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 LONESOME DOVE
by Larry McMurtry
OK, I admit it. I like a good Western, and this is the best. It’s so good that I have never watched the mini-series. The plot is built around a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. There is plenty of action—storms, Indians, outlaws—and an entertaining prostitute. The two central characters are interesting and complicated. The dialogue is lively and crisp. The symbolism is mythic (though unobtrusive, so if you aren’t an English major, don’t worry about it). It’s 800+ pages, but it doesn’t seem like it.
 Doc
by Mary Doria Russell
While we are on the subject of Westerns, this is a great one. The "Doc" referred to in the title is Doc Holliday, of shootout at the OK Corral fame. The whole cast is here, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, et al. But this isn't about the OK Corral, it's about coming to grips with who you are and what life has dealt you. The characters are fully reimagined. This is a reflective, character driven novel of outstanding originality.
 THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH
by Ken Follett
Consider this question: What is the most boring thing you can imagine? How about this: A thousand page novel set in the 12th century about building a cathedral. Right? Wrong. This novel proves it. OK, so I am oversimplifying. This book isn’t just about building a cathedral, though that is the central activity—and metaphor. There is an interesting cast of villainous and heroic characters, lots of mystery, adventure and romance—including sex. To nit pick, I am not convinced that a 20th century person can imagine the mindset of a 12th century person. Some of these characters have rather “modern” thoughts and reactions. But it’s still a great read. You’ll even learn a few things about the 12th century.
While we are on the subject, Follett’s World Without End is sort of a sequel. It has the same physical setting but takes place in the 14th century. It is equally panoramic and entertaining.
 FALL OF GIANTS
by Ken Follett
Let's stick with Follett for a minute. This is the first volume of his "Century Trilogy." It's another thousand pager, but it's a great read. Massive doses of love, war and politics blended compellingly together. Follett has a way of drawing us into the individual and immediate without losing the panoramic scope.
Volume II of the "Century Trilogy," Winter of the World, is equally compelling. It is set just before and during World War II. This is a true sequel to Fall of Giants, featuring many of the same characters.
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