The Last Picture Show
The Last Picture Show
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1966
Book Brief
280
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1950s
1966
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Last Picture Show by Larry McMurtry is set in the 1950s in Thalia, Texas, and follows three teenagers, Duane Moore, Sonny Crawford, and Jacy Farrow, navigating adolescence in a small, declining town. Duane wants to marry Jacy, Sonny covets Jacy, and Jacy seeks an escape from Thalia. Their experiences, including relationships and the closure of the town's only movie theater, guide them toward maturity. The story contains sensitive topics, including bullying and sexual coercion.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Gritty
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
21,946 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Larry McMurtry's The Last Picture Show captures the desolation and raw humanity of a small Texas town. Praised for its vivid characters and poignant exploration of youth and loneliness, the novel is considered a masterful portrayal of American life. Some critics note that its bleakness and explicit content may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it is lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity.
Who Should Read The Last Picture Show?
Readers who enjoy Larry McMurtry's The Last Picture Show typically appreciate character-driven narratives set in small towns, with themes of coming-of-age, rural life, and societal change. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird may find similar appeal in its exploration of adolescence and community dynamics.
21,946 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
280
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1950s
1966
Adult
18+ years
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