Hi guys... I teach English at a boarding school/wilderness program for troubled teens, and I have been thinking of offering a class on Louis L'Amour, specifically focused on coming of age, true maturity, and what it takes to become a man of principle. The boys I work with could benefit greatly from the lessons in his stories, and the action would keep their interest. I already teach "Cap Rock Rancher", and "Tucker" is the natural follow up to that. I'm also considering using "Chancy" and "Reilly's Luck". I'd love to have some suggestions from this community of your favorite books or especially short stories from Louis that highlight these particular concepts. Thanks in advance for helping me brainstorm!
#2. "RE: Possibly teaching L'Amour in a" In response to Reply # 0
Lando is a favorite coming-of-age story, along with: To Tame a Land The Daybreakers The Proving Trail Bendigo Shafter Over on the Dry Side Kiowa Trail North to the Rails
Some of these are less traditional, having flashbacks to the youth of the protagonist, rather than telling the story in a linear fashion.
#4. "RE: Possibly teaching L'Amour in a" In response to Reply # 0
Last Of The Breed
Then again I don't know. It's about escape from prison. But great wilderness skills!! I like Down The Long Hills, but it's about small children. .... Quien(sp) sabe?
Tucker was a great pick. Good lessons there.
Tennessee Dave
"Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God" Author unknown
#6. "RE: Possibly teaching L'Amour in a" In response to Reply # 0
Well done sir. I had an English teacher in middle school who noticed I had started slacking on required book reports from books in the school library. He asked me what the problem was and I told him I couldn't find books I liked there. When he found out I was a L'Amour fan, he brought his own library of them for me to choose from. I'll never forget Mr. Hyatt because of that.
Jubal Sackett and The Lonesome Gods are the two that come to mind that are heaviest on survival skills, but they're among his longest.