Larry McMurtry 2022
This is the project page for my Larry McMurtry Project 2022. I will record my and others’ reviews on here with links. I’m thinking I’ll review each book on about the 20th of the month, to give myself time to read them but have a focal point. Oh, and the hashtag for social media is #McMurtry2022.
I decided to re-read McMurtry this year because he passed away last year – so no more books! – and I haven’t read one of his since about 2014. Most of my copies date from around 2000.
How it works if you’d like to join in
It’s one of my reading projects so first of all it’s really low-key, no expectations, just enjoy a book through the year if you want to! I have chosen 13 books in three series to read. I have put down the months I’m going to read them, however … please feel free to do one of the following:
- Just read one Larry McMurtry book, any one, if you have a blog, link to this post and let me know, otherwise just comment on my review if there is one, or on here
- Or more than one!
- Read all the books in one of these series at any time through the year, link to this post if you have a blog and let me know, and comment on my reviews
- Read along with me through the year, and, you know the score: link to this post if you have a blog and let me know, or comment on the reviews
Happy reading! PS Yes, yes, yes, I’m going to do Lonesome Dove, too, having succumbed to blogger peer-group pressure. Not sure where I’ll fit it in, but it’ll be there!
Duane Moore series (January – April)
- 1966: The Last Picture Show – my review
- 1987: Texasville – my review
- 1999: Duane’s Depressed – my review
- 2007: When The Light Goes – my review
- 2009: Rhino Ranch: A Novel – my review
Harmony and Pepper series (May – June)
Houston series (July – December)
- 1970: Moving On (characters Patsy Carpenter/Danny Deck/Emma Horton/Joe Percy) – my review
- 1972: All My Friends Are Going To Be Strangers (Danny Deck/Jill Peel/Emma Horton) – my review
- 1975: Terms of Endearment (Emma Horton/Aurora Greenaway) – my review
- 1978: Somebody’s Darling (Jill Peel/Joe Percy) – my review
- 1989: Some Can Whistle (Danny Deck) – my review
- 1992: The Evening Star (Aurora Greenaway)
Other reads (Jan – Dec – for me and others)
- Lonesome Dove – everyone’s reading this one, here are their reviews!
- Hogglestock (it’s right at the end of this post)
- Emma at Book Around the Corner’s review is here
- Chris Wolak has started with Dead Man’s Walk
- Volatile Muse’s review is here
- HeadFullOfBooks read it back in 2020 and let me know
Adventures in reading, running and working from home 
Dec 01, 2021 @ 14:10:09
Amazing! I have just started Lonesome Dove! Will definitely join in with that at the start of the year. I also have The Last Picture Show in my TBR – Larry McMurtry was one of my late Dad’s favourite authors.
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Dec 01, 2021 @ 14:33:34
Oh, that’s wonderful news – I’ll add your review of Lonesome Dove when you publish it and I’ll look forward to reading The Last Picture Show with you. Maybe you’ll be tempted into the rest of the series …!
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Dec 01, 2021 @ 14:34:39
Brill!
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Dec 02, 2021 @ 19:49:45
wow, this is a major project, as all his books seem to be big. Enjoy!
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Dec 02, 2021 @ 21:14:27
They’re easy to read and absorbing and the month I need to read two, they are shorter. Plus it’s only one book a month this time, not the two of my Anne Tyler project!
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Dec 18, 2021 @ 12:53:28
That’s perfect! I have Lonesome Dove on the shelf and I meant to get to it next year.
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Dec 18, 2021 @ 17:41:50
Wonderful! I’ve added it to the list and I’m going to get a copy and read it, too. Nice to have one “new” one as well as the re-reads.
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Dec 19, 2021 @ 08:12:18
Looking forward to it.
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Dec 18, 2021 @ 17:47:27
I’m sure I have a copy of Lonesome Dove somewhere which I’ve owned for years but never read. I’ll try to fit it in sometime!
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Dec 18, 2021 @ 18:01:40
Oh wonderful! Any time during the year is fine, of course!
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Dec 19, 2021 @ 03:42:24
Re-reading a favorite author is such a joy. I loved Lonesome Dove and have often thought about re-reading it.
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Dec 19, 2021 @ 07:57:49
Everyone has gone on about LD so much that I’ve added it to my list! I’m not sure when I’ll read it yet, perhaps between two chunks, but I am looking forward to it. I hope you’ll join me if you have time!
