Moché’s Reviews > Horseman, Pass By > Status Update

He went to a dead, tearing run, till he was stretched out low to the ground, with his red legs blurred. I couldn’t see for the wind tears in my eyes, and I was afraid I’d fall off. But I had been waiting a week for the thrill and excitement of his speed. We went over the gray-brown grass like it was a race track, Stranger running for all he was worth and me leaning over his neck hanging on to his flying mane.

This is a reread which I’m looking forward to very much.

This novel was the basis for the classic film Hud with Paul Newman. The movie won three Academy Awards.

However my interest is less in the film or book or plot or even the story itself.

I want to read McMurtry’s incredible writing again and savor it like a good meal and a good strong drink.

I was reading over the highlights I’d selected from this novel a while back and omg Larry’s writing was so damn fine I said bro y’all gotta ride this horse again. So I am 🐎

The thing about Larry’s writing, especially in his modern novels of Texas, is that it’s everyday life and he makes it interesting because his writing is so good. He can spend two pages talking about a hot day and putting your head under an outside tap and letting the water run over head, loving the cold wet feeling. Or talk about the land, or feeling good about a girl or a guy, or riding a horse fast.

Texas ranch about 1961. Good strong descriptions of the people and the land. But trouble is brewing with the livestock. Writing you can slip into like a comfortable boot.