Texas Books

I loved this book. My new novel, Texas Poker Wisdom, has stories about Benny Binion on the gambling wars of Dallas and Ft. Worth. I knew Benny Binion. The world that Ms. Archer describes so very well might come as a surprise to your ordinary folks. This is one fantastic read. Everyone will enjoy it. I write about gambling and am working on an article about Benny Binion's great promotions. One promotion from this book was to have a sign on a pet burro that said follow me to this Mexican restaurant/crap game. They would let the burro loose in a different part of Ft. Worth each day. It would walk on home, a moving sign.
I promise you that you will love this book.
Johnny HughesTexas Poker Wisdom

this is a very interesting book especially for those of us who live in fort worth texas. all kinds of neat facts about one of our most popular highways. all about the gangsters and gamblers. ann arnold did a fantastic job on writing it.

Dr Arnold does an excellent job of taking hold of a sizable hunk of Fort Worth history and recording it in a very readable fashion. A number of pictures are also included to help visualize the antics of early Fort Worth residents (and visitors).

Since some of my family members were mentioned I was disppointed the author did not double check all of her facts. Other than that it is a good book.

L'Engle's Genesis Trilogy is a refreshing breath of crisp, clean air. As I turned page after page, I found freedom from some long held conflicts with my faith. Not only does she present a picture of God that is outside the box, she throws the box away. Thank you!

I, too, started out as a fan of L'Engles fiction work. I was in my mid 20s when I started reading her non-fiction. And she never ceases to amaze and inspire me. This book made me think. While she infuses her fiction work with her theological beliefs, this trilogy truly lays it all out in a thoughtful and thought provoking way. Every time I read this book I see something new and am forced to think. And being forced to think is a very good thing. L'Engle does indeed, think outside the box. This book is probably not for "Christian" "fundmentalists" (or "fundalits" as L'Engle would call them). It is, however, for people who believe in the fundamental value and truth of the core teachings of the Bible - whether those people call themselves Christian or not. L'Engle incorporates the stories from Genesis with her own life experiences and weaves an outlook on the world that is both unique and timeless. This book altered my outlook on life for the better, and every day I am presented with new and overwhelming evidence that she hit the nail on the head. Amazing book.

I have loved Madeleine L'Engle's fiction since my fourth grade teacher read A Wrinkle in Time to the class. Now that I'm older (gasp, almost thirty) I enjoy her non fiction even more. Reading this trilogy is like reading and discussing the book of Genesis with a friend. The author invites you into her life as she reads and reflects on the first book of the Bible. She lets you know the connections her mind makes and in doing so gave me a list of other authors to read. The storytelling, poetry, and personal stories create a gentle Biblical commentary for those who might be intimidated by a more traditional commentary. Joyful! Beautiful! Wonderful!

I reread this book every time I feel myself being drawn down by doubt and mired in the poisons of what Christians can do to one another. It reaffirms me and strengthens me!

It is very telling, when you click on the concordance, that the two biggest words are God and Love.

I, too, have loved L'Engle ever since I first read her books. I picked up the first part of the Trilogy _And_It_Was_Good_ at a yard sale thinking that it was another of her fiction works. I got halfway through the book in a single sitting, never realizing that I was reading theological reflections! From then on, I was hooked!

Given how often I return to this work, I do wish that it was available in hardback, so that it would be a little more sturdy!

After reading, and thoroughly enjoying one of Mr. Morgenthaler's other books (Boerne...), I bought this also. No disappoinment.

The first sentence of his introduction says it all...
"The Texas Hill Country is the sweet spot of Texas..." It both portrays his love of the Hill Country, and states an inarguable fact.

His engaging writing style makes it a delight. There is a lot more to the Hill Country than The Alamo and LBJ. Very rich stories told in an entertaining way.

Another wonderful book by Morgenthaler about a wonderful land and people.

Jeff has produced another book that very clearly gives us a vivid look at the background of why and how our ancestors settled the Texas Hill Country. THANK YOU! Art Wilson

The Hill Country is considered by many Texans to be the sweet spot of Texas. This new account of the settlement of the Hill Country by German immigrants vividly portrays the mass influx that more than doubled the population of then West Texas in little more than a year.

