Book cover of The Good Old Boys

Book description

Hewey Calloway has a problem. In his West Texas home of 1906, the land of the way of life that he loves are changing too quickly for his taste.

Hewey dreams of freedom--he wants only to be a footloose horseback cowboy, endlessly wandering the open range. But the open range…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Good Old Boys as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The characters in The Good Old Boys are real cowboy types involved in real-cowboy-type work and play. The novel’s opening line, “For the last five or six days Hewey Calloway had realized he needed a bath” is one of the most intriguing introductions ever. The story is lighthearted and fun, as is much of cowboy life. Elmer Kelton is among the best-ever Western writers and this is my favorite of his many outstanding books. 

From Rod's list on cowboys who are actually cowboys.

If you love The Good Old Boys...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like The Good Old Boys?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 48 books like The Good Old Boys.

Browse books like The Good Old Boys

Book cover of Lonesome Dove
Book cover of Dancing at the Rascal Fair
Book cover of The Virginian

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Good Old Boys, you might also like...

Book cover of Deadly Revenge

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley,

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…

Book cover of The Duty of Memory

The Duty of Memory by Vicki Olsen,

Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.

This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…

5 book lists we think you will like!