I read my first Zane Grey novel at age 12. My aunt Betty had a collection of about 10 of them which I inherited. Read every one I could get my hands on (from the local library) during my teen years and still find myself going back to them occasionally when I want to really get lost. Though some of his books can be a bit bigoted (I have read one or two which really annoyed me!), he often expressed an opposite opinion in another book (ie some of the Mormon cowboys in his other books --besides ROTPS--- are really exceptional people.) Likewise he was one to express a lot of respect for native people at a time when that was not done. It's usful to read his books with an eye to the times in which they were written and published. Then you can see how timeless they are. He could be very thoughtful and philosophical at times. (see Man of the Forest for instance.)Also he clearly loved Nature with a passion and could describe the places that he loved eloquently and with passion-- some times for whole pages. He often used his books to advocate for saving the wild places.
Likewise he could write some truly thrilling love scenes!(read with a 15 year old's eyes and you'll see what I mean!)Interestingly he was at the mercy to some extent of his publishers, who occasionally forced him to change his books. Though I haven't had time to check them out I know that some of the manuscripts are being reissued in the original version, and they are even more radical in theme and execution and more interesting (supposedly) than the originals.

Great thread!

Bekki