O BABY BABY. I went crazy for this book; it changed my entire vernacular. Penises are now referred to only as "old carrots," and having sex is only called "poking." Not to mention the fact that I now wear chaps and drink nothing but whisky. The cowboy life is my dream fantasy life; even with all of the injuries and general poor health. Never brush your teeth! Prostitution as a fine career endeavor!

One of my favorite epics; the characters are beautifully developed even in their own simplicity. One may argue I'm biased because the Wild West, even the fantasy of it, is my daydream of choice. But I argue NAY! This is just a fantastically written, character-driven epic.

So many fabulous characters! Clara, July Johnson, Gus, Jake Spoon, even Blue Duck for the love of Leviathan. I'm naming my children for SURE after one of these characters, to their future dismay. Right after I birth them in a tent on a cattle run, of course.

There's no point in joy ranting, read this book or I shall be forced to whip out my pearl-handled pistol and make you dig your own grave. Look ma, I'm a cowboy.