Look at the title. Take a look at that cover. Read the synopsis of the plot. Nothing about Lonesome Dove appeals to me. Yet I've read its 858 pages three times. It may be my favorite book.
What is it about this book?
Here, then, are ten reasons I love Lonesome Dove:
1. My second-best-friend Karen and I don't agree on much ("You say tuh-may-tuh, I say tuh-maw-toe"), yet we are both crazy about Lonesome Dove.
2. I personally know three teens who were converted into readers by reading this book. Non-readers into avid readers. That's some book.
3. The movie is as good as the book. That never happens.
4. I'm sorry, but if Gus showed up at my door, I'd have to leave my husband and run off with him. He's a lazy, good-for-nothing, philosophizing scoundrel but I just adore him.
5. It takes place in Texas. (Well, mostly.) Enough said.
6. The characters live their lives right now. They have to. They may not be here tomorrow. There's real danger in the world. Lots of it.
7. Funny. And sad. The secret to a good book is that it's funny. And sad. Like real life, I think.
8. Love the names of the characters. Lippy. Dish. Newt. Boot. Pea Eye.
9. These folks can talk. Here's a bit between our two main characters, Gus and Call, partners in the Hat Creek Cattle Company:
"It's a good thing I ain't scairt to be lazy," Augustus told him once.
"You may think so. I don't," Call said.
"Hell, Call, if I worked as hard as you, there'd be no thinking done at all around this outfit. You stay in a lather fifteen hours a day. A man that's always in a lather can't think nothin' out."
"I'd like to see you think the roof back on that barn," Call said.
10. I guess the craziest thing is that there are a hundred reasons why I should hate this book. I don't like Westerns, for one. I don't particularly like stories written by men, for another. The women do whatever they have to do to stay alive and a lot of that isn't pretty. At least a hundred reasons I should hate this book, but, nevertheless, I don't. I love it. Crazy.
Have you ever had this happen to you? Have you ever fallen in love with a book you'd never expected to like?
I'm SO glad you shared these reasons. I had wondered why you loved the book when, like you said, it is a western, a genre I am not at all drawn to. I will add it to the list, perhaps for some summer reading.
ReplyDeleteI have many, many reasons I should not have liked it.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea - to list the reasons why you love a book so much. And I was also intrigued to see the reasons why you OUGHT not to have liked it. But there are just some books which tug at your heartstrings, aren't there? Thank you for swinging by earlier:). Have a great week and happy reading - I hope you find another Lonesome Dove sometime soon!
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope others share their surprises, too.
DeleteI haven't read it. So, I relate very much to number 10, basically a list of the reasons that I haven't read it! You're convincing me...
ReplyDeleteI never reread and I can't believe I've read Lonesome Dove three times.
DeleteWow, I think I might have to read this one! The same reasons you usually hate books are mine...I don't like Westerns or books by men or for men...Hmm. So what could be the appeal? I guess I'll have to find out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHere are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Who'd think a Western would be so wonderful?
DeleteI'm generally not into westerns, but I do enjoy western historical romances. I don't even know why they appeal to me since it's not my usual genre. I never read or saw Lonesome Dove, but it sounds like something that may surprise me and that I'd like. Very interesting post and giving us something to think about.
ReplyDeleteIt was a complete surprise to me.
DeleteLonesome Dove is one of my all-time favorites too.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I'm not the only one.
DeleteOkay... now that I found Lonesome Dove and brought it out of storage it is going to the top of the pile! I love all your reasons! I have to say that the last book I read that I didn't think I'd love and was totally not my usual was True Grit. The writing was awesome, the characters so fully realized and the story was great. So unlike the John Wayne movie. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you think.
DeleteThis has been my favorite book for years & years. It's an annual re-read for me.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of an annual reread.
DeleteOhhh... how interesting Deb. I'm glad you really enjoyed it. I think I've mentioned before, I remember the mini series a long LONG time ago, but I haven't read the book... I worry it'd be a bit too saga-ish for me!
ReplyDeleteNice post. I recall when I was working in a bookstore back in the '80s, Lonesome Dove was like the #1 seller there ever. It just flew out the door!
ReplyDeleteThis has been sitting on my bookshelf for decades. I think you've convinced me to pick it up this month. Thanks for the nudge!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to read something from McMurtry and you have convinced me this is the one. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI've heard such great things about this book. It gets a lot of love. I really do need to read it. I am pretty sure I bought a copy last year with the intention to read it. Just need to do it.
ReplyDelete