Rodeo

In Rodeo, B.M. Bower masterfully intertwines themes of tradition, ambition, and self-discovery against the vibrant backdrop of the American West. As the Fourth of July approaches, the Flying U Ranch prepares for a reunion, bringing together the legendary "Happy Family" of cowboys, now aged and changed by time. Among them is Claude "Kid" Bennett, son of the renowned Chip Bennett, who returns from college to find his childhood idols transformed and his place in the world uncertain. Disillusioned and yearning to prove himself, Kid embarks on a journey to Chicago to participate in a grand rodeo, aiming to carve out his own legacy. Along the way, he encounters challenges that test his mettle, including a spirited young woman named Dulcie Harlan, whose presence adds complexity to his quest. Bower's narrative captures the essence of a young man's struggle to reconcile the romanticized past with the realities of the present, offering readers a compelling tale of growth, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the West.

Bertha Muzzy Sinclair-Cowan, better known by her pen name B. M. Bower, was a pioneering American author renowned for her Western novels. She began her writing career in the early 1900s, achieving significant success with her first novel, Chip of the Flying U (1906), which introduced readers to the fictional Flying U Ranch and its cowboys. Bower's authentic portrayal of ranch life, drawn from her experiences in Montana, set her work apart in the Western genre. Over her career, she authored more than 60 novels and numerous short stories, many of which were adapted into films. Her use of a gender-neutral pen name allowed her to navigate the male-dominated literary landscape of her time. Bower's contributions significantly shaped the Western genre, and her works continue to be celebrated for their humor, realism, and pioneering spirit.