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Little Britches #7
The Dry Divide
4 July 1919 Nebraska. Ralph Moody "Bud" 20 is diabetic, down to last dime when put off a freight train. Three months later he owns 8 teams of horses and rigs. His girl Judy works alongside. On wheat and corn farm of bully Hudson, he pulls together Swedish brothers, drunk Doc, Spanish-speaking Paco, Irish "Jaiko Jack", Old Bill, into first-rate harvest crew.
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
29 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Ralph Moody
61 books194 followersRalph Moody was an American author who wrote 17 novels and autobiographies about the American West. He was born in East Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1898 but moved to Colorado with his family when he was eight in the hopes that a dry climate would improve his father Charles's tuberculosis. Moody detailed his experiences in Colorado in the first book of the Little Britches series, Father and I Were Ranchers.
After his father died, eleven-year-old Moody assumed the duties of the "man of the house." He and his sister Grace combined ingenuity with hard work in a variety of odd jobs to help their mother provide for their large family. The Moody clan returned to the East Coast some time after Charles's death, but Moody had difficulty readjusting. Following more than one ill-timed run-in with local law enforcement, he left the family home near Boston to live on his grandfather's farm in Maine. His later Little Britches books cover his time in Maine and subsequent travels through Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas—including stints as a bust sculptor and a horse rider doing "horse falls" for motion pictures—as he worked his way back toward Colorado while continuing to support his family financially.
Moody's formal education was limited, but he had a lifelong interest in learning and self-education. At age 50, he enrolled in a writing class, which eventually led to the publication of Father and I Were Ranchers. In addition to the Little Britches series, Moody wrote a number of books detailing the development of the American West. His books have been described as crude in the language of the times but are highly praised by Moody's readership and have been in continuous publication since 1950.
After a period as livestock business owner in rural Kansas, Moody sent to Massachusetts for his former sweetheart, Edna. They married and moved to Kansas City. They had three children.—Source
After his father died, eleven-year-old Moody assumed the duties of the "man of the house." He and his sister Grace combined ingenuity with hard work in a variety of odd jobs to help their mother provide for their large family. The Moody clan returned to the East Coast some time after Charles's death, but Moody had difficulty readjusting. Following more than one ill-timed run-in with local law enforcement, he left the family home near Boston to live on his grandfather's farm in Maine. His later Little Britches books cover his time in Maine and subsequent travels through Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas—including stints as a bust sculptor and a horse rider doing "horse falls" for motion pictures—as he worked his way back toward Colorado while continuing to support his family financially.
Moody's formal education was limited, but he had a lifelong interest in learning and self-education. At age 50, he enrolled in a writing class, which eventually led to the publication of Father and I Were Ranchers. In addition to the Little Britches series, Moody wrote a number of books detailing the development of the American West. His books have been described as crude in the language of the times but are highly praised by Moody's readership and have been in continuous publication since 1950.
After a period as livestock business owner in rural Kansas, Moody sent to Massachusetts for his former sweetheart, Edna. They married and moved to Kansas City. They had three children.—Source
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 7, 2022
Some great illustrations of the power of stewardship.
February 20, 2018
These autobiographical stories are wonderful. Moody was an industrious, hardworking young man. Because of this, he lived a full life. My husband and I have been enjoying these as a real treat.
January 11, 2017
Second Reading: January 2017
First Reading Oct 2014:
Much better than Nickel Bush. Solid. Interesting. Moral. Not as compelling as the first five books but still a very good example of entrepreneurial leadership.
First Reading Oct 2014:
Much better than Nickel Bush. Solid. Interesting. Moral. Not as compelling as the first five books but still a very good example of entrepreneurial leadership.
August 26, 2022
All of Ralph's books are intoxicating, especially since one knows the events they are reading about are not fictitious. But this one holds a special place in my life.
I was 20 years old, the same age as Ralph, when I read this book. The natural leadership that he asserted was respectful, the ingenuity he expressed was intriguing, but what really got to me was how much he accomplished with all his hard work
The occasional 13 hour day that I might work, did not compare to the 20 hour days, 7 days a week that he put in during harvest. The various physical activities that I performed did not measure up to the back breaking, skin rubbing, life risking work that he did. The problems that I encountered in my day to day were not at all like the major complications he had to work through.
