Not as narratively cohesive or as philosophically potent as AtPH or Blood Meridian, but few authors capture solitary nihilism as powerfully as McCarthy. The loneliness, the raw survivalism are heartbreaking. Yes, the language is at times overwrought, but McCarthy is so precise at setting a tone, constructing an image, that this can be forgiven. Ultimately, I find the main characters lacking dimension, and the supporting cast merely floats in and out of the narrative like specters; of course, I suspect this is all precisely the point, but it makes for a less than satisfying reading experience. ( )

A bleak book, made difficult due to all the Spanish dialogue. Not sure what everyone sees in his writing. ( )

A rogue wolf has been killing calves in remote areas of the Parham family ranch. After checking traps for days Billy finally finds the wolf ensnared, and for reasons he can't explain himself, rather than killing her as was the plan he determines to capture her and lead her back over the border into Mexico, from whence he suspects she came. This is only the beginning of what will ultimately be a life-altering journey through the rugged and sometimes dangerous lands of northern Mexico.

I don't typically gravitate to westerns, but I've enjoyed everything I've read by McCarthy so far. Even his spare writing style has grown on me significantly. Many of the scenes are depicted in an almost dreamlike fashion, and there is a real sense for the reader of having been transported back to a simpler time. I appreciated that it tested my high school Spanish, and I felt like giving myself a pat on the back at how much I still understood subconsciously (Google Translate helped out in other instances where context didn't immediately provide insight). I also enjoyed following along Billy's travels on a map. Do I break the record for time elapsed between reading a book and its sequel? I first read All the Pretty Horses in August 2000 — a span of 23 years! ( )

Spectacular. McCarthy’s liberal use of Spanish creates occasional listening challenges, but the sound of the language is an important part of the story. McCarthy is writing at a Nobel Prize level. ( )

A haunting western about a teenage boy accompanied by his wolf, his dog, his younger brother, his fathers horse as he crosses back and forth between America and Mexico.

The first crossing with the wolf was beautifully told and would make a 5 star novella.

The second and third crossings had many moving moments (the rescue of the girl, the shooting, the stabbing, the burial) but there were times when the story got lost (especially the priest telling a story). ( )