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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
What a thoroughly unexpected but wonderful story. I had watched the movie years ago and had basically forgotten the story. The writing was so unexpected that I didn't find myself trying to remember the movie (as usually happens when I accidentally watch a movie before reading the book!). The writing is basic and straightforward and a refreshing change from some those that try to be too clever with their language. Recommend to all ages, walks of life.
adventurous
A new gem! I've discovered so many this year!! One of the good things, I suppose, left in the wake of 2020's destruction.
Duuuuude this book is FUNNY. Like... lol-ed a few times. Dry funny. Subtle funny. But knee-slapping funny nonetheless. I've never read a book like this. Original, that cannot be argued. I'm wildly curious about the rest of Portis' writings, but am afraid I'll be disappointed. This was just... so damn good.
Duuuuude this book is FUNNY. Like... lol-ed a few times. Dry funny. Subtle funny. But knee-slapping funny nonetheless. I've never read a book like this. Original, that cannot be argued. I'm wildly curious about the rest of Portis' writings, but am afraid I'll be disappointed. This was just... so damn good.
Okay, another of those books that everyone likes but me. I had seen the first movie many, many years ago, so I already had a vague memory of the plot. For awhile I was rolling along, I thought Mattie was a good character and found a lot of the dialogue amusing. But after awhile my attention started to wander as she wore a bit thin and I became surprisingly bored as nothing much was happening. Then I would be snapped back into focus when suddenly something did and it was unpleasantly violent. And then throw in animals getting killed, and I was just very glad to see the last page.
52/102 - 1968 - True Grit by Charles Portis
Someone told me several years ago to read this book, and that person was right. Of course I loved this. I have a thing for well-written westerns (Lonesome Dove, No Country for Old Men, Giant), and this is definitely up with the best. I loved Maddie Ross. I loved the deadpan narration. I loved the climax. This will definitely be a book to reread some day.
Someone told me several years ago to read this book, and that person was right. Of course I loved this. I have a thing for well-written westerns (Lonesome Dove, No Country for Old Men, Giant), and this is definitely up with the best. I loved Maddie Ross. I loved the deadpan narration. I loved the climax. This will definitely be a book to reread some day.
This book completely flew under my radar until it was selected for my book club. It is the story of a 14 year-old girl named Mattie Ross who hires a mean spirited US Marshall to help her track down the man who killed her father. Mattie has a lot of spunk aka grit! Mattie is joined by Marshall Rooster Cogburn, but also a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf, who is also on the search for the same man. The three of them have multiple adventures and have to display "true grit" to succeed.
I enjoyed reading this book and am anxious now to watch both movie adaptations. I found it interesting as I did a little research after reading the book to learn that John Wayne earned an oscar for his role as Rooster Cogburn in the 1969 adaptation.
This book has caused me to reflect on reading in general. One of my dear friends absolutely loved this book. She discussed savoring it as she read and the joy she got from it. I realized that while I did like the book, I was more concerned about getting it read for book club. Lately I have felt so far in book debt with the number of books on my shelf to read and constant new titles being released. It is hard to remember to savor the book. I appreciate the reminder to slow down and enjoy what I'm reading.
I enjoyed reading this book and am anxious now to watch both movie adaptations. I found it interesting as I did a little research after reading the book to learn that John Wayne earned an oscar for his role as Rooster Cogburn in the 1969 adaptation.
This book has caused me to reflect on reading in general. One of my dear friends absolutely loved this book. She discussed savoring it as she read and the joy she got from it. I realized that while I did like the book, I was more concerned about getting it read for book club. Lately I have felt so far in book debt with the number of books on my shelf to read and constant new titles being released. It is hard to remember to savor the book. I appreciate the reminder to slow down and enjoy what I'm reading.
When you think of True Grit you probably think of the movie version(s). But True Grit was a book first and for a while it was very popular, read alongside authors such as Poe, Whitman in high school English. Reading it today I can see why it was considered a classic. This is a marvelous book. It features spare writing with elegant use of language and deadpan humor along with a compelling and classic story of adventure, betrayal and revenge. But most impressive are the characters. You only think you know them from the movie. Mattie Ross is most especially ill served by both the movies. In both she is pushed into the back ground by the larger than life Rooster Cogburn (though less so in the 2010 version). In the book she stands strong, front and center, full of the “true grit” promised by the title. She is a true heroine for the ages. Trust me, you don’t need to enjoy westerns to enjoy this book. You just need to read it. It’s that good.
Guys - if you have not read this book yet, consider it. Because Mattie Ross is a feminist hero for all time. She is independent, single-minded, and unintentionally hilarious.
You may have seen the movie(s), and I have seen the Cohen Bros version, which is a delightful take on this great story. It is wonderful to see these characters fully fleshed out and developed into flawed but lovable characters.
You may have seen the movie(s), and I have seen the Cohen Bros version, which is a delightful take on this great story. It is wonderful to see these characters fully fleshed out and developed into flawed but lovable characters.