Most of a man's life is spent working, and I've noticed that people like my dad, or older guys in the weld shop, seem to be able to just keep plugging along, day in day out with a smile on their face. The more that I work, the easier it seems to be to get through a day without time dragging on, just waiting for the next break. But this book was a big kick in the pants for me, the eagerness that it inspired to put away frivolity and focus on the work at hand, can not be replicated in self-help prose.
I was 20 years old, the same age as Ralph, when I read this book. The natural leadership that he asserted was respectful, the ingenuity he expressed was intriguing, but what really got to me was how much he accomplished with all his hard work
The occasional 13 hour day that I might work, did not compare to the 20 hour days, 7 days a week that he put in during harvest. The various physical activities that I performed did not measure up to the back breaking, skin rubbing, life risking work that he did. The problems that I encountered in my day to day were not at all like the major complications he had to work through.
Most of a man's life is spent working, and I've noticed that people like my dad, or older guys in the weld shop, seem to be able to just keep plugging along, day in day out with a smile on their face. The more that I work, the easier it seems to be to get through a day without time dragging on, just waiting for the next break. But this book was a big kick in the pants for me, the eagerness that it inspired to put away frivolity and focus on the work at hand, can not be replicated in self-help prose.
January 21, 2011
Another in the line of books by author Ralph Moody about his journey to manhood.
Ralph has so much honor and integrity that whatever he touches blooms. How many young men today we put themselves through hard difficulties to take care of a woman and children they don't even know. A main theme in this book is charity. Love can make the difference in so many ways. Another main theme displayed through Ralph is having an honest work ethic. If everyone worked the way that Ralph did in their respective spheres of influence this world would shine!
Ralph has so much honor and integrity that whatever he touches blooms. How many young men today we put themselves through hard difficulties to take care of a woman and children they don't even know. A main theme in this book is charity. Love can make the difference in so many ways. Another main theme displayed through Ralph is having an honest work ethic. If everyone worked the way that Ralph did in their respective spheres of influence this world would shine!
July 26, 2019
Ralph Moody tells stories from his life in such an engaging and enjoyable way. He manages to talk about himself in a way that doesn’t feel like he is a braggart. At the same time, surely everything wasn’t as rosy as these stories purport? It seems like ever difficulty is met with a solution, and Ralph is always the one to puzzle out the answer. Maybe he did all these things and maybe he didn’t. The truth is probably in the middle, but the books read more humbly than, say, Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography.
By the period in this book, Ralph is in his 20’s, and making his own way in the world. I truly enjoy the way he is such a hard worker, and the way he relishes innovating and problem solving. He is trying to earn a living, but he values loyalty and treats his people well. He has a keen eye and generous spirit. He understands human nature and animal behavior, and works with both to maximize potential. He also uses this understanding more shrewdly with less friendly humans, out to swindle or manipulate him.
I’m looking forward to the last book!
By the period in this book, Ralph is in his 20’s, and making his own way in the world. I truly enjoy the way he is such a hard worker, and the way he relishes innovating and problem solving. He is trying to earn a living, but he values loyalty and treats his people well. He has a keen eye and generous spirit. He understands human nature and animal behavior, and works with both to maximize potential. He also uses this understanding more shrewdly with less friendly humans, out to swindle or manipulate him.
I’m looking forward to the last book!
July 3, 2018
I like rags-to-riches stories but otherwise it was lame.
September 7, 2022
Squeezed this in on another road trip. Ralph is so business minded and I’m always impressed by how he becomes a leader and helps others.
February 10, 2008
With so many details about growing, harvesting, thrashing and transporting wheat I would think I wouldn't be interested. But I love to read about the good, honest and respectable Ralph Moody. The struggles of making a living in this early century are heartbreaking. Some families could barely eat. This book illustrates the power of the American spirit.
Sterling North said "Ralph Moody's books should be read aloud in every family circle in America."
The back cover: "Without preaching, The Dry Divide warmly illustrates the old-time virtues of hard work, ingenuity, and respect for others."
Sterling North said "Ralph Moody's books should be read aloud in every family circle in America."
