Book Clubs
Hush of the Land: A Lifetime in the Bob Marshall Wilderness has become a favorite with book clubs interested in wilderness, conservation, and life in the American West. The book tells the story of legendary Montana outfitter and conservationist Arnold “Smoke” Elser and his sixty years traveling the trails of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex on horseback.
Many reading groups choose Hush of the Land for conversations about wilderness, mentorship, conservation, and a lives in the American West. The discussion questions below are designed to help book clubs explore the themes of the book and reflect on the meaning of wild places in our lives.
Eva-Maria Maggi and Smoke Elser enjoy joining book clubs to share stories from the Bob Marshall Wilderness and to talk about the writing of the book, Smoke’s life in the backcountry, and the future of wilderness and public lands. Recent conversations include the Wild Montana Book Club in Billings, Montana.
Author Visits
Smoke Elser and Eva-Maria Maggi are happy to join book clubs for a 30–45 minute virtual conversation and Q&A about the book, Smoke Elser’s life in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the writing of Hush of the Land.
When schedules allow, Eva and Smoke also enjoy hosting storytelling-style events in person for libraries, schools, bookstores, and community groups.
If your book club is interested in reading Hush of the Land, please feel free to get in touch through the contact page.
Discussion Questions
1. Hush of the Land traces Smoke Elser’s life in the Bob Marshall Wilderness over six decades. How did the wilderness shape his character, values, and way of life?
2. Many people who traveled into the Bob Marshall with Smoke were riding a horse for the first time. What role does mentorship and teaching play in the book?
3. The book describes a slower, quieter way of experiencing wild landscapes. How does that perspective compare with how wilderness is often experienced today?
4. Smoke devoted his life to preserving wilderness and public lands. What responsibilities do individuals and communities have in protecting these places?
5. Horses and mules are central to the culture of wilderness travel in the book. What do they add to the experience of the landscape?
6. Which story or moment in the book stayed with you the longest, and why?
7. The book reflects on change—both in the wilderness and in society. What changes stood out to you most?
Signed Copies
Signed copies of Hush of the Land can be ordered through Fact and Fiction, our local bookstore partner in Missoula, MT.
Press
Short bio: Eva-Maria Maggi, Ph.D., is the author of Hush of the Land (Bison Books, 2024) and a narrative nonfiction writer whose work bridges archival research and storytelling across Europe and the American West.
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