Jack B. Ralph, a Navy veteran was born in Chicago, grew up in Easton, PA, attended Lafayette College, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. Ralph has devoted much of his life in the interest of civil rights by writing, publishing and speaking on behalf of all minorities, handicapped persons and the aging population. And now, he shows, in a light manner, examples of the serious history, interdependence and similarities and differences between those of the lives, experiences and working conditions of horses and of our own population. He has published, with entries written by persons of ages 4 to 94, the fascinating marriage saving “Love is Everywhere,” 365 ways to live a life of love. The collection of observations and definitions of love illustrate the living with real expressions of love. His “A Kid’s World,” Parts One and Two, contains thought provoking stories with messages that can start children in gaining maturity. Jack’s wife of over 60 years is a beautiful redhead and a former professional bowler. They are parents who enjoy their two sons, five grandchildren, terrific daughters-in law, and they joyously share their sense of humor also with that of their cousins, their fine in-laws and, with acceptance, possibly the entire receptive loving world.

Jack B. Ralph, a Navy veteran was born in Chicago, grew up in Easton, PA, attended Lafayette College, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. Ralph has devoted much of his life in the interest of civil rights by writing, publishing and speaking on behalf of all minorities, handicapped persons and the aging population. and now, he shows, in a light manner, examples of the serious history, interdependence and similarities and differences between those of the lives, experiences and working conditions of horses and of our own population. He has published, with entries written by persons of ages 4 to 94, the fascinating marriage saving "Love is Everywhere," 365 ways to live a life of love. the collection of observations and definitions of love illustrate the living with real expressions of love. His "A Kid's World," Parts One and Two, contains thought provoking stories with messages that can start children in gaining maturity. Jack's wife of over 60 years is a beautiful redhead and a former professional bowler. They are parents who enjoy their two sons, five grandchildren, terrific daughters-in law, and they joyously share their sense of humor also with that of their cousins, their fine in-laws and, with acceptance, possibly the entire receptive loving world.

When a bull-riding accident ends Ross Turner’s rodeo career, he hermits himself away on a remote farm in New Brunswick. Depressed and disheartened, he’s determined to leave his cowboy life behind. Beautiful Jessi Wallace, sent to help him out of his crisis, is resolved that he won’t do any such thing. She has healed dispirited horses; she can bring him back from his defeat. And living alone in the farmhouse with him doesn’t bother her. After their childhood together, she feels certain handsome, charismatic Ross holds no romantic threat to her. Recently betrayed by her rodeo cowboy fiance, she’s not about to let another rodeo rider into her heart.

“Thompson-Hernández's portrayal of Compton's black cowboys broadens our perception of Compton's young black residents, and connects the Compton Cowboys to the historical legacy of African Americans in the west. An eye-opening, moving book.”—Margot Lee Shetterly, New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Figures “Walter Thompson-Hernández has written a book for the ages: a profound and moving account of what it means to be black in America that is awe inspiring in its truth-telling and limitless in its empathy. Here is an American epic of black survival and creativity, of terrible misfortune and everyday resilience, of grace, redemption and, yes, cowboys.”— Junot Díaz, Pulitzer prize-winning author of This is How You Lose Her A rising New York Times reporter tells the compelling story of The Compton Cowboys, a group of African-American men and women who defy stereotypes and continue the proud, centuries-old tradition of black cowboys in the heart of one of America’s most notorious cities. In Compton, California, ten black riders on horseback cut an unusual profile, their cowboy hats tilted against the hot Los Angeles sun. They are the Compton Cowboys, their small ranch one of the very last in a formerly semirural area of the city that has been home to African-American horse riders for decades. To most people, Compton is known only as the home of rap greats NWA and Kendrick Lamar, hyped in the media for its seemingly intractable gang violence. But in 1988 Mayisha Akbar founded The Compton Jr. Posse to provide local youth with a safe alternative to the streets, one that connected them with the rich legacy of black cowboys in American culture. From Mayisha’s youth organization came the Cowboys of today: black men and women from Compton for whom the ranch and the horses provide camaraderie, respite from violence, healing from trauma, and recovery from incarceration. The Cowboys include Randy, Mayisha’s nephew, faced with the daunting task of remaking the Cowboys for a new generation; Anthony, former drug dealer and inmate, now a family man and mentor, Keiara, a single mother pursuing her dream of winning a national rodeo championship, and a tight clan of twentysomethings--Kenneth, Keenan, Charles, and Tre--for whom horses bring the freedom, protection, and status that often elude the young black men of Compton. The Compton Cowboys is a story about trauma and transformation, race and identity, compassion, and ultimately, belonging. Walter Thompson-Hernández paints a unique and unexpected portrait of this city, pushing back against stereotypes to reveal an urban community in all its complexity, tragedy, and triumph. The Compton Cowboys is illustrated with 10-15 photographs.

Published for devotees of the cowboy and the West, American Cowboy covers all aspects of the Western lifestyle, delivering the best in entertainment, personalities, travel, rodeo action, human interest, art, poetry, fashion, food, horsemanship, history, and every other facet of Western culture. With stunning photography and you-are-there reportage, American Cowboy immerses readers in the cowboy life and the magic that is the great American West.

Coming of age in the rugged and unforgiving Southwest may not suit the faint-of-heart, but it is the perfect landscape for a compelling and humorous memoir of a lad who endured a mid-1900s cowboy upbringing in rural Arizona and New Mexico. Growing Up Cowboy chronicles the foibles and fortunes of its author, Ralph Reynolds (a.k.a. Luna Kid), in an engaging and heartfelt fashion. From wrangling ornery critters to finding first love, the Luna Kid confesses all and regales the reader with vivid stories imparted with an abundance of wit and humility. So saddle up and ride along as the Luna Kid introduces you to a helping of the Southwests fascinating terrain and colorful characters. And along the way shows you the irreverent side of adolescence adventure and the human side of growing up cowboy. Growing Up Cowboy can be found on the shelves of the National Cowboy Museum Library, and selections from the book have been reprinted by the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

The best-selling memoir Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy tells the fascinating story of actor Dirk Benedict’s journey from the big sky country of Montana to the hustle and hype of Hollywood. It also describes his odyssey of self-discovery and growth as he changes from struggling actor to celebrity, from meat eater to vegetarian, from cancer victim to cancer victor. Brilliantly written—insightful, witty, and always challenging—Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy may change the way you perceive actors, and even make you reconsider the truths in your own life.