What do you think?
Rate this book
Mac's Way #1
Mac's Way
Raised in poverty in Missouri, Mac is determined to find a better life for himself and the girl who is still a vague vision in his mind. Work on the Santa Fe Trail, and on a Mississippi River boat give him a start, but the years of Civil War leave him broke and footloose in South Texas. There he discovers more cattle running loose than he ever knew existed. Teaming up with two ex-Federal soldiers, he sets out to gather his wealth, one head at a time. While gathering and driving Longhorns, Mac and his friends meet an interesting collection of characters, including Margo. Mac and Margo and the crew learn about Longhorns, and life, from hard experience before they eventually head west. Outlaws and harrowing river crossings are just two of the challenges they face along their way.
- GenresWesterns
262 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
585 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Reg Quist
27 books15 followersReg Quist’s pioneer heritage includes sod shacks, prairie fires, home births, and children’s graves under the prairie sod, all working together in the lives of people creating their own space in a new land.
Out of that early generation came farmers, ranchers, business men and women, builders, military graves in faraway lands, Sunday Schools that grew to become churches, plus story tellers, musicians, and much more.
Hard work and self-reliance were the hallmark of those previous great generations, attributes that were absorbed by the following generation.
Quist’s career choice took him into the construction world. From heavy industrial work, to construction camps in the remote northern bush, the author emulated his grandfathers, who were both builders, as well as pioneer farmers and ranchers.
It is with deep thankfulness that Quist says, “I am a part of the first generation to truly enjoy the benefits of the labors of the pioneers. My parents and their parents worked incredibly hard, and it is well for us to remember”.
Quist’s heart was never far from the land. The family photo albums testify to how often he found himself sitting on a horse, both as a child and into later life, when he and his wife owned their own small farm, complete with kids and horses.
Respect for the pioneers, working alongside skilled, tough workmen, and learning from them, marrying his high school sweetheart and welcoming children into the world, purchasing land for the family to grow on, and riding horses with the kids, all melded together to influence Quist’s life and writing. Over, and under, and wrapped around his life is Quist’s Christian heritage. This too, shows itself in his writing.
Quist’s writing career was late in pushing itself forward, remaining a hobby while family and career took precedence. Only in early retirement, was there time for more serious writing.
Quist’s writing interests lie in many genres including children’s work, short lifestyle stories, cowboy poetry, western novels, plus Christian articles and novels.
Woven through every story is the thought that, even though he was not there himself in that pioneer time, he knew some that were. They are remembered with great respect.
Out of that early generation came farmers, ranchers, business men and women, builders, military graves in faraway lands, Sunday Schools that grew to become churches, plus story tellers, musicians, and much more.
Hard work and self-reliance were the hallmark of those previous great generations, attributes that were absorbed by the following generation.
Quist’s career choice took him into the construction world. From heavy industrial work, to construction camps in the remote northern bush, the author emulated his grandfathers, who were both builders, as well as pioneer farmers and ranchers.
It is with deep thankfulness that Quist says, “I am a part of the first generation to truly enjoy the benefits of the labors of the pioneers. My parents and their parents worked incredibly hard, and it is well for us to remember”.
Quist’s heart was never far from the land. The family photo albums testify to how often he found himself sitting on a horse, both as a child and into later life, when he and his wife owned their own small farm, complete with kids and horses.
Respect for the pioneers, working alongside skilled, tough workmen, and learning from them, marrying his high school sweetheart and welcoming children into the world, purchasing land for the family to grow on, and riding horses with the kids, all melded together to influence Quist’s life and writing. Over, and under, and wrapped around his life is Quist’s Christian heritage. This too, shows itself in his writing.
Quist’s writing career was late in pushing itself forward, remaining a hobby while family and career took precedence. Only in early retirement, was there time for more serious writing.
Quist’s writing interests lie in many genres including children’s work, short lifestyle stories, cowboy poetry, western novels, plus Christian articles and novels.
Woven through every story is the thought that, even though he was not there himself in that pioneer time, he knew some that were. They are remembered with great respect.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 7, 2018
Like many of the other books I reviewed for this author, this is a historical fiction Western. Because of the author's background and family history, and the family lore he grew up with, much of what he writes is authentic and true to history. His books are a great read for their historical content. They are clean but realistic in their form. His stories do not focus on sensational events, crooked people or gore.
