Alain Burrese Level: Platinum
Alain Burrese and Burrese Enterprises, Inc. provide entertaining and informative keynote speeches and educational seminars. From success & achievement principles and leadership skills to safety ...
I'm a huge fan of the movie with John Wayne, and I'm looking forward to the newer adaption with Jeff Bridges playing 'Rooster' Cogburn. However, when the new movie came out a few months ago, I read an article in "Newsweek," that focused more on the book "True Grit" by Charles Portis than the two movies made from his most famous book written in 1968. The article mentioned both movies, but went on to discuss the merits of the novel, and encouraged readers to read the novel before seeing the movie. I thought that was good advice, so I got me a copy and worked it into my reading.
I read it this week, and found it to be a very enjoyable read. It's a short book, and very easy to get lost in the well written story. What I didn't realize until I started reading was the book is written in the voice of Mattie Ross, the fourteen-year-old girl from Dardanell, Arkansas, who sets out to avenger the murder of her father.
Many who have seen the movie, or movies, are familiar with the story. Mattie convinces the meanest U.S. Marshal she can find, one with grit, to accompany her to track her father's killer. Of course, the convinces him through a pay check. They are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who is also after the same man for different crimes. What comes next is a fast paced adventure that proves that Cogburn isn't the only person with grit. And while one-eyed Marshal Cogburn is the memorable character, especially when played by Oscar winners Wayne (for this movie) and Bridges, the story really is about the young girl Mattie.
It is her thoughts, fears, wit, and personality that we share when reading. She's quite the confident and self-reliant young lady, but also needs the two men she connects with to complete her adventure. The conclusion of the book is not one of happiness, but neither is life, and it is a satisfying ending for the story.
Portis deserves the praise he's received for this novel. It's a moving and engaging story, told with dramatic simplicity and directness that is refreshing, gripping, and the reason the two movies have been successful. Yes, the movies had great actors, but it is the underlying story that made the movies what they are. I agree with "Newsweek" in that you should read this book. If you enjoyed either of the movies, do yourself a favor and read the book.
