Texas Books

I certainly second all that has been said here about the political aspects of this remarkable work. But for an Austin native like me, the descriptions of downtown, Scholz Garden, the hill country and west Austin resonate to my core. I have two copies in my personal library. If there could be required reading for anyone who moves here, this book should be at the top of the list. I'll admit, sometimes when I need a mood elevator, I reach for this book and open it to a random page.

The Gay Place is a winner in so many ways: an absorbing, deep novel, a historical novel about a key time in our history, an accurate an perceptive regional novel (about my home town, Austin!) and, the best novel on American, or maybe any, politics ever written. Billy Lee Brammer was a speech writer for Lyndon Johnson who was fascinated by the world where a sentence could start with high minded political goals and end in crude bullying. A world where bribery, humiliation and blackmail were tools of the trade, often for worthy purposes. A must-read American classic that grows in reputation as time passes.

Despite its age and it's fictional nature, The Gay Place is still the definitive book on Texas politics and Austin, and one of the top ten books on Texas overall. The charachiture of Lyndon Johnson is priceless.

This is a wonderful trilogy of novels on state politics. Though they seem disjointed, they are unified around the shadowy figure of the governor, who lurks in the background manipulating people and events down to the minutest detail. Thus, the immediate action taking place is a kind of epiphenomenon, all players that are living chess pieces in the governor's grand game, which is never fully explained: that is the real art of this novel, that it leaves far more unsaid than explicitely stated. The reader has to connect the dots.

In the first novel, the governor has chosen a young legislator for an unaccustomed role in the spotlight: his life, like those of his cohorts, is a mess of alcohol and libertinism, but he is also struggling with his conscience to do the right thing. There are so many layers to what was really happening that it is impossible to explain, because the reader can only suspect what the governor is doing. The governor mixes the most intimate personal machinations, it appeared to me, with a legislative purpose and to depose (even destroy) a potential rival. It reminds me, of course, of LBJ, a politician without equal. One of the really interesting aspects is that the author describes many people just like GW Bush: priviledged, brash, debauched, and inadvertantly wondering what they should be doing. If you read this, you will understand GW Bush and his milieu much better - that is a sign of the timelessness of Bramer's achievement, truly a masterpiece.

The second novel is similar: the governor's enemies are defeated, while he stages and manipulates events to suit whatever his purposes are. It is at times brutal and sad, yet funny and even uplifting, particularly in the scenes of introspection, when the characters have flashes of insight and empathy. The plot, which is only a vehicle to expose cryptic motvations, is the governor attempting to get an appointed young senator to run for a true popular mandate - he is a complex and flawed character, whom the governor sponsors out of respect but also to keep him in his pocket. It is splendidly ambiguous, as is all politics. The third involves similar personal struggles and an ineviablle passing of power, again, very realistic and down to earth. Marriages are destroyed, while politics plays in, and the characters wallow in existential angst while working very hard and yet hardly understanding why. It is a unique combination of themes, a genuine work of literature.

One thing that really fascinated me was how similar this is to a Gore Vidal novel, a kind of comedy of the priviledged who inadvertently do politics while living their complicated lives. The political action is entirely off stage, but solved in their everyday actions and affairs and drunken parties. I have no doubt that Vidal carefullly studied the literary method that Bramer pioneered here, which resulted in his truly fine series of novels on American politics. Finally, tt really is where Bush came from, a reflection on the depth of Bramer's art, almost prescient in its intelligence and lack of facile scrutiny.

Warmly recommended as great art and a unique view into politics.

Not just LBJ, this book is about politics and the ways of power. Very well written, insightful and lyric, it might be the best kept secret in political fiction. On a side note--man did people drink a lot then. Its amazing.

Anyone who loves writing and politics will enjoy this book.

SO many times you pick up a novel expecting to be entertained, but for that entertainment to last you also have to believe in the story and want to keep reading. Sherwood's work is not only entertaining, but not once did I skip ahead with a longing sigh for reality (a big achievement!) The plot is engaging, the characters sympathetic and real (no obviously trumped up stereotypes in this!) and the ending is very satisfying in a way that is both unexpected and relieving, as well as brutally realistic. (key words: realistic realistic realistic) His attention to character and environment is truly exceptional. I am impatiently awaiting his next literary endevor!

