The Boys at the Bar

Reading the back cover comments, as many consumers do, I immediately formed a negative opinion (I spent my college weekends in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where this local history is based).

One of the comments, written by a barmaid: “Thank goodness these times are gone but not forgotten.” I cherish my memories in Steamboat Springs, and I know the cowboys are still there, contrary to the author’s observations in this book. The title suggests that this book is about the good ol’ boys—you know, cowboys—and drinking in bars, but it’s mostly about the ski bums taking over what was once a cowboy town. I’ll admit that the book’s narrative is tight and funny in parts, but overall, the text comes off as giddy gossip. Save your money for beers at the bar.—Linda Wommack