Tommy Lee Jones was no slouch, either...
Posted on 03/24/2023 5:57:16 PM PDT by algore
Why it matters: "Lonesome Dove," the Pulitzer-winning novel by the late author Larry McMurtry, might be the most beloved book in Texas history.
The big picture: The book about two retired Texas Rangers on an epic cattle drive during the last days of the West includes scenes of sexual assault and characters who are prostitutes.
Driving the news: Patterson's READER Act would require vendors to rate books with sexual content before selling them to school districts. Patterson has argued the legislation is an attempt to rid school libraries of books inappropriate for children.
Texas already bans more books than any other state, according to a 2022 PEN America report.
Yes, but: "Lonesome Dove" — which Patterson said he hadn't read — is one of the great unifiers among rugged, individualistic-minded conservatives and literature-loving liberals. Even conservatives in McMurtry's hometown of Archer City who despise some of his other work appreciate "Lonesome Dove."
Patterson's allies and enemies both think that suggesting "Lonesome Dove" should be banned was a mistake, per Texas Monthly. What happened next: Christin Bentley, a Republican from Smith County, tweeted that she downloaded the book and searched the text for words including "vagina" and "sex." Finding nothing, she determined the book is "not sexually explicit."
Patterson didn't reply to requests for comment. The intrigue: Though the book contains quite a bit of sexually explicit content, there was no discussion about whether the proposed legislation would also ban the Bible, which has already been challenged in one district.
What we're watching: The bill was left pending in committee.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
has anyone else ?
The only western author I have read recently was C.J. Petit
Don’t get out much, do ya?
If you really have never heard of Lonesome Dove, read it. Very good book. And the eight hour television miniseries based off of it was amazing too (probably Robert Duvall's greatest role).
Patterson needs a poke to loosen him up. If that doesn’t do it, the surly barkeep treatment might.
I’m guessing the Rangers are NOT the sex offenders.
“Lonesome Dove”? It’s a much loved book by more than just Texans!
Wasn’t “Comanche Moon” also a McMurtry book, or am I thinking of another author?
Can’t we just knock this crap off and ban azho politicians?
Yes, same author.
🤬🤬It’s past time to play Cowboys and Marxits!
“Can’t we just knock this crap off and ban azho politicians?”
Nope. Obviously we (or they) can’t help themselves. Tit for Tat and the people of this nation lose more of their rights with each of their moves.
I’m remembering the movie “Lonesome Dove”, or maybe a TV series from the early 90s or so that was loosely based upon the book. As I recall it was a big hit and watched by many people.
Uva Uvam Vivendo Varia Fit.
The four Lonesome Dove books, in order of events, were Dead Man’s Walk, Comanche Moon, Lonesome Dove, and Streets of Laredo. I think I’ll reread them before long; it’s been a few years.
My dad was friends with Larry McMurtry.
Listen to the lyrics.
Personally, I liked all of the TV movies made from McMurtry’s books. I think it’s a dumbass thing to do to ban them but hey, the Africans here in Texas got whitey to rip down all of the statues and monuments of the Texas Rangers (Not the baseball team) here in Texas.
“never heard of this one or the author either”
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.
I have read lots of paper books, but never heard of this one or the author either
has anyone else ?
Good grief, Larry McMurtry was the best ever! But I’m prejudiced being a Texas born and raised gal.......;)
Tommy Lee Jones was no slouch, either...
No way!
I hadn't heard about that.
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