Rodger McDaniel

A startling memoir of a remarkable woman who was born, raised, educated, and employed in Wyoming. In 2017, at the age of 88, Lois Mottonen died. But before she did, she told McDaniel her stories.

Most of Wyoming’s human rights history is not flattering and much of it is disturbing. Mottonen, who experienced many different aspects of life in Wyoming, shares event after poignant event—accompanied by fact after painful fact. Specifically of the different and varied injustices that Wyoming bestows on anyone who is a non-“white, male, Christian, heterosexual” (p. 127).

I myself have been living in Wyoming for four years and reading this was verification for what I see, and have problems with, constantly. Wyoming’s undeserving motto is a farce in comparison with its laws, policies, priorities, and politicians.

Well-written and chronologically organized, the astute use of the historical record as backup for Mottonen’s experiences leaves no room for argument or subjectivity. It is simply a succinct work revealing Wyoming's unethical motives and agendas from its inception as a state to the present day…and just happens to be a fascinating read.

I read some chapters over and over because I could not believe someone actually lived, captured, and published the cruel reality of being a minority in Wyoming with such detail and such innocence.

Written from the viewpoint of a trusted, honored, and admired Wyoming woman, this is a no holds barred witness account of the unfair and corrupt behaviors of those in power who continue—to this day—to exploit its most vulnerable residents. I think Howard Zinn would be proud to have his name associated with this book.… (meer)