They of the High Trails

"They of the High Trails" by Hamlin Garland is a story placed in the American West that follows the gritty adventures of people chasing their dreams of gold in a harsh land. The story kicks off with Sherman F. Bidwell, an older gold seeker down on his luck, whose life is intertwined with the no-nonsense widow Delaney, a landlady. Set in a little mining town and with dialogue full of both laughs and pressure, the opening uncovers Bidwell's struggles with the wilderness and his own ambitions. The tough-love relationship between Bidwell and Mrs. Delaney highlights the big ideas of going after what you want amidst the difficult and unforgiving setting of the West.