News Of The World, Jiles - B +

                                               This superb novel is set in Texas in 1870. Captain Kidd is a-71-year old veteran of three wars, and a former printer who makes his living traveling around the state reading somewhat dated newspapers to crowds charging 10 cents per head. He takes up the task of delivering 10-year-old Joanna, who had been captured by the Kiowa, to her family 400 miles south. On their way from Wichita Falls to San Antonio, they overcome Indian raiders, white slavers, and ordinary outlaws as they bond as much as an old man and a young girl, without a common language, can. This is a fabulous tale of two people coming together, helping and supported each other, that deftly shares with the reader a fascinating and far-away time.  This could have been written by Larry McMurtry -  it's that good. To my favorite Texan -  Wendell, I recommend this wholeheartedly.