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Chaparral Books
Duster
Duster Dorword's first cattle drive is almost the death of him. Will he survive the harsh trail life, Mexican bandits, and a kidnapping? Rescue comes from the most unlikely place--but will it come in time?
- GenresWesterns
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1977
434 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Frank Roderus
96 books7 followersFrank 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 30, 2018
What is the difference between a “young adult” book and any other? That is a big question in some circles and criteria differ. In my mind, it makes little difference what a publisher labels a book as long as it’s a good story.
The publisher groups DUSTER by Frank Roderus in the young adult category. This no doubt is because Duster, the protagonist, is a young teenager just starting his journey to manhood. This book is a delight, however, regardless of what you call it, because Roderus has done such a fine job with his writing.
The setting is classic western trail drive, but the time is before the massive trail drives from Texas to the north. Rather, it is a much shorter drive across Texas and the market is not to provide meat but for the hides and tallow. It is a precursor to the big drives of Chisolm, Goodnight, and Loving that are most familiar to us.
The characters seem more real than the often stereotypical heroes and villains. Duster, for example, is from a family that is very poor, but they get by, even though the father went to war and not returned. The clothes are homespun; the hat is hand-woven from straw, until it is lost and replaced with a piece of cloth wrapped around his head; and the carpet-baggers government is about to steal the homestead.
Duster is green, but he listens and follows the example of older hands; he is not afraid of hard work; he takes a joke well, even when if it means he is almost eaten up by fire ants (though that is how he earns his nickname); his best friends are a Mexican and a former slave. In other words, it is all consistent with a time and place where a man is judged by his character rather than family name, income level, nationality, or race.
One may question how true-to-life are some of Duster’s adventures, such as a run-in with Mexican bandits and saving the herd by riding the back of steer in a stampede. Don’t worry, however, because in context it all makes sense.
Also praiseworthy is that the story is told in first person by Duster. The voice is consistent from beginning to end and captures the subtle growth of the raw youth toward adulthood.
The result is that Roderus has provided a story that can be enjoyed by readers of any age.
The publisher groups DUSTER by Frank Roderus in the young adult category. This no doubt is because Duster, the protagonist, is a young teenager just starting his journey to manhood. This book is a delight, however, regardless of what you call it, because Roderus has done such a fine job with his writing.
The setting is classic western trail drive, but the time is before the massive trail drives from Texas to the north. Rather, it is a much shorter drive across Texas and the market is not to provide meat but for the hides and tallow. It is a precursor to the big drives of Chisolm, Goodnight, and Loving that are most familiar to us.
The characters seem more real than the often stereotypical heroes and villains. Duster, for example, is from a family that is very poor, but they get by, even though the father went to war and not returned. The clothes are homespun; the hat is hand-woven from straw, until it is lost and replaced with a piece of cloth wrapped around his head; and the carpet-baggers government is about to steal the homestead.
Duster is green, but he listens and follows the example of older hands; he is not afraid of hard work; he takes a joke well, even when if it means he is almost eaten up by fire ants (though that is how he earns his nickname); his best friends are a Mexican and a former slave. In other words, it is all consistent with a time and place where a man is judged by his character rather than family name, income level, nationality, or race.
One may question how true-to-life are some of Duster’s adventures, such as a run-in with Mexican bandits and saving the herd by riding the back of steer in a stampede. Don’t worry, however, because in context it all makes sense.
Also praiseworthy is that the story is told in first person by Duster. The voice is consistent from beginning to end and captures the subtle growth of the raw youth toward adulthood.
The result is that Roderus has provided a story that can be enjoyed by readers of any age.
August 3, 2018
It isn't very often that I read a work of fiction that is as solid and well put together as "Duster" was. The characters all felt real, the story was driven without being flamboyant, and I felt like I was right there on the cattle drive with Duster and Jesus. Frank Roderus told a masterful story, and I can't wait to read more of his works!
I read this to narrate the audio-book for Audible and Amazon, and I'm glad I got the opportunity! As a fan of Louis L'Amour, I was interested in the genre already but skeptical of how well this book would compare, but as I started reading for the narration I was drawn in. I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this book, and will definitely be on the lookout for his others.
I read this to narrate the audio-book for Audible and Amazon, and I'm glad I got the opportunity! As a fan of Louis L'Amour, I was interested in the genre already but skeptical of how well this book would compare, but as I started reading for the narration I was drawn in. I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this book, and will definitely be on the lookout for his others.
June 22, 2018
THE HIDDEN CATTLE RUSTLERS
A great story of a young man trying to provide for his family. His father never returned from the "War of Treason." This story also describes how kids in the West matured early, due to the needs of providing for the families. Life was definitely
hard and demanding. Some kids could shoot the eye out of a lizard fifty paces away. It's was live or die, you did what you had to in order to survive.
A great story of a young man trying to provide for his family. His father never returned from the "War of Treason." This story also describes how kids in the West matured early, due to the needs of providing for the families. Life was definitely
hard and demanding. Some kids could shoot the eye out of a lizard fifty paces away. It's was live or die, you did what you had to in order to survive.
June 23, 2018
Ok read.
My biggest disappointment, was no epilogue. The story was good and
Duster and Jesus were colorful characters comical, hard working and resourceful. It just need a homecoming scene when Duster presents his good fortune to his deprived family. That was his principle reason for going on the drive.
