I have previously read Portis' Norwood and am halfway through Dog of the South. While there is a similarity in Norwood and Dog, True Grit is a completely different kind of book, although the commonality of the three is the main character has a view of life that doesn't change regardless of outside circumstances. I'm sure at some point True Grit will enter school curriculum as a "classic", if it hasn't already. ( )

“You must pay for everything in this world one way or another.”
“The wicked flee when none pursueth.”

Mattie Ross, a fourteen year-old girl wants to avenge her father’s death at the hands of Tom Chaney. With the backing of Lawyer Daggett and the help of Rooster Cogburn, she sets out to do just that! It's a grand tale, with great dialogue and a real sense and flavor of the "wild" west! I enjoyed it a great deal! And if liked the movies that were based on it, you'll really like this book!

Great last line too: "This ends my true account of how I avenged Frank Ross's blood over in the Choctaw Nation when snow was on the ground." You go girl! ( )