TEXASVILLE : A Novel

The common theme among the other reviewers seems to be that "it ain't no Last Picture Show." While I can recognize that LPS is a more tightly constructed book in the English class, reading it for credit context, I think this book actually has more life. The action is absurd in many respects, and the characters do selfish things, but there's a buoyant feeling to the whole business. Sometimes, driving down the road, I think of how Duane's dog, Shorty, rode away from Duane "looking inscrutable," and I just crack up. This is McMurtry doing what he does best.

I do so agree with Reader of Indiana who says that this is the funniest book s/he has read. I found a most battered copy of 'Texasville' in a hotel library in Malaysia and began reading it somewhat reluctantly. It is hilarious. It kept me totally occupied through several airports during which I could often be heard to laugh aloud. Delicious! Enjoy!

I read this book a while ago, but it has stuck in my memory ever since. I thought this book was the funniest book I'd ever read. I remember actually laughing out loud while reading. Maybe you have to be from down south or to be a southerner to understand the humor, but I thought it was hilarious.

I got the biggest kick out of trying to watch poor Duane manage his insane life!! Beyond the hilarity there are some deeper issues as all of the folks from the Last Picture Show cope with middle age.

If you ever wondered what happened to the characters in the Last Picture Show, you have to read this book. Mr. McMurtry wisely chose the mid eighties post oil boom era to frame the second chapter of the Thalia trilogy. I live in this general area of Texas but was not born in the area. Two things. Locals generally do not care for Mr. McMurtry (hits a little to close to home)and secondly for those of you that think the characters are over the top, come live in this barren area for a while. The characters may have different names but they all have counterparts in my dusty little town. Like The Last Picture Show I could not put the book down. I can't wait to read the next installment.