The Greyhound God (Western Literature Series)

By Keith Lee Morris

Book Overview

A restless man obsessed with dog races embarks on a cross-country journey leading to his Idaho hometown in this debut novel reminiscent of Catcher in the Rye. Luke Rivers is a part-time bartender and full-time gambler who dreams of scoring big at the dog races. He travels the greyhound circuit with his wife, Jenny, and their young son, Jake, until one morning he wakes up in a motel in Rapid City, South Dakota, to discover that Jenny has left him and taken Jake with her. Now, for the first time, Luke must confront both the tragic family past that led him to gambling and the uncertain future that lies ahead. Morris evokes with deft intelligence the colorful world of dog racing and the characters, human and canine, who inhabit it. But this is merely a background for the travails of Luke and his little family, the cheap motels and dusty dreams, the tensions between Luke's tender love for his son and his obsession with his betting "system." Luke's dilemma--whether to pursue Jenny or continue gambling--is complicated further by his painful memories of family tragedy and personal breakdowns, and by a seemingly miraculous winning streak at the track.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874175550
• ISBN13: 9780874175554
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: University of Nevada Press
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

Couldn't resist the musical reference, as it's apt for this amazing novel. Look: there are plenty of books out there -- thousands, in fact -- that seem more concerned with exhibiting the subtleties of craft than actually affecting the emotions of the reader. The Greyhound God ain't that kind of book. It's beautifully written, deeply felt, quite funny, but without one whit of post-modern "irony." I've read the book three times and each time I found myself entering into the world of Luke Rivers, the loss of his family, the tragedy that spurs this loss, his journey across America, and his strange, wonderful canine obsession. The book is one of those rare accomplishments -- a journey of self-discovery that feels real and revelatory. Readers deserve this kind of compassion. Period.

A great literary work

For those who like literary novels, this is one of the best ones on the market right now. Great writing, great story by a talented new author. It's a novel that makes you think and makes you question. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Luke Rivers. I can't wait till Keith Lee Morris comes out with another novel.

First novel...Talented writer

Great book by a new author. The Greyhound Gods vivid language creates a gripping story of the struggle for self-discovery by Luke Rivers,it's main character. Luke searches for meaningful answers in his world beset by huge questions. A real page-turner that will hold you to the end.