This was a wonderful interview. I too love books and grew up in a small Mississippi town in the 1960's with a small public library. It was my ticket out and resulted in my loving libraries. As a retirement gift to myself, I created my own library with books that I love, centering on Southern and specializing in Mississippi authors. I bought books from McMurtry's bookstore in Texas. He was a kindred spirit.
Thank you for this. I tried to read everything Larry McMurtry wrote but he could write faster than I could read. I love the way his characters would travel from one book to another. My favorites are All my Friends are going to be Strangers and Terms of Endearment. Now I’ll have to re-read Lonesome Dove
Larry McMurtry's non fiction is as resonant as his fiction. His epigraph on Crazy Horse for the Penguin biography series is awesome. I've read every book; John LeCarre is the only other author I've read in total He demystifies the West while nodding to the legend.
In the winter in Alaska a friend was reading Lonesome Dove in paperback and raving about how great it was. None of us being wealthy, we rushed him to finish so we could have a chance at it. He tore the paperback in half and Lonesome Dove made its way between probably a half dozen readers in two pieces. I bought it in hard back for $1.99 when I saw it in a discount bin about 1989 and have carried that book from Alaska to Chicago to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Madison, New Orleans and back to Alaska, reading it probably ten times. I told the ripped paperback story to Larry McMurtry at a book signing in Chicago (Pretty Boy Floyd maybe?) and he signed my worn copy with the bedraggled dust cover. He enjoyed the story.
Haven't even listened to the whole episode yet but really appreciated it and look forward to hearing the rest on my drive home. In the 1980s I was a working cowboy and suddenly everyone was reading Lonesome Dove. It looked like a romance novel (the title and cover) but enough people pushed it on me that I opened it and read during every resting minute for as long as it took to finish (no $**t, by kerosene lamp.) Then I read it a few more times and then everything else I could find by him.
If you loved Lonesome Dove and that's the only thing you've read by him, I recommend Leavin' Cheyenne next. Much shorter with some of the funniest lines in literature. Horseman, Pass By which the conversation had just approached is pretty good and really different from the Movie. If you are wanting to read more by him but not ready to read everything, I think Anything For Billy is my least favorite of his novels.
Paradox- I think when a writer creates paradox in an organic, not a calculated way, the work has the chance to zing with a life of its own. The reader recognizes something unspoken but familiar. Something maybe about the very nature of life. Among his superlative talents MCMurtry was a master of paradox. And plot and character and place and whatever else the best writers conjure up. I loved Lonesome Dove, both book and tv, and read many of his other novels. One of the most unforgettable scenes for me was in a later novel in which a Texas Ranger was mercilessly tortured by a Comanche (?) warrior, including having his eyelids cut off. Oh I tried to picture living without eyelids, sometimes still do.
I think it probably depends on your experience. At the time I read both of those, urban settings and higher education were pretty distant. I might like them better now.
Texas was a slave state, a Confederate state, and cowboys were essentially Confederate soldiers who didn't appreciate the loss and the federal government in general and that reality is part of the culture of Texas. So, it doesn't surprise me that certain Texans don't like his take on their world.
I didn't like it, their attitudes were a bit much for me. The GOP is in control because of the reprehensible nature of enough Texans. The question is can they be overridden? I'm listening to Tim interviewing Talarico and he sounds a lot like a Democrat trying not to scare the religious-right white voters.
I see some of that. A bit too much Bible for me, but I said that two months ago. I wish him well, might work. saw it yesterday. ( do you think some of that
blushing or head down is a little performative, I did. ?
Yeah I did too. I commented on that page that I was disappointed that he failed to mention that the "war" is illegal. Why didn't, or rather couldn't, he state that Trump had no authority to use our military to attack Iran on his whim? IMO, it is just one more indication that the Democrats are playing to the transactionalism of voters than fighting for the rule of law, clearly stating that the GOP is a criminal organization.
I spent time with Larry McMurtry many times while clerking in a rare bookshop in L.A. He was a soft-spoken bookhound. When Lonesome Dove came out, I was newly sobered, and experienced one of the greatest reads of my long life. Cried and laughed for days, if not weeks.
This is a weird addenda (but well known in what's left of the rare book game), Mr. McMurtry HATED Bro-Darts, those clear plastic sleeves that protected a book's dust jacket.
