Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
One of my favorite movies, and now one of my favorite books. The adaptation is very faithful. McMurtry’s writing is immediately involving and his characters so vividly drawn.
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Beautiful, heartbreaking and wise. A story about the stupidity, blindness and occasional strength of men, the brilliance and heart of women and the few people who have enough bravery and insight to call that out of each other and themselves. This is a story where everyone falls short every time. The things that need to be said are never said, the happy endings never come. The deaths have no meaning. It is a book that is real and true and beautiful. It will break your goddamn heart. Everyone should read it.
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.75/ I've always wanted to see Bogdanovich (and Platt's) film, so decided to read the novel first. McMurtry is a master of language and dialogue -- a true literary treasure here. You can feel the ideals and touchstones of Mid-Century America slipping away as the pages turn by. McMurtry captures the permanent nostalgia so often found in small towns and explores the way it asphyxiates so many. Looking forward to reading more from McMurtry.
Doesn’t hold up well. Characters insufferable. Very fucking weird. No clue how people enjoyed it
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It would feel unjust to judge this book by the content of a few scenes (really just one in particular) without taking into account when it was written.
To me it comes across as a Burroughs adjacent critique or satire on the religious purity culture of America that was beginning to be confronted by the openly sexual movements of the 60’s. Pointing an understanding, but mocking finger at the generation appalled by free love and “sinfulness” they were seeing, while having desired or are doing the same things they hypocritically condemn.
I’m sure others can put it better than me or have reasons I am completely off base, but much of this feels like a window into small town southern culture that still exists mostly the same today.
To me it comes across as a Burroughs adjacent critique or satire on the religious purity culture of America that was beginning to be confronted by the openly sexual movements of the 60’s. Pointing an understanding, but mocking finger at the generation appalled by free love and “sinfulness” they were seeing, while having desired or are doing the same things they hypocritically condemn.
I’m sure others can put it better than me or have reasons I am completely off base, but much of this feels like a window into small town southern culture that still exists mostly the same today.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes