Western stories are a great escape for millions of readers, and although the traditional “Western” covers just a small portion of history and part of the world – the 19th century of the American West – the popular genre has spawned thousands of books, television shows, and movies. 

Tales of the American frontier and its outlaws, settlers, mountain men, cowboys and Indians seem to capture the imagination of those who long for stories of adventure, action, and “simpler” times. Though the history can be a little sketchy at times, readers love a Western’s familiar language, characters, and scenery.

Many Westerns fall into the “pulp fiction” category featuring dramatic narratives with predictable plotlines such as outlaws versus lawmen and cowboys versus Indians. Tried and true though these styles may be, I encourage those reluctant to try a Western to consider more unconventional, non-traditional titles or historical novels set in the American West. There are many entertaining choices out there and here is a list of ten titles I’ve enjoyed.

True Grit by Charles Portis
Young Mattie Ross is about as blunt as they come and knows what she wants. When she is looking for a man with “true grit” to help her take revenge on the murderer of her father she wisely chooses the meanest of the bunch, Marshall Rooster Cogburn. This unconventional Western, driven by a female character’s narration, displays a unique sensitivity in its writing style. Maddie’s delightfully colorful language and keen observations of her companions make it a standout. This book is the 2025 Salina Public Library Salina Reads pick.

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
My all-time favorite. The Western to end all Westerns. It features great characters, great settings, great language, cowboys, Indians, outlaws, lawmen, horses, an epic cattle drive, and fascinating historical tidbits along the way. The master novelist Larry McMurty used his gritty, emotional writing style to perfection here and his grand novel won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1986. Be sure to see the awesome television mini-series based on the novel.

Woe to Live On by Daniel Woodrell
This short novel relays a unique perspective on the Civil War, told from a Missouri bushwacker’s point-of-view. War is hell, no matter which side one finds himself or herself on, and this wonderful tale covers the depths and heights of the human experience. I highly recommend viewing the film based on the book, “Ride with the Devil”, directed by Ang Lee.

The Revenant by Michael Punke
Set in Colorado in the 1820s, this gritty novel follows a mountain man who survives a brutal grizzly bear attack and upon recovery, obsessively seeks revenge on the companions who left him for dead. His remarkable journey makes for a fascinating read. Again, I highly recommend the movie of the same title based on the book.

Centennial by James Michener
I love Michener’s historical novels, and this one is my favorite. The journey West, the rise and fall of a cattle empire, and the building of a town in Colorado are all wonderfully narrated in this epic novel. I was just a kid when the television mini-series aired and when I got older I discovered the book it was based on. Once I started reading, I didn’t want it to end.

Hondo by Louis L’Amour
Arguably one of the most well-known and prolific of Western writers, most of Louis L’Amour’s books remain in print today. Hondo, one of L’Amour’s early novels, displays the author’s talent for describing the adventures of a lone protagonist as he encounters violence and love in the West. Set in the late-1870s Arizona territory, L’Amour’s respectful treatment of Indians is an added plus in this thoughtful and atmospheric novel.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King
This short novel by the much-loved horror novelist traces the journey of a mysterious protagonist travelling through a desolate version of the American West. Dealing out hot lead with his smoking six-guns, the stranger pursues “the man in black” and encounters a young boy stranded in this harsh world-between-worlds. Highly recommended for those who like dark, atmospheric stories featuring an anti-hero.

Welcome to Hard Times by E. L. Doctorow
Told in the first person, this early novel of Doctorow’s is the story of a man desperately trying to protect the citizens of his small town after violent outlaws virtually destroy it. A bleak yet superb study of a man struggling with cowardice who is determined to survive and rebuild.

Doc by Mary Doria Russell
Encounter unforgettable characters in this bittersweet, candid portrait of the real-life John Henry “Doc” Holliday. As a young man struggling with tuberculosis, Doc leaves his home in Atlanta for the promised “healthy airs” of the West. There, he falls in love with the ambitious prostitute Kate Harony who persuades Doc to travel to Dodge City, thus leading him into a fateful friendship with the legendary Wyatt Earp.

Mr. Tucket by Gary Paulsen
Although I missed reading Gary Paulsen’s novels for young readers growing up, I have since developed a keen interest in his books. This is the first book in a series of Westerns featuring Francis Tucket – a boy traveling West with his family who is captured by Pawnees and rescued by the colorful mountain man Mr. Grimes. Paulsen’s trademark style of portraying a mentor-protege relationship and a young protagonist’s coming-of-age is used to perfection here. I highly recommend the audiobook featuring narrator John Randolph Jones – find it on Hoopla.