North of the Platte, South of the Niobrara: A Little Further into the Nebraska Sand Hills

Bryan L. Jones brought a keen sense of observation, the probing skills of an accomplished interviewer, and the carefully-honed talents of a master craftsman to write an insightfull book about a unique region, the Nebraska Sand Hills. It stands along with the works of major noted Nebraska Sand Hill writers, such as Mari Sandoz, Nellie Snyder Yost, and Charles Barron McIntosh. He has provided a distinct perspective on the area.Both those familiar with the area and those not will find something of interest. For those familiar, Jones' writings provide a mirror in which the reader can see how a skilled observer and writer views them. For those not familiar with the area, Jones provides insights as to the nuances of bull riding and grave dowsing, as well as educating the reader through tightly packed chapters on both bison and 21st century cattle raising.Jones can turn a phrase, as they say, as well as amuse by his self-deprecating and caustic remarks directed to the few, very few, 14 carat jackasses he found in the area. His description of the Grattan Fight of 1854 is the most interesting account of the event I have ever read. Lt. John Lawrence Grattan truly was, in Jones' words, a "dim bulb."I will provide no spoiler here other than to write that this book is to be read carefully a chapter at time, with a thoughtful pause at the end of each chapter to reflect on the knowledge acquired, and, occasionally, to go back and reread the chapter to answer the question, "Did he really write that?"It is, in short, a first-rate book about a geographically and culturally unique region. Jones is to be congratulated.

The tales of individuals are intertwined with geography lessons and the history of the Nebraska Sand Hills. The language used is reminiscent of western movies directed by Ford or Eastwood. The written word fits the life and times of territory. The personality of the author overlays the book, which is a plus. The stories read like if you were seated on a feed sack at the elevator with a strong cup of coffe or passing the paper sack that holds a bottle of whiskey while swapping lies with the good ole boys. I highly recommend it.

Bryan Jones is a born teacher and raconteur who makes learning fun. North of the Platte tells of his visits with the families living in the Sand Hills of northeastern Nebraska. With dry and sometimes irreverent wit he introduces us to the residents’ goals, challenges, family histories, and adaptions to the changing times. Along the way we learn about the geography, ranching industry, and panorama of life in the Sand Hills. After reading this book, I want to retrace Jones’s steps and meet the people whose roots go deep into that sandy soil.

Destined to be a classic on the Nebraska Sand Hills, Bryan Jones takes the reader on an interesting trip of discovery weaving history, geography, geology with personal contemporary interviews as he explains this magnificent area and its’ culture. Folks who have never visited the Sand Hills as well as born and raised ‘Sandhillers’ will be enticed by this read.

A wonderful read-even if not from the Sandhills. A true vision of what Nebraska is about. Great character development and so witty. From the celebrities to the waitresses at the local diner. Bryan Jones has captured it all. Just loved it .

The author draws you in with each and every chapter. Even if you are not from the Sandhills, this book effortlessly takes you through this historic part of Nebraska. The people, the places, and the events are unforgettable.