What an outstanding novel! It was thoroughly enjoyable. The western setting is authentic and you quickly feel like you are a part of the community. Similar to other reviewers - I was sorry when I finished it. I am looking forward to Steve's next novel!

I just finished Steve Sherwood's novel Hardwater and I'm very disappointed...that it's over! I couldn't put the book down. Mr. Sherwood has created such compelling characters that I feel like they are a part of my real life. I am a suspense and mystery novel buff, but Hardwater is the most emotionally involving novel I've read in a long time. Get this book, then get settled into your favorite chair, because you won't be getting up for a while! The setting, politics, relationships between characters is a joy to behold. When is Mr. Sherwood's next novel coming our way?

Hardwater is a hidden gem of a suspense novel set in the contemporary American West. The story opens on a gruesome crime scene, and a journalist intent on sniffing out the identity of a serial killer with a knack for verse.

Underneath this murder mystery is an issues novel about the contemporary American West, where native tribes and white farmers battle over water rights, and failed uranium mines sit abandoned in the landscape, to be approached with Geiger Counter in hand.

But more than the mystery or the provocative issues, what makes Hardwater such an enjoyable read is its fantastic setting. Hardwater is a world of granite monoliths, tribal customs, and wide open spaces. Fans of Tony Hillerman and John Nichols will eagerly devour this worthy winner of the 2003 George Garrett Prize.

If you're looking for a fine, fast suspense, Hardwater is a book you won't want to miss. Outstanding characters, fast paced plot, interesting setting--this novel has it all. Not to be missed.

Being a native Houstonian though no longer living there, I was so thrilled to finally see a good book cherishing my hometown!

The book shows Houston in all its funkiness, which is how it should be. Why should every city look the same? And it might inspire folks to get out and explore Houston like a native.

Must reading for anyone in the tourism. convention, or event planning business.

Plus a great gift from anyone from Houston to send to the uninitiated or to share with those who know and love Houston.

This book is a groundbreaking visual testimonial of a vibrant, dynamic and culturally engaging American metropolis - words that, until this book came along, have NEVER been associated with Houston. We may be the country's fourth largest city, but we're the first on the list of American Cities That Are Misrepresented and Misunderstood - sorry Detroit!

Finally - there is a way to show someone what Houston is really about, in a physical, tangible document. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this book has 258 photographs - and that's not including the quotes!

I'm getting this book for all my friends and family members that continue to ask me - "Why are you in Houston?" This book is my calm, confident response to a question I can look forward to hearing no more.

A loving portrait of Houston, Texas. If you live or have ever lived here, you will recognize the pictures. The photos are of the Houston that you rarely see in professional photography books: the people, the quirky stores and buildings, the events, and the little nooks and crannies of the city that are not exactly beautiful or awe-inspiring unless you are a Houstonian. The quotes about Houston are beautiful and strike home in the heart of its residents. This book gives Houston the love that it needs. Nobody else pays attention to our city, so it's up to the residents to pay respects, and this book is a great contribution to that end.

WOW! As I flipped through the pages of HIWI, that is the word that kept popping in my head with each turn. As a native Houstonian there were also many quotes and photos that I quickly related to - 'that is so true!' I have lived in my fair share of cities, including LA, Dallas, Hamburg and a few cities on the East coast, but there is something about Houston that is hard to explain. HIWI helps with that explanation. This book has managed to capture so much about the city and not in a pompus way. Sure, there are certain quotes and even photos that if you have not spent some time here only makes sense to those that have ("The way the Pierce Elevated makes your car go ka-thump, ka-thump" pg 120-121, I LOVE that about the Pierce Elevated!!). Houston is truly a magnificent and magic city and the gang at ttweak did a magnificent job of putting it all together - and all of the Houstonians that contributed their photos and quotes about the city they love!! A great book to be appreciated by both native and transplanted Houstonians, as well as those that have not had the opportunity to visit our fair city.

If you were as shocked and horrified by what happened to Joyce Ann Brown as these other readers, please consider supporting the organization that reinvestigated her wrongful conviction and worked tirelessly to free her. Centurion Ministries, Inc. of 221 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 has been working on behalf of the wrongfully convicted like Ms. Brown for over 20 years.

