Books for Men

#264 | On Why ‘Lonesome Dove’ Is the Definitive Novel for Every Man—Timeless Themes of Adventure, Loss, Love, Loyalty, Sacrifice, Shame, Guilt, and Friendship


Listen Later

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti offers an in-depth yet concise review of Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove,” discussing the novel’s plot, major themes of leaving home for a dream, sacrifice, loss, adventure, aging, and friendship, and explains why it stands as a must-read Western classic. Vigliotti compares the book to its mini-series adaptation, shares favorite quotes, and highlights McMurtry’s literary legacy. He encourages listeners to read the novel, even if it will take you a month or two, or three—it’ll be worth it!

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #136: The Son | Philipp Meyer!

🗣️ Listen to episode #230 | Is ’No Country for Old Men’ a Better Novel or Movie? Cormac McCarthy’s Masterpiece vs. The Coen Brothers Oscar-Winning Adaptation!

🗣️ Listen to episode #223 | What’s Your Origin Story? In This Book, Successful Writers, Novelists, and Musicians Share Theirs!

🗣️ Listen to episode #262 | What Makes Stephen King’s Horror Classic “Carrie” Instantly Relatable for All of Us?!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

  • Introduction & Book Selection (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast, shares his August read, and explains why Lonesome Dove is featured.
  • Newsletter & Author Background (01:18) - Mentions the companion newsletter, gives background on Larry McMurtry, and references other Western authors.
  • Other Westerns & Mini-Series Comparison (02:22) - Discusses previous Westerns covered, the Pulitzer Prize, Stephen King's praise, and critiques the 1990s mini-series adaptation.
  • Plot Overview & Main Characters (03:27) - Summarizes the novel’s plot, introduces Woodrow Call and Augustus McCrae, and outlines their journey.
  • Themes: Adventure, Sacrifice, and Existential Questions (04:49) - Explores deeper themes: leaving home, trade-offs, existential questions, and the protagonists’ motivations.
  • Character Dynamics & Emotional Depth (06:03) - Analyzes the contrasting personalities of Gus and Call, their relationship, and the emotional impact of the story.
  • Book’s Emotional Climax & Satisfying Conclusion (07:27) - Highlights the emotional weight of the final chapters and the payoff for readers.
  • Favorite Quotes & Literary Reflections (08:34) - Shares memorable quotes, discusses their significance, and reflects on the novel’s emotional resonance.
  • Final Thoughts & Listener Engagement (10:56) - Recommends the book, thanks listeners, and provides information on connecting, subscribing, and his new book.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Books for MenBy Douglas Vigliotti

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

22 ratings


More shows like Books for Men

View all
The Joe Rogan Experience by Joe Rogan

The Joe Rogan Experience

229,070 Listeners

Overdue by Headgum

Overdue

2,232 Listeners

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

773 Listeners