Very interesting. I’m aware of Larry McMurtry due to his avid , constant book collecting. he bought my father in law’s private collection. A rare book librarian at University of Chicago, the collection was vast and international. Now I have some reading ahead. Thanks Sonny! Film too!
I'm envious. Often thought I would like to meet the man who simply wrote beautiful descriptions , especially of women. Now, on his personal life, I would stay a little
further from that. We all have tendencies. Still envious.
In one case, we discussed Neal Cassady, whose cultural influence I felt was important; Larry felt otherwise... his disapproval showing in his face more than in words.
Annie Proulx, spelling, is a fabulous writer, the short story of Brokeback is one of many that she packed so much into. The director , Ang Lee should get more credit,
rather than the two male leads and Dianna O. Lonesome is sweet, Dish and Pea Eye
and all those evil men. I would recommend anyone to read more of A Proulx.
I read Lonesome Dove for the first time last year. I grew up watching the 80's mini series with my Dad and decided I needed to read the Epic. I can't say that I agree with Sonny's take about the jaunty soundtrack but it might be false memories or rose colored glasses. Definitely getting this biography!
This was a wonderful interview. I too love books and grew up in a small Mississippi town in the 1960's with a small public library. It was my ticket out and resulted in my loving libraries. As a retirement gift to myself, I created my own library with books that I love, centering on Southern and specializing in Mississippi authors. I bought books from McMurtry's bookstore in Texas. He was a kindred spirit.
Thank you for this. I tried to read everything Larry McMurtry wrote but he could write faster than I could read. I love the way his characters would travel from one book to another. My favorites are All my Friends are going to be Strangers and Terms of Endearment. Now I’ll have to re-read Lonesome Dove
Larry McMurtry's non fiction is as resonant as his fiction. His epigraph on Crazy Horse for the Penguin biography series is awesome. I've read every book; John LeCarre is the only other author I've read in total He demystifies the West while nodding to the legend.
Bibliomania is a fun lifestyle.
as long as you have the shelf space
It's not hoarding if it's books...
In the winter in Alaska a friend was reading Lonesome Dove in paperback and raving about how great it was. None of us being wealthy, we rushed him to finish so we could have a chance at it. He tore the paperback in half and Lonesome Dove made its way between probably a half dozen readers in two pieces. I bought it in hard back for $1.99 when I saw it in a discount bin about 1989 and have carried that book from Alaska to Chicago to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Madison, New Orleans and back to Alaska, reading it probably ten times. I told the ripped paperback story to Larry McMurtry at a book signing in Chicago (Pretty Boy Floyd maybe?) and he signed my worn copy with the bedraggled dust cover. He enjoyed the story.
Haven't even listened to the whole episode yet but really appreciated it and look forward to hearing the rest on my drive home. In the 1980s I was a working cowboy and suddenly everyone was reading Lonesome Dove. It looked like a romance novel (the title and cover) but enough people pushed it on me that I opened it and read during every resting minute for as long as it took to finish (no $**t, by kerosene lamp.) Then I read it a few more times and then everything else I could find by him.
If you loved Lonesome Dove and that's the only thing you've read by him, I recommend Leavin' Cheyenne next. Much shorter with some of the funniest lines in literature. Horseman, Pass By which the conversation had just approached is pretty good and really different from the Movie. If you are wanting to read more by him but not ready to read everything, I think Anything For Billy is my least favorite of his novels.
Paradox- I think when a writer creates paradox in an organic, not a calculated way, the work has the chance to zing with a life of its own. The reader recognizes something unspoken but familiar. Something maybe about the very nature of life. Among his superlative talents MCMurtry was a master of paradox. And plot and character and place and whatever else the best writers conjure up. I loved Lonesome Dove, both book and tv, and read many of his other novels. One of the most unforgettable scenes for me was in a later novel in which a Texas Ranger was mercilessly tortured by a Comanche (?) warrior, including having his eyelids cut off. Oh I tried to picture living without eyelids, sometimes still do.
I remember that too! Was that Streets of Laredo?
McMurtry's best book is terms of endearment, 2nd best is texasville
Lonesome Dove is sad, hilarious, very human, some sex and a man with a cold heart
who finally makes amends.
I put Terms of Endearment and Texasville dead center of my McMurtry list.
