Just Finished: True Grit

I just finished True Grit by Charles Portis.

No, not that Grit.

I'm supposed to see the Coen Brother's version tonight, if all goes according to plan. I have huge expectations from that film. I liked No Country for Old Men a lot. And some portions of the book by Portis reminded me a lot of Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven.

As for the book, I can tell you this: Mattie Ross has just as much "true grit" as Rooster Cogburn, and every bit as much of an original voice as Holden Caulfield. I give it the rr seal of approval.

Until next time,
rr

Currently Reading: True Grit

I'm currently reading True Grit by Charles Portis.

That may seem like it is out of left field, given my ongoing predisposition towards science fiction in general, and Philip K. Dick in particular. But I also realized a long time ago that nothing exists in a vacuum, and what is hot in film and television definitely influences what I read. On the other hand, I wish I could get all that time back I wasted as a 20-year old reading Star Trek novels, which, let's face it, are pretty much on par with fan fic. (Not that there's anything wrong with that if that's what you like. It's just my regret, and my interpretation.)

For the record, I haven't read that many westerns. I did read Lonesome Dove in college, and that is one hell of a read. I highly recommend it. As for the sequels, I read the first one, it didn't really do anything for me, and I haven't gone back to that well since. I think I would like to read Riders of the Purple Sage someday. And I have The Oxbow Incident on order. I saw the movie once twenty years ago and it was pretty good.

Also for the record, my preferred genres include, in no particular order, science fiction, science, fiction/literature, history and spy fi. I just thought I'd throw that out there.

What do you like to read? Let me know in the comments.