Book talk will explore race on frontier

Local author Jim Cornelius will read from and sign his newest book, "Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans" on Friday, September 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Paulina Springs Books in Sisters.

During his talk he will delve into the fraught issues of race that shaped the frontier experience not only in North America, but also internationally.

"When I was writing the 12 biographies that make up 'Warriors,' one issue was always there, like a giant boulder in the trail. That's race. You can't get around it and you can't get past it," Cornelius said. "It's an integral part of the history and obviously continues to reverberate today."

Cornelius plans to focus on Friday on the story of Ben McCulloch, one of the founders of the Texas Rangers - and an ardent pro-slavery Confederate.

"Ben McCulloch was unmistakably heroic - and he also held views that are anathema to most people today," Cornelius said. "I think it will be enlightening, worthwhile - maybe a little intense - to explore what we can make of that kind of historical figure in 2017."

The evening will close with some frontier-themed music. Refreshments will be served.

Beloved Oregon author Jane Kirpatrick will also explore the frontier experience in her visit to Paulina Springs on Saturday, September 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Kirpatrick will present her newest novel, "All She Left Behind." She once again shares a story of an incredibly strong woman who doesn't lose sight of her dreams as she faces adversity.

In 1870, Jennie Pickett dreams of becoming a doctor, but the Oregon frontier doesn't approve of women attending medical school. Already a natural healer and well versed in the healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie takes on the care of an elderly woman to support both herself and her young son. As Jennie struggles to keep her dream alive, her story provides love, heartache and many surprises along her journey.

Refreshments will be served.

Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave. in Sisters. For more information call 541-549-0866.