Open Season

Open Season (Joe Pickett #1) by C.J. Box 

278 pages 

Fiction 

The Wyoming landscape is rugged and wild just like its population, which includes local Game Warden Joe Pickett. Adventure ensues and self-reliance is key to survival. I started reading this series almost a decade ago (#tbt) after meeting the author at a book reading at Birmingham's old Borders bookstore. (I miss Borders!)

I love how raw this book is in some regards. Characters have flaws and burdens that are exposed and palpable but they still have to stand or fall on their own two feet. I like that things don't always work out in the end. That good people sometimes don't succeed. But bad people also sometimes get their comeuppance. It felt raw, realistic and satisfying. His later books share these qualities, but in this first book the qualities are especially fresh and unfiltered.

Caveat: The author adds physical descriptions for some of his female characters that occasionally feels creepy. And, he thinks it is necessary to note each time Joe has marital relations with his wife. I wish he treated his female characters more respectfully. Also, there is occasional vulgar language (swearing) - these books are not for children.

Recommended For: Manly Men. Adventurous readers. People who value independence and self reliance.