This novel was difficult for me to get through, because of the ambuguity of the characters in the beginning of the novel.  Once I got into it, though, and learned how to read Cormac McCarthy's writing style( and yes, I believe it has to be read a certain way in order to grasp the significance of it all and how it ties together with the plot), I actually enjoyed this Western-ish novel!  That is one aspect of english classes that I can say I love is reading novels that I would not have considered beforehand and actually enjoying them enough to recommend to someone.  I have recommended this book to my brother, who lives in Africa, and my Aunt Betty, who is an avide reader and *loves* John Wayne.