John D. Young was an idealistic young man when he and a few friends decided to head west to participate in the Colorado gold rush. Unlike many in the 'westward ho' movement, he was a thoughtful and tenderhearted young man full of compassion for animals and respect for Native Americans. His astute observations about the land, plants, people, and animals are enthralling. This R.R. Donnelley Christmas book was masterfully edited as Young wrote his memoir as a continuous narrative without any punctuation or breaks. After months of misfortune and lack of gold Young and his pal decided to pack it in and head back home with a thrilling tale to regal his friends and family with. ( )