The back cover: "Without preaching, The Dry Divide warmly illustrates the old-time virtues of hard work, ingenuity, and respect for others."
October 24, 2021
always on the alert for opportunities, honest dealing, living on a financial edge, distinguishing between wants & needs ...
The same flavor and style as the earlier books. Only a couple of brief references to the rest of his family. Here he proudly describes how, over just a couple of months, he went from penniless and starved to financially solid. Sounds like he was good with people and animals, AND he knew how to use his head.
An old saying that I'd never heard: "Telephone, telagraph, or tell a woman." (p 226)
40 acres = 1 sq mile
The same flavor and style as the earlier books. Only a couple of brief references to the rest of his family. Here he proudly describes how, over just a couple of months, he went from penniless and starved to financially solid. Sounds like he was good with people and animals, AND he knew how to use his head.
An old saying that I'd never heard: "Telephone, telagraph, or tell a woman." (p 226)
40 acres = 1 sq mile
November 4, 2024
SUCH A FUN BOOK ! The beginning was pretty rough but the ending was delightful. I love the language he uses, "trying to convince my horses the road through town wasn't the road to perdition" made me literally laugh out loud. I accidentally read this book before the last book of the series, and it sets it up quite well.
December 19, 2019
Now that's more like it. That's the man I expected Little Britches to grow up into.
I continue to enjoy Cameron Beierle's narration, too.
I continue to enjoy Cameron Beierle's narration, too.
November 13, 2011
For starters, this book is loads better than Shaking the Nickel Bush. Not that it would take much. Here we rejoin Ralph Moody (now going by 'Bud') sometime after he and Lonnie parted ways in Shaking the Nickel Bush. Lonnie is never mentioned here, and perhaps it's for the best. This time around, instead of discovering yet another new and random talent, Moody returns to previously established abilities. He takes a job working for a wheat farmer, and his work ethic and ingenuity enable him to overcome many seemingly insurmountable obstacles. If ever there were a man with the soul of an entrepreneur, Ralph Moody is that man.
He manages folks quite well, earning their respect and trust with his own dedication and honesty. His passion and optimism seem to infect others, though he is lucky enough to encounter extremely hard working, capable farm hands. Of course, he does his best to set them a good example, and Moody is undoubtedly skilled in assessing and making use of the skills of others.
The obnoxious and largely useless Lonnie is replaced by a would-be quack doctor (armed with his own powerful cure-all elixir and a nasty drinking habit) who is actually quite helpful when he's off the sauce. Moody handles him with skill, respect, and a bit of panache, and the Doc, far from being the low point in the story, is quite likable and entertaining.
Here, too, we see the first real seeds of romance blooming, as Moody encounters a pretty young girl with his sister's knack for helping him figure out how to manage his crazy and ambitious schemes. I have no idea if anything comes of it--their relationship is largely professional and quite innocent--but she seems to be an excellent match for the capable, hardworking, and innovative Moody.
Moody delves a bit deeply into the details of all the deals he made hauling wheat for various farmers, so the story's not quite as clean as some of the past entries in the series. Still, I prefer Moody when he's taking a poorly managed situation and turning it to the good, using his creativity, hard work, and horse-handling skills. As a result, I was more than willing to put up with the excessive descriptions of his bargaining prowess.
If you haven't read any of Moody's other autobiographical works, this book--the seventh in the series so far--is not the place to start. But if you've enjoyed Moody enough to make it this far in the series, you'll probably find this entry solid enough. It's no Man of the Family or Mary Emma and Company, but it's by no means a bad book.
He manages folks quite well, earning their respect and trust with his own dedication and honesty. His passion and optimism seem to infect others, though he is lucky enough to encounter extremely hard working, capable farm hands. Of course, he does his best to set them a good example, and Moody is undoubtedly skilled in assessing and making use of the skills of others.
The obnoxious and largely useless Lonnie is replaced by a would-be quack doctor (armed with his own powerful cure-all elixir and a nasty drinking habit) who is actually quite helpful when he's off the sauce. Moody handles him with skill, respect, and a bit of panache, and the Doc, far from being the low point in the story, is quite likable and entertaining.
