The LAST PICTURE SHOW : A Novel

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In The Last Picture Show Larry McMurtry introduced characters who would show up again in later novels, Texasville and Duane's Depressed. This first volume of the trilogy drops the reader into the one-stoplight town of Thalia, Texas, where Duane Moore, his buddy Sonny, and his girlfriend Jacy are all stumbling along the rocky road to adulthood. Duane wants nothing more than to marry Jacy; Sonny wants what Duane has; and Jacy wants to get the hell out of Thalia any way she can. This is not a novel of big ideas or defining moments; over the course of a year Duane and Jacy make up and break up, Sonny begins an affair with his high-school football coach's wife, and the only movie house in town closes its doors forever. Yet it is out of these small-town experiences--a nude swimming party in Wichita, a failed sexual encounter during a senior trip, a botched elopement, an enlistment--that McMurtry builds his tale and reveals his characters' hearts. No epiphanies here, just a lot of hard-won experience that leaves none of his protagonists particularly wiser, though they're all a little sadder by the end. --Alix Wilber

Book Description

The Last Picture Show is one of Larry McMurtry's most powerful, memorable novels -- the basis for the enormously popular movie of the same name. Set in a small, dusty, Texas town, The Last Picture Show introduced the characters of Jacy, Duane, and Sonny: teenagers stumbling toward adulthood, discovering the beguiling mysteries of sex and the even more baffling mysteries of love. Populated by a wonderful cast of eccentrics and animated by McMurtry's wry and raucous humor, The Last Picture Show is wild, heartbreaking, and poignant -- a coming-of-age novel that resonates with the magical passion of youth.

Customer Reviews:

A tale for the ages.......2007-08-05

Larry McMurtry turns out far too much material and that has hurt his legacy. But this book stands out at the top of his list, along with one or two others, all also important movies or, of course, TV mini-series. This book speaks to me particularly because I grew up in a similar town in Eastern Oregon, of all places. Anyone of a certain age who grew up in the West has to love this story, even beyond enjoying the great writing of an author who was then a young man.

A GREAT COMING OF AGE NOVEL.......2007-01-25

This is a great coming of age novel about Sonny, Duane, and Jacy growing up in the 1950's. Some parts are sad but it is a very moving and well written novel. I really enjoyed the story. I really liked this book a lot.

Entertaining at times, Unbelievable at others.......2006-03-27

I liked the pace, flow ,and language of this novel. My problems stemmed from character behavior, having grown up in Texas I could not relate to these boys. I can not imagine any scenario where a groupsof teenage boys would get together to go have sex witha calf. I'm not naive to think this has never happened, it muight even happen on a regular basis, but not as a group activity with half the high school there to watch. Like ise there is no great homophobic group than teenage boys and for the author to say they made a habit of grabbing for each other's privates came across as unbelievable. Once I can't beleive a books characters, I no longer care about the story.

Larry McMurtry's finest.......2005-11-24

this is an excellent book that produced an exceptional movie (though as usual, the book is better)
The book is the story of sonny and duane, two high school "rough necks" coming of age in thalia, a small town in texas in the early 1950's.

What is great about the novel is that it captures not only the restlessness of growing up in a small town , but the feeling of staying and living in a small town (there are just as many adult characters as there are teenage ones)
What i like about it is that it is not only a coming of age novel, but a novel of what happens when you come of age (living with your choices- and mistakes)
Another asset is the excellent female characters, which has always been Larry McMurtry's strong suit.
The best novels capture the look and spirit of a specific place so you feel like you've actually been there. After reading this, you'll feel like you spent time with real people in a town called thalia and you'll care about them.

Note- if you read this - read the two sequels "texasville"(not as good)and "duane's depressed"(just as good). The author ages the characters in ways you do not expect after reading this novel (sort of like real life).

