Joel, you had me laughing out loud to your opening (actually read it to my youngest over breakfast too:)! I had started "All the Pretty Horses" a while ago but got side-tracked. Will be sure to take it off my shelf and ad it to the "active pile" after reading your piece here :)
I've only read two McCarthy books; The Road and No Country for Old Men. I enjoyed both. I've shyed away from these because I've never been much for the Western-like aesthetic. But, I think i'm just about convinced to give them ago.
I love McCarthy and have read most of his books. Last year I thought I'd read through all of his books in the order he wrote them, but I only got through the first two (Orchard Keeper, Outer Dark) when the darkness and violence became too much, and I abandoned the task. Child of God and Suttree are still on my bedside table. Reading your review makes me want to get back into them.
Nicely done, Joel. You wrestled with the central connection between these three novels—the interplay, not only between the characters and stories of John Grady and Billy, but between the interplay of God’s sovereignty and human volition. That is an issue worth wresting with.
If you want to be changed and challenged as a human being, have someon introduce you to Cormac. I still remember the first time this book was placed in my hands and I was told, "you've got to read this." July 1996.
I found All the Pretty Horses shortly after I thought I'd lost God in my life, then followed with The Crossing and Cities of the Plain. For near a decade these books tethered my faith until I slowly started returning to the church. Now that I'm fully in, even if maybe just inside the doorpost, McCarthy's faith as you've described anchored me from becoming completely lost.
The Passenger and Stella Maris are an amazing summary for his life's work and ultimately, maybe, of love overcoming doubt. Looking forward to your review.
Good overview and appraisal of the Border Trilogy — I’ve always had trouble with these books, maybe because I missed the spectacular violence of Blood Meridian, but now I want to go back and take another whack at it — thanks and keep up the good work!
Not an easy thing to do, neatly summarizing McCarthy’s trilogy, but you pulled it off. Only read the first book, found it enjoyable but dense. You’ve given reason to plow on.
Joel, you had me laughing out loud to your opening (actually read it to my youngest over breakfast too:)! I had started "All the Pretty Horses" a while ago but got side-tracked. Will be sure to take it off my shelf and ad it to the "active pile" after reading your piece here :)
I've only read two McCarthy books; The Road and No Country for Old Men. I enjoyed both. I've shyed away from these because I've never been much for the Western-like aesthetic. But, I think i'm just about convinced to give them ago.
I love McCarthy and have read most of his books. Last year I thought I'd read through all of his books in the order he wrote them, but I only got through the first two (Orchard Keeper, Outer Dark) when the darkness and violence became too much, and I abandoned the task. Child of God and Suttree are still on my bedside table. Reading your review makes me want to get back into them.
All the Pretty Horses is my favorite McCarthy novel. How about more about the others? Well done, you.
Nicely done, Joel. You wrestled with the central connection between these three novels—the interplay, not only between the characters and stories of John Grady and Billy, but between the interplay of God’s sovereignty and human volition. That is an issue worth wresting with.
If you want to be changed and challenged as a human being, have someon introduce you to Cormac. I still remember the first time this book was placed in my hands and I was told, "you've got to read this." July 1996.
Arrrgh!
So many good ones yet to read!
These bad boys go on the list … the hopeless, hopeless list …
Terrific reviews of a terrific series.
I haven't read any of McCarthy's books yet, but I have read so much about them. Now is the time. Thank you, Friendo.
I found All the Pretty Horses shortly after I thought I'd lost God in my life, then followed with The Crossing and Cities of the Plain. For near a decade these books tethered my faith until I slowly started returning to the church. Now that I'm fully in, even if maybe just inside the doorpost, McCarthy's faith as you've described anchored me from becoming completely lost.
The Passenger and Stella Maris are an amazing summary for his life's work and ultimately, maybe, of love overcoming doubt. Looking forward to your review.
Good overview and appraisal of the Border Trilogy — I’ve always had trouble with these books, maybe because I missed the spectacular violence of Blood Meridian, but now I want to go back and take another whack at it — thanks and keep up the good work!
Bravo
Not an easy thing to do, neatly summarizing McCarthy’s trilogy, but you pulled it off. Only read the first book, found it enjoyable but dense. You’ve given reason to plow on.
•
Juarez is no country for any man.
Crap?