This remarkable story of these colonists--whose ideals and culture ultimately spawned today's German-Texan vernacular architecture, a tradition of Hill Country sausage-making, and lingering turnvereins and schuetzenverins--is well-researched, well-written and quintessentially Texan.

I highly recomend this book for anyone who is interested in the early German settlers who came to Texas from Germany. I bought the book because I was married to a man from Fischer, TX, and I am in the process of learning all I can because I am working on geneology of his family, who came and settled in the Hill Country. I learned a lot by reading this book. It is well writen, and very in depth about the hardships these people suffered, but survived. It helped me to understand why these people seemed so distant and different, from the way of life I was exposed to in Alabama.
NH

The butchery at Goliad assured the victory of Houston's rag-tag force over the better trained troops of Presidente Santa Ana. "Remember Goliad! Remember the Alamo!" they screamed as they ripped into the disintegrating Mexican line. There was little quarter as the drove the terrified Mexicans into the Buffalo bayou. The Texans were there to avenge an atrocity.

Alamo? Sure. But the men at Alamo died at their posts and Alamo was, for the most part, was an honorable fight. Goliad was something entirely different. Under the leadership of the vacillating Fannin, four hundred Texans were given incompetent orders. "Reinforce Alamo." But when a couple of wagons broke down a short distance from Goliad, Fannin issued an order to return to the fort. When ordered by Houston to march East and join the main force, Fannin procrastinated.

With the Mexican cavalry under Urrea breathing down his throat, he opted for a last minute retreat. Urrea caught them in the open but, even then, it was entirely possible to retreat to a nearby woodline and stop the Mexicans. Incredibly, Fannin decided to fight in the open and then, with the woodline retreat still an option, he decided to surrender under "honorable terms."

Santa Ana, hearing of it, ordered the immediate execution of the Texas rebels. Urrea complied and four hundred men were shot, clubbed and bayoneted. Only a handful of men escaped the slaughter. It was military murder but didn't terrify the surviving Texans as Santa Ana intended. Almost every member of the tiny Texas force had lost friends and relatives at Goliad and Alamo. These men became extremely angry.

When Houston tried to retreat to the protection of Louisiana and the United States, his troops refused his orders. They intended to fight with or without Houston. Houston, wisely, decided to make the best of a bad situation and the rest...is history.

To paraphrase de la Pena, one of Santa Ana's own officers. "Travis was a rebel and a criminal but he died like a hero for his cause. Santa Ana, when given the opportunity to die for his country, proved himself a coward. He traded Texas for his own neck."

Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God" on the Conquest of Mexico

You don't have to be a Texas history junkie to enjoy this well done and very readable story. "Goliad" chronicles the issues, events, decisions and people (a few wise, many otherwise) that led to Santa Anna's massacre of the band of American soldiers who opted to surrender rather than defend the fort at Goliad. The book raises all kinds of interesting questions such as "Why did so many military leaders think it was important to defend fixed positions which may have been strategically meaningless?" I personally found the portrayal of, and insights into, Sam Houston particularly interesting. Houston comes across as notably superior to most of his counterparts, both in terms of his independent, pragmatic thinking and his ability to expect the unexpected. Meanwhile most of his peers held to the conventional wisdom (like the Mexicans would never attack during the winter, or cross a given river at a particular spot) - all of which contributed to their eventual demise.

Bill Bradle should have started writing earlier in his career as we all would have been the beneficiaries. Given his command of history and military strategy, I would enjoy seeing him tackle the question of just how much wiser and better prepared for today's brand of warfare our current military leaders are compared to those of two centuries ago. It would be an interesting assessment. We've made great progress in the science, strategy and tactics of warfare, yet the challenges we find ourselves facing so frequently today still seem to remain one or two steps ahead of our leaders' knowledge, assumptions, plans and abilities. Why is that and how can we close the gap? Mr. Bradle I await your answers.

