Well I couldn't help but snatch up another L'Amour book this weekend. I can't seem to put them down lately. I have always been an avid reader, but I manage from time to time to jump around and sample different styles of writing. Regardless of what I read, I have found that I much prefer fiction with a hint of truth or historical fact thrown in, just to give it that feeling of realism.

Before my big L'Amour rebirth, I was completely caught up with Clive Cussler. I think that Dirk Pitt is a wonderful leading character, and his lavish tastes mixed with his obvious chivalrous demeanor, and no nonsense approach to justice and sense of fair play make him a definite hero even with his faults (womanizing and drinking a bit too much).

I found myself digging into only Dirk Pitt novels though. I couldn't really dig into other novels if they didn't have Mr. Pitt and of course Al and Rudi and Admiral Sandecker. You almost feel as if you know them by the time you finish your first Dirk Pitt novel. Of course that is what drew me to Louis L'Amour novels. His characters are definite old west attitude, where a woman was treated with respect and a mans word was everything. Disputes were settled by a good ol' fist fight or a quick draw. Simpler time, but much more openly violent. Nonetheless, Dirk Pitt would have fit right into any of those western novels that I am so caught up in.

So it's easy enough for me to jump back and forth between the two. Don't get me wrong I read other forms of writing also, if for no other reason than to give me some perspective. I have dug into many Stephen King novels. My favorite single book of all time is The Stand. Definitely into a little Dean Koontz from time to time as well. Strange Highways, had me feeling the jitters for a couple weeks. Tom Clancy...you bet Clear and Present Danger is right up there with the rest of the great books. I also have a soft spot for some of the more classical books as well. Swiss Family Robinson, Journey to the Center of the Earth and Robinson Crusoe are three of my "love to reread" books.

So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that I managed a few L'Amour books this weekend. In all fairness they weren't exactly huge books or anything. They usually consist of about 200 pages.
To Tame a Land was the latest reread for me, and managed that one in about 3 hours. I just couldn't put the dang thing down. Rye Tyler, is just a great leading character. Mr L'Amour makes the landscape just come out in your mind as clear as if you are watching it on a screen in your living room. This book got me thinking about some of my other favorite characters. I saw a lot of similarities between Rye Tyler and Bendigo Shafter. They were both forced to grow up fast with a gun in hand. They both had to take responsibility above and beyond what they should have and they both persevered. Maybe not in the exact same manner, but nonetheless, they both are a sort of coming of age story in my opinion. Only it's old west style.

I hear a lot of people talking about not having any heroes anymore. Well to those people I say pick up a L'Amour book anytime you are in need of a big lift in spirits (well maybe not Hondo). You will most likely be able to identify with at least one of the characters in his book at some level. I even find myself feeling sorry for the bad guy from time to time, just because Louis did such a great job of giving the perspective of the "other guy" so well.

For a little bit more PG13 you might wanna try the Clive Cussler novels. Of course for the R you can pick up any Dean Koontz book and get a great dose of insomnia. The point I guess I'm trying to make is just read. Whatever you like to read. It doesn't really matter, just pick up a book and enjoy it.

It always manages to take me back to a happy time in my life. I find myself sometimes back in my fourth grade class. If we were well behaved we got time in the reading tub. Which was a regular old fashioned bathtub that our teacher had brought into the class and added a bunch of pillows to. It was an awesome experience for those of us that really enjoyed reading it was better than a 20 dollar bill.

So the next time you have an extra 20 minutes, pick up a book and give it a try. You might find that 20 minutes turning into 30 or 45 and if you are like me, you will feel a ton better after you have had a little time with a good book.

It's not a bad trade off, I'll take Louis L'amour over desperate housewives any day.