You know, this is the first work of Larry McMurtry's that I have read, and that probably isn't such a good thing. Mr. McMurtry is known for his earlier works of fiction including The Last Picture Show, Texasville, Terms of Endearment, and Lonesome Dove. His latest work is semi-autobiographical non-fiction. While reading Mr. McMurtry's reflections on life, I couldn't help but wish I knew a little more about his earlier work. Oh well. What's done is done, so why don't I tell you who the heck Walter Benjamin is and exactly why he is at the Dairy Queen in Archer City, Texas,
The book is subtitled Reflections at Sixty and Beyond, and that is exactly what it is. Mr. McMurtry is looking back on his ranching youth and his discovery of a love for books.
Walter Benjamin is composed of many different sections. Because it is non-fiction, I will attempt to review the entire book by analysis of each section.
Place and the Memories of Place
The opening of Mr. McMurtry's book has him sitting at the Archer City Dairy Queen. He is enjoying a "lime Dr. Pepper" (regional beverage of choice, I guess) and reading "The Storyteller." It is an essay by German writer Walter Benjamin. McMurtry uses this event to discuss Archer City and small towns in general.
According to the author, the Dairy Queens is the places to hear the town's news. It's storytelling central combining "the functions of tavern, café and general store. They (are) simple local roadhouses where both rambling men and stay-at-homes (can) meet."
From here, McMurtry discusses the practically extinct art of storytelling. Through his descriptions of childhood in pre-radio rural Texas, the author shares some stories he heard decades ago. These include a woman who was traded as a bride for skunk hides and another old woman that had only ventured six miles from her home and birthplace.
This is where Mr. McMurtry does some self-analysis and poses an interesting thought. He asks, "the question I want to investigate is how someone like myself, growing up in a place that had just been settled, and a place moreover in which nothing of cultural or historical significance had ever happened, became a novelist instead of being content to worry over an old woman who has been traded for skunk hides.
This is by far the longest section of the book. It examines just exactly how Mr. McMurtry went from rancher to novelist and antiquarian bookseller.
Reading
When he was six years old, Mr. McMurtry came into possession of 19 books. These books provided the foundation for a lifetime love affair with reading. The author uses this section to discuss his own personal history of reading. He describes many memorable books and authors.
I did notice the Mr. McMurtry marks important events by what he was reading at the time of each event. For example, McMurtry had major heart bypass surgery some years back. He describes what he was reading at the time, and even discusses why he couldn't read after the surgery.
Reading does discuss many authors and literary works. Those who are passionate about reading will enjoy this section. Others however, may find it tiring.
Book Scouting
The third section is a very interesting one that discusses Larry McMurtry's second career as an antiquarian bookseller and collector. Perhaps I find the section fascinating because I am a total book nerd. The idea of a building with hundreds of thousands of books in it makes me positively giddy.
Again, there is much discussion of literary works and author here. You'll either love it or hate it.
McMurtry also describes antiquarian book dealing in when good old days when great small shops could afford to be in business.
I did sense a bit of an elitist attitude on the part of Mr. McMurtry in this section. He seems to have an opinion on what an ideal book dealer should be. All others are inferior. To this I say, does it matter what books are sold? Isn't it the passion for reading that matters?
The End of the Cowboy The End of Fiction
In this section, Mr. McMurtry offers his thoughts on his past works. This is the point where I realized that I wish I had read some of his earlier fiction.
McMurtry does make an interesting point here, though. He compares ranching to writing saying he "chose to herd words into novel-sized ranches."
Overall, I get the feeling Mr. McMurtry still doesn't understand how he became a writer based on his upbringing. I am wondering if he wrote this book in an attempt to figure it all out.
There was much more to this book than I was able to mention. McMurtry offers bits and pieces of his family history. He also discusses the early pioneer days in detail, as well as the literal method in which this way of life is described. (He hates how authors glamorize cowboys.)
I touched on a particular point earlier and I'd like to finish it here. Mr. McMurtry throws around a lot of titles of proper books and authors. I sensed a bit of disdain on his part for anything other than literary greatness. Honestly, I hadn't heard of half of the titles McMurtry mentions in his book and I'm not going to be embarrassed by that. I read anything that suits my fancy from very heavy James Michener works to very hokey romance novels. Mr. McMurtry, what's wrong with that?
Ok, I'll quit picking on the poor guy. I actually did like this book I've decided to put his earlier works on my "To Read" list as well.
Who should read Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen? Fans of Larry McMurtry, of course. Also anyone who loves to read will appreciate the author's passion for the printed word.
Would I recommend this book to my friends? Probably not, because I don't know anyone who loves books as much as I do.
I hope I have given you a little insight into Larry McMurtry's perceptions of life. Even if you don't want to read this book, you probably should try his earlier works.
Let me know what you think!