Great book. Enjoyed every page. I consider myself a Texan but didn't get to Texas until my 20's which meant I missed learning how the Republic of Texas was founded. Being a non-native Texan, I knew the history of the Alamo (been there too) but knew nothing of the massacre at Goliad. Very interesting. I have read several books on Texas history, most written by people that are hooked on their subjects. They were generally poorly written, telling the same stories over and over for 200 pages but no this one. Well written and takes you through the events leading up to Goliad and the final battle. What I find amazing about the people that lived through these times are the things they did afterward and how long they lived. The story here lives.

From what they tell about this writer in his bio, his background is business and finance, but his passion is history. Well, it's a great combination because Bradle brings the critical eye of an MBA to the motives, methods, logic, actions and reactions of the many colorful players in the fall of Goliad. I just finished an epic bio of Thomas Edison and his era, and it read like the encyclopedia - no, it wasn't even that much pleasure. This book is a compelling, enjoyable (well, if slaughter can be enjoyable) read and a page turner. If you're a history buff like me, or just someone who likes keen insight into human behavior and misbehavior, it's a steal. Besides, the story of Goliad makes for some great anecdotes and is sure to come up on Jeopardy, sometime soon. Buy it, read it, pass it along.

Read the introduction. Absolutely hilarious. Old geezers indeed! My husband couldn't (wouldn't) boil water if his life depended on it. Besides the fantastic recipes, this cookbook has a lot of charm and personality. I believe that for a firefighter (just like other professions), their job is a "calling." Contributor's bios and photos reflect the passion for their jobs and their love for family and fellow firefighters.

The recipes mirror the personalities of the firefighters; diverse, hearty and no fancy frills. Just simple good cookin'. A few of my favorite recipes are Captain Ward's Goulash, Galveston Gumbo, Southwestern White Chicken Chili (have you noticed there is always a great chili recipe in a Firefighter cookbook?), Milky Way Cake, and Sore Throat Cookies.

I especially liked Erasmo Lopez's chapter (page 99). I grew up in Florida and my cooking background was southern style cooking. When I moved to the southwest, I struggled with learning a new style of cooking, wanting to take advantage of regional produce and spices. "Mo's Guacamole" recipe was a winner. Simple and perfect!

I actually got this book because of the jambalaya recipe that I tasted at a party. As it was cooking, I read the accompanying writeup on the fireman who gave the recipe and ended up reading the entire book. I thought the stories of the fireman added a nice touch. Recently I gave a copy to a firefighter friend of mine and he was delighted (which was definitely a first). There needs to be a "More Firehouse Cooks", so I'll have a Christmas present for him next year.

I stole the above title because it's perfect. I've only had time to try a few recipes, but so far, so good (agree with the above recommendation for the Jambalaya on page 150). It's the stories of the firemen that make this book so special-like the stories about the chefs in Top Texas Chefs: Favorite Recipes. Great gift idea!

This is a great cookbook but a lot more. The stories of the firefighters, their families, how they feel about their jobs, were funny, moving, inspirational, and more. Get this one even if you never intend to enter another kitchen. (The receipes are great, too. Check out page 150, for sure.

Beautifully photographed with interesting history on the diversity of Texas homes, this book details the unique blend of European sophistication and "homegrown" design that combined to create a truly unique architecture. This book makes a wonderful gift for any favorite Texan.

Great Houses of Texas would be appreciated by anyone with an interest in great architecture as exhibited in this book. Many of the houses included are well known, but some are hardly known at all. O'Neill Ford's house for the Steves family should have been included, in San Antonio. Its omission is my only disappointment in the book. The text is adequate though not extensive and the photographs, alone, are worth the price of the book. I know of only one other book on this subject, and that was written years ago, so such a book is long past due! Lee Govatos

Though some readers may quibble over the title of this book, it is clear that the book is focussed on the greatest houses still occupied in Texas. This is a subtle but important distinction. The houses shown are not dead great houses, of which there are many in Texas and many of which are greatly admired; Germany instead has focussed on private homes occupied by individuals. With that in mind, it is a fascinating read.

