Scan barcode
writegeist's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a big believer in going to the source material rather than the versions of something interpreted by some other person (for example, a Hollywood director). On that token, I highly recommend reading True Grit. It's quick, intense, and a wonderful portrayal of the complicated jumble that makes up each human being. There are no black and whites here, merely human beings doing what human beings do, try to survive with all the demons we carry around inside of us. No one gets through life without acquiring scars. Even those with seemingly pure motives don't leave unscathed. Nor should they expect to. Life is not simple, and it is not easy. A great book.
lu2cook's review against another edition
4.0
The last time I read a western was, well.....never. I was surprised by how much I liked this book! It's a tale of 14 year old Maddie and her quest to avenge the death of her father. She is reluctantly aided by Rooster Cogburn and LeBouef. It is a good story!
heidihazelton's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this short little tale. Mattie's narration was such an old-timey pleasure to read.
stevenm's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite, strong, resolute characters who just happens to be female and 14! Great dialogue. A classic to be shared with many.
grumpalaurus's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve never seen the movie “True Grit”, but read an essay by Donna Tartt about this book, in which she said it was perfect to read if you needed a happy escape. I needed just that type of book, and she was right. Mattie’s narration is so funny and dry, and every time she deemed someone or something “trash”, I laughed out loud. Will definitely be seeking out more books by Charles Portis.
16thedition's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second western I have ever read. Sometimes I found it a bit slow and other times action came out of nowhere and shocked me. Had a couple of laughs. Cringed a few times. Pretty violent at the end (I think that's typical for westerns?).
kittybetty's review against another edition
5.0
Something just reminded me of this book--a thread about audiobooks that are better than the movie. The language is so delightful, and the narration by Donna Tartt so excellent, that this is far better than the John Wayne movie version and even better than the Coen brothers'. A film adaptation can do the novel justice, but it can't outdo it.
mec's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. The voice if Mattie gave her a fully rounded depth to the novel. I believed and cared about the characters. A great read and a contender for the great American novel.
mysteriousnorse's review against another edition
4.0
I can see why Portis' novel has inspired such acclaim. While I think the Coen adaptation is so faithful that reading this really only adds politics, faith, and a bit more historical context, I enjoy this story so much that it was like revisiting a friend.
dude1951's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone has seen the two movies made based on this book, but the story stands on its own. Written in the first person, the voice of Mattie tells an unbelievable story of the West, murder, and justice.