In addition to his 29 books, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry is credited on dozens of screenplays-including the Academy Award-winning Brokeback Mountain. Horseman, Pass By is a post-World War II classic first published in 1961 and later made into a feature film. Cattleman Homer Bannon is a walking advertisement for traditional, old-frontier morals-in contrast to his stepson, Hud. Homer's grandson Lonnie is torn between emotions for his father and grandfather as he struggles to define his own identity.
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"McMurtry has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read some of his early novels back in the 1970s including Leaving Cheyenne and The Last Picture Show. Horseman, Pass By has been on my shelf for several years and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. It was a wonderful novel told from the perspective of a young boy, Lonnie, who grew up on a Texas cattle ranch in the 1950s. It really shows the realities of ranch life including the loneliness, hard work, and bad luck. It also details some of the hardships of rodeo life. McMurtry's writing is superb and paints a hard hitting, realistic portrait of this life. This novel was also the basis of the movie Hud that starred Paul Newman in the role. I haven't seen Hud for many years (I need to rewatch it now) but I don't think the movie was very true to the book although Hud was definitely a good movie. Hud is a character in this novel, but not really the focus as in the movie. McMurtry of course also authored Lonesome Dove, the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, and one of my favorites. But where Lonesome Dove was very broad in scope, Horseman is a novel on a more personal level showing the struggles of a ranch family. All in all, a very high recommendation for this and most of McMurtry!"
— Frank (5 out of 5 stars)
" hud is even more of an asshole here than paul newman is in the movie version. and probably not as good looking. "
— captain, 2/9/2014" McMurtry is a masterful and captivating writer. It had been years since I had read his Pulitzer Prize winning Lonesome Dove which was terrific. I forgot how good he is. Storyline about a teenage boy on a a ranch coming to terms with the influences in his life isn't for everyone but appealed to me. "
— Drew, 11/23/2013" Larry McMurtry is great. I like everything I've read by him, and want to read more. This story is pretty bleak. He's not the kind of author who treats his characters particularly well. They may have hopes and dreams, but McMurtry doesn't really mislead anyone about the likelihood of their coming true. "
— Moonit, 11/23/2013" Hud is a wretched bastard. "
— Southern, 10/11/2013" I'm don't usually read books about ranching and such, but I had to read this book for a literature class, and it was actually a pretty good read. It's quick--short and sweet. And I think it gives a pretty good view of what small town life was like in Texas during the 50s. "
— Jess, 9/30/2013" This book is so great! When I received it from one of my friends, I wasn't so sure I'd like it on account of it being a cowboy book, but it is awesome. "
— Nicci, 8/25/2013" What I learned from this book: Being a cowboy ain't easy. "
— Jen, 5/5/2013" Enjoyed it. The differences between it and Hud, the movie based on this book, make for an interesting contrast. Must read the book and see the movie. Both are worth the time. "
— Terri, 4/20/2013" Proof that good writing doesn't mean you can't write screenplays, and bestsellers too. This is neither but it is strong. "
— Christine, 3/15/2013" Another McMurtry classic... this is what the newman film Hud is based on. I read this book right after college and actually tried to dress like Hud for a few days. He is a cool dude. "
— Jpaflas, 2/4/2013" Probably my favorite book of all time. The story, the language, the dialog & imagery is all so riveting. So many stories told at once. The movie 'Hud' is based on this, but so much is lost in the transition. A true Texas tale. "
— Cathi, 1/23/2013" One of my favorite books he has written. In so few pages, he establishes a sad depth of character, theme, and place. Not to be missed if you like his writing. "
— Bob, 5/22/2012" I read this in paperback form...sort of "borrowed" it from my older brother "back in the day." "
— Marilyn, 5/18/2012" Maybe 3.5 stars "
— Elesa, 3/19/2012" B An interesting portrayal of West Texas post World War II life. "
— Wil, 10/4/2011" Stark. Desolate. Unpleasant. Genius. "
— J.T., 9/6/2011" This is one of my favorite McMurtrys. "
— Emily, 7/28/2011" This one is not necessarily my cup of tea, but I could see how Larry McMurtry is loved by many. That said, I kept expecting it to turn into Shane. And I'm wondering how the movie based on this book is named after its least likable character. "
— Kat, 7/10/2011" I had to read this in college, which is what started my love affair with Larry McMurtry. Great movie, too. (Movie is HUD, with hot Paul Newman). "
— Realizethebang, 3/13/2011Larry McMurtry (1936–2021) was an award-winning novelist, essayist, screenwriter, and avid book collector. His novels include The Last Picture Show, Terms of Endearment, and Lonesome Dove, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize. He wrote more than thirty screenplays, including the coauthorship of Brokeback Mountain, for which he received an Academy Award.
Kerin McCue is an audiobook narrator whose readings include Charles Wheelan’s Naked Economics, Larry LcMurtry’s Horseman, Pass By, Stanley Bing’s Rome, Inc, and Tom Bissell’s The Father of All Things.