Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 50 LAURIE CHILDS No, "cyber ranch" and "cyber book club" are not oxymoronic phrases; they actually exist at www.Day- sAtDunrovin.com. rough web cameras, a broadcast system, and a protected Web site with social media fea- tures, Montana's Dunrovin Ranch engages people from across the globe with "edutainment" centered on life in the west — topics such as wildlife, birds, horses, dogs, and Montana's beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Clearly books are a natural starting point for discussions of all kinds. e 2016 Dunrovin cyber book club begins in Janu- ary with a theme of exploration and discovery — both inward and outward. Selected books are: Indian Creek Chronicles by Pete Fromm; Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez; Fools Crow by James Welch; and Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams. One month will be devoted to each book, culminating with a conversation including the book's author or some other person closely affiliated with the book if the author is unavailable. is year Dunrovin will offer supplemental materials in conjunction with each book, materials such as videos, photo galleries, guest blogs, or interviews with others related to the books' details and themes. is added information is sure to enhance the discussions. For ex- ample, during the month before Pete Fromm joins us to discuss his book, Indian Creek Chronicles, Dunrovin will show a video that explores the meaning of wilderness to inner city youth, interview conservationists supporting the Selway-Bitteroot Wilderness area where Pete's story takes place, and create a gallery of photos taken in the Selway-Bitterroot. e magic of the Internet and several key features of the club are essential ingredients to its success. First, Judy Blunt, author of Breaking Clean, a Professor of English, and former director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Montana, serves as the club literary host. Judy brings a high level of scholar- ship and literary connections to the table. She knows literature, and she knows many American authors on a personal basis. She not only selects the books, but she connects readers with others related to the books — the authors themselves or literary professionals with special knowledge of the book. Secondly, the club structure encourages direct com- munication among readers and the authors and/or experts. Our cyber ranch experience has taught us that live web sessions with both on-site and on-line hosts are the best way to actively engage Internet participants. e cyber book club has three hosts. I serve as the on-site program host, making introduc- tions and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Judy Blunt is the on-site literary host, facilitating and deep- ening the discussions as well as connecting us with the books' authors or experts. Diane Hoffman serves as the on-line discussion host, conversing with the cyber com- munity to bring their voices into the discussion. Diane THE CYBER BOOK CLUB Judy Blunt and Pete Fromm at Missoula's Fact and Fiction bookstore W hat does a "cyber ranch" do in winter when the days are short, the nights are cold, and many people just want to curl up with a cup of tea next to the fireplace and read a good book? Well, form a "cyber book club", of course. by SUZANNE MILLER

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