Blacktop Cowboys: Riders on the Run for Rodeo Gold

I had read a glowing review of Blacktop Cowboys that piqued my interest. Though my husband describes me as a neo-aristocratic fashionista, little did he know that up to the age of 11 I rode western saddle and particpated in, albeit very small, local rodeos. There is something about these men (and women) who capture a part of America that holds a seemingly romantic life. Hats off, literally, to Ty Phillips! He wrote a wonderful book on today's steer wrestlers. And thanks to the gentlemen who allowed Mr. Phillips into their life. Without their participation I don't know if Mr. Phillips could have written so honestly about them. Mr. Phillips does not romantize, per se, about the life, but is able to put one there, watching the milesigns go by, feel the dust in one's nose, and the frustration or joy of an event. Whether one has an interest in rodeos or cowboys, buy this book, you won't read anything better. Thank you Mr. Phillips for writing about a subject few of us will ever know as well,than through your words.

This is an awesome book. I picked it up on whim and haven't regretted it. It a blunt look at group of rodeo cowboys and their life on the road. There is nothing hidden, it's ALL WRITTEN.(EVERYTHING!). The good, the bad, and the hallarious. If you are easily offended don't read, but if you want a honest look into the life of these men you won't find one as detailed and open as this one. All my friend are wanting to steal it and read. Especially the hilarious chapter: Tyler Becomes A Sex Therapist (And when I say nothing is hidden I mean NOTHING). Great job and well written Ty Phillips.

As a "semi-retired" part-time PRCA cowboy this book was a fantastic reflection of the fun and heartache I have felt on the rodeo trail. This book may be offensive to some, but the manner that Ty was able to capture the realism of traveling down the road is dead on. I have never read a book about this subject that accurately portrays the characters as this book has. Many of the people mentioned are my friends and acquaintances and they are all just trying to make a living in a very difficult and competitive manner. Ty has done an excellent job of giving the reader a true sense of why and how they do what they do without using any of the typical cowboy stereotypes that most writers cannot get away from. If you have any interest in this subject what so ever, this is a must read. Congratulations Ty on an excellent book!

This book is not run-of-the-mill. It is unique. The book is a fascinating narrative of what took place over one year for one group of traveling cowboys. I don't think I have ever read a book before where I felt the author was a silent mouse in the corner and didn't miss a thing; words, actions or silence. The correlation of facts, action & the written word was dumbfounding. It was camaraderie, trashy talk and action mixed with gentle emotion. The picture of Luke with his girlfriend speaks volumes. The personae of rough cowboy/polite rancher are like the people I have known. As for the actual writing, it is not often that a book is this perfectly edited and presented. The addition of pictures so we could actually keep track of names and people was extra special. I was impressed. Five Stars from me, Ty.

You reckon rodeoin' is beer, bruises, and "buckle bunnies" (the name for groupies). Well, you're right. But like the steer wrestlers Ty Phillips tailed during the 2004 season -- loud and proud fellas with nicknames like Fatty and Donkey -- he knows how to tell a good story. One 11-page scene of tokin', pokin' debauchery aside, the lasting images are the quiet ones. "Every minute or so, the distant headlights of a freeway car threw light on the lonesome silhouette of a cowboy walking his horse at night," Phillips writes. He captures the solitude and camaraderie in Blacktop Cowboys, which runs deeper than an unattended cooler of Coors Light: Competitors even share scouting reports on steers. Reviewed by Mandi Bierly. Grade: B+