Imagine being in prison for something you know you didn't do, this is what happened to Joyce Brown. Joyce had witnesses, was at work the time the crime was committed, but was still found guilty for the murder of a store owner, who's wife pointed her out as being the guilty party. If this can happen to Joyce Brown it can happen to anyone. I think GOd for those gentlemen who came to her aid in the book. If you think there is now way that you could end up in prison, read this book, and you will see that you very well could even if you are innocent with lots of evidence.

Joyce Ann Brown has compelling reasons to be angry with the criminal justice system. After all, the State of Texas robbed her of her family, friends and freedom. In Justice Denied, however, Joyce takes her life sentence back from the judges and overseers who wrongly declared her a murderer!

Joyce Ann Brown writes powerful and empowering words that bleed honesty and passion, yet she never allows her righteous anger to become hateful. Instead, she channels her rage into positive action, serving as inspiration, appealing to the reader's sense of humanity. The author is a minister at the core of her being.

Justice Denied is a gritty, painful and ultimately triumphant journey with the potential to change public policy. This book should be required reading for judges, juries, attorneys, police officers, prison guard, prison ministers, politicians, educators, activists, and anybody who has ever felt like the circumstances of their lives threaten to undermine their sense of self-worth. Like an oasis in the desert, Justice Denied compels readers to move forward and quench their thirst for justice.

Imagine being in prison for something you know you didn't do, this is what happened to Joyce Brown. Joyce had witnesses, was at work the time the crime was committed, but was still found guilty for the murder of a store owner, who's wife pointed her out as being the guilty party. If this can happen to Joyce Brown it can happen to anyone. I think GOd for those gentlemen who came to her aid in the book. If you think there is now way that you could end up in prison, read this book, and you will see that you very well could even if you are innocent with lots of evidence.

I must give a rating of 10 stars!!~ This book was so well written. It placed you in Ms.Browns shoes before, during & after. This author may you feel as though You were a apart of her awful journey through this ill-fated justice system of ours. Reading her story, (if you have any compassion) at all........It will indeed make you so damn Angry at these men in Suits (lawyers)& Robes (judges), that we so often call "Justice Seekers" in America. Too many times we read about 'innocent' people, being thrown into prison, & finding out Years Later that a BIG Mistake had be made. How do OUR System compensate these individuals? With an out-landish simple Apology??? How can anyone 'accept' what has happened to them? It's time to wake up America! It's time for these Paid, & Court appointed Attorney's to represent each & every case with every piece of skill they possilbly can, to make Damn Sure about "WHO" they are really sending to the depths of Hell!

All the facts in Ms. Brown's case were right before their eyes, yet Justice did not prevail. I searched high & low for a copy of this book for my very own, after asking a co-worker if I could read hers. Locating a copy in good condition was a feat, because it was no longer in print. Finally I located one & it had Joyce's autograph, I treasure it today still as a Great Read.

I cried many tears, I walked every inch of this sentence with Ms. Brown. Through all of what she indured, she still remained Strong in the Lord, (this was her Only Hope), as for as I could see. I say now: If the judge who sentenced this young lady is still practicing law, holding his gavel, & wearing that black robe, he should be made to do the Years that Ms. Brown served!

Even it was so done, It still would Not serve Ms. Brown any satisfaction, nor her family members for ripping their lives apart. The Most heart breaking part of this book, that wrenched my soul was when her child was shot/hurt, later died, & Ms.Brown was not granted the opportunity to go attend the funeral services! I fell into pieces after reading it.

Becoming a grandmother & not being able to have that daily/weekly interactions with her grandkid, or to have any great memories of her grandchild's was also a traumatic issue for Ms. Brown. This book will indeed touch your soul~

I'd love to meet Ms. Brown & J.Gaines, so we can share notes on what the 'System' did to my family, on the (4th of July) "What an Independence Day that was"! Good Luck Joyce on your upcoming Movie, & May God Always Be On Your Side. I know of a star who will portray your role Very Well, & Capture Every Emotion, her name is: Kimberly Elise, her role was Tee-Tee, from 'Set it Off'..........she looks like you somewhat, & I do believe she will carry your story to THE TOP of the Movie Charts!

