The Last Picture Show

Thalia Trilogy, Book 1

De: Larry McMurtry

Narrado por: John Randolph Jones

An almost-true story about a small town in Texas that ought to exist if it doesn’t, with characters like Sam the Lion, the delectable Jacy, and Ruth Popper, the coach’s wife. Set in a small, dusty, Texas town, The Last Picture Show introduced the characters of Jacy, Duane, and Sonny: teenagers stumbling toward adulthood, discovering the beguiling mysteries of sex and the even more baffling mysteries of love. Populated by a wonderful cast of eccentrics and animated by McMurtry's wry and raucous humor, The Last Picture Show is a wild, heartbreaking, and poignant novel that resonates with the magical passion of youth.

©1966 Larry McMurtry (P)1989 Recorded Books

Riveting

I got this title because I am a huge fan of Lonesome Dove, and hoped to get more of that.
At first, I was mildly interested in what this very (seemingly) vile cast of characters might do next, but, by the halfway mark, I was, and am, haunted by the goings on in this old Texas town.
One thing that put me off was the many sex scenes; some very gross. Looking back, they had to be told somehow in order to tell this story.
Another thing that also sometimes turns me off is the third person omniscient POV. Looking back, again, it’s nice to have everyone’s thoughts just right there together so the whole picture is understood, and there is no mystery.
There are no protagonists. These characters just “are”, and I think that will resonate with a lot of listeners. No doubt, some of them will remind you of actual people you know, and events you’ve experienced in your own life.
The narrator sounds great. He does add in certain accents that bring the story to life in your ear.

Still a great book

Although the setting- rural Texas in the 1950's- is distant, the stories of adolescence, and the difficulties in growing up and moving on are universal. The writing is impeccable and always interesting. Even, and maybe especially, adults have difficulties with transitions.

Expected more of an overall plot line

McMurtry is great at character development, but I didn’t find that this story developed and went anywhere.

Western Version of Richard Russo

Great novel, masterful written style that brings characters to life. Movie did this book no justice. McMurtry writes about small depressing Texas towns as Russo writes about depressing New England towns. A whole lot of nothing, depressing and yet brilliant.

Good story

What did you love best about The Last Picture Show?

The different events that happened were entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Picture Show?

I can,t pick out a single moment but i liked the moments involving Ruth. There was a moment between the coach and Ruth that I found memorable in a negative way. It told me all I needed to know about what a uncaring person he was.

What does John Randolph Jones bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He reads clearly

If you could rename The Last Picture Show, what would you call it?

Death of a small town

Any additional comments?

I would like to take the coach out for dinner and reach across the table and knock his plate In his lap. I would not ask him anything. I did not like him at all.

about young people finding out about sex

excellent writing. young people are obsessed with sex so a book about young people finding out about sex makes sense.

McMurtry is a great storyteller

Had never read the book just seen the movie. McMurtry is a master storyteller and captures his characters and the scenery so well.

Was looking for more than a soap opera

After reading the Lonesome Dove series I hoped for more from this book but was a bit disappointed. It really was a small town soap opera with a few interesting things thrown in. Not at all what I remember growing up In a small Texas town. He also talked about "ragweeds" blowing and rolling across the road. Not sure if he was talking about tumbleweeds or broomweed, but ragweed doesn't do that. That and a couple of other inconsistencies made me wonder if he had ever really even been to Texas, much less grew up here. Kind of surprising, but I'll chalk it up to growing up in a different era. I would have rated lower but I did get interested in hearing out all the stories to the end.

Another Texas Story

This was recommended as a read after I finished “All The Pretty Horses.” The reader read the story much like Jack Webb would have. For all the hype I’ve heard over the years about this story, it was just okay.

Small town Texas...

This book is the truth about small town Texas and the people who grew up there. It was definitely one of the racier books that I have read by McMurtry. Although it left me blushing several times, it was still honest. The truth about small towns is that you escape or you die there, sometimes quickly and other times slowly, both being equally tragic......