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SALT LAKE CITY — What would American history be like without the cowboy, from the hardworking ranchers driving cattle across the dusty, merciless plains to the infamous outlaws that terrorized the West? Born out of this strong culture, replete with conflict and hardship, came the Western novel, producing some of America's greatest fiction.
Even if you've never sat in the saddle, these books will transport you to the world of cowboys, old and modern.
1. "The Samaritan's Pistol" by Eric Bishop
Publisher's Weekly calls this new book by local author Eric Bishop, "Taut, well-paced and fresh, Bishop's sharp debut ends with cliffhangers that suggest a sequel." Drawing parallels to the Good Samaritan parable in the Bible, Bishop tells the story of a modern-day cowboy who stumbles upon mobsters in the process of a murder. He saves the victim and shoots the three mobsters, changing his quiet life in an instant. This genre-defying novel will satisfy fans of Westerns, crime and thrillers.
2. "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McCurtry
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Go back in time with 6 fascinating historical fiction novels
Explore the details and drama of some of history's most intriguing events and time periods with a wonderfully written historical fiction novel.Possibly the most well-known Western novel, this Pulitzer-Prize winner goes back in time to a small Texas town, part of the last untamed wilderness of America. It's a love story, an adventure and a true-to-history tale full of memorable characters, hardship and breath-taking scenery.
3. "All the Pretty Horses" by Cormac McCarthy
This story of survival, hope and the loss of innocence on the path to manhood picked up many awards including the National Book Award in 1992. Author Cormac McCathy balances sharp prose with characters the reader can't help but sympathize with. As young John Grady fights to save his family's ranch, we too feel his agony and hope, praying for his triumph over such bleak circumstances.
4. "Coal Black Horse" by Robert Olmstead
In a mix of historical and Western fiction, author Robert Olmstead tells the story of a young boy, 14 years old, sent out into the battlefields of the Civil War to find his father. Dressed in a uniform his mother makes to protect him, one side gray and the other blue, Robey sets off into the perilous world of war. It is the gift of a unique horse that helps shape the young boy's destiny and move him into manhood.
5. "Bendigo Shafter" by Louis L'Amour
What would American history be like without the cowboy, from the hardworking ranchers driving cattle across the dusty, merciless plains to the infamous outlaws that terrorized the West?
Louis L'Amour's name is synonymous with Western novels, having written 89 of them in his lifetime. This one, a story of homesteading in the rugged Wyoming mountains, is hailed as one of his better stories. With true-to-life characters, smooth pacing and a tight plot, this is an enjoyable Western read.
6. "Cold as the Clay" by Rod Miller
Two time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, local author Rod Miller's new novel is the story of Wilson Hayes, a lowly ranch hand battling for position and respect on a ranch owned by the powerful, intimidating Jesse Longmore. Full of adventure, emotion and cowboy intrigue, this book is a great addition to the genre.
Come on over and share your favorite Western reads on my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTeriHarman. Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a biweekly column for ksl.com and contributes book-related segments to "Studio 5." Her debut novel, "Blood Moon," is now available in stores and online. Join in the magic and chaos at teriharman.com.
