The West Texas Pilgrimage by M.M. Wolthoff - Lone Star Book Blog Tour
THE WEST TEXAS PILGRIMAGE
by
M.M. Wolthoff
Genre: Contemporary / Coming of Age
Publisher: River Grove Books
Date of Publication: February 29, 2015
Number of Pages: 220
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Hunter’s friend Ty survived war in the Middle East only to succumb to cancer at home. On a quest with his college buddies and Ty’s father, Hunter journeys from South Texas into the mountains and desert of West Texas to bury his close friend. During this trek, they’ll drink, hunt, party, and encounter unexpected people and enthralling landscapes as Hunter deals with his grief, compounded by his struggle with depression and obsessive–compulsive disorder.
The West Texas Pilgrimage is a love letter to West Texas and the wild culture that defines it. Author M. M. Wolthoff vividly depicts the regional landscape, exploring intriguing stops along the way and the authentic context of music, food, and language integral to this generation of Texans, while frankly and thoughtfully addressing relationships, mourning, and mental illness, with characters as unforgettable as the region itself.
***
PRAISE FOR THE WEST TEXAS PILGRIMAGE:
I laughed. I cried. This is a book that is real, honest and reminds all of us that life is filled with ups and downs. The only way to keep moving forward is to get real with ourselves about whom we are and accept our beauty and our pain. This young author has amazing wisdom that is so articulately shared with readers of all ages.
-- 5 Stars, Amazon Verified Purchase
The West Texas Pilgrimage was insightful into the mind of a privileged, pre-adult male who tries to self-medicate his OCD condition with alcohol. While reading, I felt the main character's vulnerabilities as he struggled with his feelings regarding his career choice, the loss of a good friend to cancer, and the complications of his search for the right female life mate. The book was a quick read...only because I could not put it down! There were several "ah-ha" moments when I thought: oh my, that's really how a pre-adult male thinks??!? I never knew!!
I read the first half of the book in one night; it draws you in with believable characters and real challenges they face. Could have been written about people you know or have met. It covers some tough topics but is an enjoyable read. -- 5 Stars Peter Day
Really nice read. Very detailed description of so many things made me feel like I was right there with them. 2 nights to read for a non reader like me makes for a really easy and entertaining time. Thumbs up.
-- 5 Stars Nunya
The book brought me right back to the border towns of my youth. Step outside any bar and be hit with the smell of fajita and sewer. Glorious! -- 5 Stars Amazon Verified Purchase
Matthew Martin Wolthoff lives in McAllen, Texas, with his wife, Lucy Ann, and three children, Hunter Ann, McCoy Martin, and Kerr Dunkin. He grew up in a military family, living all over the world until finding home in South Texas, where he went to high school in San Antonio. He is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy and has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. His parents instilled a passion for reading and writing in him early in life that grows stronger every day. An avid outdoorsman, he finds his inspiration—and peace of mind—in the shallow waters of the Lower Laguna Madre and the wilderness of the South Texas brush country. His first West Texas pilgrimage was in 2010. It was a life-changing event.
I love this author's note, which is a big clue to the stirring under the waters that is going on in the book:
"For those who suffer in silence, I hope you find your peace of mind. Have faith in God that your mountain in West Texas is out there somewhere."
And also, this quote from the book, from one who has experienced the depths of the valley, and the crest of the climb:
"This was it--the place Ty had always described as heaven. The vast beauty of West Texas and northern Mexico lay below them. There wasn't any way God's view could be any more spectacular."
This book is exactly why I signed up to do Book Blog Tours with the Lone Star group. Without them, I would have never read it and that would be a shame. The writing is fast and tight, and is definitely the story of Texas men all Texans will recognize. The story, though modern, is definitely reminiscent of Lonesome Dove, and you'll enjoy placing all the characters, even though you only get a taste of them since this book is not near the length of that worthy Texas tome. With all the Texas locations and musicians and even the happenings across the border, I felt very transported to my state. It is odd to say that, because I'm in the state, but in the reading world I rarely get to be.
Hunter has lost one of his best friends, Ty. In order to remember him, the guys are about to go on a very Texas manly-man hike to crest one of Ty and his father's favorite hiking spots. Yes, the fellas are cut-ups, drink like fish, generally reckless and they wonder about without much of a plan, just like the Lonesome Dove crew. Much of their behavior will make you shake your head in frustration, and make you wonder what the point is.
If you read the whole book, including the Q&A at the end, you will get to the point. It is a very good one, one that is rarely addressed in men, especially here in Texas where they simply cannot admit that anything is wrong.
This is a great book for book club. It is a fast read, and with the Q&A it will help you and your group dig deeper. You'll be able to argue or agree on whether you think the author used the best method to portray the insides of Hunter and what is going on in his head. Perhaps you'll get a laugh out of who in your group got mad and chucked the book across the room, before getting to the finish line! (There will be a few 😉).
I believe M. M. Wolthoff is about to have another book published, and I look forward to reading that one. Thank you for the copy and the chance to review your book, M. M. Wolthoff. Keep writing, I like what you are doing.
I love this author's note, which is a big clue to the stirring under the waters that is going on in the book:
"For those who suffer in silence, I hope you find your peace of mind. Have faith in God that your mountain in West Texas is out there somewhere."
And also, this quote from the book, from one who has experienced the depths of the valley, and the crest of the climb:
"This was it--the place Ty had always described as heaven. The vast beauty of West Texas and northern Mexico lay below them. There wasn't any way God's view could be any more spectacular."
This book is exactly why I signed up to do Book Blog Tours with the Lone Star group. Without them, I would have never read it and that would be a shame. The writing is fast and tight, and is definitely the story of Texas men all Texans will recognize. The story, though modern, is definitely reminiscent of Lonesome Dove, and you'll enjoy placing all the characters, even though you only get a taste of them since this book is not near the length of that worthy Texas tome. With all the Texas locations and musicians and even the happenings across the border, I felt very transported to my state. It is odd to say that, because I'm in the state, but in the reading world I rarely get to be.
Hunter has lost one of his best friends, Ty. In order to remember him, the guys are about to go on a very Texas manly-man hike to crest one of Ty and his father's favorite hiking spots. Yes, the fellas are cut-ups, drink like fish, generally reckless and they wonder about without much of a plan, just like the Lonesome Dove crew. Much of their behavior will make you shake your head in frustration, and make you wonder what the point is.
If you read the whole book, including the Q&A at the end, you will get to the point. It is a very good one, one that is rarely addressed in men, especially here in Texas where they simply cannot admit that anything is wrong.
This is a great book for book club. It is a fast read, and with the Q&A it will help you and your group dig deeper. You'll be able to argue or agree on whether you think the author used the best method to portray the insides of Hunter and what is going on in his head. Perhaps you'll get a laugh out of who in your group got mad and chucked the book across the room, before getting to the finish line! (There will be a few 😉).
I believe M. M. Wolthoff is about to have another book published, and I look forward to reading that one. Thank you for the copy and the chance to review your book, M. M. Wolthoff. Keep writing, I like what you are doing.
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