Customer Reviews

Shortgrass Song

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm going to add my five stars to the list, because Mike Blakely deserves it. This book delves into the life of young Caleb Holcomb, and we get to watch him grow up. It, like Kirby Jonas books I'm always touting, is not your standard western, but it is a good homespun tale all the same. Caleb is heroic without being super human, and you will fall in love with his affable, musical character who is always finding almost too much trouble for him to handle. Read Mike Blakely and anything by Kirby Jonas, and you won't need to turn anywhere else. If these two authors ever got together they would have a lot in common and a lot to talk about. You can bet they would be friends!

The youngest son of two american pioneers, Caleb Holcomb tries desperately to show his manhood. The plot is well developed as Caleb picks and chooses the adventures in his life. Blakely uses accurate historical insight as well as first hand knowledge of the cowboy way to show his readers what growing up in the 1800's was like. A true american storyteller Blakely has turned out another timeless classic with "Shortgrass Song"

Caleb's adventures take him through the Civil War, buffalo hunts, Indian Wars, and barroom shoot outs. During these times he meets a Comanche slave woman who kidnaps him, and a renegade Arapaho who likes scalping people, and finally meets Marisol a Mexican beauty who gives him his children and wins his love. Some times the story slows down quite a bit and other times you won't want to put it down.

This book is EXCELLENT !!! Anyone who has any intrest in the old west should read this book !!!! It is absolutely amazing !!!!! The writer has such style and grace !!! He is an amazing writer and I think he is great!

It is hard to imagine a more comprehensive, satisfying read in the western genre. Blakely's characters are real people. We care about them, and feel as if we know them. I always look forward to Mike Blakely's efforts. Even if your not a regular reader of westerns, give this book a chance. But be prepared to be spoiled. "Formula" westerns will pale by comparison.

Note: I have begun reading the sequel, "Too Long at the Dance" and find it well-crafted as well.

This is the first of Mr. Blakely's books that I've read, and it sure isn't gonna be the last. Shortgrass Song is as sweet and tender as the title suggests, and at the same time daring, exciting and pretty convincing. The story of young Caleb Holcomb as it unfolds through some of the major events of what was once The Wild West, is written in a sober language, it is brimful of excitement and good old fashioned fun (for the reader, that is, not necessarily Caleb).

Caleb Holcomb evolves into a charismatic musician and storyteller thoughout the novel, and it seems clear that Mr. Blakely is one too. This is the kind of novel where you know that the author himself would gladly take on his hero's life. Mike Blakely is also a real life musician in addition to his brilliant craftsmanship in writing and storytelling. I want to give him thanks for this book, and must say i look forward to reading the sequel, titled Too Long At The Dance. I'm sure it's good too!

Shortgrass Song is, beyond a doubt, one of the best westerns I've ever read. It was a great read with a covey of good twists. Shortgrass Song is also one of the first novels that brings the music of the times into play. I was impressed with the way Blakely brought the saga of Caleb Holcomb, a cowboy baladeer, from boyhood to adulthood in the ever changing West of the late 19th century. I hope Blakely continues with the trials and tribulations of Caleb as he "cowboys" his way around the late glory days of the Old West.

Mike Blakely is an author for whom the best of western writers would give the highest accolades. You pick the book up, begin reading, and before you know it, it's time for bed. But if you're like me, you will read on until you eyes become too heavy to go on. Yeah, he's that good!