Here, too, we see the first real seeds of romance blooming, as Moody encounters a pretty young girl with his sister's knack for helping him figure out how to manage his crazy and ambitious schemes. I have no idea if anything comes of it--their relationship is largely professional and quite innocent--but she seems to be an excellent match for the capable, hardworking, and innovative Moody.
Moody delves a bit deeply into the details of all the deals he made hauling wheat for various farmers, so the story's not quite as clean as some of the past entries in the series. Still, I prefer Moody when he's taking a poorly managed situation and turning it to the good, using his creativity, hard work, and horse-handling skills. As a result, I was more than willing to put up with the excessive descriptions of his bargaining prowess.
If you haven't read any of Moody's other autobiographical works, this book--the seventh in the series so far--is not the place to start. But if you've enjoyed Moody enough to make it this far in the series, you'll probably find this entry solid enough. It's no Man of the Family or Mary Emma and Company, but it's by no means a bad book.
February 25, 2017
Reader thoughts: Ralph continues to surprise me. I thought I wouldn't like the books about Ralph as he grew older, and he totally proved me wrong.
Penniless? Friendless? Not for long! Ralph becomes Bud, a farmer's hired hand, one of a small crew of mismatched individuals. He has to learn fast to keep his job . . . and his life.
Ralph's boss, the farmer, has a temper against all people and animals, and especially against Ralph when he tries to rescue some horses from the farmer's wrath. The whole farm is in debt and Ralph must find a way to rescue the farmer's wife and kids and animals (though the horses are old and ornery) before harvest is over or he'll be in bigger trouble than the farmer.
Writer thoughts: I can totally see how Ralph's earlier experiences (with his grandfather and working for other people) have prepared him to deal with this new set of problems. I don't know if Ralph emphasized the similarities between this boss and Ralph's grandfather on purpose for readers or if it just happened that way. Either way, it works as great foreshadowing. As I read this book, I keep fearing Ralph will lose his temper and lose everything. But he doesn't.
Penniless? Friendless? Not for long! Ralph becomes Bud, a farmer's hired hand, one of a small crew of mismatched individuals. He has to learn fast to keep his job . . . and his life.
Ralph's boss, the farmer, has a temper against all people and animals, and especially against Ralph when he tries to rescue some horses from the farmer's wrath. The whole farm is in debt and Ralph must find a way to rescue the farmer's wife and kids and animals (though the horses are old and ornery) before harvest is over or he'll be in bigger trouble than the farmer.
Writer thoughts: I can totally see how Ralph's earlier experiences (with his grandfather and working for other people) have prepared him to deal with this new set of problems. I don't know if Ralph emphasized the similarities between this boss and Ralph's grandfather on purpose for readers or if it just happened that way. Either way, it works as great foreshadowing. As I read this book, I keep fearing Ralph will lose his temper and lose everything. But he doesn't.
October 22, 2011
This one made me wonder some. Moody's so unwaveringly bright, so much more insightful than any other character in the book, so adept at every task he puts his hand to- he's a better loan officer than the banker, a better bookkeeper than the accountant, a better horseman than the rancher, a better milker than the dairymaid, and so on. It got somewhat monotonous, listening to this 20-year-old kid teach everyone else their business.
I understand that he's using his life to illuminate the wonders and rewards of hard work and sheer grit. I get it. I just don't know that I believe it all, especially since a little research shows that he didn't write this series till he was well into his 50s. I suspect a little bit of euphoric recall crept in after he married a woman who wouldn't allow him to do any ranching at all.
Still an interesting historical perspective, but not my favorite.
I understand that he's using his life to illuminate the wonders and rewards of hard work and sheer grit. I get it. I just don't know that I believe it all, especially since a little research shows that he didn't write this series till he was well into his 50s. I suspect a little bit of euphoric recall crept in after he married a woman who wouldn't allow him to do any ranching at all.
Still an interesting historical perspective, but not my favorite.
October 26, 2016
As always--superb! The lesson in this story is how to see a need and be able to turn it into a thriving business idea. We can all learn from the way he treats his hodge podge bunch of farm hands--making them feel important and invaluable. I really think every family would enjoy listening to this entire series. I'm sad it's almost over for us!