In this story we meet Mac. His actual name is Walker Samuel McTavish, born and raised on a small Missouri farm before the War Between the States. He was the eldest son of a hard-working family. Frustrated with his life and seeing nothing profitable in his future he set out to make something of himself. He experienced the life of a mule driver for a freight company which took him all over the country. He was involved in the Civil War. After the war, he worked with other men in Texas to drive cattle to northern markets for cash. This book is filled with his adventures on some of those drives.
What I liked best in this particular book is the character development of Mac, as he was called during the war. His character was forged through tough times, making him a man I would be proud to call my ancestor. Through these rough times, he gained leadership abilities, gathered around him lifetime friendships and loyalty, and lead them straight on to success.
In the end, it was fitting that he found not only a piece of land to call his own, but had collected his own herd, a large group of friends, including his family members and leads them to a fertile valley out West with enough land for them to spread out and begin their own lives over. Of this author's books, this one is my favorite so far.
In this story we meet Mac. His actual name is Walker Samuel McTavish, born and raised on a small Missouri farm before the War Between the States. He was the eldest son of a hard-working family. Frustrated with his life and seeing nothing profitable in his future he set out to make something of himself. He experienced the life of a mule driver for a freight company which took him all over the country. He was involved in the Civil War. After the war, he worked with other men in Texas to drive cattle to northern markets for cash. This book is filled with his adventures on some of those drives.
What I liked best in this particular book is the character development of Mac, as he was called during the war. His character was forged through tough times, making him a man I would be proud to call my ancestor. Through these rough times, he gained leadership abilities, gathered around him lifetime friendships and loyalty, and lead them straight on to success.
In the end, it was fitting that he found not only a piece of land to call his own, but had collected his own herd, a large group of friends, including his family members and leads them to a fertile valley out West with enough land for them to spread out and begin their own lives over. Of this author's books, this one is my favorite so far.
July 4, 2018
MAC’S WAY by Reg Quist follows the life of Walker Samuel (“Mac”) McTavish from the time he leaves his Missouri farm, becomes a teamster, Riverboat engineer, and Civil War soldier. Unfortunately, all these years take up maybe the first third of the book, which means it is covered as summary.
The rest of the book tells about how Mac and friends he makes along the way decide to go into the cattle business in Texas following the Civil War at the start of the cattle drive era. Quist includes greater detail in this part. While the story is interesting and the characters are plausible, hard-core westerns fans will find this familiar territory.
Also familiar is how Mac along the way finds the woman he is going to marry. One could almost predict this development from the first time she is introduced.
A positive note is how Quist incorporates the Christian beliefs of several of the characters into the story in a believable way. One of the characters – a Civil War veteran – shows signs of emotional instability in that after the war he can kill without remorse. This was a potentially valuable story line to follow, but was dropped almost before it started.
Even though MAC’S WAY plows a familiar field, it is still an enjoyable and leisurely read.
The rest of the book tells about how Mac and friends he makes along the way decide to go into the cattle business in Texas following the Civil War at the start of the cattle drive era. Quist includes greater detail in this part. While the story is interesting and the characters are plausible, hard-core westerns fans will find this familiar territory.
Also familiar is how Mac along the way finds the woman he is going to marry. One could almost predict this development from the first time she is introduced.
A positive note is how Quist incorporates the Christian beliefs of several of the characters into the story in a believable way. One of the characters – a Civil War veteran – shows signs of emotional instability in that after the war he can kill without remorse. This was a potentially valuable story line to follow, but was dropped almost before it started.
Even though MAC’S WAY plows a familiar field, it is still an enjoyable and leisurely read.
July 3, 2018
I wasn't sure the direction this story was taking at first, but it certainly became one of the most rewarding wIth ever had the opportunity to read. To my recollection, this is the first story I have read authored by Mr. Quist, but it certainly won't be the last.
Certainly a five star masterpiece and I am definitely impressed with the author's exceptional knowledge of his extraordinary storylines and characters selection. Too, this is definitely a heartwarming and family-friendly series of events. This is what I depicted the old western folklore was about.
