4.15
"True Grit" by Charles Portis is a classic Western novel that tells the story of Mattie Ross, a 14-year-old girl who seeks revenge for her father's murder. The novel, published in 1968, is a tale of adventure, courage, and determination as Mattie hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, Rooster Cogburn, to help her track down the killer, Tom Chaney. Portis' writing style is unique, with Mattie's first-person narrative providing a distinctive voice that is both humorous and insightful. The novel explores themes of morality, justice, and the human condition, offering a fresh take on the traditional Western genre. "True Grit" has been adapted into two feature films, with the 1969 version starring John Wayne earning him his only Academy Award. The 2010 adaptation, directed by the Coen brothers, received ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Despite its success on the big screen, the novel remains a beloved classic in its own right. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Portis' ability to create memorable characters and a gripping story that resonates with readers. "True Grit" is a must-read for fans of Western literature and anyone looking for a thrilling adventure with a strong female protagonist. Its timeless themes and unforgettable characters make it a classic that continues to captivate readers more than 50 years after its initial publication...
Patrick deWitt
The Sisters Brothers
A darkly comic novel about two hired guns, Eli and Charlie Sisters, who are on a mission to kill a prospector in California during the Gold Rush. This book will appeal to fans of True Grit with its vivid and humorous portrayal of the Old West and its exploration of themes of loyalty, morality, and the human condition.
Learn MoreLarry McMurtry
Lonesome Dove
An epic Western novel that follows a group of former Texas Rangers as they drive a herd of cattle from Texas to Montana. This book shares True Grit's themes of adventure, perseverance, and the complexities of human relationships, while also providing a rich and authentic portrayal of the American West.
Learn MoreCormac McCarthy
All the Pretty Horses
The first book in McCarthy's Border Trilogy, this novel tells the story of John Grady Cole, a young cowboy who travels to Mexico in search of work and adventure. This book will appeal to fans of True Grit with its poetic prose, vivid descriptions of the landscape, and exploration of themes of masculinity, honor, and the human condition.
Learn MoreGlendon Swarthout
The Shootist
A classic Western novel about an aging gunfighter named J.B. Books who is dying of cancer and looking for a way to die with dignity. This book shares True Grit's themes of grit, determination, and the complexities of human relationships, while also providing a thoughtful exploration of mortality and the legacy we leave behind.
Learn MorePaulette Jiles
News of the World
A moving and beautifully written novel about an aging Civil War veteran named Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd who is tasked with delivering a young girl across Texas to her family. This book will appeal to fans of True Grit with its vivid portrayal of the Old West, exploration of themes of morality and human connection, and unforgettable characters.
Learn MorePhilipp Meyer
The Son
An epic and ambitious novel that spans 150 years of Texas history, following the lives of three generations of the McCullough family. This book shares True Grit's themes of adventure, perseverance, and the complexities of human relationships, while also providing a rich and authentic portrayal of the American West.
Learn MoreCraig Johnson
The Cold Dish
The first book in the Walt Longmire series, this novel introduces readers to Sheriff Walt Longmire as he investigates the murder of a man who was recently released from prison. This book shares True Grit's themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, while also providing a rich and authentic portrayal of the American West.
Learn MoreIvan Doig
The Whistling Season
A heartwarming and beautifully written novel about a widowed farmer named Morrie Morgan who hires a housekeeper named Rose Llewellyn to take care of his three sons. This book shares True Grit's themes of perseverance, human connection, and the power of storytelling, while also providing a rich and authentic portrayal of rural Montana in the 1920s.
Learn MoreStephen King
The Dark Tower
An epic and sprawling series of novels that follows the adventures of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he searches for the Dark Tower, a mythical building that holds the key to the fate of the universe. This series will appeal to fans of True Grit with its themes of adventure, perseverance, and the complexities of human relationships, while also providing a rich and imaginative fantasy world.
Learn MoreStephen King
The Gunslinger
The first book in the Dark Tower series, this novel introduces readers to Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he begins his epic quest to find the Dark Tower. This book shares True Grit's themes of adventure, perseverance, and the complexities of human relationships, while also providing a rich and imaginative fantasy world.
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