By chapter 14, however, Shane is again reconciled to “the simple solitude of his own invincible completeness.” Trace Shane’s movement toward this acceptance of who and what he is. In chapter 8, Shane seems to lose his serenity in the face of the looming conflict with Fletcher. How does Schaefer nonetheless maintain an atmosphere of considerable suspense throughout the novel?Īs the family returns from town in chapter 6, Bob Starrett observes that “the closer we came, the more cheerful was.” What accounts for this feeling in Shane? Most readers realize early on that Shane will eventually take up his gun again in defense of the Starretts. What is important about Joe and Shane’s struggle with the stump? What do the two men-and Marian and Bob as well- gain from that struggle? The tree stump, introduced in chapter 2, seems to symbolize many central concerns of the novel: nature’s stubbornness, Shane’s commitment to farming, even the land itself. Questions to peruse if you’re so inclined ignore if not. My parents first saw “Shane” on their honeymoon and the framed vintage movie poster that belonged to my mom is hanging in my house.Īs for “True Grit”, Kim Darby as Mattie Ross had everything I wanted at age 14: self-assurance, determination, fearlessness, and brown gauchos with black boots. Looking back, I think it’s because they were films that my siblings, parents and I could all watch together, each understanding the stories in a different way, but with equal enjoyment. It’s hard for me to be objective about these books, as I read them when I was young and the movie versions were family favorites. It’s June 1st! Welcome to our discussion of Shane by Jack Schaefer and True Grit by Charles Portis.

“Quite simply, an American masterpiece” - Boston Globeĭiscussion begins June 1st. “Mattie’s voice, wry and sure, is one of the great creations of modern American fiction.” - George Pelecanos, NPR It was recently selected for the 2020-2021 Big Read book list by the National Endowment for the Arts. True Grit was published in 1968 and has maintained its popularity for over 50 years.

The book almost demands completion in one sitting.” - Library Journal “The author has created a tale which captivates the reader’s attention from beginning to end. “Shane is a work of literature first and a Western second.” - St. Shane was published in 1949 and is considered a Young Adult classic. Both first person novels recount a pivotal experience in the life of the young narrator (Joey Starrett in Shane and Mattie Ross in True Grit) and an unexpected connection with a stranger who plays a key role in a time of crisis.īoth tales were originally told in serial form: Shane (as “Rider from Nowhere”) in Argosy magazine and True Grit in The Saturday Evening Post. Our June selection is an iconic Western duet: Shane by Jack Schaefer and True Grit by Charles Portis.

True grit book cover