an honest, low-key way. I highly suggest this as a great book to pass from father-to-son. I found this book hard to put down! It made me homesick for Montana. It has been a great compliment to strengthening my relationship with my own father, also a former smoke-jumper.

This is a delightful coming-of-age tale in an exciting venue. From letters he wrote his mother, Mr. Fowler has extracted the details of his life of a half-century ago when he was working his way through the University of Montana Forestry School as a Forest Service smokejumper. The book tells of the young man's studies and work on the Missoula campus, and the challenges and adventures of the smokejumper program which was then in its adolesence. Not only is it enjoyable, it's a valuable addition to the history of the Forest Service's aerial fire management program.