Montana Behind the Scenes

"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.

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 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.

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.