Texas Books

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I devoured it in a day. Beautifully written.

The simple title belies a great author and an even greater reading experiance.

The author writes so that you actually *feel* you are there and know the streets and towns and things he speaks of and what you couldn't possibly see with your minds eye--he makes you feel with your heart.

A"MUST-READ" for anyone who has ever had a death made worse, by things left unspoken.

Into That Good Night may well be the best book I've ever read. Having been raised in a small Texas town in the same era, it really hit home. Ron's story of life's experiences, of loves and losses, is a heart felt story that is enjoyable and easy to read. It is a wonderfully written story of growing up when racism was really becoming an issue in the south, of his beloved father's Alzheimers, and much, much more. I highly recommend this book.

THIS BOOK COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED ME. I LIVED IT ONCE, AND NOW I'VE LIVED IN AGAIN THROUGH RON'S EYES. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE OUR FATHER. HE TAUGHT US INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, HONESTY, AND LOVE WITH HIS QUIET WAYS AND GENTLY DEMEANOR. HE WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE TO ME. IT WAS SO HARD TO SEE WHAT HE HAD BECOME WHEN ALZHEIMERS TOOK OVER. HE HAD THE SAME SWEET DEMEANOR, BUT SOMETIMES DIDN'T RECOGNIZE US. IT WAS HARD, AND RON TOLD THE STORY BEAUTIFULLY. I CAN JUST SEE OUR DAD'S BEAUTIFUL BLUE EYES TWINKLE IN PLEASURE. THANK YOU RON FOR THIS WONDERFUL GIFT. I LOVE YOU...DIANE

A memoir called Into That Good Night by Ron Rozelle,
is the story told from Ron's point of view when he was
growing up in Oakwood and even in his present day
life. It talks about segregation in schools and in
some stores throughout the town where he grew up. This
book shows the change Ron goes through with his family
when his mother becomes sick with lung cancer. Ron
learns to appreciate his family much more as he got
older and started to realize he won't have parents
forever. He ultimately realizes this when his father
looses his battle with Alzheimer's disease. You also
see segregation come to an end in Oakwood as time
progresses. You see the town where everyone knew
everyone suddenly become very lonely and empty after
most of the population got old and passed away. There
weren't many people moving in to Oakwood because it
didn't have many job opportunities.
Ron wrote this book in a then and now format. Every
other chapter switches, describing his child hood and
what happened in the future. It is a little confusing
but you catch on right away. It's very interesting
this way because it keeps you wondering, "What
happened to Ron".
Ron's ability to describe things just painted a clear
picture of what everything was like for him back then
in my mind. He gets right to the point when he rights,
it's not hard to comprehend or anything. That is what
is likeable about his style of writing. He writes in a
very appealing manner. Into That Good Night's main
focus is about Ron's relationship with his dad.
Ron and his father were very close because Ron's
father is a very calm kind of guy. He doesn't show
much emotion where as his mother is described as moody
and not afraid to yell when something makes his mad.
This is why he had more of a connection with his
father because in many ways he was like his father.
Ron is not quick to show emotion either. Ron and his
father form a special bond.
Ron graduates high school and is drafted in to the
military. He gets shipped off to Germany for a year.
In the mean time, his mother's health is decreasing.
She is getting worse and the doctors say she doesn't
have much time left. She started chain smoking when
Ron was a kid and that led her to her deathbed.
Fortunately Ron got to say goodbye to his mom right
before he headed off to the airport to be shipped off.
He felt that finally, he and his mother were at peace
with each other.
Ron and his dad form a strong bond after Ron gets
back from the Army and gets his own apartment. His dad
comes to visit him and they spend quality time
together. A few years later Ron's father eventually
re-marries and lives with his new wife. When Ron's
father gets in his older years he starts forgetting
things. His loss of memory starts increasing and he's
even forgetting simple things like where he is. He is
diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
What is Ron going to do when one of the most
important people in his life is starting to forget who
his own son is. What is it like to die not remembering
what your life was like and what your legacy will be.
This story was very easy to relate to. It is a very
easy understanding and likeable memoir of Ron Rozelle.