July 14, 2017
The Ralph Moody saga continues; he has a real genius for surviving...and does it with a really creative ingenuity. I enjoyed it more because my family comes from just south of the towns he mentions in southwest Nebraska and northwest Kansas.
August 18, 2021
3.5 stars. This one wasn't quite as compelling as several of the others but it was still well-written. Ralph arrives in Nebraska with only a dime to his name, but months later owns several teams of horses and wagons and has made a name for himself in the area.
Ralph astonishes me in every book in this series with his incredible work ethic, ingenuity, and problem solving skills. Here, he turns a bad situation, working as a day laborer for a dishonest, angry, abusive farmer (who ends up dying at that), into a profitable endeavor. Ralph comes up with a business plan, and aided by the crew he was hired with, saves the wheat crop for the farmer's widow. I loved how dedicated and helpful Judy (the widow's sister) is to Ralph and company. She's truly the backbone of the crew. Hopefully Ralph realizes her for the keeper she is.
The worst aspect of the book is the descriptions of the equipment, wheat farming, and hauling processes. These terms and processes were foreign to me and I often had a hard time visualizing what was happening... and there are some lengthy sections of this.
"When I was a little kid I used to wish I could talk to horses and they to me, but I think it's better just as it is, for among people it's talking more than anything else that breaks friendships and causes misunderstandings."
"The painting wasn't exactly professional looking, but a lot better than I would have expected of two girls, one of them barely an eight-year-old, and Michelangelo couldn't have been more proud of his masterpiece than they were of theirs."
Ralph astonishes me in every book in this series with his incredible work ethic, ingenuity, and problem solving skills. Here, he turns a bad situation, working as a day laborer for a dishonest, angry, abusive farmer (who ends up dying at that), into a profitable endeavor. Ralph comes up with a business plan, and aided by the crew he was hired with, saves the wheat crop for the farmer's widow. I loved how dedicated and helpful Judy (the widow's sister) is to Ralph and company. She's truly the backbone of the crew. Hopefully Ralph realizes her for the keeper she is.
The worst aspect of the book is the descriptions of the equipment, wheat farming, and hauling processes. These terms and processes were foreign to me and I often had a hard time visualizing what was happening... and there are some lengthy sections of this.
"When I was a little kid I used to wish I could talk to horses and they to me, but I think it's better just as it is, for among people it's talking more than anything else that breaks friendships and causes misunderstandings."
"The painting wasn't exactly professional looking, but a lot better than I would have expected of two girls, one of them barely an eight-year-old, and Michelangelo couldn't have been more proud of his masterpiece than they were of theirs."
June 26, 2019
It has been a long time since I've read a book in one day. But as the start of the day found me sick, I decided that instead of pushing myself and prolonging my recovery, I'd rest with plenty of fluids on hand and a good book to keep me entertained.
And this was a good book! Ralph Moody's ability to tell the story of his remarkable life gave me a deeper appreciation for life in the "west" in the early 1900's. Ralph was truly blessed with a wisdom beyond his years and had an incredible knack of making the most out of every situation, no matter how low he got, he never let himself succumb to giving up and always found a way to move forward in to a better place.
And this was a good book! Ralph Moody's ability to tell the story of his remarkable life gave me a deeper appreciation for life in the "west" in the early 1900's. Ralph was truly blessed with a wisdom beyond his years and had an incredible knack of making the most out of every situation, no matter how low he got, he never let himself succumb to giving up and always found a way to move forward in to a better place.
May 15, 2020
Another delightful and inspiring episode from Ralph’s life. I am attracted by the setting of this one, being so close to both my parents’ family farms; but, as always, it is Ralph himself who draws me in and makes me, like his ragtag crew, love him and his story even more. Yet again, Ralph takes the circumstances life hands to him and makes of them a better opportunity, not only for himself but also for his associates.
With only one book left in the Little Britches saga, my sadness draws near as does the series’ end, but solace returns in knowing Ralph’s story will live on in my heart and in my hands as I read it time and again.
With only one book left in the Little Britches saga, my sadness draws near as does the series’ end, but solace returns in knowing Ralph’s story will live on in my heart and in my hands as I read it time and again.
