Leaving Montana is an exceptional read. Do not hesitate to purchase this book. This is the kind of book that draws you in and keeps you up late for "just one more chapter"...then another, etc. The storyline is very tight making it engaging from the beginning to the end. The structure of the book is great, moving back and forth from a present day narration to the history behind the main character Benjamin. The reader experiences both a 40 year history and a four day trip simultaneously, and then they come together at the end beautifully. The characterization is exceptional. As Benjamin grows and evolves, I couldn't help but feel as if I was growing right along with him. This is a story of one man's quest to greater understand not only himself, but also those around him. This is the element we all can relate to, and though your circumstances may be different than Benjamin's this book will make you think about your own experiences and probably give you greater insight to yourself. One chapter will leave you with that emotional "lump in your throat" while the next will leave you chuckling to yourself. There is plenty of humorous levity throughout. I strongly recommend Leaving Montana.