5/5 What A Great Read!
  by D. Mikels (Skunk Holler)
Look, I don't know how much of the "novel" THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD is true; I don't know how much of the dialogue and interaction and actions of the characters actually took place, or were embellished by a very gifted Ron Hansen.

But does it matter? The account of the final days of infamous outlaw Jesse James (and the subsequent final days of his killer) is "historical fiction", in any case (the definitive oxymoron, if you ask me). What does matter is this tightly written tale is as fun a read as I've come across in years. Hansen has vividly captured the flavor and pysche--and grit--of post-Civil War Americana. His prose recreates the flare and panache of the 19th Century dime novel; his book is heavily (and delightfully) populated by descriptive passages such as this:

'Zerelda gazed at Bob and mushed vegetables with zig-zag motions of her gums, her lips protruding like the clasp of a purse. She looked to Jesse and said, "I don't know what it is about him, but that boy can aggravate me more by just sitting still than most boys can by pitching rocks." '

Depicting the final train robbery of the notorious James Gang, followed by the band's break-up (and some of its members exited stage left involuntarily), THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD is a fascinating look inside the head of Jesse Woodson James--a calculating, diabolical killer, yet devoted and cherished family man. As a bonus, we get to climb around inside the head of Robert Newton Ford, an undistinguished nobody who yearned for attention. Surrounded by a cast of very colorful characters--most of whom die prematurely--this is a fabulous novel, an absorbing, entertaining read. Any truth, as they say, is somewhere in between.
--D. Mikels, Author, The Reckoning

5/5 A Wonderful Journey
  by Steve D. Englestad (San Diego, CA United States)
I tend to be wordy. I will try not to be. This is a wonderful book. And I loved the movie and own both. The book was written some years ago and is an indepth study of the latter years of JJ. It could be titled The Story of Bob Ford. But then it probably wouldn't have sold. It is done in a style that reflects that era meaning the use of English as well as details in the environment. Some may find the English of that era shot through with references and words we are not familiar with. To some that frustrates. I tend to contextually get their meaning and enjoy that the wording is there and just let it pass. This is not the life history of JJ, but at the point past his life of crime and to the time when Bob Ford comes on the scene. It follows past the death of JJ, following Bob into areas I found interesting. [One fascianating thing for this reader, I am 63. At age 10 or younger there was a record around the house with this song about the coward who killed JJ. Just listened in ignorance and never heard that song again... until the movie. Bob hears it being sung in a bar years after the murder.]
For those who saw the movie, yes, it seems the greater part if not all of the movie script does come directly from the book. I am glad of that. If you're just passin' through, this might bother you. If you are 'interested' then you enjoy the exposure to an earlier time. I watch movies like this several times. (Just understand the book has more words than the movie--lol).

5/5 American history
  by katie
This is an interesting book about Jesse James. I bought it after I saw the movie that it was based on. Much of the information about his robberies, assassination and what happened to Robert Ford later seems accurate. I'm very satisfied with this selection and it has perked my interest in this period of United States history.

5/5 A Fantastic Western
  by C. Soares (Fresno, CA USA)
I heard of the book through the film adaptation, and was amazed of the story that Hansen brought to readers. He does a fantastic job bring the old days of the American Wild West . Hansen shows the live of Jesse and his nature and the jealousy of Robert Ford. Hansen makes Ford appear timid at first but has him evolve into a dangerous mastermind.

This book is great for western readers and those who enloy novels that have been turned into feature films.

PARTY ON, DUDES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5/5 poor jesse
  by Constance Tarracino (Dania, FL United States)
This was a well researched book. So I take it for pretty close to the truth. It gave a full and detailed impression of Jesse..Makes you really like him and find him quite interesting and intelligent. Gave an impression of how things were after the Civil War for most folks and the vast "kin" these people had. I thought it was also insturctive to find out what ever happened to Robert Ford. Yet, I felt that part of the book was a bit to long, even though new to me. In fact never even wondered what became of R. Ford. You will fully enjoy the funeral parts for Jesse.