June 5, 2021
I’m so spoiled by beautiful cover art these days, I have a hard time with ones like this 👎🏼😂
This is book 7 in the autobiographical Little Britches series. I haven’t read any of the others, and it stands well on its own. This reads a lot like a journal, cataloging the summer and fall of 1919 when Moody goes from having one dime in his pocket, to owning a wheat farming business as well as a cattle trading business in a matter of a few months.
I can’t help but feel like Moody embellished several areas of the story, but it’s pretty entertaining either way.
This is book 7 in the autobiographical Little Britches series. I haven’t read any of the others, and it stands well on its own. This reads a lot like a journal, cataloging the summer and fall of 1919 when Moody goes from having one dime in his pocket, to owning a wheat farming business as well as a cattle trading business in a matter of a few months.
I can’t help but feel like Moody embellished several areas of the story, but it’s pretty entertaining either way.
August 11, 2024
With only one dime to his name, Ralph Moody tries to smuggle aboard a mail train, planning to get work in Littleton, Colorado, where he knows he has friends. But he gets tossed off in McCook, Nebraska, and the only job he can find is as a stacker for the meanest wheat farmer between Kansas it Nebraska. Cruel to his horses and his family, the farmer and Ralph take an immediate dislike to each other. Ralph's compassion, perseverance, and intelligence help him and the people he cares about turn their luck. Moody, at only twenty, has never been the boss of anything, yet were honesty and willingness to work just as hard as any of the people under him earn him their respect and loyalty. About the only thing wrong with this book is knowing there's only one more after it in this terrific series.
June 9, 2021
For me, living in the vicinity of this book was a very fun read just thinking back on how it was around here. What was neat but kind of sad in a way, many of these characters would fit right in to today’s world. Dead beat dads, hard workers who can’t stay of the liquor, laborers trying to scratch out a living, farmers beholden to bankers, property owners that actually live in larger cities like KC and Denver.
July 26, 2025
The best book in the Little Britches series since The Fields of Home. Ralph is still kind of suspiciously omnicompetent, but he puts his talents to good use for a likeable group of people in this book, and it isn't all undone at the end.
March 31, 2020
5* I loved this fascinating man-against-the-odds story of wheat harvest in Kansas, 1919. Ralph's energy and commitment to hard work is amazing, as is his business sense. His deals with the banker made me laugh! As a wheat farmer myself (nothing beats a fun harvest season) the comparisons were many and that's why I loved The Dry Divide.
September 20, 2023
Ralph has only a dime to his name and hires on to a farmer who is cruel and abusive to his horses. When a horse kills the farmer, Ralph takes over managing the farm. He also starts a grain hauling business and does quite well for himself. He, his girlfriend, Judy, and their crew have reason to celebrate.
November 8, 2023
If Ralphie has 50 bushels of grain and leaves town at 10 o’clock and travels 10 miles how long will it take him to get there and if that grain sells for a dollar a bushel and a horses cost….
I love these series, but this book is a math word problem. I liked it but it did spend a lot of time talking through Ralph’s calculations to make profit.
The guy knew how to make money that’s for sure.
I love these series, but this book is a math word problem. I liked it but it did spend a lot of time talking through Ralph’s calculations to make profit.
The guy knew how to make money that’s for sure.
December 23, 2023
It was nice to see that Ralph recovered from the crazy events in the last novel, altho not without more trial! With characteristic hard work and intelligence, he made something out of nothing, made a team out of misfits and returned to the high standards of his parents to make success for himself and others.
May 9, 2025
Ralph is grown up now and off on his own. He had quite a colorful adulthood as well as childhood, including horse riding and falling stunts for early motion pictures! I felt bad that despite all his enterprise and hard work, he seems to have had many hard breaks and bad partners who ended up making his life harder.
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March 20, 2021My summary of The Dry Divide
If you would like to read this book you should really read the others that are in the series first. The Dry Divide is a really good book once you get past the first part of it and a little sad at the end bit all and all I liked it.
If you would like to read this book you should really read the others that are in the series first. The Dry Divide is a really good book once you get past the first part of it and a little sad at the end bit all and all I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews