Beyond the Cottonwood Trees

In this second installment of his humorous and heartfelt memoir, Herb Bryce leaves the cottonwood trees of his youth behind to begin a new adventure. No longer a child, he discovers the beauty and hardships of adulthood.

As he bids high school farewell, Herb revels in a carefree summer. He then experiences the joys of being a young man in college, from football scholarships to falling in love. When Herb is drafted into the Korean War, however, he must join the Navy to fulfill his duty—and grow up in the process. During this time, Herb meets and begins a family with Joyce, with whom he has five children. They eventually settle in the Pacific Northwest where, for many years, Herb lives the all-American dream. But that’s not where his story ends.

Though their life seems perfect, Herb and Joyce must reckon with a failing marriage that eventually cracks. Untethered once again, Herb is thrust into the bachelor lifestyle. He discovers a whole new world: women’s liberation and the civil rights movement are in full swing, Herb has long ago left behind his religious lifestyle, and social mores have drastically changed. Then enters Gloria, a free and independent spirit with a big heart. Together they take on the world and follow their dreams.

Filled with love, laughs, and tears, Herb’s story is a nostalgic look at an era of great change and upheaval. Beyond the Cottonwood Trees is both a reflection on and an adventure through this silly little thing called life.