By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Robert Rebein's summer tour stops in Hays for a discussion about 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.
Having grown up on a Kansas ranch, Rebein has authored two other books, with his latest story being a long-awaited release.
"I always wanted to write fiction," Rebein said. "I first came up with the idea for the novel more than 20 years ago."
Published on June 7, the book 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 family of ranchers outside of Dodge City who are touched by tragedy in the past, present and have to respond to the crisis," he said.
After losing his eldest son, Leroy suffers a near-fatal accident, bringing further difficulties for the family as they uncover secrets and navigate challenges.
Born and raised in Dodge City as one of seven boys, Rebein says his childhood influenced his fictional novel, drawing on life experiences for his writing.
Rebein's family has been farming in Dodge City since the 1920s. His father, a farmer, married his mother, a former nursing student who moved from Wichita to Dodge City.
Hays is also featured in the book, specifically the Catholic junior and senior high school, where many of Rebein's friends and family have attended.
"It doesn't amount to a lot of pages in the novel, but several important scenes take place at Thomas More-Prep Marian in Hays," he said.
The novel is set in summer 2014, with references as far back as the 1930s, leaving the possibility for a sequel, Rebein said.
Rebein said the book is for those who grew up in rural areas and anyone who understands family dynamics. It explores themes of finding purpose in life and responding to tragedies.
"Anybody who has grown up in a family and enjoys stories that are not about one character but about all members of a family will really enjoy this novel," he said.
Hosted by Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines, Rebein will be open to questions, discuss Kansas history and offer signed copies of his book during his visit.
You can also purchase "The Last Rancher" online through its publisher or Amazon.
His other two books are "Dragging Wyatt Earp: A Personal History of Dodge City" (2013) and "Headlights on the Prairie" (2017).
Rebein has 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 as an insider but when you experience the outside of Kansas, that's when you discover what's truly unique about it. That's when I started writing about Kansas was after I left," Rebein said.
Rebein is scheduled to be at the following Kansas locations:
- 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at Russell Specialty Books and Gifts, 626 N. Main St. in Russell
- 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Red Fern Booksellers, 106 South Santa Fe Ave. in Salina
- 5:30 p.m. on July 31 at Boot Hill Distillery, 501 W. Spruce St. in Dodge City
You can find more information about Rebein, his summer tour and other books on his website.