Cloudy in the West

Rating:
Summary: Funny
Review: "Cloudy in the West" kept me reading non-stop. Even though it told of a drunkard, attempts to kill, and villains, I enjoyed it. I am not very into Historical or Western books, but I kept on reading this one. It has a good sense of humor in it, which I enjoyed very much.

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Summary: Teachers, put this on your recommended reading list!
Review: A very entertaining, exciting, and morally uplifting book that would please any child or adult who likes a rip-roaring yarn! I love a good western and read this on a whim, then passed it on to my 14 year old son when he needed a book to read in class. He is not one to read for pleasure, but he really enjoyed this and went on to read other books of this genre, such as Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove" series. So, educators, be sure to suggest this to your young readers, it will grab them hard, and be sure to read it yourself!

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Summary: Desert Rain Refreshing!
Review: Imagine you are 12 years old, recently orphaned, and suspicious that your recently acquired step-mother wants to kill you. No one believes your suspicions. The only hope your pre-adolescent mind can fathom is to strike out on your own in search of a ne'r-do-well second cousin. Thus begins an adventure that takes you on a journey from one end of the Lone Star state to the other. "Cloudy in the West" kicks up a storm of vivid, yet flawed, frontier types who cross the path of young Joey Shipman. Kelton writes a wonderful redemption tale set in the Texas he loves and knows so well. Thirsty western fans, rejoice! It's "Cloudy in the West!"

Rating:
Summary: Desert Rain Refreshing!
Review: Imagine you are 12 years old, recently orphaned, and suspicious that your recently acquired step-mother wants to kill you. No one believes your suspicions. The only hope your pre-adolescent mind can fathom is to strike out on your own in search of a ne'r-do-well second cousin. Thus begins an adventure that takes you on a journey from one end of the Lone Star state to the other. "Cloudy in the West" kicks up a storm of vivid, yet flawed, frontier types who cross the path of young Joey Shipman. Kelton writes a wonderful redemption tale set in the Texas he loves and knows so well. Thirsty western fans, rejoice! It's "Cloudy in the West!"

Rating:
Summary: What a great story!
Review: This is a great story,in which Elmer Kelton blends the characters into a harmonious story. The real story, in my opinion, is between Beau and Alta. But Joey Shipman is a real boy with real hurts and pains and is looking for someone to look up to. He finds that in McAllister and Miller Dawson, and eventually his own second cousin Beau Shipman. Elemer Kelton also brings out the "minor" characters as well - Sheriff Gardner and his wife, Mr. Meachan, Dulcie, and most of all, Reuben. Reuben is a big influence in Joey's life and it can be seen in Joey's reflections and how he carries Reuben's Bible around with him. In the end, I start to feel sorry for Dulcie. It is a sad story about her, especially at the end, when she confronts Mr. Meacham, whom she finds out is cheating on her and only wants her around to get the title to the farm. I wish I could have met Joey's real Mom. The ending is a great one and you will thoroughly enjoy this book!

Rating:
Summary: A Tom Sawyer book, set in the wild west.
Review: This is a sweet story with interesting historical details. Even though it is written at an adult's reading level, it strikes me as a good book for a 10 to 13 year old boy who is an advanced reader. A sort of Tom Sawyer book, set in the wild west. There is nothing offensive in terms of language or subject matter. It is an "old-fashioned" book, that relies on the story to carry the reader along, rather than sex or violence

Rating:
Summary: Great book for adult or child alike
Review: This was a great book and can be recommended to anyone. Kelton is neck and neck with Kirby Jonas as the two best western writers out there, and both of them could be read by even people who don't know yet that they're fans of the western. If you enjoyed Cloudy in the West and other Kelton books, be sure to check out Kirby Jonas, whom critics call The New Louis L'Amour. Between these two authors, we need no one else!

Rating:
Summary: A real page turner
Review: This was my first western novel (I'm going into the 5th grade). It inspired me to read another novel by the same author. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read westerns and thrillers.

Rating:
Summary: A quick, fun read...
Review: This was the first of Elmer Kelton's books that I had read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was well-paced and involving, with interesting, likeable characters. A good, quick read for adult fans of the western genre or for younger readers just looking for a good story.

Rating:
Summary: New Western Classic for All Ages
Review: When a young man faces the death of a father, all the world becomes a stranger. Facing hardships at home and "loved ones" trying to get him, he must begin a new life. Elmer Kelton has written a clever Western that faces all mans worst fears: death of a family member, loss of home, loss of love, and even maybe loss of life? How he deals with these issues make life worth living! Against the back drop of Early Texas, this complex story unfolds. A great Western book that you can't put down.