The seventh book in the Wilder Good series, Cow Boyhood, takes Wilder on an old-fashioned cow drive.

Papa, Wilder's maternal grandfather, decides to join his good friend Red to see if they've still "got it." They are men of the past, some would say, who value silence over airing grievances, truly know how to respect the land, and have a belief in what a man truly is. Their decision to drive cattle to a new location the old way with horses presents a challenge they cannot ignore as they realize they are getting older and less capable.. Wilder respects both men, and he's realizing facts about himself as he grows into a man and outdoorsman. This experience will be new for him although he definitely possesses more outdoor skill than the average thirteen-year-old. Setting out on this journey, then, are two old men who may not remember everything needed for such an adventure, hoping to surprise themselves by doing something they easily accomplished as young men and a young teenager who knows enough to pack with purpose, realizing he may be looking after the men more than they are looking after him. It's a new step in Wilder's life, realizing that responsibilities change as life changes.

The novel stays true to reality. Every comment about food needed, items forgotten, herding cattle, or history/geography revealed depicts the truth. Life is cyclical and we pass our knowledge on to the next generation even as age pulls this knowledge from us over time. Wilder's energy contrasts the men as their energy wanes due to aches and pains that life bestows upon people as they age. This drive implies it's a passing of the torch, so to speak. It's a torch not many would know how to carry, as ranching has evolved. Wilder is a capable young man who may choose a ranchers life when he grows up. He watches the men and strives to emulate them from--how to sit in a saddle to following the code he feels men of nature, West Texas ranchers, seem to adhere to. The code implies several ideas. Be strong. Silence allows thought and talking too much is wasteful. Don't ask questions that shouldn't be asked. It's not exactly a list, but Wilder mentions the man code several times.

The drive presents an entertaining narrative. The men are really rather amusing as they keep realizing what they should have thought about. Red is a bit of a mess, but he's funny. The scene with the outhouse is laugh out loud amusing! There are surprises involving weather and animals to make a person recognize the awesome power that exists in nature, which leaves man with the hope he/she survives the exchange.

Cow Boyhood will fill your afternoon, calmly entertaining you with amusing old men and the joy and energy of a young man. It's life. If you enjoy the outdoors, you will feel the connection to the value and beauty of nature. Real truths are found there. An individual can discover his or her strengths and weaknesses in a battle with nature. As always, the Wilder Good books offer an ode to nature, showing the relationship between humans and nature, revealing the reality of life and death as well as the ideas of hope and sadness. I am not a male, so the male code ideas seem foreign to me. I want more from the women instead of being strong and silent, standing by their men. With that said, these manly ideas are not bad. They're good qualities to possess in and of themselves, but they also aren't the only way to manhood. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy nature, who want a more defined idea of life and who want to just enjoy reading a really good story. ( )