There are many things to admire about this book, the images are well presented, the text is informative and overall I liked it, but WHO selected these houses. The book should have been titled, some great and not so great houses in Texas. How could you write a book about Great Houses in Texas and not include the Sealy House in Galveston, the only McKim Mead and White house in the South, or the most famous house in the state, the Bishops Palace in Galveston, or not include Bayou Bend!!! or the McFaddin Mansion in Beaumont, a house that is considered by architecture scholars to be the best example in Colonial Beaux Art in America..it's just incredulous. Many of the houses selected were great, such as the mansion at Kings Ranch which graces the cover and leads you to believe all the houses in the book will be to this standard and they unforunitely are not...the Crespi House in dallas by Maurice Fatio is great as well as is the Bass House in Ft. Worth, as well as the Pease House in Austin, but many just leave you thinking..WHAT!..Im from Texas and am very familar with the grand houses in the state, so I shocked to see some of the most famous houses in the state not present in this book. This is not a bad book, I give it four stars, but it could have been great..too bad whomever selected the houses for this book, was not as thorough as they should have been, nice book, but a disappointment to those of us familiar with the truely great houses of this singular state.

I first saw the author perform one of these stories at a festival, then I bought the book. I have truly enjoyed these stories, even though I am no longer a child, because I can see the original myth in between the puns and Texas twang. Adults, I think, would get a good laugh from these stories because these are the stories that they already know but transported to the twentieth century.

I got "hooked" on Barbara McBride-Smith's brilliant style of writing and storytelling when I met her the summer of 1998. She was leading a storytelling workshop at East TN State University. The study of Greek Mythology was never appealing to me until I met Barbara. I am a 6th grade Social Studies teacher, and when I introduce Barbara's work to my students, they fall in love with her. I highly recommend this book to ANYONE!

Great book! This book shows the Greek Gods in a whole new light. I recognized many of the characteristics of my neighbors in the book. Great way to introduce Mythology to Junior High or High School.

This book places humor in stories where humor is not usually found. Told in the Texan style, some passages just make you want to burst out laughing. It helps to have a general knowledge of Greek Mythology before reading, just so you can get the references and jokes. Great read, great laugh!!

Greenbelt brought back childhood memories of a Texas lake and the antics one can get away with as a young kid. It reminded me of times that I had not considered in ages. Times when I was invincible.

The stories in this book transcend a regional area, they could have occurred on a Texas Panhandle lake, a California beach or on a Iowa farm.

Read this book to remind you of your own childhood or to remind you of a childhood you wish you had lived!!

Released just in time for for summer reading, I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure. Jim Man's style is easygoing, and at the same time compelling. I kept reading "just one more chapter" to find out what would happen next to Jim, Dwight, and the other colorful characters. This book truly is a return to a simpler time in the not too distant past. A time when kids explored the outside world on their own, and a Mother's parting words were "Be home in time for supper".

I picked up the book on a Friday night. I was skeptical at best, but everybody leaves the bookstore with a book; and besides, the author was at the bookstore doing the dog and pony show trying to sell some of his books. Politely, I bought the book, came home and was mesmerized for the next four hours (I am a slow reader). I liked the size of the book, it wasn't real intimidating and I thought I would give it at least three chapters. That was all it took and I was hooked. A NOSTALGIC RETURN is exactly what I got. Mr. Man's book took me back to my own childhood and the amazement that I (and he)lived through it. Chapter after chapter was adventure, exploit, and just good ole' childhood mischief. I finished the book that night (to my wife's dislike). Several times she woke up and hit me with the pillow because the bed was shaking from my laughter. I honestly couldn't put the book down. Anyway, for what it is worth, I wish I had the book to look forward to. Write on Mr. Man, Bart boxwell

Here we have Jim Man's portrait of a summerful of visits to a lake house in north Texas of 1972 (age 12). The outstanding quality of Man's writing is its credibility: on a topic almost hand-crafted as a foundation for tall tales, I'm darned if I don't believe just about everything he says.

