Hey, I’m in highschool and I’m looking to pick up reading as a hobby again. I got some money for Christmas and I’d like to buy a few books. Right now I’m really into the National Parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone. I also just finished my play through of RDR2 so I’m interested in cowboys and such. I want something that’ll stick with me and that’s thought provoking. I’m working on a really personal project right now so I’d like to be inspired. This is a lot to ask for from one novel but I’m really just trying to give an idea of who I am and what I want in this short post. Oh and I also really like Lana Del Rey and her album Lasso that was gonna come out (more of the Western vibes but more akin to what I’m looking for). If you can’t tell, I have no idea where to start, so I’m open to questions.Thank you and have a nice day!!
by Automatic_Grape_231
11 Comments
Lonesome Dove. Don’t let the length intimidate you.
So, here are some on my reading list:
1) Lonesome Dove — Recommended to me as an entry into westerns by a friend of mine who adores the genre. It’s also Stephen King’s favorite novel, according to one interview at least.
2) Warlock by Oakley Hall & Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams — Both are part of the NYRB collection and highly recommended by readers on Reddit.
Cormac McCarthy — Blood Meridian
Warning: it’s not a romanticized version of the Wild West and it’s brutal; it’s is beautifully written and thought provoking though
They’re right when they say *Lonesome Dove*; it’s super great.
Another (shorter) one that I think you’ll love of you were into RDR2 is *In the Distance* by Hernan Diaz. One of my favourite reads of 2024.
The Joe Pickett series is also perfect for this. There are a ton of books and because he is a more modern day park ranger he travels to a lot of the different parks for things. The stories and side characters are also amazing as the books go on. I have read a bunch and everyone I’ve ever recommended them to has ended up passing me and reading them all back to back.
And dragon teeth my MichaelCrichton is a great old time western about the first real paleontologists traveling to the dangerous west.
Shane. It’s a classic for a reason
The Sisters Brothers is the closest book I’ve found to RDR2.
Other great choices:
* Lonesome Dove
* True Grit
* These is my Words
* Butcher’s Crossing
* Blood Meridian
Centennial by James A. Michener
Louis L’Amour is a beloved western author, from whose books films and TV shows have been made.
Warlock by Oakley Hall