Fans of Ken Overcast will cheer to discover that Montana’s favorite cowboy/rancher/author, who incidentally certainly knows how to spin a humorous yarn, has released his second book, Shootin’ the Breeze, Cowboy Style. The book, crammed full of great short stories that capture the funny side of ordinary ranching day-to-day life, contains stories that narrate shenanigans of all sorts, spin tall tales, provide information on lesser known Montana historical figures, and dish out plain BS.
    Overcast's new book, Shootin’ the Breeze, Cowboy Style, continues the same tradition as his first book, Yesterday’s Yarns. His new offering contains photos, cartoons, and Overcast’s special brand of “creative truth enhancement” that he applies to the majority of the short stories contained within the book.
    “It’s hard to believe, I know, but I’ve actually been accused of stretching the truth,” Overcast remarks in his new book. The master of exaggeration, Overcast brings common, ordinary daily ranching activities to vivid life, with the occasional embellishment on the truth. Stories include the antics of bachelors Dick and Billy; tales of run-ins with animals including an enraged bull, an angry hen, and a rattlesnake; tales that warm a person’s heart; and stories based on daily occurrences on the ranch that anyone familiar with ranching life will easily identify with. Overcast also weaves stories of memorable cowboys in Montana’s history, and of course he does not neglect telling tales on family members, as well as squealing on neighbors and friends.
    Overcast also throws in a few deadly serious stories and makes astute observations about the western way life, the clash of rural and urban value systems, and the changes that continue to sweep across the west regardless of whether we want to see those changes or not.
    Shootin’ the Breeze, Cowboy Style will make an excellent Christmas present that cowboys and non-cowboys alike will delight in finding under the tree. People who enjoy a good read, a loud laugh, little nuggets of wisdom, and food for thought will appreciate Overcast’s new offering.
    The book, published by Bear Valley Press, retails for $16.95. People may order the book by calling 1-888-753-7611 or from the web site www.kenovercast.com.