Book Review -
‘How Far the Mountain’
Written by Contemporary Western Novelist,
Robert K. Swisher Jr.
Review by Lisa D. Smith

By far one of the best novels I have read this year, ‘How Far the Mountain’ takes you on journey that warms the heart, nourishes the soul, and charms with the spirit of the great west. Coming to grips with a deep loss, the main characters of the story include Bill, a cowboy and mountain guide, who returns to the mountain where his wife was suddenly killed by lightening; Sheila, a ‘city girl’ who has never gone hiking but decides to go on a solo backpacking adventure on the mountain to come to terms with the death of her husband; and a beautiful and enduring mountain of many stories that include gamblers and outlaws, miners and hunters, a hermit, a grizzly bear, and more. Swisher captures the essence of each character reflecting pure emotion that runs deep with the struggles of love and loss, schemes and dreams, pain and triumph, independence and unity. A master storyteller, he has adeptly woven a moving story that flows from page-to-page, as the characters live out their roles in search of peace, freedom and love.

Robert K. Swisher, Jr. has been writing western contemporary fiction since 1967. To date 13 of his novels have been published ranging from young adult novels to historical fiction along with numerous short stories and a book of poetry. He is listed in ‘Young Contemporary Authors’, ‘Who’s Who in the West’, and the ‘2005 Who’s Who in America’. Six of his novels are still in print, with three out of print books due to be released within a year. During his writing career Swisher worked on several large ranches in New Mexico and for many years was a high mountain wilderness guide for hunting, fishing, and photography trips. The Land has been put on tape for the blind and physically handicapped, several novels have been optioned for movie rights and his books have received many excellent reviews from national publications. Robert K. Swisher Jr. is based in Silver City, New Mexico, where he has a gallery called ‘Last Day in Paradise’.

On March 16, 2008, Robert K. Swisher Jr., was interviewed on  ‘Champagne Sundays’. Robert talked about his books including ‘How Far the Mountain’, how he writes, and gave us a glimpse into his life as a mountain guide and more. To hear the entire, unedited show, click here. To listen to his interview, please double click the play button below.