Ride with Me, Mariah Montana

By: Ivan Doig

Narrated by: Scott Sowers

Length: 14 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Ivan Doig has been hailed by the New York Times as “dean of Western American letters.” In Ride with Me, Mariah Montana, widower Jick McCaskill, his daughter Mariah, and Mariah’s ex-husband Riley take a road trip back and forth across Montana. As Jick recounts his memories of the area, Riley and Mariah fall in and out of love—and Jick unexpectedly discovers a new partner.

©1990 Ivan Doig (P)2011 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"[Doig] displays a masterful skill in depicting the American West which few writers match." ( Publishers Weekly)

Not Doig's Best Work

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This is the third and final book of Doig's Montana Trilogy. His first, Dancing at the Rascal Fair, easily earned a five star rating. His second, English Creek, was not quite as strong, but was still very interesting. My father was not only born in Montana, but had a career in forestry as a smokejumper so I enjoyed much of the story as we are introduced to Jick McCaskill and his struggles as he comes with age. There are several scenes which are laugh out loud funny--particularly during haying. In both books, the characters were interesting. Doig is a master of setting, and it is easy to visualize the Two Medicine Country. This final book, however, feels forced--as if Doig was simply trying to fulfill a publisher's commitment to complete a trilogy.

What could Ivan Doig have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Probably the most disappointing part of the book to me were the character changes in this much older Jick McCaskill. Doig portrays him as an irascible senior who constantly uses the phrase "God Damn" as an adjective. It quickly became tiresome. Jick could easily have been a person who has aged more gracefully, softened by years of hard work and family love. Instead, he seems to perpetually have a burr under his saddle. As the narrator of the story, his voice is unceasingly complaining. In addition, the entire situation of his daughter and her ex-husband traveling with him as the chauffeur through out Montana in a "bago" seemed more contrived than believable.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I was glad that the same narrator was used in both English Creek and Ride With Me, as it provided a nice continuity with Jick.

Did Ride with Me, Mariah Montana inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

If you are interested in learning about Montana, you may still be interested in this book. Although the situations seemed contrived, Doig is still a master writer when it comes to describing this state. He has the ability to paint with his words and the scenery becomes almost tangible as it is described.

Father Daughter motorhome experience

Loved this read!! Doig brings us more experience with Jick McCaskill, his daughter Mariah and her ex as they roadtrip it across Montana for Mariah's job. Jick gets to share memories with Mariah and she gets to see her father in a whole new light - every daughter should get to have this kind of experience with her father. #FatherDaughter #Roadtrippin #Winnebago #Livingontheroad #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

A Montana Road Trip with Doig

What did you love best about Ride with Me, Mariah Montana?

If anyone likes Doig, they will like this book. He simply weaves a delightful tale about ordinary people and before you know it, he hooks you! I love how he always dips back into the past and connects the present characters in "Ride With Me Mariah Montana" with people from his earlier books.

Who was the most memorable character of Ride with Me, Mariah Montana and why?

Jick, hands down. He is so real and so crotchety all at the same time. He is more patient than most would be on such a trip, but he keeps his thoughts (which we hear) to himself most of the time. He is much deeper than his outward appearance and that depth is what makes him so interesting.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy Ivan Doig's books you will surely enjoy this one, although it brings you more into the present world of RV's and long road trips instead of the days of horses and buggies!

Montana on my mind.

Having just finished the Montana trilogy I feel now, "Ich bin einer Montaner!" And as such I am now planning a trip to my adopted land, can't wait!

Tour of Montana

Loved how Doig entwined the history and geography of my treasured homeland, Montana, in this entertaining tale.

A worthwhile read but....

What did you like best about Ride with Me, Mariah Montana? What did you like least?

I liked the development of the story and characters. Ivan Doig tells a great story. This is the first of his books I've read that needs a "foul language" alert. Lots and lots of swearing, particularly the F word. I didn't notice this in the other books by Doig.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ride with Me, Mariah Montana?

The ending is a great way to wrap this book up.

What does Scott Sowers bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narration was good. I enjoy listening to Mr. Sowers voice and he makes the story work as it is written.

Do you think Ride with Me, Mariah Montana needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No follow-up if we have to hear more about the grumpy character in this one. The book pretty much concludes without leaving much chance of a sequel that would take place in the same place.

Great story, the third in the Montana Trilogy

Having lived in Montana for over 65 years I can relate to the the people, places and many if the events. Some of the stories are familiar, and the language and terms are pretty accurate. The only minor weak spot is, while the narrator was good, he obviously wasn't from Montana, and tends to mispronounce or incorrectly emphasize some words, and place names. But all in all, a grand tale.

Too much profanity

I've listened to many of Ivan Doig's books and love his storytelling but the "GD's" was just overwhelmingly too much for me.

Another winner in Doig’s Montana series

This is the 3rd book I’ve read in his telling of the McCaskills in the hills of Montana. Ivan knows how to draw the reader/listener in. He tells of Jick’s travels with his daughter, Mariah, and her ex, Riley, while weaving his and his family’s history into the story. Bringing the new reader into the background of these interesting characters. If you haven’t listened/read the next in this series, MOUNTAIN TIME, I recommend it. It tells the story of his daughters, Mariah and Lexa.

A fine ending to the Montana trilogy

I've also listened to the Morrie trilogy and enjoyed that. These feel similar to Lonesome Dove, but are not depressing the way that series was.