Thomas McGuane is an author with a real knack for writing about the American West. He often tells stories set in Montana, stories that have cowboys, fishing, and a certain kind of wry humor.
His sentences are sharp, and he captures the landscape and the characters living in it with a unique voice. If you find yourself drawn to his style and themes, you might be on the lookout for authors who offer a similar reading experience.
Jim Harrison is a writer whose honest storytelling often explores the rough edges of rural life and complex characters shaped by isolation and natural landscapes.
If you like the earthy wit and keen observation of Thomas McGuane, then you might enjoy Harrison’s novella collection “Legends of the Fall.”
One novella in the book follows three brothers from rural Montana, each confronting love, loss, and nature’s harsh realities, against the backdrop of early 20th-century America and the horrors of the Great War.
Harrison’s narration is vivid and straightforward, giving readers a clear-eyed look at families tested by conflict, hardship, and loyalty.
Rick Bass writes beautifully about the American West and nature, similar to Thomas McGuane. His book “Where the Sea Used to Be” explores the Montana wilderness through the eyes of protagonist Wallis, a geologist brought to a remote valley to study its oil potential.
There, Wallis encounters the deep connections locals have with the landscape, the wildlife, and each other. Bass portrays the tension between exploiting natural resources for gain and preserving nature’s quiet magic.
His careful descriptions of landscapes and genuine characters create a thoughtful story about community, wilderness, and personal discovery.
Readers of McGuane’s outdoors-focused storytelling with intense character studies often enjoy Bass’s compelling style and thoughtful approach.
If you enjoy Thomas McGuane’s thoughtful storytelling about ordinary folks facing life’s quiet challenges, you might want to try Kent Haruf.
Haruf writes with honesty and compassion about everyday characters in small-town Colorado, often exploring themes of loss, connection, and hope. In his book “Plainsong,” he weaves together the lives of several residents in the fictional town of Holt.
There’s a pregnant teenager rejected by her own mother, two elderly brothers who offer unexpected kindness, and a teacher adapting to life as a single father.
All of their stories quietly merge in a beautifully simple, understated way, drawing you into the rhythms of small-town life. Haruf’s calm, steady style gradually reveals layers of meaning, inviting the reader to feel deeply attached to the characters and their struggles.
If you enjoy Thomas McGuane’s vivid storytelling and sharp portrayals of the American West, Edward Abbey offers a similar rugged and unfiltered look at nature and humanity.
Abbey is best known for his novel “The Monkey Wrench Gang,” an adventurous tale about a group of misfits who band together to sabotage industries threatening their beloved southwestern landscape.
Characters like the eccentric George Hayduke and feisty Bonnie Abbzug give life to Abbey’s unapologetic views and humor as they confront the damage caused by overdevelopment.
Abbey captures the beauty, grit, and wilderness of the West in lively dialogues and vivid imagery that stay with you.
Readers who appreciate Thomas McGuane’s vivid portrayal of life in the American West may also connect with Ivan Doig. Doig captures the rugged charm and quirky personalities of small-town Montana in his novel “The Whistling Season.”
Set in 1909, the book follows widowed farmer Oliver Milliron and his three sons. Their quiet farming community is transformed by the arrival of a captivating new housekeeper, Rose Llewellyn, who brings a sense of wonder and warmth into their lives.
Alongside her brother, Morris Morgan—a man with a mysterious past and a passion for teaching—the Millirons experience unexpected changes that reveal the strength and humor hidden within rural challenges.
This heartfelt, humorous story brings readers deep into the Montana landscape, portraying everyday life with charm, wit, and authentic detail.
If you enjoy Thomas McGuane’s sharp sense of place and vivid storytelling, you might appreciate Cormac McCarthy. McCarthy’s novels blend stark landscapes, moral ambiguity, and strikingly direct storytelling.
His novel “All the Pretty Horses” follows John Grady Cole, a young Texan rancher who crosses the border into Mexico in search of adventure and purpose. Cole’s journey takes him into a rough, beautiful land, full of romance, violence, friendship and loss.
The story moves between wide open landscapes and tense, tightly drawn conflicts, pulling you into an unforgettable tale about freedom and fate.
Annie Proulx is an American author known for capturing life on the edge and rugged rural landscapes. Readers who appreciate Thomas McGuane’s portrayal of quirky characters and rural struggles might enjoy Proulx’s novel “The Shipping News.”
Set in coastal Newfoundland, the story follows Quoyle, an awkward newspaper reporter who returns to his ancestral home after personal tragedy.
Proulx paints a vivid picture of rough communities and stormy waters as Quoyle adjusts to the demands of his job and the colorful characters around him. It’s a story about resilience, second chances, and finding your way in an unforgiving environment.