Coming of age in a small Texas town.......2005-11-21

Larry McMurtry's third novel, set in Thalia, Texas, an oil town that's seen better times. The plot centers around two high school boys, Sonny and Duane, as they struggle toward maturity and self identity. Both boys are basically parentless and spend most of their time under the care of Sam the Lion, who owns the pool hall, cafe, and movie house, and Genevieve, a waitress at the cafe. Late in the book, when Sam learns that Sonny has gotten mixed up with the degredation of the half-wit Billy, he bars him from his establishments, which isolates Sonny and drives him toward an affair with the much older Ruth Popper.

Both Duane and Sonny are hooked on the same girl, Jacy Farrow, the spoiled rich daughter of an oil man. She uses both of them, even talking Sonny into running off with her to get married (the whole thing comes to nothing). Duane eventually leaves town by joining the army, but Sonny is stuck there; he attempts to escape in his car after Duane leaves, but turns around at the edge of town.

The tone of the book is sad, with Sonny seemingly defeated by circumstances by age 18. Although some of the characterization is stereotypical, McMurtry portrays Duane and Sonny accurately and honestly. He also captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of a dying small town on the wind-blown plains of Texas perfectly. Peter Bogdanovich would make an excellent movie from the book, which would make two great movies (HUD was the first) based on two of his first three novels - not bad for the young author.

Larry McMurtry: Three Complete Novels (Lonesome Dove, Leaving Cheyenne, The Last Picture Show)

Average customer rating:

Lonesome Dove
Outstanding, exciting & entertaining account of early Texas
Loved reading three of McMurtry's novels at one whack-
THREE WINNERS

Larry McMurtry: Three Complete Novels (Lonesome Dove, Leaving Cheyenne, The Last Picture Show)
Larry Mcmurtry
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 051710069X
Release Date: 1994-06-21

Customer Reviews:

Lonesome Dove.......2002-12-04

Lonesome Dove is one of the best books I have ever read. It has drama, action, love and everything that makes a good book good. The story begins with the author describing the characters and the story, and you really can connect with the characters. The main character is Gus McCrae, an ex Texas Ranger who is very lazy, and loves to drink. Despite this, he is an excellent ranger and his name is known all throughout America. The other main character is Call. He is a hard working, stubborn man who doesn't like ot talk alot. The story goes on from there. I recomend this book for advanced readers, who want a spellbinding story.

Outstanding, exciting & entertaining account of early Texas.......1998-07-15

I have read "Dead Man's Walk", "Comanche Moon","Lonesome Dove" and am now starting "Streets of Larado". My only disappointment is that the books don't contain a map depicting the locations of the major events. I wish the author could post one, so I can track the events and better relate to the actual locations. I loved the books- I grew up in West Texas and can identify with much of the landscape descriptions.

Loved reading three of McMurtry's novels at one whack-.......1998-01-31

Larry McMurtry has an easy-going, though smart, style, that I identify with deeply. He doesn't try to pummel you with big words and confusing sentences. He writes like it feels.

THREE WINNERS.......1997-02-25

THE LAST PICTURE SHOW was set in a town about a hundred miles from where I live. Like all Texas towns, after the Korean War, television killed the down town area along with the picture shows. Larry was able to capture the smell of hot pop corn and hot bodies pressed against one another. Back before that war, young men had little more on their minds than how they could earn enough money after football pratice so they could take the beauty queen out - and sometimes, the football coach's wife. When the retard was killed by a fast truck, an era ended. If you are in Archer City, visit Larry's rare book store. You can pick up bargains for $5 to $1,000

Lonesome Dove; Leaving Cheyenne; the Last Picture Show Three Novels

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Lonesome Dove; Leaving Cheyenne; the Last Picture Show Three Novels
Larry McMurtry
Manufacturer: Wings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NBHQO4

Book Description

In this powerful and passionate novel from Liz Carlyle, one of romance fiction's brightest new stars, a high-society murder brings scandal to the lords and ladies of the ton -- and unexpected desire to a pair of unlikely lovers.

