WHY READ WESTERN BOOKS?

REASONS TO READ WESTERNS

Another western Matt? Another Louis L'Amour?

Correct. For some reason I really enjoy reading westerns, especially Louis L'Amour. I know they are not considered literary gems, they are usually very predictable, and not to mention filled to the brim with violence, however, they touch on so many basic human life points. I think that's what draws me to them.

If you think about it, we are a species who like to explore (strange new worlds...that's for you Star Trek nerds!), and these western stories are usually about heading west and settling a new land. They are full of the daily hurdles of taking on nature in an uncivilized world. Exploring uncharted lands and experiencing new places. Don't we all kind of wish for a piece of land of our own? And the satisfaction that would come along with overcoming all the challenges of building a new life, all with your bare hands, and maybe a horse. That is almost a basic human need right there!

We are a species that, on a basic level, can relate to a physical battle. These westerns are full of fights. It's easy to think of yourself in such a situation and imagine how you would react. It's again, one of the reasons to read - to explore worlds you would never experience in real life. Just like many other books and stories and comics, L'Amour tales are based around some sort of 'bad guy' who is taking advantage of the weakest members of society - and then usually one hero stands up for the good of the many. How can you not love a hero story!?

I know these books are from another era. Yet, surprisingly L'Amour does not always comply with the misogynistic tone of the time. Yes, the 'womanfolk' often wear frilly dresses and need a helping hand to get out of the stage coaches. But, many of the female characters are tough cookies! L'Amour often points out how hard it would be for the woman who travelled to the west. Often left alone to tend a house and farm while the men are out on a cattle drive or some similar work. The woman in these stories often fight along with the men, picking up shotguns and blowing holes in the bad guys.

Another hugely political topic would be the role of the native/indigenous characters in the books. Back in the day it would have been perfectly fine to place the 'Indian' as an uncivilized menace in the way of progress. Interestingly, L'Amour doesn't put down indigenous people in his books. In fact, he often places the local indigenous people, not on a pedestal, but definitely as the humans to look up to in order to survive what natures throws at you. Often the main character will mention living with the Apache, or other tribe, at some point and learning skills that make him a better person...and far better at surviving in the desert than your average white guy. In the latest book I read, The Tall Stranger, L'Amour even acknowledges that settlers are stealing the Indigenous people's lands. That's a big statement for the times. He's not perfect of course, but much, much better than many of the other writers of his era.

That latest book, The Tall Stranger, has a little bit of everything that makes for a classic (or you could even think 'standard') L'Amour book. We have some settlers heading West to start a new life. They explore a trail off the beaten path and find a hidden valley full of water and green grass. As they start building a new community everything starts to unravel because of one man. A power hungry shyster brings in a group of thugs and takes over the small village. Only one man will stand up to this bully - the Tall Stranger. As you can predict the Stranger fights them off, with fists and guns, and they all live happily ever after. You knew it was coming, but it's the journey not the last step that makes life worthwhile right?

And one last perk about reading L'Amour books - they are usually very inexpensive. I bought this book for 50 cents at a local thrift store. I bought 48 books in an action a couple of years ago for $4. But, don't let the price fool you. A cheap book, but a rich story.