This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Lonesome Dove

   

   The book tells the story of two retired Texas Rangers who embark on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the 1870s. The narrative focuses on the duo's adventures and the characters they meet along the way, including a variety of outlaws, Indians, and settlers. This epic tale of the Old West explores themes of friendship, unrequited love, and the harsh realities of frontier life.

   The 633rd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. Horseman, Pass By

   

   This novel takes place in a small Texas town where a young boy grows up on a ranch with his grandfather and a host of other characters. The story is about the boy's coming of age and his struggle to understand the adult world around him, especially when a devastating disease threatens the cattle on their ranch. The narrative explores themes of morality, love, and the harsh realities of life in a small, close-knit community.

   The 3435th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

3. 3. Leaving Cheyenne

   

   The novel explores the complex and enduring relationships between three central characters—Gid, Johnny, and Molly—over several decades in rural Texas. It delves into themes of love, friendship, and the passage of time, capturing the essence of life in a small, close-knit community. The story is marked by the characters' struggles with personal desires, societal expectations, and the inevitable changes brought by aging, all set against the backdrop of the changing American West. Through their intertwined lives, the narrative examines the bittersweet nature of love and the enduring bonds that persist despite life's challenges.

   The 7007th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

4. 4. The Last Picture Show

   

   Set in a small, declining Texas town during the early 1950s, this coming-of-age story follows the lives of two high school seniors, Sonny and Duane, as they navigate the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and love. Against the backdrop of a community struggling with economic hardship and cultural stagnation, the boys grapple with their own desires and disillusionments, seeking meaning and connection in a world that seems to offer little hope. The narrative poignantly captures the bittersweet transition from youth to adulthood, highlighting the enduring impact of personal choices and the passage of time.

   The 16486th Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. Terms Of Endearment

   

   Set in the heart of Texas, this poignant tale explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships through the lens of a spirited widow and her complex bond with her daughter. The narrative delves into the challenges and joys of their lives, capturing the essence of love, loss, and resilience. As they navigate the trials of everyday life, the story unfolds with humor and heart, revealing the enduring strength of familial ties and the profound impact of personal connections.

   The 16664th Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Streets Of Laredo

   

   Set in the fading days of the Old West, the story follows retired Texas Ranger Captain Woodrow F. Call as he is hired to track down a young Mexican bandit named Joey Garza, who is terrorizing the region with his ruthless train robberies. As Call assembles a diverse posse to pursue the elusive outlaw, he confronts the harsh realities of aging and the changing landscape of the frontier. The narrative weaves together themes of loyalty, justice, and the relentless passage of time, painting a vivid picture of a world on the brink of transformation.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. Folly And Glory

   

   Set against the backdrop of the American West, this gripping tale follows the intertwined destinies of a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the tumultuous landscape of the 19th century. The narrative weaves together themes of ambition, betrayal, and survival, as individuals from different walks of life confront the harsh realities of frontier life. With vivid descriptions and rich historical context, the story captures the essence of a rapidly changing world, where personal dreams and societal expectations collide in a dramatic and often unpredictable journey.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time