The more I read the more intense the atmosphere of the family life became. I was impressed more than once with the
outstanding camaraderie between the four main characters throughout the entire story.
I can, without hesitation, recommend this book to those who enjoy heartwarming and family-friendly episodes of our real old fashioned folklore. Tears may flow and your heartstrings might tighten, but keep the course and read on, as you will enjoy everything in the end.😂
Certainly a five star masterpiece and I am definitely impressed with the author's exceptional knowledge of his extraordinary storylines and characters selection. Too, this is definitely a heartwarming and family-friendly series of events. This is what I depicted the old western folklore was about.
The more I read the more intense the atmosphere of the family life became. I was impressed more than once with the
outstanding camaraderie between the four main characters throughout the entire story.
I can, without hesitation, recommend this book to those who enjoy heartwarming and family-friendly episodes of our real old fashioned folklore. Tears may flow and your heartstrings might tighten, but keep the course and read on, as you will enjoy everything in the end.😂
March 24, 2023
Doggone Good
I saw the words "Christian Western" and just had to read the books by Mr. Quist. I made an excellent choice.
I don't need a bunch of cursing or vulgarity to enjoy a story well told, and his stories are very well told. Adding a technical not, the stories are well edited. No misspelled words, no misplaced predicates, etc.
This story of a young man leaving a hard scabble farm, living in poverty, who is determined to change that. He finds it is often easier to dream that to accomplish hard goals, but he gets it done.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. If you are a western enthusiast, you can see some similarities to older Western writers. You choose which one.
Mr. Quist, your website needs updating. "duck.com" Is a valid domain. I tried to join your group, and your website said otherwise. I'll try again in a few weeks
I saw the words "Christian Western" and just had to read the books by Mr. Quist. I made an excellent choice.
I don't need a bunch of cursing or vulgarity to enjoy a story well told, and his stories are very well told. Adding a technical not, the stories are well edited. No misspelled words, no misplaced predicates, etc.
This story of a young man leaving a hard scabble farm, living in poverty, who is determined to change that. He finds it is often easier to dream that to accomplish hard goals, but he gets it done.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. If you are a western enthusiast, you can see some similarities to older Western writers. You choose which one.
Mr. Quist, your website needs updating. "duck.com" Is a valid domain. I tried to join your group, and your website said otherwise. I'll try again in a few weeks
July 12, 2020
Mac is only 15 when he leaves his Missouri home. His family are poor farmers and he figured they didn't need another mouth to feed. He heads west, looking for land where he can start ranching. Maybe find a woman to share his dream with him. Dreams need money to become reality, so he hires on as a teamster and also does a stint with the Confederate army. With the war effort over, he teams up with a couple blue coats who look as run down as him. Their plan is to roust out some unbranded Texas Longhorns and head them north to the rails, although they have no idea where that is. Good story, no profanity.
December 30, 2017
An After the Civil War Western/Veterans/Cattle/Outlaws/ New Country
RQ has written a western novel about a young Confederate soldier who befriends two Union soldiers. The three headed to Texas to start the first of many trail drives north. They are attacked by the same plunder group 4 times. The third trail drive ended at the Sangre Dr Ctisto Mountains in southern Colorado. The families after many trials and tribulations are finally home. This is an excellent read for the western genre.....ER
RQ has written a western novel about a young Confederate soldier who befriends two Union soldiers. The three headed to Texas to start the first of many trail drives north. They are attacked by the same plunder group 4 times. The third trail drive ended at the Sangre Dr Ctisto Mountains in southern Colorado. The families after many trials and tribulations are finally home. This is an excellent read for the western genre.....ER
January 11, 2018
FINDING HIS OWN
These different families and friends all had the dreams of land ownership. They all sacrificed to make this journey to land they've never seen. Their faith following the words of a mountain man, who knew of that valley, who lived with the tribe, and who married into the tribe. He also had a man child from this union, but his wife left him.
Everyone ENJOY these adventures of a young eighteen year old young man's journey to fulfil his dream of seeing the rest of this country..
