Rechs writes the West

He hadn't lived this long without being careful. At 42 he didn't want to die any sooner than necessary. And Jim Hamilton had a Spencer .50 caliber rifle in his hands.

Welcome to the beginning of Bernie Rex's book "Hamilton's Challenge of the West," written by the Marysville Joint Unified School District trustee and Browns Valley resident better known locally as Rechs.

The different spelling reflects some publishing advice the retired high school English teacher received about his Western novel.

"Rex is a really good cowboy kind of name," Rechs said in explaining the spelling change of his last name.

The self-published historical novel set in the 19th century has a history of its own, reaching back to 1985 when Rechs started writing the story on an Apple II computer. He set the manuscript aside, and then heard a writer speak 18 months ago at the Marysville Exchange Club.

"That kind of lit the fire again," Rechs said.

Former Yuba County Sheriff Virginia Black, who told Rechs she was looking forward to an autographed copy after learning about his literary effort, received the book when the Exchange Club met Wednesday.

"He did a really nice job," Black said. "He's done a lot of research to write the story."

"They're so many people who say they're going to write a novel," she said of planned books that are never completed.

Rechs credited Amicus Books in Marysville for helping to make publication possible.

Kara Davis, programs director at Amicus, said Rechs is part of a new group of Western writers who recognize "there's not a lot of 'Howdy, ma'am' folks still around."

The Western book includes such authentic sites as Hasting's Cutoff in Wyoming where the Donner Party decided in 1846 to follow the route touted by land promoter and lawyer Lansford Hastings. That decision delayed the emigrant group and helped lead to their infamous fate when trapped in the snow of the Sierra Nevada.

"Hastings when he wrote the book about the cutoff had never traveled it," Rechs said.

Rechs' Western includes a trip by the book's central character through 19th century Marysville.

Davis said the Internet and other 21st century technology haven't dimmed people's interest in books.

"Not only do people want to do hold a book in their hands," she said. "They love having the author sign their book."

Rechs' interest in publishing a book is shared by many, Davis said. Getting a manuscript in print can seem as much a mystery as how to get Mars, she added.

"Our passion is to help people make their voice be heard," Davis said of Amicus, which she describes as a literary arts center.

Rechs' voice will be heard again. "New Mexico Drifter," the sequel to his first book, is planned for publication in 2010.

Ric Teagarden, Yuba County's superintendent of schools, is looking forward to part two and is a fan of the first.

"It's about family, hard times and good times," Teagarden said. "This could make a great movie."