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Shane

Jack Schaefer

Start date: April 1, 2022

Finish date: June 30, 2022

Discussion: Lesser Know/Wilderness Classics

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What Members Thought

Sep 11, 2022 Chrissie rated it really liked it

Shelves: usa, westerns, hf, classics, free, relationships, audible-plus-uk, 2022-read, kids

Free for Audible-UK Plus members. Grab this. It is worth listening too!

Shane is not your typical western tale. What separates it from others is that
-it is told by a youth of eleven years—Bob Starrett by name.
-it focuses more upon friendship and trust than violence.
-farmers play as much a central a role as do cattle ranchers.

Shooting and brawls do of course occur.

In that the story is told by a young boy, a member of a stable and loving homestead family attempting to eke out an existence in t Free for Audible-UK Plus members. Grab this. It is worth listening too!

Shane is not your typical western tale. What separates it from others is that
-it is told by a youth of eleven years—Bob Starrett by name.
-it focuses more upon friendship and trust than violence.
-farmers play as much a central a role as do cattle ranchers.

Shooting and brawls do of course occur.

In that the story is told by a young boy, a member of a stable and loving homestead family attempting to eke out an existence in the Wyoming of 1889, he does not view events from an adult perspective. His parents shield him from the worst. This changes the tone of the book. Goodness and kindness come to the surface frequently.

A stranger comes into the town. His name is Shane. He strikes up a friendship with Bob and his parents. He gets along very well with Bob’s father, bonding as they hack away at a stump, as well as Bob’s pretty mother. Being the sentimental, sweet story that it is, the relationship between Shane and Bob’s mom doesn’t tip over into licentious territory. This is a s tory that can be given to a child. One senses in Shane both an underlying menacing danger as well as upright behavior and honorability. The reader becomes curious to fully understand Shane’s past. Who is this man?

The scene of the two men tackling the stump is wonderful. Clearly, what they are hacking at is not merely a stump, but rather evil and the injustices of the world. This isn’t s-a-i-d but it is how the reader interprets the message being conveyed. This is my favorite scene of the whole book, and it draws you into the story right at the start.

The beauty of the land out west is vividly drawn.

I tend to object to books that overdo sweetness and sentimentality. I usually prefer reality which is messier and grimmer. Nevertheless, the tone in this tale makes sense when we keep in mind who is telling the tale.

The audiobook is very well read by Eric G. Dove. The words are always clear and easy to follow. Bob’s voice is not made too childish. Four stars for the narration.

This is a classic for young and old alike. ...more

15 likes · Like · see review

Mar 31, 2013 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: american-fiction, fiction-20th-century, audio-books, book-and-movie, read-2013

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

5 likes · Like · see review

May 08, 2022 Natalie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: classics

I really enjoyed this story: the writing is descriptive, the main characters are interesting and sympathetic, and the story is well paced.
The story is told from the vantage point of a young boy, Bob, who first meets Shane when he rides up to their farm. Shane's a strong, classy, quiet cowboy who is almost silent about his past. He meets Bob's family (Joe and Marian) who have Shane over for dinner, then have him stay the night. Soon, Joe hires Shane as a ranch hand and though he's a cowboy, not a ...more

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May 10, 2022 Sharon rated it it was ok

Shelves: audiobook, classics, western, 2022-read, christian

I did not like this story AT ALL.

I did enjoy the beginning, but I felt it odd that we were told over and over how special, mysterious, and amazing Shane was. We were never given any indication as to WHY this was, we were just supposed to go along with worshipping Shane. Somewhere about half way through I got a little bored, but pushed on. And the end really made me angry.

(view spoiler) ...more

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