9 Days Out--James Literature

 Just as Jesse James' researched his potential hits, I hit the books months ago, learning as much as I could about the man and his exploits. Although our research methodologies differ--he conducted multiple site visits prior to the actual event,  I conduct research online in the safety of my home (and never on horseback). However, we both had/have to rely on a lot of luck and chance that providence shines in our favor on our respective fated journeys. We know how it ended for him.

From my research, I gather that Jesse was very methodical, anticipating obstacles and potential liabilities. As his fame and legend grew, so did his pride. As the author of Proverbs so annoyingly reminds us, "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."  Whoever that author is--HE is probably snickering and saying, "I told you so!", his words echoing through the celestial ether and into the fiery lava-filled pits of hellfire and brimstone.

In terms of bang for the buck (bad pun intended) and time invested vs R.O.I. (return on investment for the non-financial readers), J. Dennis Robinson's book for young readers provides a great overview without excruciatingly long descriptive passages. It proffers a moral lesson--the MEDIA lies. Apparently fake news was happening in the 1860's. Not a new phenomenon. One reporter in particular was responsible for cultivating Jesse's Robin Hood status. The book also has GREAT illustrations and pictures. Always a bonus.

I must apologize to author T. J. Stiles. I feel so guilty about not reading his book. His book is the DEFINITIVE book on Jesse James. I tried to read it a few years ago and stopped. It is daunting in its detail. It is on my bedside night table, where it has taunted me for months.

 SHOT ALL TO HELL is my favorite book so far. How you can you go wrong with a title like that in all RED caps? It reads like a novel and for the readers who like gratuitous violence and action, it does not disappoint.

I'm about half-way through Ron Hansen's book that focuses on the events leading up to the assassination of Jesse James. John Irving (The World According to Garp and A Prayer for Owen Meany) gave it a big thumbs up. Since I already know the ending, it is a bit anti-climatic. But determined to finish before the road trip begins.