True Grit by Charles Portis

Some of us remember the original movie (you know–John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn), and more of us are probably familiar with the Coen Brothers’ 2010 remake with Jeff Bridges in the starring role and Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross, a girl of singular convictions and courage. But if you haven’t read the book, do it. When Charles Portis’s most famous novel was published, the Boston Globe called it “An American Masterpiece.” I can’t argue with that. It truly is. If you like stories with complex characters, adventure, suspense, bravery, loyalty, eccentricity, humor, lyrical writing, delightfully unexpected dialogue, and yes, true grit, you’ll love this book. Rarely, if ever, do I read a book and find myself unable to NOT laugh out loud. But I read parts of TRUE GRIT on the train in Europe, laughing at the dialogue, marveling at the writing, prompting people around me (including my wife) to wonder, prompting me to read passages out loud to prove that I had reason to laugh. Check it out. The five stars are earned.

(Review on Goodreads)