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Dec 26, 2021 @ 20:03:09
I have a feeling you’ll love Lonesome Dove based on what I’ve been told about the novel myself. Just recently picked up a paperback copy of it actually, via a Little Free Library, that would likely fit with your vintage collection, but am reading in other directions for 2022 myself. His will be a fantastic project though, I’m sure. I’ve also loved his books about books.
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 12:45:52
Yes, I can’t think I won’t like it! Hope your other directions are fruitful and fun for you! I like his nonfiction, too, might squeeze some in if I can!
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Jan 06, 2022 @ 00:19:50
I hope you enjoy your re-reading! I really enjoyed his Berrybender series though not as good as Lonesome Dove of course. I haven’t read most of the works you’ve listed here.
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Jan 06, 2022 @ 12:26:55
I have a feeling that a lot of people either read the Westerns or the more modern ones, but there might not be much overlap! I’m really looking forward to encountering his characters again.
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Jan 07, 2022 @ 11:01:43
What a wonderful project! I’ve never read anything at all by McMurtry (seen a few movies based on his books) & I really feel I’ve missed out, as I know he’s a favorite for so many people. Hopefully I can squeeze something in — perhaps the Last Picture Show or Terms of Endearment — it will be a nice change of pace from all the European novels I have on my list.
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Jan 07, 2022 @ 14:41:28
The Last Picture Show is a lovely one, and quite a quick read, too. And no need to read it this month of course.
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Jan 09, 2022 @ 17:32:17
Oh, I’m so excited to see this! I have been meaning to reread Lonesome Dove since this summer, even buying myself a brand new copy. I can’t wait to being after the Japanese Literature Challenge; I am definitely in. Off to put this in my Challenges for 2022 sidebar.
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Jan 09, 2022 @ 17:50:00
Oh, brilliant! Even if I don’t get to it myself until later in the year, I will start a category for it on my project page and add everyone’s reviews!
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Jan 25, 2022 @ 15:04:10
My son has begged me to read Lonesome Dove and I have a goal to read more male authors, so who knows!
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Jan 25, 2022 @ 15:18:44
Well it fits quite well then!
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Jun 06, 2022 @ 17:47:03
I’m joining in with a ‘Lonesome Dove’ read. It says on the front cover of my copy: ‘If you only read one Western in your lifetime make it this one’. So that’s appropriate for me I guess because I’ve never read one.
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Jun 06, 2022 @ 18:10:05
Excellent, and that’s completely fair enough! I hope you enjoy it!
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Aug 15, 2022 @ 16:00:17
I missed this 2022 challenge. I read Lonesome Dove in 2020. Here is my review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/review-and-quotes-lonesome-dove.html
My husband just mentioned the other day that McMurtry just died. He had the same reaction you did. He has decided to try and read as many of his books as he can find. He is currently making his way through the Lonesome Dove series and then will work back to his shorter books not part of a series.
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Aug 15, 2022 @ 20:43:24
Fabulous, I’ve added your review to my round-up page and I’m glad you go such a lot out of it! What made you find this project now? I hope your husband enjoys his reading, let me know which ones he goes for!
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Sep 05, 2022 @ 22:24:32
I thank you for doing this. I had a similar idea myself, and I am happy to see someone else’s thoughts on the legendary LM.
I finished the Berrybender Narratives, the Duane Books, Cadillac Jack, and am currently reading the Houston series. It has been the full range of reading emotions. I read the Lonesome Dove series years ago, but I may even revisit the classic when you do.
I will be back checking up on the site from time to time. Keep up the great project.
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Sep 06, 2022 @ 16:48:23
How lovely! Do add your thoughts on my reviews (all linked on here), I’ve completed Duane and part way through Houston; I’d like to include Cadillac Jack as I really enjoyed that first time round. Do you have a blog or anywhere you’re sharing notes on your reads?
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Sep 20, 2022 @ 10:12:07
What a terrific site. I started my McMurtry journey in 1984 while touring with a rock band and the bass player lent me Last Picture Show. It left an indelible impression. I’ve faithfully read all but one (kind of don’t want to finish the journey) and about to start re-reading some. Love your reviews and insights.
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Sep 20, 2022 @ 10:16:40
What a brilliant introduction to McMurtry, and the perfect book for it! Which one haven’t you read? I’ll admit to not having read the historical cowboy ones but I love the modern ones. Do pop notes on any I’ve already reviewed as you get to them.
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