Thunder in the Heartland: Parables from Oklahoma

This unique book of fiction, with a foreword by actor Dale Robertson, breathes life into many of Oklahoma's fascinating facts. Stories inspired by incidents ranging in time from the 1860s to the 1990s awaken countless memories, and portray the Sooner State in its own beauty, ugliness and humor. The Chapters refer to such real people as Millie Durgan (Sain-toh-oodie or Mrs. Goombi), who was raised among the Kiowas; the Cook gang of Indian Territory outlaws; "Pretty Boy" Floyd; and "Pistol Pete"; and actual incidents and traditions like the major cattle trails; a memorable shooting in the Panhandle; the Quadruple lynching in an Ada livery barn; the 1978 fatal shoot-out between Oklahoma Highway Patrolmen and prison escapees; the days of traveling horse traders and outdoor picture shows; the humorous background of the annual Sucker Day in Wetumka; and the terrible day of April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City.