Title: True Grit
Author: Charles Portis
Format: Trade Paper
Publisher: Overlook Press
Pub Date: 1968; this edition: Oct 2010
Read: May 2011
Source: purchased at BookCourt
Why: I was curious about the movie, which I had wanted to see before the Oscars (and if I can help it I try to read the book before seeing the movie), but my attention was diverted elsewhere, and I just got around to it now.
Fulfills Challenge? Yes.
Notes: I’m really not into westerns, so I was REALLY wary going into this. Also, this is one of the few movie-tie-in covers I find tolerable…because I don’t have to look at the faces of the actors. Sadly, I cannot say the same about the blu-ray. [judging face ENGAGED]
Review/Thoughts
Move over Franny Glass, Mattie Ross is my new homegirl! Yes, it’s true — Mattie Ross completely made this story. Stubborn, shrewd, hilariously self-righteous and a smartass to boot, Mattie is really the one with true grit. Quite possibly the most determined character I’ve encountered since Scarlett O’Hara, the girl doesn’t takes shit from no one, and it never occurs to her that her age, sex, or stature might be a hindrance to what she wants to do. Her fierce determination and unwavering belief in herself (and her opinion) allow the reader to basically go along with just about every damn thing she says. I don’t think I even once questioned her. Compromise? Pssh, what the hell is that? Mattie Ross is paying you good sir, you’d better do what she says! Truthfully, I WISH I had as much gumption as this girl.
The story itself is surprisingly funny given the circumstances. Who knew a western about a 14 year old girl setting out to avenge her father’s death could be this much fun? But I’m told that is the Portis way.
For me the most satisfying moment came in the first half, when LaBeouf is beating poor Mattie’s legs with a switch in order to teach her a lesson, and Rooster cocks his gun and tells LaBeouf if he keeps on doing that he’s going to regret it. As it turns out, Donna Tartt also finds this to be the most satisfying moment, so I’m in good company (oh did you know this is her favorite book? I did…because I heart Donna Tartt).
My only criticism is that toward the end, the novel took on what I call a FFS (for fuck’s sake!) quality, i.e., everything that could go wrong, did go wrong, prompting me to say, oh for fuck’s sake! I also felt that Mattie was robbed of her moment, and for no clear reason I could discern other than to prolong the mess (interestingly enough, I never expected the moment to be given to her but when it was, I rejoiced, only to have it taken away…how dare you Charles Portis, how dare you!) But aside from that, I loved it.
Final Verdict: 
The world/books/film needs more Matties. MOAR I SAY.