Tucker

by Louis L'Amour

“If a man won’t fight for what is rightly his, then he ain’t much account.” With this challenge from his dying father, young Shell Tucker rode out after three men who had stolen the twenty thousand dollars his father was carrying. Two of the men he hunted, Doc Sites and Kid Reese, were his friends. Dreaming of adventure, Tucker had wanted to join their gang. But now, with his father gone and the people back home desperately in need of the proceeds from the cattle drive, Shell was determined to uphold his father’s reputation and recover their money. He knew the odds were against him. Finding his friends would be difficult. Getting the money back would be nearly impossible.

Genres: Westerns, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Action, Novels, Historical

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1971

About the author

Louis Dearborn L'Amour was an American novelist and short story writer. His books consisted primarily of Western novels, though he called his work "frontier stories". His most widely known Western fiction works include Last of the Breed, Hondo, Shalako, and the Sackett series. L'Amour also wrote historical fiction (The Walking Drum), science fiction (The Haunted Mesa), non-fiction (Frontier), and poetry and short-story collections. Many of his stories were made into films. His books remain popular and most have gone through multiple printings. At the time of his death, almost all of his 105 existing works (89 novels, 14 short-story collections, and two full-length works of nonfiction) were still in print, and he was "one of the world's most popular writers".

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 1971. The book follows a common theme of L’Amour stories. That of a boy becoming a man. I noticed in the story that a man asked Tucker if he could read. Tucker answered in the affirmative. The man told Tucker he should read all the books he could obtain. That a man educates himself by reading. The basic values of L’Amour come through in the story such as, take responsibility for your actions. Be honest. A man is only as good as his word. Give a man an honest day’s work for your pay or vise versa and ride for the brand.

I originally read this book in 1971. The paperback was in a box of books that was given to me by friend. She obtained these at a Fiends of the Library book sale. So, I decided to reread it. I am glad I did. If you enjoy a good western or would like a reminder of the old fashion values this book is for you.

I read this as a paperback. It is 185 pages. Published by Bantan.

[Clayton Roach · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those books that crumbles in your hand while you read. Pony, why’d you do it? This was a fun one because all the gunslinging happened in the Rockies. Every chapter consisted of “eating good beans, but drinking better coffee.” I like beans more.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Shell Tucker hunts for the three men who rob his father of $20,000 that he is carrying the sale of a trail herd. Two of the thieves were supposed to be Shell's friends. As he attempts to recover the money needed by the folks back, Shell grows up during his relentless pursuit.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to read L'Amour's books as a teenager. In fact, I read the author's entire oeuvre by my early 20s. I read this novel 48 years ago and decided to read it again. It felt good to read this exciting book of a teen who grows up quickly into a man in the wild West.

[Lane Nett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Response:
Overall, I enjoyed Tucker a Novelvery much. It was very interesting because Shell Tucker had to chase the outlaws who killed his dad and stole his money. When everything was put against him, he still came out victorious by catching the outlaws and getting revenge. I also thought it was cool how when he was so hurt to the point most people would have given up, he didn't. My favorite part about this whole book was that Tucker had to think like an outlaw and adapt to catch them, and by the end, everyone in the country knew who he was.

Plot Summary:
Shell Tucker was a 17 year old boy in southern Florida who was riding with his dad when he got bucked off and broke his leg. Tucker left to find help but when he got back his father was dead and the money they had was gone. He soon found out that his best friends had his money. He chased them for the entire book, slowly catching up to his destination. Throughout the book, Tucker got shot a total of five times, but he kept pushing forward and did not give up. He made it all the way to California before he caught up with the outlaws. He got all his money and went back home to his girlfriend and paid everyone back. By the end of the book, everyone knew who he was--he was Shell Tucker.

Characterization:
Shell Tucker was the main character in the story. He was a 17 year old boy in southern Florida. He was determined, brave, and hardworking. Throughout the book, he tried to Get revenge and pay back everyone he owed. Finally in the end, he succeeded and caught all the outlaws.

His two best friends, Doc and Reese, were the antagonists because they teamed up with a known outlaw to steal Tucker's money. The only issue was that Tucker had too much pride and heart in the situation.

Setting:
This book took place first in southern Florida and then later throughout the whole southern states. The reader can assume that the setting took place around the early 1900s because of the barren land and guns. The setting was very important because if it were in a modern era, the book would have not made sense because of the transportation they used.

Recommendation:
I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up. I would recommend this because there was a little bit of violence, but it also would be a good book for an older person. I think that either gender would enjoy this book because it is a book about action and also has a bit of romance.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Louis L'Amour westerns! This story was similar in some respects to others I've read but I still enjoyed it. Westerns, in the hands of a good writer like L'Amour, express a love of nature, a sense of good moral values, and a love of travel. This story involves Shel Tucker, a young man who must face a lot of serious problems to regain his neighbors' earnings from a cattle drive.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to add this one simply because it was the first Louis L'Amour ever placed in my hands-- thanks to my big brother. Thanks, Tim -- you created an addict. :)

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty quick read (two nights). Great names. Not too graphic like Louis usually does. Good story line with a good but predictable ending.

