What Do Cowboys Like?

Louisa Fisher is growing up in small-town Maine. A hopeless romantic, she hopes to be a writer and have her first bestseller by the time she is 20. Unfortunately, her first attempt, starring Lucille Shark, ends up sounding like a bad romance novel. Insecure, she tries to hide the novel and bulky typewriter she wrote it on from her family; the result is comical. What do Cowboys Like? turns serious when Louisa has to deal with the death of a close friend, and eventually learns that life can be as beautiful as art. Thus, she no longer has to escape into her novels.

The cover of What do Cowboys Like?

Tracy’s narrative of Louisa’s life is witty and easy for anyone to relate to. She has you rooting for Louisa from the beginning, and helps bring you into the world of a teenager by managing to include phrases like “holy cow!” Louisa’s sarcasm and ability to make fun of herself made me laugh out loud at times, such as when she is noting things that she has in common with the boy she likes. The last item on her list is “He has two eyes and a nose! Me too!”

Tracy’s original similes, such as “love built up like the iceberg that took down the titanic,” and “my room was as soothing as Noxzema on a sunburn,” also contribute to the realism of Louisa’s world. The book allows readers to laugh at themselves, as it plainly points out little insecurities that everyone has.

Even though the death of her friend was tragic, the ending makes you smile. Louisa eventually overcomes her sorrow, yet still manages to retain the lessons it taught her.

Have you read any of Ann B. Tracy's writing? Tell us what you think!