Customer Reviews

Montana Behind the Scenes

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I'm a lifelong Texan, but my family and I have been vacationing in Montana off and on for many years. We've done all the standard tourist stops several times over. So this book provides just what we need. Here you will find the places and people that make Montana unique. You'll discover Joe, Montana (yes, it was). You'll drop in at the Jersey Lilly Saloon in Ingomar (pop. 10), home of internationally famous...uhh...beans. You'll visit the Fairview Bridge, which could accommodate trains and automobiles - just not both at once! You'll learn all about lefse, the potato-based, Norwegian version of tortillas. You'll stroll through an incredible rock-garden recreation of the Bible. You'll wander through the deserted streets of St. Marie - possibly the NEWEST ghost town in the U.S.

So if you want to know where stay along I-94 near Billings, or what size trailer can be accommodated at Hebgen Lake Campground, this is not your book. But you really want to get to know the state and its people, the Johaneks will take you there. All in all, it's an engagingly-written, idiosyncratic, informative and altogether charming book.

"Montana: Behind the Scenes" has already found its place among my most treasured reads, and I haven't even finished reading the thing yet. I've read slightly beyond the first couple of chapters but felt the need to put in my two cents' worth about this delightful paperback even before I got past the Gumbo chapter (more on Gumbo later). I was captured first by the witty cover, and soon found myself going way beyond the posted speed limit just to get to the Gumbo. What is this Montanan-style Gumbo, you ask? It's not what you think. It's even better. Rest assured, you'll want more Gumbo than this brief chapter provides, but it'll whet your appetite for more Montana, Durrae-and-John-Johanek style. You don't have to live in Montana to appreciate this book, but reading it will make you want to put THIS trip on your travel planner. The sooner the better.

Fantastic book that makes you want to get in your car, head to Montana, and then get off the interstate and out of the cities. The vignettes of the small towns, unusual places, and unique people give even the armchair travel a delightful tour, without even being there. Nice writing, an excellent read.

What a great book to take on your first trip through Montana or to re-vist Montana seeing new places. Can't wait to stop in several of the locations the Johanek's wrote about on my next visit to Montana. Easy reading and maps will help you as you travel around the state...keep this one in the front seat with you. I highly recommend this book to those of you exploring Montana.

Montana Behind The Scenes is an outstanding book. If you havn't been, you will want to go, If you have been you will go again after reading this book. The book is delightful and fun reading and is superbly written. I plan on getting my pickup truck gased up and ready to go.

The Johanek's have gone beyond your basic travel book and made it personal. Their writing style is refreshingly witty and enthusiastic. I can tell they really enjoyed writing this book. It made me want to travel to Montana and visit the places, as well as the people that they wrote about. If you haven't thought about visiting Montana before, I guarantee you will after reading their book.

This is fun reading about quirky, off-beat places outside of the normal tourist attractions in this beautiful state. The authors obviously enjoy the unusual places, and give the reader the story behind the attractions. Many of these attractions will be must see on our next trip out west.

Excellent book - well written and very informative. Certainly gives one a guide to the out of the way places and events in Montana. Strongly recommend it to anyonme going to Montana!!!.

This is an excellent book if you are planning a trip to Montana's outdoors or its interesting little towns. It is obvious the Johaneks truly love the state. After reading this book you will want to visit each place mentioned. It was easy reading and has a map and directions for each chapter. I definately recommend this book to anyone undecided on their next vacation.

This is a fun look at the people and places of Montana. A must read for planning a trip to the state!