I too grew up in the 1970s in the West, and we did in fact use to shoot at one another with BB guns, dig through any half-ruined building available to us, and gad about on any wheeled vehicle we could scrounge up. While Jim's story is one of a lot of fun--some better and cleaner than others--it is a story of lessons learned about himself and others. Jim's friend Dwight is an especially compelling character, the kind you can't invent; they either are authentic or they are not. (His accent, by the way, is authentic. He sounds precisely like my very rural, very Texan father-in-law.) By the end of the book--which I wish had been longer--I really wanted to know what ever became of the boys in the book.

As a book for young people, I'd rate it PG-13: the author could have easily pushed it toward R-17, but a visible effort was made to take the edges off the language and content; this effort might not get the credit it deserves, but parents buying books for their children will appreciate it. If you're raising kids today, _Greenbelt_ will encourage you to pose the question: how come we turned out all right in spite of the fact that we behaved like Jim and his cohorts? It will appeal especially to anyone who likes motorcycles, fishing/boating, and modern-day Tom Sawyer hijinks. For anyone who grew up in rural Texas, naturally, the appeal will be even stronger. I came away liking the genuinely warm, adventuresome Man family, and I reckon a lot of readers will too.

Anyone who has read the long standing Executioner series of men' action/adventure books has heard of Michael Newton. But who knew he could write such engrossing and entertaining westerns?

With the character of Matt Price he has struck gold, expecially humanly showing Matt to tired and weary of burying in double figures, less fast gunmen. All he has to show for a lifetime of gunfighting is his horse and nowhere in particular to go. So up comes another young gunny trying to make a rep and also comes a telegram prior to the fight from an old friend 10-years back. 'Come to Texas, need help' is pretty much what Belle has written. True to friendship and more, Matt heads out to Texas, several week's ride away. Stepping full force into a hornet's nest of greed, killing, and a past that just hasn't gone away.

As this book weaves way to an ending we begin to like and approve of Matt Price more and more. He has a son, Jesse, now that he never knew about, that very fact will change his life in this book as well as the others that follow.

I'm a late comer to these books of Lyle Brandt (Michael Newton) but have now purchased all, and have even read his 1st book in the new series, LAWMAN, too. 2nd LAWMAN due out soon. As long as Lyle Brandt/Michael Newton continues to write 'em, I'll be reading them.

Semper Fi.

Terrific book! Who'd believe a new modern Western could be this good?

Matt Price is the fastest gun alive.But a good smart moral man,trapped by his own speed and knowing what's ahead. In a dusty town after a blazing-fast reputation-hunting kid draws a little too slowly against him, Price gets a telegram.The woman he loved ten years before --who left him because she saw him gun down two men who came against him in the night--is in trouble.

Most modern Westerns are terrible. Bad Westerns and bad pornography.Matt Price is a stand-up guy. Ethical,troubled,thoughtful, gentle in his own way. And the best there is at what he does, when forced to it. A rousing tale..

get this one and the sequel--justice gun, and finish them in one sitting. this writer is better than others who just got more hypes and better marketing strategies but would not surpass this new upcoming and very promising writer. so far, only louis la'mour and a few others are actually readable in this genre. mr brandt will be definitely among these few. tks very much.

When I first started reading this book, I thought I was galloping straight into cliche-land. What saved the book for me was the characters. They were likable and fleshed out pretty well, so I cared about what was going to happen. The bad guy was suitably bad, and there's plenty of gun-fighting action. Ought to be, based on the title. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

"A tremendously exciting read" Judge Sanford M. Brook

Patricia Williams, Acting Justice of N.Y. Supreme Court says about Gun Crazy: "I truly enjoyed Mr. Booker's writing. He knows the secret of making you want to actually visit the scenes he describes so well. . . Mr. Booker's book is different than others, because it deals with the many different aspects of a real trial. Hence, the characters are drawn with detail and care."

Warren Burnett said: "Superbly, writer Booker honors his craft in this story of a courtroom trimph made possible by the grit and grace of Kerrville's Scott Stehling, a true examply of the decent and talented lawyer."

Racehorse Haynes said: "A brutal senseless crime, a skilled trial lawyer's fight for Justice for a young man in the wrong place at the wrong time. A must read for all interested in trial by jury."