At the heart of the story is Cecil Garry McKinlay, a 13-year-old boy everyone calls Sonny, Mickey, or Georgie. Through his eyes, we get a front-row seat to the lives of the people around him. There’s the Goat Man, a mysterious figure who roams the hills barefoot with his herd of goats, each one with its own quirky personality. Then there’s Gladys, a tough-as-nails woman who can roll her own cigarettes and ride a bucking bronco better than most cowboys. You’ll also meet Art Massey, a sheepherder who can’t read, write, or even talk much, and Bradley Klep, the local lawman who seems to rub everyone the wrong way.

These stories are filled with humor, heart, and a little bit of wonder. They celebrate the resilience and spirit of people who lived through hard times but never lost their sense of adventure or their ability to laugh at life.

The Goat Man and Other True Stories of Beaverhead County by Joann Ragni is a trip back in time to a world that feels both familiar and completely different. It’s reminds us of the strength and humor that can be found in even the toughest situations.