Christopher Paolini | Brisingr
Paradise Valley author Christopher Paolini replicates his writing prowess in the third installment of what is now to be a tetralogy named “Inheritance.” Paolini originally intended to create a trilogy, but later decided to extend the story so as to better complete his series. Fans of the previous two novels, Eragon and Eldest, will once again find themselves enthralled in this electrifying adventure into the magical land of Alagaësia. Read more • (1) Comments
Richard S. Wheeler | An Accidental Novelist, A Literary Memoir
Richard Wheeler opens his memoir with this succinct observation: “Here I am a novelist. Who would have imagined it? Certainly not anyone who knew me during my first forty years.” But with more than 60 books and five Spur Awards to his credit, Wheeler can certainly put novelist at the top of his resume. In a chatty and unflinchingly honest memoir about his colorful career, the Livingston writer details his early years as a journalist (he was fired from his first job as an editorial page assistant) and book editor. Read more
Brian D’Ambrosio | From Haikus to Hatmaking
Anyone familiar with western Montana’s burgeoning arts scene will recognize many of the names and faces assembled in Brian D’Ambrosio’s collection of feature stories, subtitled One Year in the Life of Western Montana. From ceramic superstar Rudy Autio to Montana Poet Laureate Greg Pape, from sculptor George Ybarra to multi-media artist John Well-Off-Man, and from songwriter David Boone to bluesman Mike Bader, the collection aptly reflects the breadth and depth of our cultural life. Read more • (3) Comments
Bob Morgan’s Montana | My Life and Art
Take a fascinating journey into the private life and public persona of one of Montana’s exceptional and most interesting narrative and landscape painters in Bob Morgan’s Montana: My Life and Art. The book shares this Helena native’s gift for humor and storytelling, his sources of inspiration and offers us a glimpse into his dedication to the arts in Montana. It also explores his lifelong curiosity with Montana’s iconic western painter, C.M. Russell. Read more • (2) Comments
Kate Kohler | Lullabies for Grownups - Clouds
This instrumental album reminds me how relaxing it used to be as a child, laying on the grass and watching cloud formations roll by. A similar inspiration led Great Falls native and pianist Kate Kohler to compose these 12 tunes, named after different kinds of clouds. This is the third solo effort by the Bozeman-based music veteran. Read more
Greg Grant | We Have Eyes
New York City native and Fortine musician Greg Grant has put out a self-penned album extolling his love of the land and aversion to so-called progress. He does it with lots of up-tempo numbers in which he plays everything (guitars, saxophone and a bagful of percussion instruments) and production FX. Read more
Nat Kendall and Paige Rasmussen | Songbird Sing
Nate Dreiseszun, aka Nat Kendall, and Paige Rasmussen have released a collaboration of 12 originals they dub “truest stories of the broken heartist.” Liner notes describe the styles as a blend of folk rock, neo-soul, indie, and hip-hop. The album follows Kendall’s 2006 Lovers and Ghosts. Read more