These different families and friends all had the dreams of land ownership. They all sacrificed to make this journey to land they've never seen. Their faith following the words of a mountain man, who knew of that valley, who lived with the tribe, and who married into the tribe. He also had a man child from this union, but his wife left him.
Everyone ENJOY these adventures of a young eighteen year old young man's journey to fulfil his dream of seeing the rest of this country..
May 21, 2020
Another great Western by Reg Quist
Really enjoyed this western by Reg Quist. This book takes place post civil war. It mainly told about fictional cattle drives across many states. The cattle were gathered from during the civil war when cattle were just turned lose to roam. A lot of the cattle were sold to the forts to feed the Indians, that had been gathered up and placed on the reservations. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Really enjoyed this western by Reg Quist. This book takes place post civil war. It mainly told about fictional cattle drives across many states. The cattle were gathered from during the civil war when cattle were just turned lose to roam. A lot of the cattle were sold to the forts to feed the Indians, that had been gathered up and placed on the reservations. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 22, 2023
A Seriously Good Book
This book was fun to read, beginning to end. Any time I shed a few tears at the end of the book I know how much I enjoyed it. Well written, great characters. I’m anxious to read the next two books in the series.
I have read hundreds and hundreds of books. This man is a good writer. I guess I should have said this author is a good writer. I’m not sure it’s a man but in any event it was really good reading.
This book was fun to read, beginning to end. Any time I shed a few tears at the end of the book I know how much I enjoyed it. Well written, great characters. I’m anxious to read the next two books in the series.
I have read hundreds and hundreds of books. This man is a good writer. I guess I should have said this author is a good writer. I’m not sure it’s a man but in any event it was really good reading.
January 11, 2018
Solid Old West Story
Reg doesn't hesitate to write about the difficulties and sorrows that were part of the Westward movement. His heroes are dependable hard-working men.
No super hero cowboys or super villains, just the hard working decent men and women plus the nasty humans they must deal with.
Reg doesn't hesitate to write about the difficulties and sorrows that were part of the Westward movement. His heroes are dependable hard-working men.
No super hero cowboys or super villains, just the hard working decent men and women plus the nasty humans they must deal with.
February 12, 2018
A great read, harkens back to my days of reading the "Cowboy" Westerns of the 60's. Hopefully the author has more books planned that follow the family's migrations.
Reminds me of Louis L'Amore's great westerns. Easy reads and very affordable.
I'm still awaiting for someone to tackle something like "Lonesome Dove" which to me is the all-time classic.
To bad Michener has passed .
Reminds me of Louis L'Amore's great westerns. Easy reads and very affordable.
I'm still awaiting for someone to tackle something like "Lonesome Dove" which to me is the all-time classic.
To bad Michener has passed .
November 19, 2022
well written story
Mac is a bit of a sober, serious hard-working young man. Margo is a bit of a snot or brat but I do like their story. We all have to grow up and begin to see life and the importance of others. Some have to open up (Mac) and some have to tone it down a bit (Margo). I look forward to their story as well as the other family members.
Mac is a bit of a sober, serious hard-working young man. Margo is a bit of a snot or brat but I do like their story. We all have to grow up and begin to see life and the importance of others. Some have to open up (Mac) and some have to tone it down a bit (Margo). I look forward to their story as well as the other family members.
January 22, 2018
A book of fiction that has a consistent ring of truth.
I really enjoy a well written western and I especially enjoy such a book that has a ring of truth and this book has both with believable characters. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I really enjoy a well written western and I especially enjoy such a book that has a ring of truth and this book has both with believable characters. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
February 24, 2018
Classic western
This is such a good classic western story that really portrays some of the struggles and hardships and sacrifices made and endured in the wild west. It shows the partnerships that were grown in the face of these obstacles. Enjoyable read.
This is such a good classic western story that really portrays some of the struggles and hardships and sacrifices made and endured in the wild west. It shows the partnerships that were grown in the face of these obstacles. Enjoyable read.
March 9, 2018
Interesting novel
I have enjoyed reading about the early settlers. Mac's Way held my interest from first page to last. I usually read just to fall asleep at bedtime but this book held my attention.
I have enjoyed reading about the early settlers. Mac's Way held my interest from first page to last. I usually read just to fall asleep at bedtime but this book held my attention.
