Two of the most cheering books on my shelf are Charles Portis' "True Grit" and Paulette Jiles' "News of the World." Set in Texas in 1873 and 1870 respectively, both are short books about long journeys, beautifully written, filled with adventure, and leavened with humor. They present a Wild West version of the hero and the maiden — only the "heroes" are old codgers and the "maidens" tough as nails. Portis gives us Marshal Rooster Cogburn, "an old one-eyed jasper that was built along the lines of Grover Cleveland," and Mattie, a stubborn 14-year-old girl out for revenge and justice for her father's death.
Quarantine Read: 'True Grit,' 'News of the World'
June 19, 2020 at 9:08PM
Jiles serves up 71-year-old Capt. Kidd, who reads big-city newspapers to small-town paying audiences, and resourceful, self-assured 10-year-old Johanna, "redeemed" from four years of Indian captivity. These are stories of growing friendship, gratifying comeuppance and happy endings.
KATHERINE A. POWERS
Quarantine Read offers suggestions for upbeat books during this time of pandemic. Send a paragraph with your recommendations to books@startribune.com
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LOCAL FICTION: Featuring stories within stories, she’ll discuss the book at Talking Volumes on Tuesday.
