By Larry Strate, Hamilton
One of the best hamburgers I can remember—a “mountain” of French fries, and a “river” of diet Pepsi at the Stevi Café – came with the lunch with Dale Burk, of Stoneydale Press, known for its Montana stories of hunting, fishing, hiking, outdoor and environmental issues.
Our conversation centered around two books—one that I am working on (From Battlefields To Beetfields) and the other, “A Brush With a Wild Thing or Two in Montana” that he’s published. He shared several stories that were in the book; he’s a polished writer and intriguing story teller. About done with lunch, I remarked that I wanted a copy of that book.
I’ve attended two reading/signing events and intend to be at #3. He’s an accomplished literary author who has captured his own essence and retold the story of life—good and bad—against the backdrop of Montana’s majestic outdoors and the hunting, fishing, and hiking with family and friends.
This book is a reflection of tragedy and dealing with it. The literary opportunity comes only to few, at a time in life to those who have been prepared. He was ready. He has shared that gift with us, and as I ponder my past to gain perspective, I am all the better for it. Thanks, Dale.
I’ve noticed that several reviewers of Dale’s new book revert simply to the traditional hunting/fishing focus on commenting about his book, “A Brush With the Wild.” That is both a mistake and an unfair assessment of the book. In our western vernacular, “They’ve missed the boat.” While the outdoors, wild things if you will, are the setting for Dale’s writing, the focus of his stories involves much more. This is a book of literature, a heart-felt rendering presentation of a life in which both fortune and misfortune have visited.
My suggestion is that you get the book and judge it for yourself, because it will help you to then judge yourself and observe the triumph of a life well spent.