This book is so well written Corey Mitchell has done it again. He is a great true crime writer. This is a very sad book.
This book is for all true crime fans,Mitchell is such a great writer!!
Run out and buy it now.

I did some reaserch on this awhile back when I was in law enforcment. I just recently found out that one of them was executed. That is when I bought this book. If you want to walk through hell, this is as close as it gets. I was infuriated when reading the chapter that explained what happend those last hours. Those girls who actually were making something of themselves were cut short of life by six wastes of human DNA! Be warned.....one pic in the book(Jennifer) is really disturbing. If you ever wanted to help families that go through this kind of thing, this would be the tool to get you started! Great book!

I have been an avid reader of true crime for a number of years, but have only been compelled to review the work of one author: Corey Mitchell. There is something about the way Mitchell writes that not only pulls me directly into each story he tells, but also inspires me as a citizen. No other true crime author is able to compile so much research, yet make it interesting, gripping, and terrifyng. In addition, a reader of his books learns about all the key players involved, not just the victims or just the killers. He is truly a gifted author who stands head and shoulders above all modern day true crime authors and easily ranks among the greats like McGinniss, Capote, Rule, and Bugliosi.

Mitchell's excellent writing reaches an even higher level with the story of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena, murdered by six teenage boys in Houston in 1993. Most true crime books throw the murder in your face within the first ten pages. Not Mitchell. He draws out the tension by forcing you to get to know both of the girls, what they are like, their character and their flaws; and the boys, all six of them, and how they got to the point of being capable of murder. It takes almost 200 pages to actually get to the murder, and by the time you are there it is almost unbearable. Mitchell's ability to make you feel for the victims and fret for the killers has not been replicated in other recent true crime works. The tension is palpable, and, as always, Mitchell thrusts you right into the horrible scene on that hot Houston day.

The crime itself is almost too frightening to believe and Mitchell paints a most vivid depiction. I'm glad he does because it made me realize how truly despicable these young men were and how horribly they assaulted, raped, mutilated, and finally killed these two sweet teenage girls.

The second half of the book is a heart-wrenching look at how insensitive the legal system is for the family members of crime victims. The ordeals that the Ertmans and Penas had to endure were outrageous, yet somehow, the families come off as dedicated, yet humorous individuals. Both families are to be commended for how they have dealt with the continuous legal manuevering by the defendants for fifteen years and counting.

Not much of a death penalty advocate, I had no problem whatsoever in feeling relieved that one of the killers, Jose Medellin, was executed in Texas recently. The fact that he was allowed to live 15 years after these murders is pathetic, as were the attempts by President George Bush and Condoleeza Rice to stall his execution.

"Pure Murder" is a heart-wrenching classic that is truly destined to become one of the most memorable and greatest true crime books ever penned. An instant classic.

After learning a 31 year old man had FINALLY been excecuted for the murder he (and others) committed at 18 years old. I purchased the book Saturday afternoon and I finished Tuesday evening. I am a mother of 3 children under 5.
I just couldn't put it down and when I did, I said a prayer for those beautiful girls and their families. I felt emotions, anger, scared, helplessness and cried.
The Author just captivated me. The story was there he just put the information in order and shared the VICTIMS injustice. Corey Mitchell put the victims first, NOT the criminals. There was no making excuses for their actions.
Even not wanting to know the animals lives and up bringing, it gave a sense of how the did not value or respect life. I realize not just Adult men are true animals but it can happen in Young men, I am now a changed woman and mother for reading this book! I will always pray that they are ALL executed and burn in hell. Good JOB TEXAS! Better late then NEVER!"

For many years now, I've been a fan of the true crime genre; reading nothing but these nonfiction tales of the worst side of mankind. After a while, while still interested in the crimes, the forensics, and the inner workings of the justice system, a reader can easily reach a point where the crime in and of itself has no shock value.

That was not the case in my most recently read book: Pure Murder by Corey Mitchell.

In Pure Murder, Mitchell tells the gut-wrenching, absolutely sickening tale surrounding the deaths of two Houston, Texas teenager girls: Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena.