[serena482* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best Louis L'Amour I have read yet! It was awesome! Shell Tucker is awesome! :D

[Josie Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1971, Louis L’amour published his novel Tucker. The author was focused on writing stories about the Old West before it was highly populated by new settlers and miners. He wants the readers to know what the West used to be like, how few cities and towns there were, what the government was like, even how people treated one another. The genre of this novel is Historical Fiction.
Tucker is a novel that starts out with a boy, Shell Tucker, and his Pa on a cattle drive to sell that cattle their community worked together to raise. On their way home, they got in a heated argument, Shell galloped off from his father, and his father’s horse acted up to where he was bucked off and the horse ran away. Shell eventually cooled down and went back to his father, finding out he was in bad shape, and he then went after his father’s horse. When the horse is found, Shell sees that the money earned from the cattle was stolen by his two “friends”, Doc Sites and Kid Reese, and another man, Heseltine. The three men run off with the money and Shell is able to at least get his father’s horse back. Shell’s father was left in such a terrible condition that he died a day or two later, and Shell makes it his job to get the money back for those who worked hard for it. He chases the men for months on end, not allowing them anytime to settle down and spend the money, but they were kept on their toes for all those months. They had multiple meet ups with each other, and men from both sides got shot up a bit. Shell had to spend a few days, turning nearly into weeks to rest and heal. Once he was healed he hit the road again, and on his way he ran into even more trouble other than the theifs with the money. The characters within the novel are very well developed. Shell didn’t have any true friends, which meant he had a closer bond with his father who he still didn’t listen to much. So, when he met a guy that helped him on the road, Con Judy got Shell to be a well known man, and a good one at that. The men are very relatable, because Shell himself is trying to not think about what he has to do with his life in future, just like many students still in school. The plot is also very original, and keeps the readers hanging on, waiting to see what happens next in the story. With all the shooting, and western way of life going on, it is hard to stop reading. The geography within this story is very important, because Shell is traveling all along the west side of America, up and back down again, and some of the states are established already in this novel.
The theme of this novel is to always do the right thing even if it means risking your life. Shell knew that going after the men who stole the money was going to be a huge risk to himself, but he knew he had to get it back for those who worked hard to gain it, and he is also doing it for his father who died to get that money back to their community. A life lesson the readers can learn from this it that people are not always who you think they are. Heseltine fooled Reese and Sites by making them think he was there to help them, but really he just wanted the money to himself. This book is similar to The Warriors Path also written by Louis L’amour. Both of these stories were written for the readers to explore what the West used to be like, and how tough it was. This is also is similar to some John Wayne movies that show the Old west and what the people were like, and how they survived out there.
The only controversial thing within this novel that some readers might would want to know about is all the gun fighting, and description of how fatigued and hurt the men got from being in the sun too much and being shot up from time to time. I recommend this book to everybody. It is a page turner, and very captivating. There is no certain age group that would dislike this book, Everyone from middle school adults would like reading this. This would be a more appropriate novel for middle school aged students rather than high schoolers, but high schoolers can still enjoy it.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a frequent visitor to Leadville, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes that occured in/around the town in its wild West heyday. The rest of the novel fell flat, as the quick pacing eliminated space for character development and made many of the events seem implausible.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favourite Louis Lamour book! So interesting seeing the boy become a man and make hard choices ❤

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Louis L'Amour book. I really enjoyed it. Now, for some strange reason, I'm on a western kick.

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid chase novel. But what I'll remember most is the fact that this was the final book in my quest to read every story written by Louis L'Amour.

[Betty Talley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy all of Louis’s books but this one was even better!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one seemed to have some inconsistencies in the writing. Not my favorite.

[Doug O'Loughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a good ole Western, then this is a must-read.

[Mason Marquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Response
I liked the book Tucker and enjoyed reading it. In the book there was always something exciting happening. It had lots of action because Tucker was always chasing somebody. There was a lot of gunfights, and this made you always want to keep reading. It also had a little bit of romance if that is what you like. The book also had some suspense because you never knew what was going to happen next. Overall I thought it was a very good book, and if you are into western style books you would like it.

Plot Summary
The book starts off with Tucker's dad getting injured, and then not long after he died. After this Con Judy and Tucker ride after Hesseltine and the money. Con and Tucker would later have to part ways. Tucker meets Vashti in Colorado, but he leaves to ride after his money. Tucker keeps getting closer to Hesseltine, and more of Heseltine's men die. Tucker then decides he is not going to pursue Hesseltine because he wants to go back to Vashti. After this he runs into Pony Zale, and he takes everything Tucker has. He left him to die, but Tucker would find Zale. Tucker gets some of his money back. Finally, Hesseltine sets up a trap for Tucker by tricking him into thinking he gave up. He did not give up. He tried to kill Tucker, but Tucker drew his gun faster and killed him. Tucker and Vashti would go off, and they live happily ever after.

