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DANCES WITH DONKEYS: The Memoir of a Half-assed Cowboy Hardcover – June 4, 2023
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“I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A COWBOY …”
Journey through the dusty plains of Texas and the rugged mountains of Colorado in author Jim Duke’s debut, DANCES WITH DONKEYS: The Memoir Of A Half-Assed Cowboy—the often hilarious, occasionally poignant, sometimes hair-raising, and always entertaining tales of a man who dropped out of high school and took off for Texas to become a cowboy.
In this captivating memoir, Duke recounts his adventures and ass-inine misadventures with mules, donkeys and horses as he introduces readers to the complexity and variety of personalities among these intelligent creatures. Through prose and poetry, he shows the deep bond that can form between humans and equines.
Whether you're a fan of cowboy culture or just love a good memoir, DANCES WITH DONKEYS is reminiscent of cowboy poet laureate Baxter Black with a twist in the saddle. You'll laugh your "ass" off and come away with a whole new understanding of why little boys and girls grow up dreaming of being cowboys. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind journey into the heart of the American West.
- Print length260 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJune 4, 2023
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.78 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-101960332066
- ISBN-13978-1960332066
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
From the Publisher
The often hilarious, occasionally poignant, sometimes hair-raising, and always entertaining tales of a man who dropped out of high school and took off for Texas to become a cowboy.
Product details
- Publisher : WildBlue Press (June 4, 2023)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 260 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1960332066
- ISBN-13 : 978-1960332066
- Item Weight : 14.1 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.78 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #3,341,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,133 in Midwest U.S. Biographies
- #11,223 in Essays (Books)
- #95,265 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Dropping out of high school to pursue the life of a cowboy in Texas, Jim Duke eventually bullshitted his way into college and attended University of Wyoming and University of Texas before finally earning a BS in Zoology and MS in Range Science on Mountain Goat Habitat in Alaska, both from Colorado State University.
His taste for the wild has taken him to the upper Amazon, Patagonia, Madagascar, and mountain biking across Tibet.
Largely unemployable, he works on an ‘as tolerated’ basis mostly dealing with equines and compost. His only professional writing experience came from a brief employment with the Roaring Fork Weekly Journal writing a column called “Kiss My Ass.”
His critters have always been his most reliable support group leading him through life. There are few problems Duke can’t outrun on a fast mule. His rollicking debut, DANCES WITH DONKEYS: The Memoir Of A Half-Assed Cowboy will be available from WildBlue Press September 2023.
Customer reviews
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Customers enjoy the author's humorous style of storytelling. They find the book enjoyable and witty, making it a good bedtime read that provides pleasant dreams.
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Customers enjoy the author's humorous style of storytelling and witty stories.
"...birthday and Christmas gifts to friends and loved ones who enjoy a good joke and a good story...." Read more
"I enjoyed the writers humorous style of telling his story." Read more
"One of the best books I've read recently! Witty and funny stories by this author!" Read more
Customers find the book enjoyable and well-written. They say it's a good bedtime read that provides pleasant dreams.
"...In this way "Dancing with Donkeys" provided good bed-time reading, great sleep and sweet dreams, for weeks...." Read more
"...Well worth the read" Read more
"One of the best books I've read recently! Witty and funny stories by this author!" Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2023This book is a cross between those of Thich Nhat Hanh and Edward Abbey. Right out of the gate, each chapter warms and delights, satisfies and edifies. Therefore, I read it one chapter-slice at a time, as a one would a dry well-packed bale of hay -- when I hit the hay. In this way "Dancing with Donkeys" provided good bed-time reading, great sleep and sweet dreams, for weeks.
I am giving this book as birthday and Christmas gifts to friends and loved ones who enjoy a good joke and a good story. And to anyone who is laid up for any reason and could use a window into the adventures and capers of this man and his mules through the mountains and desserts of the west.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023It takes a certain type of person to put oneself in these situations, and a hell of a read to see how he gets himself out of them. Well worth the read
- Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024I enjoyed the writers humorous style of telling his story.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023Jim Duke is quite a storyteller and perhaps is a little bit crazy. I enjoyed reading his funny stories about his life with his “critters” and how he was often trying to use them to show off for the ladies. He didn’t always have success with it, as the animals he chose were often pretty wild, and would do crazy stuff. If you love equines, you might want to check this out.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023One of the best books I've read recently! Witty and funny stories by this author!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2025Put your own life on hold and get into Jim Duke's life. He will take you on ride and you will be dancing with donkeys right alongside him.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024Dancing with Donkeys is an utterly enchanting and thought-provoking read! Whether or not you identify as a “horse girl” or a devoted donkey enthusiast, this book offers something to captivate every reader. The author masterfully recounts a series of hilarious and often outrageous escapades, immersing readers in stories that are equal parts entertaining and heartwarming.
Beyond the humor, the book delves into profound reflections on animals, nature, and the intricate ways we are all connected. It invites readers to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the world around us and the privilege of sharing it with our animal companions—donkeys, in this case, earning their spot as an endearing "best friend."
Each chapter concludes with poignant and universal life lessons that resonate far beyond the barnyard, making this a meaningful and accessible book for anyone. Dancing with Donkeys is not just a celebration of the animal kingdom but a gentle nudge to embrace the joy, humor, and wisdom that life has to offer.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024Jim Duke’s book is an absolute delight! It’s everything you want in a read—comforting, relatable, and filled with humor. His journey with equines, particularly as someone who didn’t grow up in that world, feels incredibly authentic. Readers who have found themselves drawn to animals, especially those without a background in equines, will feel an instant connection. Jim’s trials and triumphs echo the experiences of anyone who has ever ventured into the world of something new.
The book also touches on a story many can relate to: the dream of having a personal equine companion. This book is also refreshingly real, raw, and authentic. Unlike many other books in the genre, it doesn’t lean heavily into religious themes, but instead focuses on the reality of equine ownership. Jim’s honesty about the highs and lows, combined with his knack for storytelling, creates a compelling and relatable read.
Whether you're new to the world of equines or have years of experience, Jim Duke’s book offers laughter, wisdom, and a sense of comfort. It’s a perfect read for anyone who has faced the ups and downs of animal ownership, and it will stay with you long after the last page.