Reviews

Shane: The Critical Edition by Jack Schaefer

dotreadsbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I listened to this as a part of the Third Thursday Book Club. I don’t usually read westerns but this was great. I most enjoyed the spotlight on manhood.

takumo_n's review against another edition

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4.0

A quintessential western about a stranger with a past and deep scars that start working for a farmer and his family, in his ranch. And while trouble starts coming in he takes the chance to repay them, and retribute himself for his past. Very nice stuff.

"A man is what he is, Bob, and there's no breaking the mold. I tried that and I've lost. But I reckon it was in the cards from the moment I saw a freckled kid on a rail up the road there and a real man behind him, the kind that could back him for the chance another kid never had"

cacti_water_petal's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this for a college ethics course. We needed to focus on tow characters in this story and the biographies of them.

I rated this three stars because I am not super into western novels but the story was wholesome. I did like that Shane tried to help raise a family's boy by being a role model to follow. He did do somethings that were not the best but maybe the intentions could have been considered okay. The story did run kind of slow at the beginning and it did pick up at the very end.

I did end up reading this in only two days which is not my usual for any book and especially for a western novel.

electra_one's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

the book that gave western its name 

woody1881's review against another edition

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4.0

Every fan of westerns, as well as anyone exploring the genre, should read "Shane" and "Monte Walsh". If you have not read them you will kick yourself for waiting.

da403's review against another edition

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5.0

I read this book mega years ago. Enjoyed it then & still remember it today. Not too many books remain memorable. Sign of good writing in my books (pardon the pun).

melissa_cr's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

infinitebatmans's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

No other rating would be right for this classic.

marysasala's review against another edition

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5.0

The best western I’ve read. Not that I’m an aficionado in them. But man did I love this book.

meganhogle's review against another edition

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2.0

Mildly entertaining with the Western backdrop. Characters were completely colorless; the ring leader in blandness, for me, being the novel's namesake.