Thanks For Never Giving Up Hope Joyce. What You & Jay wrote in your book, it Speaks for a large number of Americans. I know that you & Jay are friends for life now, & rightfully so. Everyone deserves a friend like Jay, his love says it all, it's (unconditional)~ Again, Good Luck On Your Upcoming Movie, Let me hear from you soon Sista~ 2 Sista~

This book was extremly goopd for me because it gives a message about how we should look on the things you have and not be

This book was extremly goopd for me because it gives a message about how we should look on the things you have and not be

This book was extremly goopd for me because it gives a message about how we should look on the things you have and not be trying to show off to other people that you can drink. Also, that you should not be fightin in front of the children, you should only back away from the problem. For example when your brother offerse you to drink, if you don't dring anymore (which is good) you should just say no and walk away with your family back home even if it was yoor brother. Another thing that ilearned from this book is that

Rene Saldana's young adult novel, The Jumping Tree, is perfectly crafted to broaden your view of the youth of today. I have read it twice now and am still inspired by his stories of Chicano youth and the common (and often hilarious) misadventures that we all experience as we grow into young men & women. I especially love the frequent use (almost every page)of the spanish language in dialogue and descriptions...it's a bonus pleasure to learn another language while reading of Rey's growing pains! In short, it's like Harry Potter...but in Texas..and the magic is the only real kind: Human love!

I absolutely loved the book! I felt, even though Rey and I are really different, the author shapes the character so that anybody can relate to him. I enjoyed reading as he struggled to field right and wrong, which everyone does from time to time. And especially the personal things, like his Tio Angel dying, I can totally relate what Rey went through. His defined writing makes Rey almost real. I have had to set the book down and remember that Rey is a character in a story. It is that good.

The Last Innocent Hour is intense suspense, an edge-of-the-seat, cliff-hanging nail-biter. A terrific first novel that reads as though it were written by a seasoned pro. I eagerly anticipate Barbara Taylor Sissel's next novel.

I'm not a big reader but a friend of mine sent this to me. I let it sit for a while before picking it up, but once I did, I couldn't stop. I was intrigued by what happens to Beth and the interaction of the family. The writing is excellent especially once I found out this was her first published book. Keep going and get another one out. I'm ready to buy.

I am thoroughly impressed with this book. Fave authors include John Grisham and Jonathan Kellerman. I can't wait for her next book. Great twists!....

ONCE I STARTED TO READ THIS BOOK, I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I WAS SAD TO SEE IT END. THIS WOULD BE A GREAT MOVIE, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT ONE SHE PUBLISHES.

Beth Cunningham accompanied by her chronically out of work husband Charlie and their daughter Chrissie returns home to Wither Creek, Texas for the first time in years. She reluctantly does so because her mother asked her to come home. She fled her Texas home several years ago to escape the abuse of her stepfather Jason Tinker.

Although an adult, Beth realizes some things never change or if they do, they get worse as Jason seems even crazier and deadlier than before. Not long after their return, the police arrest Charlie for murder, but Beth fails to help her spouse, as she is more concerned with her own safety and that of Chrissie because she believes Tinker will soon go after them.

THE LAST INNOCENT HOUR is a taut psychological suspense thriller that works because the readers taste the feelings of the key cast members. The frightened, remorseful, and enraged Beth actually makes the story line feel genuine as she is scared for not only herself, but for her innocent child and loaded with guilt for bringing Chrissie into this mess (still not sure why they just did not leave?). Surprisingly, Jason comes across as a psycho who the audience will feel pity for rather than apprehension. The plot is exciting and quite dark with no light in sight adding an almost gothic feel of impending doom for the two Cunningham females. In her debut novel, Barbara Taylor Sissel shows much talent as no human evil escapes her sight while describing the darkest night.

Harriet Klausner

I am an avid reader, through out my years I have only had the urge to read few books twice having said that I have read Lily six times. It has made its way to a tie of my favorite books. The story plays out the classic love that every girl wants in her life, the untamable hunk that has fallen head over heals for you and you are they only one who can see the goodness of his soul. The moral of my story is that you should with out a doubt read this book. It is timeless.

I have read many books, but this is by far the best love story i have read. i have just finished Lily and the book was so enticing that i read it in only two days and can still not stop thinking about it. Marion and Lily's passion for each other is not the stero-type romance that are so common, but real. It is an excellent book and you can tell that the author took in her research to write such a wonderful book. I only wish that it was a true story!

