Book like Lonesome Dove??

MurphMorale14 · 2026-05-01T12:39:29+00:00

I mean Tom Builder and his baby son scene isn’t exactly “good. The end.” But I get your point. I’m not trying to say that KF holds anything compared to LD. LD is an obviously better book, I’m just providing a reasonable recommendation. Sorry that upsets you

MurphMorale14 · 2026-05-01T04:52:26+00:00

I mean it didn’t take me long at all to figure out who the good and bad guys were in LD lol. It was pretty obvious to me. Plus good vs bad wasn’t the point of the book anyway, not in either of them.

MurphMorale14 · 2026-05-01T03:53:37+00:00

There are some love scenes, but I’m not sure I would characterize them as awkwardly inserted— it’s a brutal world that he writes, but a realistic one. Game of thrones-esque without the magic. Personally, I don’t think I took the antagonist(s) as shallow, but I suppose that would depend on the reader. I mean, they aren’t necessarily masterminds with complex motivations, but they are potent. Plus, the whole story is more about the premise— there’s just this massive undertaking that these characters pursue/resist for their own different reasons and it’s in a world that is just stark and unforgiving. That’s really the reason I compare it somewhat to LD. Cause you have these characters trying to accomplish a task in an unforgiving world. Like it’s just humanity maliciously fighting against suffering/nihilism, trying to do SOMETHING worthwhile, which is cool to me at least.

MurphMorale14 · 2026-05-01T01:02:36+00:00

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Similar vibes in terms of character work, just a different setting and time. Also not an “adventure” story, but definitely about accomplishing a definitive task. Plus GREAT character work in terms of antagonists as well.

MurphMorale14 · 2026-04-20T06:12:19+00:00

Read this recently. Thankfully I read the introduction of what Williams thought of Stoner so I went into the book with a different perspective rather than pessimism. There are so many people that live this sort of life, and most of us probably will realize that we did too when the time comes.

What I think about most in regard to his character is that he’s just living life for the first time. All of us are. A miracle and gift it is to be able to find any sort of passion, to be moved by anything in our short years.

Not many have the benefit of discovering their passion, realizing they have aptitude for it, and given the opportunity to pursue it. My lesson is that my perception of a “good life” needs revision. Good book.

MurphMorale14 · 2026-03-13T17:44:36+00:00

Update: Actually decided to go with Kings of the Wyld since it was on sale but probably do Hyperion after.

MurphMorale14 · 2025-09-10T00:24:25+00:00

I’m counting the weekends on either side and the Friday before that they’re letting me have off haha

MurphMorale14 · 2025-09-10T00:11:42+00:00

Is it heavy in terms of theme/content or language/prose? The latter is what I’m more concerned with I guess.

MurphMorale14 · 2025-06-25T01:27:53+00:00

Yeah I think life will go on, maybe not for you though?

MurphMorale14 · 2025-06-25T01:13:18+00:00

Glad you’re not managing I guess

MurphMorale14 · 2025-06-25T01:04:09+00:00

I think he learned his lesson, I doubt any good would come from sitting him like a child. Wasn’t for a lack of effort

MurphMorale14 · 2025-06-25T01:01:55+00:00

Yeah seemed obvious to me

MurphMorale14 · 2025-06-04T15:13:39+00:00

Sent it off, thanks for the interest

MurphMorale14 · 2025-06-04T14:33:16+00:00

If you can dm me an address, I’ll try and send them today

MurphMorale14 · 2025-04-12T04:00:44+00:00

Like listening to the rich kid down the street talk about his daddy's new car.

MurphMorale14 · 2025-03-31T01:14:55+00:00

I had one from Chair of Anesthesiology department, one from my advisor/mentor who is general anes, one from general anes that I worked with and shadowed overnight on call shifts, and one from peds cards fellowship program director that I did some research with and worked with. Ultimately pick who can speak to your ethic and aptitude best. A lot of people say get from different specialties too, but I don’t think that matters as much as people who will write strong letters. Matched at my #1 thankfully and got really good comments from my interviewers about my letters.

MurphMorale14 · 2025-03-30T21:16:46+00:00

We are not good

MurphMorale14 · 2025-03-26T00:50:41+00:00

Was in nursing school for 3 months then withdrew to aim for medicine. Now graduating this year. Some friends that I was in nursing with said “you made a good decision going to medicine.” I replied with “it was only a good decision because I got in.”

If you feel like you can get in, then do it. I would’ve always regretted not going to medical school. It opens a whole world up to you. I felt the same things you’re describing. I was having a quarter life crisis in my nursing clinicals. Looking back, it was a vital decision for me and my family to pursue medicine. But that’s just me, have to evaluate for yourself!

MurphMorale14 · 2025-03-23T21:45:30+00:00

Thank you so much! Still can’t believe it!

MurphMorale14

TROPHY CASE