By Martin J. Kidston
Area poet Arnold Hokanson has turned to prose in his newest self-published book titled Ridin the Back Trails.
Hokanson, who lives some 40 miles south of Havre on a 6,000 acre ranch less the cattle is a retired wrangler who spends his days telling tales of the true west.
I guess I always wanted to do some prose, Hokanson said. I had a few stories to tell, and I was influenced by reading Rib Gustufson.
Hokanson said Ridin the Back Trails is a collection of stories passed down from three generations stories that have occured on the ranch during his grandfathers lifetime, his fathers lifetime and his own lifetime.
Hokanson, who ran the Three-Bar, reversed B ranch, said his first two books were poetry. The first poetry book, Heads and Tails Poetry, was a local success, and his second book Cowtrail and Wagon Tracks wasnt far behind in popularity. All three books were self-published by Rettig Publishing Inc., in Big Sandy, and all three book covers bear artwork by Havre artist Don Greytak.
When asked what the newest book was about, Hokanson simply said, Its a western theme. Things in the ranching atmosphere, and the cowboy scenario.
The books retail for $10 and can be found at Normans, Fleet Wholesale and Strombergs Sinclair.
