Morgan

by Frank Roderus

15 year old Morgan finds himself alone—both brothers lost to the Civil War—both parents dead. Too young to die, too tough to care Morgan heads west chasing rumors of the Pikes Peak gold rush and grows up much too early along the way.

Genres: Westerns, Historical Fiction

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2014

About the author

Frank Roderus wrote his first story—it was a western—when he was five. It was really awful, as might be expected, but his mother kept that typed and spell-checked short story tucked away until the day she died.
Later, Frank became a newspaper reporter, thinking that books are written by authors which he most assuredly was not. He kept trying to write though, and eventually did it wrong enough to learn how to get it right. That first sale, a young adult novel published by Independence Press, was more than thirty years and a good many books ago.
As a journalist, the Colorado Press Association awarded Frank Roderus their highest award, the Sweepstakes Award, for the best news story of 1980, and the Western Writers of America has twice named Frank recipient of their prestigious Spur Award. Frank passed away at age 73 in December 2015.

Reviews

[Fred Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan is the story of Morgan Winton, who at 15, after his "Mam" caught the ague and suddenly died, decided to go west to look for gold. It was the end of the Civil War and both his brothers, who went off to fight, never returned. His "Pap" had passed on as well, so he stayed behind to help his Mam with the farm. His Mam was the last of his family, and after her death, he and "Dog" began their walk to Colorado and Pike's Peak where the gold rush was on. His adventures are astounding, and rich in scenery and action.

Frank Roderus lived in Colorado and learned to write classic westerns like "Morgan" as a reporter, then a short story writer, then a novelist. His characters come alive on the pages and his skill is his ability to keep the reader engaged for the next adventure of his protagonist. Well researched and excellent story telling will keep me reading more of his work.

Thanks to the "American Westerns" Goodreads book club for introducing m to Mr. Roderus.

[HornFan2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never been a fan of first-person narration books. With 'Morgan', Frank Roderus kept it simple, he did enough to keep the reader interested and in all not a bad read. Roderus definitely is a worthy author to read, read several of his other books and liked them.

[Edwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel tells the story of Morgan, an old man who reminisces about his life in the post Civil War American West. The story is told chronologically starting when Morgan was orphaned at 15 years old as he begins a journey west to find gold, but finds that life gets in the way. The novel is a well told coming-of-age tale that then proceeds to tell Morgan's story as he grows old and the Old West, once wild and untamed becomes more advanced and civilized before his eyes. Morgan is not infallible and makes some egregious and unsavory mistakes during his long life. This is probably true of most of us. Frank Roderus, an old man himself, passed away in 2015 not long after this book was published making it even more poignant in my opinion. This was the Group Read of the American Westerns community this month and a fine selection.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtly addictive

I cannot believe that as much as I love western novels this is my first Frank Roderus novel. He leads you gently into involvement and you go willingly.
I will be reading more!

[Chance Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical western, highly recommend to men and women.

[Mikel Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth is always better than fiction

This is a great true story about a portion of our past that should be read by all & treasured forever.

[Craig Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting!

My wife and kids are mad at me.
I started reading this book at 6am.
When everyone left for school and jobs at 7:30 I was still reading.
When my wife asked me about lunch, I was still reading and didn’t even hear her speak. It is now a little past 3 and I have read the entire book.

This is one of those books that is impossible to put down and makes you feel that you know the main character like he was your best friend.

I look forward reading more from Frank Roderus.

[Carrol j Oliphint · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story well told.

Morgan Winton, town marshal of Barlow,Colorado is an exceptional every man. Narrated by the main character the story takes the reader on a.journey through his life from early teens through extreme highs to depths of tragedy with action, romance, and life.

[Alfred Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the 1st person narrative

This story tells the life of a teen through to his death. It’s well told in an honest way I enjoyed. I didn’t always like the main character, but the story is good.

[Willard Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fitting!

What a great tale incorporating the realism that faces many men during their life with the ending many would hope for. Great story!

[Carl Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating

I enjoyed this a lot. Quite different from
From any I have read. A different ending also. Very good story and I wilted this writer again.

[neal mirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

But maybe to much bedding, not enough of the dogs loyalty in the story. It keeper you reading . To much violence to woman.