My biggest disappointment, was no epilogue. The story was good and
Duster and Jesus were colorful characters comical, hard working and resourceful. It just need a homecoming scene when Duster presents his good fortune to his deprived family. That was his principle reason for going on the drive.
May 24, 2018
This is an excellent book. Story about a boy that grows into a man during a cattle drive. Very well written and great character development. Overall just an excelltne book. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good western.
I recevied an advance copy for an honest review.
I recevied an advance copy for an honest review.
May 26, 2018
Duster is a YA western with a good bit of action. It is the story of a young teen going on a cattle drive and all his adventures. I did not care for the dialogue and it was difficult to get very enthusiastic about the book, a God start but needs work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2018
Hello!
This is one of the best westerns have read in a very long time. The characters are easy to believe and the location is true to the places I have visited and worked at in Texas and the southern border area. I will look for more of this writer's work.
Dave
5 stars
This is one of the best westerns have read in a very long time. The characters are easy to believe and the location is true to the places I have visited and worked at in Texas and the southern border area. I will look for more of this writer's work.
Dave
5 stars
July 21, 2018
Now THIS is how real Western should be written! It has all the nuances required for a story to pull the reader right into the dust and heat of the range. I was very saddened to learn the author has passed on, but hopefully a revival of his books for a new generation is in the works.
October 23, 2018
Cattle Drive
This story is written in first person. It's about a boy coming of age while on a cattle drive. He learns several life lessons, the most important is how his fellow cowboys become like family and come to his rescue.
This story is written in first person. It's about a boy coming of age while on a cattle drive. He learns several life lessons, the most important is how his fellow cowboys become like family and come to his rescue.
January 9, 2019
Slow moving
I have read all (I think) Frank Roderus books and have enjoyed them all more than this one. Not much plot action until toward the end. The book is very informative of old South Texas cattle roundups and drives with plenty of the daily life and the drudgery involved.
I have read all (I think) Frank Roderus books and have enjoyed them all more than this one. Not much plot action until toward the end. The book is very informative of old South Texas cattle roundups and drives with plenty of the daily life and the drudgery involved.
February 11, 2019
The Cowboy Way
A young man joins a cattle drive after his father dies, hoping to provide for his family. The job proved to be more dangerous than he imagined but he is determined to complete the job or die trying. I highly recommend this author.
A young man joins a cattle drive after his father dies, hoping to provide for his family. The job proved to be more dangerous than he imagined but he is determined to complete the job or die trying. I highly recommend this author.
November 9, 2022
Action Packed Not just for Teens
Loved this book . I'm way past 30 and enjoyed the story. Lot's of action and excitement. No cussing or vulgarity. Plenty of good moral values are taught. ***** 5 stars and will look for more from this author.
Loved this book . I'm way past 30 and enjoyed the story. Lot's of action and excitement. No cussing or vulgarity. Plenty of good moral values are taught. ***** 5 stars and will look for more from this author.
June 8, 2018
Excellent tale
I felt almost like I was reading a diary.
Our young men are smart and strong but not supermen. The feel of reality is strong and it makes good sense.
I felt almost like I was reading a diary.
Our young men are smart and strong but not supermen. The feel of reality is strong and it makes good sense.
June 23, 2018
Duster
This is a good coming of age western. The story starts at home and the action keeps you from going back. The characters are all solid and factual..
This is a good coming of age western. The story starts at home and the action keeps you from going back. The characters are all solid and factual..
March 4, 2019
Ok
I know a boy has to grow up but they did not give enough directions as to what was required of them
I know a boy has to grow up but they did not give enough directions as to what was required of them
March 25, 2019
A fine read for a western lover.
A realistic rerun of hard times past and a friendship between an American and a Mexican that grew into a life saving adventure.
A realistic rerun of hard times past and a friendship between an American and a Mexican that grew into a life saving adventure.
September 13, 2019
I don't know why but I didn't even want to do something about this book and didn't care for it I just don't understand if it
October 16, 2018
An FR Western About Two Young Men In A Trail Drive
FR had penned a Texas Western That takes place between 1866 - 1870. The carpet baggers arrived in Texas stating that if the ranchers could not pay their acre then the State would confiscate the non paying ranches. The two young boys worked to support their families. They agreed to make a trail drive and at trails and they had enough to pay the taxes. On the way home the boys are kidnapped because they seem to recognize a wanted man when the troubled started. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
FR had penned a Texas Western That takes place between 1866 - 1870. The carpet baggers arrived in Texas stating that if the ranchers could not pay their acre then the State would confiscate the non paying ranches. The two young boys worked to support their families. They agreed to make a trail drive and at trails and they had enough to pay the taxes. On the way home the boys are kidnapped because they seem to recognize a wanted man when the troubled started. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
May 9, 2019
Coming or Age in Texas Brush Country
A fine Western tale of learning who are your friends and who to avoid. The friendship between Duster and Jesus is the result of both working a low skilled job--NOT political correctness. Roderous writes great human interest about how folks lived in a time gone by. His stories are a tribute to those who settled the great land!
A fine Western tale of learning who are your friends and who to avoid. The friendship between Duster and Jesus is the result of both working a low skilled job--NOT political correctness. Roderous writes great human interest about how folks lived in a time gone by. His stories are a tribute to those who settled the great land!
May 24, 2018
Great book as I've come to expect from Frank Roderus. His characters are good guys, with strong moral values. Of course, moral values come form God.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews