#5 in my book report series
I rarely read a book twice. “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry was pure pleasure both times, I read it once in the 80’s and now for my book series. I’m sure the first time I read it, it was for the enjoyment of a long (858 pages) wondrous epic. The adventures of two ex-Rangers (Gus and Call) who take the crew and the cattle from Texas to Montana. It’s a real page turner and has everything. Heroic characters, complicated villains, unexpected plot twists, and tragic love. In my second reading of the book I cried more than I care to admit. It felt so relevant to my life circumstances right now. The more subtle issues of accepting our circumstances and the denial we can allow ourselves to live in, jumped out at me. Also the poignancy of two old timers on their last big adventure. My best friend is dying. Hard to say out loud. She lives on the other side of the country and I always thought we would have one last great adventure. But due to circumstances, Covid, no money, and such, it won’t be happening. As Gus would say ” Life ain’t for sissies.” So tomorrow as I finish up this piece of beadwork, I’ll box up this book and send it off to her. We can share the adventure via a tale for the ages. Books can take you places. It’s also what I hope to do with this beadwork. I had a few struggles on the piece. Mainly in keeping the definition of each part. It’s a complicated pattern and there are so many different colors butting up against each other. But in the end, I’m happy with the way it turned out.
