UK Book Club discussion

I used to groan when I heard The Western would be the genre for the month, but I have definitely warmed to the genre. I loved The Sisters Brothers and was delighted to discover Willa Cather (O Pioneers!). A Hanging at Cinder Bottom was fun and I mustn't forget Cormac McCarthy, particularly the atmospheric All the Pretty Horses, and many more to discover.

This time I'm going for the classic Lonesome Dove, which I think won the Pulitzer in the 80's. It's a loooong one, so I'll be kept busy this month.

What will you be reading?

I’ve been failing the genre challenge lately and will doubtless fail again this month (too much work), but I’d like to recommend a different sort of Western: When Water Was Everywhere by Barbara Crane. It starts in the usual way—a stranger comes to town—but “takes a turn to everyone’s satisfaction.” Set in southern California as the era of Spanish control is waning, it gives equal time to the lives of the indigenous people. If you’re half as uncomfortable as I am with the traditional Western tropes, this is the book for you.

Sounds good, Abigail.

I've been to the library today and horror of horrors they've got rid of their Westerns section and dispersed them throughout fiction!

I eventually found Gunhand from Texas in the large print section. I think this is set in Wyoming so I'm hoping to nab another US State.
I also found How the West Was Won which is set 1840-1880 and will be great for the time traveller challenge where we have just landed in the 19th Century.

How annoying! Luckily you were still able to find something. Ours are all mixed in at my library too, but they have a handy genre icon sticker on the spine.

I've just finished Gunhand from Texas which I would say was something of a typical Western! I did stay up until 1am to finish it so I guess it was a good one!
I do prefer the biography type Westerns and tend towards ones about Wyatt Earp and Co but this was a novel for a change and it got me Wyoming for US States.

I'm immersed in Lonesome Dove - so far, so good....

Just finished Lonesome Dove. In a word: brilliant. :)