Tag: Monte Walsh

Almost a sequel to Monte Walsh.

[my Goodreads review, 2009] I’d call this book almost a sequel to Monte Walsh by Jack Schaefer, and I consider Monte Walsh one of the perfect novels. The writing is superb, in that run-on raconteur style that feels like the easy canter of a horse. It’s 1917, and young Martha Leeson leaves home to become…

Read more Almost a sequel to Monte Walsh.

Monte WalshMonte Walsh by Jack Schaefer

I simply disappeared between the covers of this book. Hilarious, heart-breaking and oh so real, this isn't just a story about a cowboy and the cowboying way of life, it’s about a strict code and living up to it especially when it ain't easy, it’s about the settling of the American West, and it’s about the progress of civilization and what gets left behind.

People like Monte exist anywhere there is a frontier, they are the loners who go out ahead of the rest of us, and when they're done, there is no place left for them. If you don't cry at the end of this book, you aren't human.

There is also a pretty good film adaptation starring Tom Selleck.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r0fBbTjEo8&w=420&h=315]

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# Permanent link to The cowboying way of life