No True Gentleman

Lady Catherine Wodeway knows that no true gentleman would presume to kiss a lady senseless without a proper introduction -- not even to save her life. yet somehow, Maximilian de Rohan's dark good looks, brooding manner, and mysterious past make it all too easy for Catherine to forget that she's a lady.

Although Max is stunned by Catherine's beauty, honesty, and charm, he knows that getting mixed up with a noblewoman can end badly, especially when her brother is a murder suspect. But when Catherine stumbles onto the key to Max's murder investigation and unwittingly places herself in the killer's hands he will risk everything to pull her out of danger and into the arms of love.

Download Description

In this powerful and passionate novel from Liz Carlyle, one of romance fiction's brightest new stars, a high-society murder brings scandal to the lords and ladies of the ton - and unexpected desire to a pair of unlikely lovers. No True Gentleman Lady Catherine Wodeway knows that no true gentleman would presume to kiss a lady senseless without a proper introduction - not even to save her life. yet somehow, Maximilian de Rohan's dark good looks, brooding manner, and mysterious past make it all too easy for Catherine to forget that she's a lady. Although Max is stunned by Catherine's beauty, honesty, and charm, he knows that getting mixed up with a noblewoman can end badly, especially when her brother is a murder suspect. But when Catherine stumbles onto the key to Max's murder investigation and unwittingly places herself in the killer's hands he will risk everything to pull her out of danger and into the arms of love.

Customer Reviews:

Smart, witty and fun.......2007-07-28

This was my first Liz Carlyle and what a wonderful introduction it was. The heroine is smart, funny and very likable. The hero is moody, brooding and oh so sexy--as every romantic hero should be. The other characters who round out the cast are entertaining and interesting in themselves. A good read and I recommend it.

A Rich Tapestry. A Delightful Love Story........2007-05-19

It's a very unlikely love story, but completely spellbinding. Maximilian de Rohan is a dark mysterious man with a mysterious, complex past. He is "not a pleasant fellow" and sometimes has the "temperament of a snarling dog". He has spurned his highborn past and immersed himself in the lowly, dangerous life of a policeman determined to remain single in order to dedicate his life to honorably serving his fellow man. But then the lovely, intelligent and self-possessed Lady Catherine comes into his life and turns everything upside down.

The strongly intuitive Catherine recognizes quickly that there is far more to Max than the grim policeman he seems on the surface, and that, despite Max's forbidding and curt demeanor, the connection between them is something very special, something she is compelled to pursue as she carves out a new life for herself.

Max, however, fights hard against their connection, believing that he is in no way worthy of Catherine, and also unwilling to give up the selfless loner life he has carved out for himself. Poor Max, he doesn't know what has hit him. Between his scheming, manipulative, fortune-telling Tuscan grandmother, and Catherine's forthright, patient, and all too understanding kindness towards him, he doesn't stand a chance.

Wonderfully warm, passionate, intimate love scenes. Fascinating dialogs between Catherine and Max, and sometimes hilariously absurd such as Max's agonizingly confused and halting proposal where Catherine has to point out that Max is making it sound like he is claiming her as some sort of hunting trophy. The character development is so rich and intriguing. We are drawn into Max's complex psyche and tragic history as he struggles with his feelings for Catherine and how she threatens to change his life. The quirky supporting characters are so much fun and all mixed up in a complex murder investigation. As unlikely a romantic pair as Max and Catherine seem to be at the outset, the story of their strong sexual attraction, and the love as it grows between them is very convincing and so tenderly sweet. I enjoyed the book so much, I had to reread most it.

Not worth more then 3 stars..........2007-04-13

After reading all the reviews here and hearing lots about this up and coming author ( my understanding was Ms Carlyle was another Judith McNaught/Johanna Lindsey with Lisa Kleypas erotic love scenes sort of romance author )... I ordered this book ( my first by this author) and sorry to say I was not impressed.