On what should have been a short walk home through on of Houston's city parks, these young girls had the bad fortune of meeting up with six of Texas' teenage lowlifes: Efrain Perez, Raul Villarreal, Peter Cantu, Joe Medellin, Venancio "Yuni" Medellin, Jr., and Sean O'Brien.

Simply because the young, innocent girls were in the wrong place at the wrong time when these scumbags were "feeling their oats," they were tortured, raped, and murdered.

For the first time in a while, this true crime piece managed to enrage me as I could not hardly fantom that in a group of six people there was not one decent individual that could have, in some way, helped these young victims.

And, as an added bonus, especially in a time where illegal immigration is such a hot topic, the attempts by Joe Medellin to use his illegal immigrant status as a means to absolve the indictment against him was, to say the least, infuriating. He participates in the raping, mutilating and murder of two young girls and he expects that this country will allow him freedom on a technicality?! I could not even begin to understand the audacity of this pathetic, spineless child killer.

If you're up for a good read that evokes so many emotions you feel as though you are on an emotional rollercoaster, look no further than this newest release from Corey Mitchell.

Tarkovsky's 'Sculpting in Time' offers a fascinating glimpse into this master's theoretical and poetic approach to his craft. Reading it alongside with 'Time Within Time', his diaries collected, the text casts a new light upon the work and mind of this artist of truth and sacrifice - A true must for art lovers worldwide.

I was introduced to Tarkovsky's work about 20 years ago during my time in film school, and The Sacrifice was the movie that turned me on to his outstanding cinematic legacy. The more I saw, the more I wanted to learn about the artist. Then I came upon Sculpting In Time; a cinematic memoir which has forever changed my life, and my artistic visions.

This book is nothing short of inspirational. I highly recommend it even if you are not familiar with Tarkovsky's work. Each chapter is loving written, eloquently detailed and profoundly insightful on topics such as the importance of sound, story and visual aesthetics in filmmaking. Tarkovsky's ability to, quite literally, sculpt cinematic moments in time in each of his films is nothing short of genius.

Thames & Hudson have triumphed with what collectors might regard as a limited edition, artist's book.This isn't the place to start chipping into Tarkovsky. It is more the devotee's piece - a touchstone which alludes to the magnificent ediface of his films: all which return the viewer to their world with a deeper, more spacious vision, an expanded present moment. In 'Rubelov','Solaris', 'Stalker', and,'Sacrifice', to name my favourites, he re-invented the epic with sustained inquiries into our transience without heady verbalism or vanity. To grapple with his own thinking about his achievements and how he positioned himself as an artist, one should seek out,'Sculpting In Time,'penned towards the end of his relatively short life. Recently, French documentary-maker, Chris Marker('Sunless') compiled a stunning homage to this Russian cinematic master. Bits of Tarkovsky's aforementioned book, and excerpts from his diaries appear with the reproduced polaroid snaps(the present book's theme)which fall into two geographic zones, Italy & Russia and are bookended with short tributes by two Italian friends. Every effort has been made in layout to convey the darkened atmosphere in which the illuminated materiality of these world's float to the viewer's eye. And in images barely larger than matchboxes this scale has some of the hallucinatory power of his movies. The layout & medium insist on episodic, fragmentary framing. Tarkovsky's films privilege the same exquisite framing with a sensual appetite for textures above narratives that makes us feel newly arrived at a primary experiencing of the world. These polaroids could have served as his flexing towards film projects: even their outtakes.

Sculpting in the time represents one of the most expressive eloquents statements of one of the supreme masters in the cinema art as Andrei Tarkovsky was .
All long this book you will read several aspects of the man , the thinker , the poet and above all the unvaluable reflections about the art in general and his craft in particular .
Tarkovsky makes an account about all his filmography ; making a detailed and exhaustive explanation about every film .
You will understand in all his wideness conceptual some concepts derivated about the role of the cinema in the actual world . The influence of ancient directors , his opinions about the role of the artist in the world , and some mesmerizing photos from his films as Ivan' s childhood , the Mirror , Nostalghia or Andrei Rubliov . There are some poems from his father Arseni Tarkovsky who were part of films such The mirror in the Spanish Civil War and the poem from the poet from Nosthalgia for instance .
It's a must for you to acquire this book . For me it was a delightful surprise to get this text in New York in 1995 .
Fundamental artistic legacy from this russian ( 04-04-32 / 12-29-6 ) master: in memoriam!