Readers who appreciate Thomas McGuane’s vivid portrayal of landscapes and thoughtful storytelling may find Barry Lopez equally engaging. Lopez was a skilled observer of nature whose work mixes insightful reflection with his rich experiences exploring remote regions.
In his celebrated book “Arctic Dreams,” Lopez shares his journey across the vast, icy landscapes of the Far North. He meets the wildlife and indigenous communities who have adapted to live in this challenging environment.
His blend of detailed observation, human compassion, and deep personal connection echoes themes McGuane readers often value, making “Arctic Dreams” a memorable read.
Wendell Berry is an American author who writes deeply about rural America, community, and the relationships people have with the land they call home. His book “Jayber Crow” centers around a quiet, thoughtful barber named Jayber who returns to a small town called Port William.
Over the years, he quietly observes the townspeople’s lives, their loves and losses, joys and sorrows. Jayber’s life becomes closely connected to the rhythm of the community.
Readers who enjoy Thomas McGuane’s careful exploration of human nature and rural settings will appreciate Berry’s skillful storytelling and his genuine portrayal of life’s simple moments.
Readers who enjoy Thomas McGuane’s vivid tales of American West landscapes and characters will find plenty to appreciate in William Kittredge’s writing.
Kittredge brings a grounded, authentic voice to his stories about rural life, family bonds, and the wilderness of the western United States.
In his memoir “Hole in the Sky,” Kittredge recalls his Montana upbringing on a vast family ranch, shaped by the demanding traditions of land ownership and ranching culture.
He explores his connection to both the natural world and the community around him, revealing joys, struggles, and a deep search for meaning. His clear and reflective style makes the rugged landscape and people of the West come alive on every page.
Larry McMurtry was an American novelist famous for his vivid and authentic stories set mostly in the American West. Readers who enjoy Thomas McGuane’s works would probably find McMurtry’s combination of humor, vibrant characters, and emotional depth appealing.
One great place to start is “Lonesome Dove.” This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows two retired Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, as they drive a herd of cattle from Texas northward to Montana.
Along the journey, they deal with outlaws, harsh weather, and personal regrets. The story beautifully portrays a vanishing frontier and the deep friendship between the two central characters.
Readers who enjoy Thomas McGuane’s vivid portrayals of landscapes and complicated personal lives might appreciate Wallace Stegner. Stegner’s writing captures the spirit of the American West with a careful eye for character and place.
In his novel “Angle of Repose,” Stegner introduces historian Lyman Ward, who dives into letters and diaries to piece together his grandparents’ frontier past.
Their story reveals dreams, struggles, and the tensions within family bonds set against rugged terrain and changing times. Through rich detail and thoughtful storytelling, Stegner explores ambition, resilience, and the lasting impact of our choices.
Denis Johnson was an American writer known for his vivid prose and sharp observation of life’s rough edges and lost characters. Readers who enjoy Thomas McGuane’s style might connect with Johnson’s book “Jesus’ Son.”
This collection of linked short stories follows a drifter nicknamed Fuckhead. He navigates through addiction, failed relationships, and chance encounters that feel oddly poetic.
These short episodes blend humor, sadness, and moments of unexpected compassion that linger with readers long after finishing the last page.
Readers who enjoy Thomas McGuane’s vivid portrayal of complex, often flawed characters might find Tim Gautreaux equally interesting. Gautreaux captures the atmosphere of southern life and its landscapes in authentic, grounded stories.
In his book “The Clearing,” readers meet Randolph Aldridge, who leaves his comfortable lifestyle behind to manage a troubled sawmill in the swamps of Louisiana.
As Randolph confronts family conflicts, the lasting echoes of World War I, and the harsh realities of early-twentieth century logging camps, Gautreaux paints an intense yet realistic picture of struggle and redemption.
The combination of well-defined characters, emotional depth, and an unflinching look at human nature makes Gautreaux a rewarding discovery for fans of McGuane’s fiction.
John D. MacDonald is a great fit for readers who enjoy the quirky characters and sharp storytelling of Thomas McGuane. MacDonald’s novel “The Deep Blue Good-by” introduces Travis McGee, a charismatic adventurer who recovers stolen property for a living.
Travis lives on a houseboat in Florida, enjoys a casual lifestyle, but is also tough and resourceful when tracking down villains. In “The Deep Blue Good-by,” he searches for a dangerous con man who preys on vulnerable women and has left behind plenty of damage.
MacDonald’s writing is crisp, vivid, and he captures perfectly the seaside atmosphere and colorful, shady characters of Florida.