Reviews

The Last Picture Show by Larry McMurtry

ajcohen21's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

emileegarrett's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

trin's review

3.0

McMurtry is a wonderful writer, and this book has a lot to recommend it, but I just can't get over the casually mentioned cow!sex. Casually mentioned sex-with-cows. Way to check to make sure we were paying attention!

p_gib94's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted sad 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

3.75

Larry never missed 

maxprovo's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

mbenzz's review against another edition

DNF at 42%...

While the story itself isn't bad, it was just way too dry for me, and it was taking forever for me to get through such a small book, so I decided to call it.

I went to the Wikipedia page and read how it ended, so I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I'll probably watch the movie at some point, but overall, it was just sad and depressing, and that's not what I'm looking to read on these beautiful summer days.

kcrouth's review against another edition

5.0

The Last Picture Show is a story about coming of age, of growing old, and of the end of an era. It is set in a tiny, fading Texas town, with a bit of "The Graduate" and "Deliverance" mixed in. This brilliantly told story showcases that special flavor of disfunction that is probably unique to mid-20th century small rural towns in the US. The characters are rich and realistic, and black and white issues are thoroughly blurred into a shade of gray that represents the dull life of the town (although there is NEVER a dull moment!). McMurtry's writing often reminded me of Steinbeck with the vivid storytelling and rich writing style. A great story, and a great film. Looking forward to reading the sequel by McMurtry - Texasville, also a film.

hitaltkey's review against another edition

3.0

Excellent writing, terrible content.

vitaminbillwebb's review against another edition

dark funny sad medium-paced

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

3.75

sgenheden's review against another edition

funny reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0