I have no problem with all those who lavish praise on this book, especially for the way McMurtry depicts life in the old West and how his characters cI have no problem with all those who lavish praise on this book, especially for the way McMurtry depicts life in the old West and how his characters cope with the relentless challenges life there and then presented. There was one flaw in this book that irked me, however, especially since it was so unexpected and so easily avoidable with just a little more effort on the part of the author, or at least by the editor. That is, throughout the book, whenever the word "dragged" was needed, the solecism "drug" was used instead. Just one example was this: "...there was no proportion in it, being 'drug' 3000 miles...," from chapter 101. If this had occurred only once I could have understood it or forgiven it, but it happened throughout the book. That no one realized this error was baffling and more than disappointing to me, given a work of this magnitude and import. I'm still in a "shake my head" mode as I reflect on it....more
The premise of this book is so stupid as to be laughable. Two psychopathic young and dumb men driving through Brunswick, Georgia, get wind of a local The premise of this book is so stupid as to be laughable. Two psychopathic young and dumb men driving through Brunswick, Georgia, get wind of a local family that has just won over $300 million in the lottery, so they spontaneously and capriciously decide to hold them hostage for 1/2 their winnings! And the family, once confronted and told about the plan, just roll over and pretty much accede to these guys' demands, despite having multiple opportunities to thwart them. The whole story gets even sillier as it plays out. I came very close to not finishing the book, but continued to the end out of curiosity and for a little comic relief from my other readings. All I lost was a little time, something too dear to be wasting now. So, alas, it wasn't worth it. My recommendation? Don't make the same mistake....more
If you lean toward philosophy, Camus lays out his here in an imitable, often inscrutable way. He's so deep, much of this was over my head. Ha! A nice cIf you lean toward philosophy, Camus lays out his here in an imitable, often inscrutable way. He's so deep, much of this was over my head. Ha! A nice challenge though....more