I do like Debra Winger, but not so much in that film. The film overwhelms the novel, in modern times. luckily I had read it first - Terms of...
maybe. I just read a little about the older book, all my friends will be dead someday, has been way too long since I've read that one.
I think it probably depends on your experience. At the time I read both of those, urban settings and higher education were pretty distant. I might like them better now.
Also, I read Texasville before The Last Picture Show so that probably damaged both for me.
love the film, book makes it oh so sad
I would recommend ''' Lonesome book '' as a read aloud with youth, they laugh and
laugh.
not the best book I've ever read, but very unforgettable.
Texas was a slave state, a Confederate state, and cowboys were essentially Confederate soldiers who didn't appreciate the loss and the federal government in general and that reality is part of the culture of Texas. So, it doesn't surprise me that certain Texans don't like his take on their world.
also, stolen land. I do not get on well in TX, not my first trip or 3rd. narrow minds
I didn't like it, their attitudes were a bit much for me. The GOP is in control because of the reprehensible nature of enough Texans. The question is can they be overridden? I'm listening to Tim interviewing Talarico and he sounds a lot like a Democrat trying not to scare the religious-right white voters.
I see some of that. A bit too much Bible for me, but I said that two months ago. I wish him well, might work. saw it yesterday. ( do you think some of that
blushing or head down is a little performative, I did. ?
Yeah I did too. I commented on that page that I was disappointed that he failed to mention that the "war" is illegal. Why didn't, or rather couldn't, he state that Trump had no authority to use our military to attack Iran on his whim? IMO, it is just one more indication that the Democrats are playing to the transactionalism of voters than fighting for the rule of law, clearly stating that the GOP is a criminal organization.
the man was sure unique. Have read everything he ever wrote, and all film, Tv shows he participated in, or with others.
I spent time with Larry McMurtry many times while clerking in a rare bookshop in L.A. He was a soft-spoken bookhound. When Lonesome Dove came out, I was newly sobered, and experienced one of the greatest reads of my long life. Cried and laughed for days, if not weeks.
This is a weird addenda (but well known in what's left of the rare book game), Mr. McMurtry HATED Bro-Darts, those clear plastic sleeves that protected a book's dust jacket.
Very interesting. I’m aware of Larry McMurtry due to his avid , constant book collecting. he bought my father in law’s private collection. A rare book librarian at University of Chicago, the collection was vast and international. Now I have some reading ahead. Thanks Sonny! Film too!
I'm envious. Often thought I would like to meet the man who simply wrote beautiful descriptions , especially of women. Now, on his personal life, I would stay a little
further from that. We all have tendencies. Still envious.
Always courteous but guarded.
In one case, we discussed Neal Cassady, whose cultural influence I felt was important; Larry felt otherwise... his disapproval showing in his face more than in words.
Had to go read about Neal, probably as he was caught young in a gay episode and it got out, so McMurtry may have thought a bridge too far.
also - the lack of parenting etc. ( small town never goes away )
Cassady's behavior at times was, in the modern parlance, problematic.
brought me right to G Vidal and Rip Torn/ then right to Vonnegut
and Dresden
from what I read quickly have always known of him ( Cassady ) but
his influence may have more than some think. I'm out of book right now,
so I have to do something about that.
Yes, I can see him showing that. A different time, different views
and he was , initially a small town boy.
yes, much sadness in the novel.. very human
I read it when it came out. A great book.
Excellent interview, but there's no world where Brokeback Mountain holds up better than Lonesome Dove.
Brokeback is a better film; LD is a better book (of course BM was a short story, so not really a good comparison).
If you watched Lonesome Dove during a Midland dust storm at 10 years old, you might think otherwise.
Annie Proulx, spelling, is a fabulous writer, the short story of Brokeback is one of many that she packed so much into. The director , Ang Lee should get more credit,
rather than the two male leads and Dianna O. Lonesome is sweet, Dish and Pea Eye
and all those evil men. I would recommend anyone to read more of A Proulx.
also Pete Dexter, some of his books make one laugh and cry and feel like you are out there in the wind.
I read Lonesome Dove for the first time last year. I grew up watching the 80's mini series with my Dad and decided I needed to read the Epic. I can't say that I agree with Sonny's take about the jaunty soundtrack but it might be false memories or rose colored glasses. Definitely getting this biography!