Yesterday’s ‘Grit’ Is Today’s Resilience: Louise Kennedy to Review True Grit

A tale of resilience, justice, and personal determination, True Grit remains as powerful and timely today as when it was written in 1968.

Louise Kennedy, who has served as Executive Director of the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation and as chair of the English Department at St. Edwards School, will review True Grit, by Charles Portis, at the Book Review Breakfast, 9:30am Monday, March 3, in the Richardson Center of Indian River State College, Vero Beach. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women–Vero Beach, the Book Review Breakfast is free and open to the public.

True Grit speaks to modern audiences with a strong, independent young woman whose tenacity and unyielding sense of morality align with contemporary conversations about female empowerment and justice. The novel’s exploration of law, morality, and perseverance in the face of adversity holds significant weight in today’s social climate. Themes of personal responsibility, justice, and overcoming hardship continue to make True Grit an enduring piece of American storytelling.

True Grit is more than a Western—it’s a testament to the enduring power of courage and conviction: Today’s audiences can still find inspiration in Mattie Ross’ relentless pursuit of justice.

AAUW-Vero Beach is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides scholarships to girls and women in Indian River County. While Book Review Breakfasts are free and open to the public, you are encouraged to bring new or gently used children’s books for the four Little Free Libraries that we support. For more information, visit www.AAUWverobeach.org.