I have read "Lonesome Dove" and quite enjoyed it. I have heard it's by far McMurtry's best book, or at least it's the best in the series.

For those who read Lonesome Dove and Streets of Laredo, are you glad you read SOL?

I heard one plot point which is that Pea marries Lori, which seems completely nonsensical to me, and makes me even more skeptical.

I loved Lonesome Dove the book and loved the mini series even more.

I never was crazy about the other volumes in the series. It has been many, many years since I read them, but he seemed to go out of his way to deconstruct the heroes. At least that is my memory. I had other quibbles with the novels, but I'll leave it at that. My college roommates were all fans and we'd debate the new books as they were released. I could be wrong, but I remember reading that McMurtry was so unhappy with the Lonesome Dove sequel miniseries (not based on his works) that he tried his best to tear it apart with SOL.

Bottom line I'd probably suggest reading it, but don't expect the same level of enjoyment.

Side note, I am related to Barry Corbin, who played Roscoe, and for many years worked with a lady whose uncle was Frederick Forrest, who played Blue Duck. We had fun joking about who killed who in the book and show.

The story is bleak and dumb at the same time

I found a signed copy of Lonesome Dove at Goodwill a couple years back. I forgot about it until now. Is it worth anything?

Read all for in chronological order last summer. Streets of Laredo was not good. I second the poster above who said he were to read them again, he'd stop after Lonesome Dove.

Another vote here for chronological order.

I remember walking into the Hastings in Victoria to buy Lonesome Dove after finishing Dead Man's Walk. Comanche Moon was a new release at the time and I had no idea. Bought them both. Comanche Moon remains my favorite in the Series.

I would also recommend "The Border Trilogy" by Cormac McCarthy in order, of course.

DTP02 said:

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I have read "Lonesome Dove" and quite enjoyed it. I have heard it's by far McMurtry's best book, or at least it's the best in the series.

For those who read Lonesome Dove and Streets of Laredo, are you glad you read SOL?

I heard one plot point which is that Pea marries Lori, which seems completely nonsensical to me, and makes me even more skeptical.

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Pea and Lori marrying only makes sense in the book world. In the books, Jake, Pea and Deets are all 10 years or so younger than Gus and Call.

McMurtry dedicates a little time to explain the marriage in SOL, so once you accept that it makes for an easier read.

SOL is such a dark and violent book, it's not for everyone. McMurtry seems to almost hate Woodrow Call.

Belton Ag said:

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DTP02 said:

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I have read "Lonesome Dove" and quite enjoyed it. I have heard it's by far McMurtry's best book, or at least it's the best in the series.

For those who read Lonesome Dove and Streets of Laredo, are you glad you read SOL?

I heard one plot point which is that Pea marries Lori, which seems completely nonsensical to me, and makes me even more skeptical.

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Pea and Lori marrying only makes sense in the book world. In the books, Jake, Pea and Deets are all 10 years or so younger than Gus and Call.

McMurtry dedicates a little time to explain the marriage in SOL, so once you accept that it makes for an easier read.

SOL is such a dark and violent book, it's not for everyone. McMurtry seems to almost hate Woodrow Call.

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That happens over time as a writer develops a character. Stephen King touched on it in his book, On Writing.

Quote:

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I would also recommend "The Border Trilogy" by Cormac McCarthy in order, of course.

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I've read a few of McCarthy's books but my main complaint is that he doesn't necessarily end, or even pause the story he is telling, he just kind of stops writing it. I may need to look more into the Border Trilogy and see if that changes my mind.

If anyone is in to audiobooks, Will Patton narrates Lonesome Dove and its amazing. He may be as far as celebrities the best out there for the genre.

Comanche Moon is definitely my 2nd favorite LD book

Think I'm due for a full series re-read soon