This was a great book made better by narrator Donna Tartt, who captured the language, the 'Twang', the salt and spice of the American West with every word. She was excellent. I read this book on the recommendation of Scott Smith and it did not disappoint.

But I suppose some credit is due to the author. You really get the sense that this was a lived experience or Portis, so well does he settle you into the milieu of his world. It's so full of rich detail on so many aspects of life in the period and in the place that it's no wonder it's been adapted into movies several times. It was a brilliant stroke to make his main character a female in this world, and make her push so hard against the patriarchy at every step. That enriched the characters and the storytelling and gave you a hero to cheer for at many points along the way.

It as also fun to meet the (in)famous Rooster Cogburn on the page, having seen several depictions on film. He is quite a character, but even he seems small in the presence of Mattie Ross. She's just one of the great, best drawn characters, male or female, in American literature. ( )

I am always on the lookout for novels about the old west, and novels that look and feel like my favourite book of all time--Lonesome Dove. I had never read True Grit before, although I had seen both of the movies. This book is so raw and funny, and so enjoyable that I don't know why it hadn't come to my attention before. The book is narrated by a girl called Mattie Ross who is fourteen when all the action in this book takes place. If anyone in the book has "true grit", it is Miss Mattie Ross. Her courage and no-nonsense attitude put even the old war horse Rooster Cogburn to shame. Team old Rooster up with the younger Texas Ranger by the name of La Boeuf, and you have a pretty formidable team, but add young Mattie Ross to the mix, and you have a group of bad-ass manhunters. The best part of the book is the repartee among these three characters, and the shenanigans that occur when they are together. One of the most memorable things about this very entertaining book is the host of memorable characters that populate its pages. The bad guys are numerous, and each has their own personality which are each depicted very clearly in the book. This world that Charles Portis created is a winner. it is a fast-paced and gripping read, and will appeal to anyone who enjoys old-fashioned storytelling. Highly recommended. Pick up this little book and expect to be entertained by this timeless tale. 5 glorious stars! ( )

Western

This is a tough one for me. I liked it and yet I was disappointed too. I have not seen either of the movie versions but I'm anxious to now that I've read the book.

The characters and plot were both interesting to me - but somehow the writing itself left me cold. I can understand how it was written in the sparse, gruff manner in which Mattie speaks/thinks but it left me wanting more. More description, more feeling, less facts.

I feel pretty sure it will make a great movie!

( )

Perfect. The voice of Mattie Ross is unforgettable in this blood-soaked tale of a 14-year old girl determined to catch the man who murdered her father. I know the movie by reputation, although I've never actually seen it, but I'd like to now, to see how it lives up to the original. The audiobook, read by author Donna Tartt (and with her Mississippi accent, she does a great job), is riveting. Just read or listen to this. It is unforgettable. ( )