I just have to say, I was given this book 9 years ago when I was only 13 years old. It captivated me then and it still does to this day. I re-read it at least once a year, every year since then . I never get tired of it. With each year of new maturity, I understand and love this story even more. Thank you, Ms. Bonner, for writing this marvelous story. Your writing paints such a detailed picture and brings the reader in and I can almost feel the cold in the air and the smell of gunpowder around me. I only wish such characters really did exist. Thank you!

I am a 32 year old college graduate and mother of two. I have always loved to read, so I've read a LOT of books. This book remains one of my all-time favorites! It has a wide age-range of appeal. I discovered it at age 24, and would wholeheartedly recommend it for any female age 12 or so and up, right on through adulthood. It's filled with the sweetly romantic love that young girls crave, and for those of us who hate the "adult" romance novels for their annoyingly stereotypical scenes and descriptions, this is a delightful change of pace. It's not inspidly sweet and juvenile by any means, though. If you can find this book, even at a public library, get ahold of it and enjoy it!

After falling in love with an outlaw, Lily Delony must battle an internal conflict growing inside of her. It is a fight for true love against her family and the whole town. Her heart belongs to Marion Beatty, the youngest brother of an outlaw gang. When the town of McDade sets up to capture and hang the Beatty gang, Lily discovers that her father is part of the vigilante group. Marion and Lily have hidden their love long enough. On the night of the captures Lily and Marion run off togerther hoping to start a new life. They did not leave the town alone though. Marion was wanted for murder and abduction, and the sheriff was hot on his trail. After getting married, both move in with a family member and begin their life. When Marion runs into the sheriff, he turns himself in and is takin back to McDade. Lily is reunited with her father, but is sadden. Her father does not recognise the marriage license and burns it. Lily rides into town with only one motive on her mind, how to get Marion out of jail.
This book is a wonderful love story. It has suspense and romantic love scenes. The authors descriptive form of writing places vivid pictures in your mind. Teenagers and young adults anre recommended to read this novel. It is a page tuurner that will not allow you to sleep.

Being a native West Texan, I can relate to the harsh, arid country that the ranchers and people endured to scratch out a living in this novel, Moving Serafina.

Mr. Cherry's latest book is a real page-turner with such believable characters. Clayton's ordeal on the ranch during his life is very typical of a rancher in the Southwest. His love and obligation for his family depicts a real-life cowboy. Clayton's concern with moving his daughter to rest in peace near her mother was not the only thing he had on his mind. He wanted to make sure that the other ranchers and his friends were not taken advantage of by big business water interests.

Mr. Cherry has shown once again that he has a great deal of knowledge about West Texas and the loyalty of the folks living there. His novels just keep getting better - keep writing about West Texas!

This book was a real page turner. I felt myself living and breathing the struggles of the main character, Clayton. The different story lines running through the book kept me intrigued and looking forward to that next spare moment when I could pick up where I had left off. Living in the desert of rural West Texas, I could definitely appreciate the image Bob Cherry painted of the harsh and rugged realities of our countryside. This book is a keeper and one that I will recommend to those who love a good read.

As a former High School English student of Bob Cherry, I am so impressed with his work. A novel must catch me within the first few pages to pique my interest. "Moving Serefina" not only piqued my interested, it totally captured me. I found myself not wanting to put the book down due to the fixation I had on the storyline. More often than not, I totally forgot that it was Bob writing. I was reading because I loved the story, not because I knew the writer. What an awesome read. If we were still back in English class I would imagine that this work would be one that we could and should be requred to read. Thanks Bob for such a wonderful story.

The rugged, hot and dry southwest is the setting for another great novel by Bob Cherry. From a tragic event, there is woven a story that blends contemporary themes such as illegal immigration and water rights.
The long suffering main character strives to achieve his goal with a diverse chorus of loyal friends. Challenged by villans (read big business) he rises to the occasion with some special and unexpected help.
The end of each chapter leaves you with the anticipation to read more. As always, Mr Cherry leads us around many corners, with surprises constantly arising.

I picked up this book over the holidays and was very pleased. Cherry's characters are rich and fully realized, and he masterfully presents the reader with all the angles to the issues his characters face without forcing on opinion on the reader.
In addition, this is not a linear storyline, which Cherry handles with perfect attention to detail making the twists and turns of the plot enjoyable yet not confusing.

