The Last Picture Show

At one point one of the characters refers to the small dusty Texan town this novel is set in as “this horny town” and she is right. Sex is on everyone's mind. There's teenagers and their first times, pranks to get the local simpleton laid, various May November affairs, secretly gay teachers and a mild case of molestation. There's even bestiality as farm boys will be farm boys (the casual way McMurtry dropped this in, was really disturbing).

And despite all the sex, this novel is infused with sadness and sad characters. That are stuck in their limiting surroundings, drudging along, yet never self-pitying. With a few scenes they become lively and memorable. I especially enjoyed his Ruth, and Lois. Sam. Billy. Genevieve.

My second McMurtry after Lonesome Dove (which i LOVE) and really enjoyed this one too.