I didn't think it deserved a 4.5 stars. Don't get me wrong, its a very readable book with a good mix of romance/mystery. However I do not believe it deserved more then 3 stars, max. My main issue with this book was at time it dragged on, too slow in the beginning, character mainly stiff, unnatural... I dont know, I found it mostly.. dull.

On the good side, I thought the love scenes very hot, believeable... and I didn't get too annoyed with our heroine which is a HUGE plus for me.... all in all.. not a horrible book, not a great one either, I guess...

Its one of those books you read to pass the time, one of those books you CAN close the book when its bed time....

No True Gentleman.......2007-01-10

This book has it all, murder, scandal and love. Lady Catherine is caught
between protecting her brother and being a proper lady. She plays the
roll of investigator herself. She not only finds the kill but true love.

Plenty of whodunit, insufficient romance..........2006-06-07

I have heard wonderful things about Liz Carlyle. It has been said that her Regencies are wonderful and romantic and that she makes you feel the time period. So, I gave No True Gentleman a whirl first because the plot seemed interesting and because I liked the pretty white, gold and lavender cover. The year is 1826. Lady Catherine Wodeway is a young widow staying in London with her aunt Lady Kirby. Her aunt wants her to stay for the season and meet someone new to marry. Catherine sets her eyes on Maximilian de Rohan, a tall, dark and handsome former Bow Street runner and policeman now working in the home office. Max has always been irresistible to married women and daring widows because of his job, but Max has gotten tired of being their boy toy. Which is why he tries to resist Catherine as much as possible. He knows he is no gentleman in the eyes of the nobles and that he isn't good enough for her. But when her life is threatened by the person who had murdered a noblewoman, a man Max has been searching among the ton, he will do anything to protect her. But will he be able to resist her? Would she accept someone who is beneath her station? There are some twists throughout the novel.

Liz Carlyle does a wonderful job with the descriptions and language in the novel. She does make you feel the time period quite well. I also like Carlyle's references to Sir Robert Peel and his efforts to improve and begin stronger police force in the 1820s. And I like Max de Rohan as a magistrate helping the London police. He makes a good sleuth. The mystery aspect of the novel is also quite entertaining. Even though I was able to guess who the actual murderer was, I wondered about the person's motives. The characters are quite interesting as well. This is part of a series (not the first installment) and this is Max's spinoff. I think the one that follows this one is Catherine's brother Bentley's story. Despite all of these good points, I felt no connection with Catherine and Max as a couple. To me, they have no chemistry and I wondered why Max found Catherine so fascinating and vice versa since they hardly spent time together. Their love scenes are steamy, but that alone does not romance make. For the first half of the book, we are too much in Max's mind, reading again and again about his brooding and raving about the gentry, and this goes on for a large portion of the book. And Carlyle doesn't create a good balance between the two genres featured here. I agree with the reviewers who wrote that the mystery plot overshadowed the romance. I felt the same way. The romance's pacing is rather slow and continues to lag throughout the novel. Also, this lacks the passion and pulling of the heart strings that I enjoy in this genre. No True Gentleman would have been a great read had this been a mystery series with Max de Rohan as the leading sleuth. I'm afraid it falls short as a Regency romance though. I do like Carlyle's writing style and I will give her a second chance. I have The Devil You Know lined up and I hope that one will be better.

Average customer rating:

No True Gentleman

Manufacturer: Pocket Star Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739426591

Product Description

In this powerful and passionate novel from Liz Carlyle, one of romance fiction's brightest new stars, a high-society murder brings scandal to the lords and ladies of the ton--and unexpected desire to a pair of unlikely lovers.

Average customer rating:

No True Gentleman
Liz Carlyle
Manufacturer: Pocket Star Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000NW9OF2

Book Description

4th in Dune Chronicles Series

With more than ten million copies sold, Frank Herbert's magnificent DUNE books stand among the major achievements of the imagination. Of them all, GOD EMPEROR OF DUNE, the fourth, is the greatest and the grandest. Centuries have passed on Dune itself, and the planet is green with life. Leto II, the son of Dune's savior, is still alive but far from human. He has become a human-sandworm creature, ruling over his angry and frustrated empire with his vast legions of Fish Speaker soldiers, enforcing peace for dozens of generations to teach the universe a lesson, while also waiting for the right time to turn Dune back into a desert planet. The fate of all humanity hangs on Leto's awesome sacrifice.