March 11, 2018
5 stars?
I don’t give many 5 stars but, this one makes the short list. It Western for sure but with only enough violence to be a western and lot more love than sex. I like the whole package.
I don’t give many 5 stars but, this one makes the short list. It Western for sure but with only enough violence to be a western and lot more love than sex. I like the whole package.
April 8, 2018
50/50
The first half of the book was great to read found it very interesting and enjoyed it. the second half I felt like it lacks something and got kind of boring and a little predictable.
The first half of the book was great to read found it very interesting and enjoyed it. the second half I felt like it lacks something and got kind of boring and a little predictable.
April 8, 2018
A stirring tale of western settlement
The author correctly portrayed the hard and dangerous work coupled with strong moral values that led to success for the settlers not white privilege.
The author correctly portrayed the hard and dangerous work coupled with strong moral values that led to success for the settlers not white privilege.
July 19, 2018
Very interesting
I reAlly enjoyed this book. I like reading westerners more than any other book. I like the traveling with the herds, the knowing they were green at it, made it more interesting. I like the fact they were christians. Thank you.
I reAlly enjoyed this book. I like reading westerners more than any other book. I like the traveling with the herds, the knowing they were green at it, made it more interesting. I like the fact they were christians. Thank you.
July 11, 2019
Dream come true
Great story of Walker born of poverty but looking for a better life in the West. Story that told of his challenges in life and meeting the right long of men and folks to share his dream.
Great story of Walker born of poverty but looking for a better life in the West. Story that told of his challenges in life and meeting the right long of men and folks to share his dream.
August 6, 2020
Good western!
Decent story, good characters. Mac's difficulty with women is not strange to me. Until I married, I was sure that there was something about me that attracted women to other men.
Decent story, good characters. Mac's difficulty with women is not strange to me. Until I married, I was sure that there was something about me that attracted women to other men.
November 1, 2020
Just loved iy
A great story following Asked a cats ish SD HD adventures his way through life.hr survived the Civil Ear band joins upright rolls combatants to live s great western dream of success,finding love and sorrow along the way.Very enjoyable reading!
A great story following Asked a cats ish SD HD adventures his way through life.hr survived the Civil Ear band joins upright rolls combatants to live s great western dream of success,finding love and sorrow along the way.Very enjoyable reading!
June 28, 2021
Mac is a honest to goodness hard working man
Completely enjoyed the story, a good western doesn't need to be full of murder. Sometimes a good guy gets a break and gets to realise his dreams.
Completely enjoyed the story, a good western doesn't need to be full of murder. Sometimes a good guy gets a break and gets to realise his dreams.
October 14, 2022
Another winner Mr. Quist
This bok is compelling, with a great story and extremely well built characters. I started this morning and was not able to put it down. Another winner Mr. Quist
s compelling
This bok is compelling, with a great story and extremely well built characters. I started this morning and was not able to put it down. Another winner Mr. Quist
s compelling
December 28, 2017
Mac's Way
This is a good read. The story is a good basic western with enough sidelines to make it interesting for all.
This is a good read. The story is a good basic western with enough sidelines to make it interesting for all.
January 8, 2018
Excellent read
This is true western adventure. Well written and full of great characters. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great western.
This is true western adventure. Well written and full of great characters. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great western.
January 21, 2018
.
I love this author . Looking forward to the other books on Amazon , even the one that is not a western .
I love this author . Looking forward to the other books on Amazon , even the one that is not a western .
January 31, 2018
Better than expected
Hope you enjoy the book, I did. Not as predictable as most. Nice twists. A follow up series would be nice.
Hope you enjoy the book, I did. Not as predictable as most. Nice twists. A follow up series would be nice.
March 11, 2018
OK read
Ok read
The book was a little long. I like a little more action in my western books. This book has very little action
Ok read
The book was a little long. I like a little more action in my western books. This book has very little action
March 20, 2018
Good story
Good clean and well written book I do love reading this author's stories I highly recommend any quist novels. Exciting and clean
Good clean and well written book I do love reading this author's stories I highly recommend any quist novels. Exciting and clean
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews