Maxed out on Louis L'Amour

[Becky Coffield]

I can't take it anymore...I need a break. Give me a good Elmer Kelton book (ha ha! I just got one.)

I like Louis L'Amour...but I just read my third Sackett book in a row. I like the Sackett books that are actually "Western." Okay? But, the other titles, the early ones of Barnabas coming to America (Sacket''s Land, To the Far Blue Mountains, The Warrior's Path) just really don't suit my fancy all that much. Okay, the first title did, after that it was painful.

Part of the problem is, of course, mine. Even as a kid I got SICK AND TIRED of reading about the Pilgrims. Enough already. Okay, they came, they saw, they conquered. Sort of. The issue though is that I don't like that rabid religious personality type. Too much of the early Sackett books are NOT WESTERN, but are early colonial American...I don't like those people. They are uptight and judgmental. Not fun at all. They are rather scary actually.

So, I'm taking a break from Sackett. I liked Mojave Crossing, and some of the later more WESTERN Sackett works, but the early stuff just aggravated me. Anyone else feel this way? I think I'll skip on ahead in the long line of Sackett drama. Maybe a good sexy Matt Braun would help!! Make those Puritans turn over in their graves.

[Oklahombre]

"Conagher" is my favorite L'Amour book. Any Kelton is a good read, but I especially like "The Smiling Country". TSC is a follow-up to the "Good old Boys". You can't go wrong with Kelton. I don't recall any pilgrims in his writing, but I may be wrong.

[Stan H]

I managed to collect every paperback book L'Amour published,,, a little over 2 hundred,,, and then gave them to my daughter,,,

I agree, just because it says "Louis L'Amour" does not necessarily make it a great book. Keep in mind he started out as a detective stroy writer foir the pulp magazines, then turned to westerns,,,, finally, I think he simply ran out of good western story lines and had to look for something else,,, like "Lonesmon Gods",,, not a bad story, but not western either.

[Becky Coffield]

I've read a few L'Amour books that I thought were strictly mediocre. He'd never get published nowadays...well maybe not. Some are quite good.

I just don't like Pilgrm stuff. Yuck. Okay. They were brave and crossed the ocean to a new land, but they were restrictive, uptight and paranoid. Gee...sounds like a lot of people nowadays!

[Duke_Wayne]

The Daybreakers, Jubal Sackett, The Kilkenny books, and The Rustlers of West Fork are some of my favorites. I have been a L;Amour fan for many years & have read the majority of his books. I have recently started reading Kelton & have really enjoyed hi as well. Just finished Six Bits a Day and am currently reading Hard Trail to Follow. Another great Western author is Ralph Compton. I suggest reading his Gunfighters series. (6) books in all.

[Becky Coffield]

Thanks for those recommendations. Next time I'm looking for books I'll check Compton out. I discovered Matt Braun just by browsing...

I like to read different writers, that way when I'm reading manuscripts submitted to me for publication, I have a better feel for what's really good...or not. That's how I came across Jere D. James and JR Sanders. Both were distinctive and FRESH, not the same ol' same ol'.

[Arizona Mommy]

I tend to like the Louis L'Amour books that are about the Old West. To be honest, I think I got bored with the Sacket Novels. I even started to narrow it down reading only books about the Southwest region.

[Dave McGowan]

I've read all the L'Amours, many of the Keltons and Leonards and Brauns. I've read many of the Zane Gray's but not for years. I've had trouble frinding new work that realy grabs me so I've been writing my own. Amazes me how I'm often suprised by my own story.

[Bud "Marshal" Stilwell]

have read alot of Louis L'Amour and am looking to read more westren's by other authors.  will be checking out Matt Braun, Elmer Kelton, and anyother that I can find.

[Dave McGowan]

Bud; There is a connection to mine at my blog --- www.dmmcgowan.blogspot.com

[Richard A. Morro]

I've had that feeling for a long time now, So I've taken a time in our Western History and in doing that. I've

gone out and found what was published on that subject. Giving me a source of None Fiction. This is now my reading for truth, and not that of another's imagination! Now lets take another look at this-I've lightened up

and allowed the narration to grace my shelf. Where the author takes a incident in history and interjects his list of to be believed characters! This is exceptionable in my quest. And it makes history come alive. So here is my starting place--The Texas Rangers!--This is a group of folks that grace the pages of history, Many storied written about and of this group! So I found in this a author who I hold in the highest of respect!

Elmer Kelton he made a life time venture into this Origination, and its people. And a good starting place is in his book-"Massacre at Goliad"  to follow up in this the book-"After the Bugles"--So you pick the place you like and take up the challenge. Its enlightenment and rewarding! 

[Bud "Marshal" Stilwell]

Richard,

I have read two of Elmer Kelton's books so far, Texas Standoff and Captain's Ranger's both good reads and I will be reading more of his books on the Texas Ranger's probably starting with "Massacre at Goliad" and the other one you said "After the Bugles".  Thank You for the reconmendations.

[Richard A. Morro]

And in that order. Then they will make science! And for now let us stay on that subject. There is a veritable life time of informatician and good reading with in this group. And its not fiction!