Product Description

5 massmarket paperback Titles in Dune Saga - Dune - Dune Messiah - Children of Dune - God Emperor of Dune - Heretics of Dune

DUNE BOXED SET; DUNE; CHILDREN OF DUNE; DUNE MESSIAH; GOD EMPEROR OF DUNE; HERETICS OF DUNE

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DUNE BOXED SET; DUNE; CHILDREN OF DUNE; DUNE MESSIAH; GOD EMPEROR OF DUNE; HERETICS OF DUNE
FRANK HERBERT
Manufacturer: BERKLEY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000T8G7R8

The Dune Collection - 4 Titles - Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune

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The Dune Collection - 4 Titles - Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune
Frank Herbert
Manufacturer: Berkley Science Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000JGE3IK

Product Description

Four paperbacks. Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune

The Dune Collection: Dune; Dune Messiah; Children of Dune; God Emperor of Dune; Heretics of Dune (5 Volume Boxed set)

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The Dune Collection: Dune; Dune Messiah; Children of Dune; God Emperor of Dune; Heretics of Dune (5 Volume Boxed set)
Frank Herbert
Manufacturer: Berkeley Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WDUVWM

Dune set, original 6 books: Dune + Dune Messiah + Children of Dune + God Emperor of Dune + Heretics of Dune + Chapterhouse Dune

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Dune set, original 6 books: Dune + Dune Messiah + Children of Dune + God Emperor of Dune + Heretics of Dune + Chapterhouse Dune
Frank Herbert
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NRRY6I

Customer Reviews:

Very good!.......2007-08-18

I liked this book very much. Ibought this book after attending a special ASL mass at church. The celebrant was none other than Fr. Tom Mc Caughlin who is one of the sign models for this book. He is a terrific person and it was a privilege to meet him.

Interesting.......2007-05-16

It's so different to examine and see how complex and detailed is the sign languge (especially sign languge). Very interesting.

Great for church interpreters!.......2007-03-08

All of this lady's material is well thought out and easy to learn. This is a good book for church interpreters. Not only do you learn the signs for your religion, it shows you others as well. It also shows universal church religion signs. This is a must for anyone learning to interpret in a church setting!

Gift.......2006-11-04

This book of signing was a gift, and the receiver was very happy when she got it.

A guide that hit its peak 20 years ago.......2006-02-28

One reviewer stated, "Elaine Costello isn't going to offer wrong signs!" but since this book as not been revised in 20 years, there are several signs that have simply fallen out of favor and are really no longer in use. Additionally, many concepts shown seem to favor an initialized signed English form of the sign. Yes, I do agree that no ASL dictionary can be exhaustive but the signs here seem to have been pulled from a limited geographic area (namely, the central east cost, New York, Washington, Maryland, etc.) Not entirely bad as many signs are used in many regions, but the signs used only in this area will not be useful to most. I also see a couple signs in the book that I would say are not only outside of common use but also conceptually inaccurate (e.g. Justification which is depicted as the concept of justice - as in judicial equality and fairness for all, not the forgiveness of all believers which is a different concept). Perhaps if this reference were revised, updated and maybe a arranged not only with an alphabetical glossary of each concept in English but then with each sign classified and listed by handshape, it would be a much improved resource. As it is now, I would not highly recommend it. Again, as many have said it does not address ASL grammar, but that is not the function of a dictionary and I find that to be acceptable.

Religious Signing: The New Comprehensive Guide for All Faiths (1986)

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Religious Signing: The New Comprehensive Guide for All Faiths (1986)
Elaine Costello
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000SEVPZ2

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