A Branch Too Weak

by Richard Roux

Danny Vance was an ambitious young man. Like thousands of other Americans, he was enticed west when word of gold in California reached the rest of the United States. It became his goal to reach California to "see the elephant." Faced with struggle, sacrifice, violence, and himself on a daily basis, he pushed his limits to achieve his dreams. The journey west wasn't what he expected; it rarely was. Will Danny Vance make it to California, or give up like so many others? Will he find his fortune? Will he find himself? Only he could provide the answers.

220 pages, Paperback

Published August 30, 2017

About the author

Richard Roux, a native Californian, was born and raised in Bakersfield, the largest town in Kern County, California. By profession, he is a history teacher and adjunct professor. With an interest in a variety of topics and activities, Richard brings to his writing a mixture of history, anecdotes, and humor.

When not spending time with his family, teaching, playing hockey, and enjoying the outdoors, he continues to research and write. A series of new releases are planned for the future.

Reviews

[Carole P. Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and detailed tale of the Old West. Danny Vance is a young man working his family's farm in Missouri when the discovery of gold lures him to leave everything he knows and join a friend to become prospectors. Richard Roux takes the reader step by step through the process of preparing and then traveling on the trip of a lifetime. He recounts the dangers and disappointments of the trail, the triumphs and friendships. Most do not become rich on gold, but the by-product that built the west. Restaurants, freight operators, merchants did indeed find their fortune servicing the new populations that grew from the influx of dreamers. Descriptive and colorful, Roux includes all kinds of westerners telling the backstories of the hardships of the Asians and Native populations. Danny does make an enemy on the trip and this livens the plot, leaving the ending unresolved and ensuring there will be more tales to share of the wild West.

[Hannah Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, full of history

Well written story, especially interesting for someone who grew up in the San Joaquin Valley. Interesting to hear about areas I am familiar with. The ending leaves you wanting the next book.