Spoon

This is the first read from Robert Greer. I read a review in the Denver Post, and it piqued my interest. I thorougly enjoyed this book, finding it hard to put down. I liked Spoon and his quickness to solve problems. The mom & dad were a perfect match - together, and in the story line. Mr. Greer wrote as the son, TJ. I really liked his ability to speak as the young man. The ending was unexpected, but couldn't have been more appropriate.

Robert Greer has skillfully written a compelling tale about an enigmatic, multi-racial drifter, Arcus Witherspoon ("Spoon"), who is searching for his family lineage. While hitchhiking (barefoot?!) in Big Horn County, Montana, he is picked up by teenage TJ Darley, son of a cattle ranching family. Hired as a ranch hand by the Darleys, Spoon turns out to be invaluably skilled in many ways. Using his psychic abilities, he predicts trouble on the horizon. His premonition comes true with the arrival of a big coal mining company, seeking mining rights to a vast reserve of coal located beneath the local ranches. The ranchers' opposition leads them into a dangerous confrontation. Mr. Greer is an amazingly talented storyteller. He has brilliantly created a suspenseful, intriguing storyline with a captivating cast of unique, well-developed characters. His evocative, descriptive style superbly brings each scene to life. As I read, I had a true sense of what life on a Montana cattle ranch must be like, and all the hard work that's necessary to keep it running. I truly loved this entertaining novel and I definitely recommend it for all readers!

TJ Darley was heading back to his parents ranch, the Willow Creek Ranch in Montana, when he came upon Arcus Witherspoon aka Spoon. Spoon was walking along the highway with nothing but a cowboy hat and no boots. TJ asked Spoon about his lack of foot wear and all Spoon said was that shoes can be excess baggage when a man is in a hurry. Spoon was heading to Ohio to find his roots. TJ offered up Spoon a job as a hired hand on his family's ranch. Spoon took him up on his offer. TJ's father used to have a great sense of humor but after the death of TJ's brother, Jimmy, his father changed. Jimmy died when he was just fifteen years old. He was trying to swim across Willow Creek ad drowned. Spoon may seem like a nice guy but he has a spotted past. This is the first book I have read by this author. Spoon remembers me of the Wild West. Mr. Greer had such a great talent for story telling. There was something about this book that instantly transported me back to a time where honor, family and standing up for yourself meant something. All, I have to say is, Spoon me up some more. You couldn't help but fall in love with Spoon. What with his quiet demeanor and special talents. He would surprise you. You never knew what Spoon would do next. He is what the west is all about. TJ Daley and his family were good as well. I plan to check out Mr. Greer's CJ Floyd mysteries.

While driving home, teenager TJ Darley picks up a hitchhiker. It is Arcus Witherspoon, known to his friends as Spoon. He takes him to his father's ranch and encourages his father to hire him, which Mr. Darley does. Spoon tells TJ he is trying to find his roots. He is half Native American and half Black. His grandfather was a Buffalo Soldier and he is searching to find where he really came from and to which tribe his mother belonged. He is able to sometimes see or feel the future and even though some are skeptical, TJ believes him. The Darley's are struggling hard to maintain their ranch in the bad economic times in Montana. It is no blessing to the Darley's or any of the other ranchers that coal miners want to get the coal from the land. One rancher does sell out and the others come together to form a coalition that won't let their land be totally ruined by mining. The coal miners are intruding on not only the land they bought but on other ranchers as well. Spoon feels trouble brewing and the miners manage to start a fire on the Darley property. TJ's mother wants him to go off to college and leave the running of the ranch up to his father. So far, TJ has resisted, especially since Spoon has joined them. Will Spoon and his mother finally convince him it is in his best interests to get an education? As usual, Robert Greer has spun a fascinating tale that keeps your interest from the very first page. The characters are well developed and their actions follow their personalities quite well. There is a great deal of suspense as Spoon and TJ attempt to keep the ranch together, as well as the search for Spoon's roots. I would recommend this book, SPOON, to anyone who loves a good story. Reviewed by Alice Holman of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Teen T.J. Darley is driving on I-90 in Hardin, Montana when he picks up hitchhiker Spoon who is half Indian and half Black. He is wearing an expensive hat, but no boots. Sam tells T.J. he seeks his roots and believes he might find information on his past soon. T.J. questions the drifter's qualifications on ranch work and likes what he hears. He brings Spoon to his parents' spread The Willow Creek Ranch as he wants his family to hire Sam as they desperately need an experienced hand, Spoon proves he knows how to work at a ranch, but he also fears trouble is coming as he has had a premonition. A drought will add problems to the family as well as a coal company that wants the land cheap; Acosta Energy gets what it wants at the price it will pay. When the father of J.T. rejects the offer, all kinds of dirty tricks occur to destroy the family. However, the Darley brood and Spoon fight back, but during a confrontation an accident occurs that if not rectified could destroy all the ranchers and their families. SPOON is a fascinating character who while seeking his roots finds a family in the Darleys who treat him as one of them. In turn he has their backs against Acosta and its dirty tricks. Readers learn how much hard work it takes to run a Big Sky ranch successfully and how fast big business can run down a ranch or other property when the "need" suits the suits. Though his side of the dispute is apparent, Robert Greer has written a thought provoking work as environmentalists and energy companies fight over land usage. Harriet Klausner