Rowdy in Paris

Teton County Library was my first job outta library school. Tim Sandlin sat at a particular table, on the Southeast side of the building, where the light filtered in just right and he was seldom bothered by anyone who knew who the hell he was. I was in awe. And remain so today.

This book is hilarious, and full of observant truths about the human condition that mere mortals like ourselves know deep down, but can never quite seem to put into words the way Tim Sandlin can. A lot of great authors are capable of this, but few can wrap these zingers up in a plot about characters you actually kind of care about. This skill alone is why you should read Tim Sandlin.

Tim Sandlin’s fictional cowboy, Rowdy Talbot, is a conundrum of dichotomies. He is crass and honorable; sensitive and tough; sad, and funny.

In ‘Rowdy in Paris’, Rowdy Talbot’s adventure starts with a ménage a trios with two French graduate students after he wins the local rodeo bull riding contest. Rowdy wakes up the next morning to find both the girls and his prized championship belt buckle missing. Being that the buckle was the only thing that Rowdy has ever won and the fact that he feels like it is the only thing that will impress his young son, Rowdy is fit to be tied! He takes off for Paris in pursuit of his beloved buckle. Rowdy finds that things in Paris are a bit different then they are in Wyoming! For one, coffee is show more served in “shot glasses” and payment is required for use of “the john”. Rowdy’s flummoxed surprise with everything French is hilarious.

While attempting to recover his buckle, Rowdy uncovers a plot to sabotage McDonald’s and with the help of an ex-CIA agent hired by Starbucks (who wants to make sure that they don’t suffer the same fate as McDonald’s), Rowdy sets off to protect all that is American in France.

During the course of his adventure Rowdy gets into his fair share of bar brawls, falls in love, spies on a courtesan (who might also work for the CIA) on behalf of her husband, even begins to appreciate French espresso!

“Rowdy in Paris” is heartwarming and funny. Sandlin perfectly captures the cowboy mentality and delivers an unusual story filled with laughs. show less

Various machinations, all so that the hero can get his championship belt buckle -- his only trophy -- back. Also, terrorists.