Author of “The Last Rancher” reads Thursday at the Hays Public Library; book includes scenes from Hays

By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post

Robert Rebein stops in Hays on his summer tour for a discussion of his new Kansas-set story, “The Last Rancher.”

Robert Rebein will give a reading at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Hays Public Library, 1202 Main St., to promote his recently published novel.

Rebein grew up on a ranch in Kansas and has written two other books, and his latest story is a long-awaited release.

“I always wanted to write fiction,” said Rebein. “The idea for the novel came to me over 20 years ago.”

The book, released on June 7, tells the story of Leroy Wagner, who dedicates his life to a ranch while his city-born wife struggles with isolation.

“The story is about a ranching family outside of Dodge City that is affected by tragedies in the past and present and must respond to the crisis,” he said.

After the loss of his eldest son, Leroy suffers a near-fatal accident, causing further difficulties for the family as they uncover secrets and overcome challenges.

Rebein was born and raised in Dodge City, one of seven boys. He says his childhood influenced his novel and he drew on life experiences while writing.

Rebein’s family has farmed in Dodge City since the 1920s. His father, a farmer, married his mother, a former nursing student who moved to Dodge City from Wichita.

Hays is also featured in the book, particularly the Catholic junior and senior high schools that many of Rebein’s friends and family attended.

“Although the novel is not many pages long, several important scenes take place at Thomas More Prep Marian in Hays,” he said.

The novel is set in the summer of 2014 and contains references to the 1930s, leaving open the possibility of a sequel, Rebein said.

Rebein said the book is intended for people who grew up in rural areas and are familiar with family dynamics, and it covers themes such as finding meaning in life and dealing with tragedy.

“Anyone who grew up in a family and likes stories that are not just about one character but about all members of a family will really enjoy this novel,” he said.

Led by Brandon Hines, director of the Hays Public Library, Rebein will answer questions, talk about Kansas history and offer signed copies of his book during his visit.

You can also buy “The Last Rancher” online from the publisher or from Amazon.

His other two books are Dragging Wyatt Earp: A Personal History of Dodge City (2013) and Headlights on the Prairie (2017).

Rebein attended Dodge City Community College, the University of Kansas and England’s University of Essex Colchester Campus, and Exeter University. He is an associate professor of English at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

“You start out as an insider, but when you experience the outside world of Kansas, you discover what is truly unique. I started writing about Kansas after I left town,” Rebein said.

Rebein will be at the following locations in Kansas:

1. Friday, 1 to 3 p.m. at Russell Specialty Books and Gifts, 626 N. Main St. in Russell
2. 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Red Fern Booksellers, 106 South Santa Fe Ave. in Salina
3. 5:30 p.m. on July 31 at Boot Hill Distillery, 501 W. Spruce St. in Dodge City

For more information about Rebein, his summer tour and other books, visit his website.