A Few Sunny Days in Denio

About the Book

This is a story of a man’s love of horses, and of friendships that endure through the best and worst of times. Sam Jackson, the main character, searches, as we all do, for a place in time and space, where he can spend just a few sunny days, enjoying life. That place, for Sam, is in the ranching country, and in the small hamlet of Denio, located in the high, cold, desert of far northwestern Nevada. Denio is a real place, although in this story, the characters and most of the establishments are fictional. Unfortunately, that place and its quirky residents depict an icon of the fate of many small communities in the American West; destined to vanish. The story of Sam Jackson, narrated by his lifelong friend, Joe Running Bear, is about a young man’s quest to become a World Champion rodeo cowboy. Traveling a long and rocky road, and with help and encouragement from his friends, he finally achieves his dream, only to lose it all. His friends in Denio, not only nurture his transition from youth into adulthood, but also help heal his wounds after his fall from glory and fame. But, nothing can stop the winds of change, and, like Sam Jackson, the town and its people are also changing; slowly fading into a sea of endless time.

About the Author

After achieving college degrees at Oklahoma State University and Washington State University, the author worked as a practicing veterinarian in Idaho and later, as a research wildlife veterinarian around the world. Nearing retirement, he began writing novels, this being his third. His first, published in 2009, is titled, “The Last American Cowboy”. Then, in 2012, he published, “When the Sea Howls”, based on his adventures in the U.S. Coast Guard. And in 2014, published his memoirs. The author spent much time in the Blackfoot River Valley as well in the desert country around Denio, Nevada, where much of this story is centered. Born in Oklahoma, Dr. Dunbar now resides with his beautiful wife Sherry along the Salmon River in the rugged mountains of east central Idaho.