A second read will be necessary to pick up what I previously missed, which I am looking forward to doing in the near future.

I think that it was a pretty good book and I would recomand it to anyone who loves reading and photography

Pictures, 1918 Book Review

The book I read was called Pictures, 1918. It is a wholesome book written by Jeanette Ingolds. This story's setting takes place in Dust Crossing, Texas during the first World War which occurred during the early 1900s. The main character Asia McKinna is a sixteen year old who endures a fire in her chicken house where her beloved rabbit is killed. Asia wishes that she could have taken a picture of the rabbit to have a visual remembrance of him. She also wants to have a picture of her close friend Nick Grissom who is going off to college at A&M or war. This leads her to wanting an Autographic camera that is displayed at Mr. Riley's camera shop. By babysitting and doing odd jobs for her mother and grandmother, she tries to earn money to buy the camera that she so desperately needs. Between all this Asia is dealing with problems at home. Her family is still trying to figure out who set fire to their chicken house. Asia is also terrified that Nick will get sent to Germany to fight in the war, or go to college. Asia doesn't want him to go because she will miss him and have no one else to talk to but her sister May and annoying brother Homer. Her grandmother's debilitating illness makes her and her family feel preoccupied. Asia's grandmother is suffering from Alzheimer's which wasn't known as a disease back then. Along with this Asia has to deal with Boy Blackwell, Nick's cousin who is furious with the war. I really enjoyed this book because it was so well written and interesting. I think this would be an awesome book for you to read so go and check it out.

Pictures 1918 is a Very good book, Because in the beginning it starts with this young girl Asia who is a nice quite girl who loves her Grandama, and the animals she keeps in her barn. But there is this big fire that starts in her grand fathers barn and no one knows who starts it, but in the shadows Asia sees a dark figure escaping into the dark! talk about suspense unfortunately one of her favorite pets die her jackrabbit(:( . But to make a long story short, she falls in love with this camera and dreams of becoming a photographer and so she ends up working in a camera shop and finally hers dream has come true.

This is a really great book!!! It shows how you don't have to have a camera to have memories, but they also help to see how some people really are. Her grandmother, her neighbor and friend, Nick, and his cousin, Boy, teach her a lot about herself. She learns about different sides of people and a lot about photography.

The story starts on the night of a fire that destroys the chicken house of 17 year old Asia. The fire also destroys Asia's beloved baby jackrabbit Straw Bit. Afterwards she sees a camara in the window of a store and decides that one way, or another, she'll get that camara. If only she had had it before, she would have had a picture of Straw Bit, and one of the figure she saw running away from the burning building.The book explores Asia's confusion as two boys compete for her affection: Nick, the boy she has known all her life, and the other,Nick's cousin, a stranger from out of town. While she struggles express her feelings with photography,other fires rage across her small town, and she watches as the lifestyle she has known forever threatens to blow away like ashes in the wind.

Book is interesting and informative. Gave it as a gift to my husband as he does a lot of driving around Texas and was quite interested in the different rocks and their formation along the side of the roads. He has really enjoyed his book. Wish there were more books out there of this nature.

This book is very easy to read and understand - even by someone who knows nothing about geology! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the geological beauty of the beautiful state of Texas!

As with all the books in this series, you simply cannot go wrong. On a recent trip to central Texas, we took this guide with us and were able to follow along the drive and both visually and scientifically understand what the geology was all about. A truly great geology guide for Texas.

Excellence abounds in this book. The illustrations are good, but the writing is extraordinarily good for a book on a technical subject. I read it through like a fine novel. I've lived in Texas all my life and was surprised that there was so much Texas geology that I didn't know. A must-have for anyone interested in Texas history or geology.

This is the best book of the Roadside Geology series. Spearing explains not just the location and character of the rock formations one encounters on TX roadways, but the processes which made them. Best of all, he specifically provides the name and formative time period of almost every formation mentioned (e.g., "Triassic Trujillo sandstone") -- avoiding the overgeneralized naming (e.g., "Mesozoic sediment layer") of a few other Roadside Geology volumes. This is certainly a time saver for the rock collector who catalogs his specimens! This book is a must-get for all rock enthusiasts -- even those who have never been to Texas. Now if someone would just write a Roadside Geology of Oklahoma volume...