Recommendation
I would recommend this book for anyone ages 13 to 18. There is a fair amount of violence in the book. Either gender could read this book, but it is definitely geared more towards boys. If you like old westerns you would like this book and should read it. I enjoyed this book, and I would recommend you to read it.

[Jeff Tankersley · Rating 1 out of 5]

After bringing in a cattle train and collecting the enormous $20,000 payment owed to them and their neighbors in Texas, Shell Tucker and his dad are headed home when the older Tucker's horse is spooked by a rattlesnake, spills him to the ground with a broken leg, and runs off with the money. Three no-good bandits find the horse and take the money and won't give it back to young Shell, so he enlists the help of a good guy named Con Judy and they set off in pursuit.

"Tucker" (1978) doesn't have the cross-cutting character insights or interactions we usually see in a good L'Amour read; instead, it kills time with vague bits of wisdom ("a beaver builds dams because it's his nature, and a man builds cities for the same reason, I suppose") being passed down from Con or Denig to Shell in mentor-student conversations that kill time to pass the pages while they slowly chase the thieves. The protagonist Shell Tucker is not as relatable or authentic as L'Amour coming-of-age protagonists usually are. L'Amour was 70 when he penned this one (in his "preachy anecdotes" phase) and it reads like it. While this kid is hunting the thieves who stole his dying father's money, L'Amour is waxing poetic about unrelated topics and it just reads unfocused and patchy.

Tucker is (spoiler removed) and (spoiler removed) so many times it is cartoony and he continually relates his back story to people he comes across and who serve no plot purpose. "Tucker" is just a really boring and sleep-inducing read.

Verdict: I'm a fan of a western manhunt and chase narrative but L'Amour's treatment of the characters, dialogue and situations in "Tucker" are poorly written, and beyond that the plot is just horribly boring.

Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventeen year old protagonist of this novel promises to recover money taken from him and his father, and he endures beating, shooting, thirst, and personal doubt to become a young man with a "good name" that precedes him across the West. He learns the difference in foolish trust and faith in humanity.

His fresh approach and desire to become better is charming while the author inserts through the first person narrative some character lessons such as,". . . the element that makes a man a thief makes him untrustworty, but those who associate with him often forget that." Another quotable truth is reflected when Tucker observes,"I'd picked up a smattering of geology from Con Judy during our rides, and had begun looking at deserts and mountains from fresh viewpoints, and it showed me that the more a man knew, the more interesting everything became. As Con had dsaid, if you didn't have books to read, you could always read the face of nature."

True to L'Amour's style, the hero finds that his heart is set on life and love in the highest order.

[Josh Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book... its the second book that I have read by Louis L'amour... I learned from this book that you should always try to have a goal in life... somthing that I liked about the main charecter was that he never gave up, he kept going no matter what, ive always tried to finish things that start...

[Stephanie Ricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am (and will be, for months) working through the ludicrous number of books I bought at the library sale. I breezed through Tucker by Louis L’Amour, which was solidly enjoyable but nothing I haven’t said about L’Amour before. I find the occasional piece of genre fiction very therapeutic, and everyone loves a good Western.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

As long as you're reading, "I want my money back!" over and over again without thinking of the kid from Better off Dead yelling, "I want my two dollars!", it's a good read.

Also, the protagonist passes out more than anyone besides Johnny Got His Gun. Wait, he only passed out once. Based on that Shell Tucker probably wins the Passes Out Most In Any Book Ever Award.

[Jeff Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason whenever I am feeling down a good Louis L'Amour book really makes me want to work hard and leaves me feeling pretty darn good. This one shows the benefit of facing right up to one's mistakes and never giving up. Couldn't put it down.

[John K]

Another very good book by Louis L'Amour, about a boy who becomes a man when he and his pa are robbed and pa dies. He learns the value of keeping promises, no matter how hard it is or how long it takes.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason, his books named for a single character are some of my favorites. Young man falls in with a bad crowd who subsequently turn on him. Then he seeks vengeance. What more can you ask for?

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable coming-of-age western. A young boy seeks revenge/justice on the men who killed his father and stole his money. At some point he has to decide if a revengeful heart is worth the grief it brings. Fun stuff.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the good cowboys that get the bad guys! This is the story of a 17-year old cowboy who takes a long journey to retrieve something that was taken from him and in that journey he turns into a man. A great read!

[Jack Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Tale That Keeps You Hanging On

What a great ride -- like all Louie L'Amour stories. Satisfying right to the end. Always a great story with characters you can truly care about.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always a good, let your mind wonder read. L'Amour gets a bit formulate, the heroes are always the the best at what they do, it is still fun to get lost in a western.