"Sculpting in Time" is truly an amazing work of art in its own right. Certainly filmmakers have written books about their artistic styles in the past. Philosophers have written elaborately on the subject of aesthetics as a whole in the past as well. And yet "Sculpting in Time" offers those with aesthetic interests something truly unique.

It should be forewarned that Tarkovsky, like Ingmar Bergman, was heavily interested in aesthetic philosophy. In fact Tarkovsky's ideas regarding art borderline the metaphysical (as this book is often used in higher level philosophy classes), and yet - through the tone in which the book is written - "Sculpting in Time" manages to appeal to the average Tarkovsky or cinema studies fan in such a way that no other aesthetics book has managed.

Tarkovsky's self-written "Sculpting in Time" is an amazing supplement which describes the brilliant filmmaker's use of filmic techniques but also goes a step further by explaining (at great length), why the filmmaker believes those techniques are significant. The value of his tried efforts to create a meaningful work of art directly relate to Tarkovsky's view of art as a whole.

Tarkovsky's views of art are complex and yet are reiterated for the reader so simply they stand out in "Sculpting in Time" like a gem. For instance the underlying theme in Tarkovsky's writing is the idea of an "absolute truth" of art which can be derived a given piece of art. Without giving too much away, Tarkovsky's beliefs, as expressed in his chapter "Imprinted in Time" mostly, is simply that art done for the right reasons - containing some form of objective truth within it - serves to link us (subjective beings), with an "absolute." From that blooms Tarkovsky's entire creative aspect fans of his films know and love him for.

I have to recommend this book to anyone interested in aesthetics, cinema studies, or Tarkovsky. I think this is a nice supplement to have when watching Tarkovsky films as well, so it might just serve to spark the interest in a philosophy buff to check out a few Tarkovsky films! Enjoy!

ENGLISH
Julius is a young boy growing from childhood to the beginnings of adolescence in a Lima family of great inherited wealth and power. Devastated by the loss to illness of his adored older sister Cynthia, he struggles to fit in at his exclusive private school, while his predilection for socialising with the family servants makes him a source of concern to his mother and business magnate stepfather.

The genteel 1960s/70s Lima of "A World For Julius" no longer exists. But anyone who has spent some time in Peru will recognise the manners and attitudes depicted here. Bryce Echenique patiently and expertly satirizes the Peruvian obsession with social status as delineated by class, race, culture and language. The central figure of innocent, sensitive Julius is a window through which these values are viewed, at times with humour, at times with barely restrained indignation.

But "A World for Julius" does not merely lampoon the oligarchy in whose midst Bryce Echenique himself grew up. Beyond the powerful social criticism, it is a portrayal of the universality of human suffering. The novel's great achievement is to maintain empathy with the anxieties of the rich and powerful, at the same time as exposing their hypocrisy and complicity in the suffering of the powerless. Regardless of the walls erected by privilege, Bryce Echenique shows, no one can escape from the encroachment of age, disappointment in love, or the loss of a child.

Some patience is required for the long and detailed passages of stream of consciousness, which bear comparison with Proust or Joyce. But patience is rewarded by the subtle and skilful development of character. An additional pleasure comes from Bryce Echenique's success in capturing the rich flavors of Peruvian idiom--this is a book best read in the original Spanish, if possible.

ESPAÑOL
Julius es un niño que va acercandose a la adolescencia en una familia limeña de gran riqueza heredada. Trastornado por la pérdida de su adorada hermana mayor a una enfermedad fatal, le cuesta integrarse en su escuela exclusiva, y su tendencia de buscar la compañia de los empleados de la casa preocupa a su mamá y su padrasto

Ya no existe el Lima de "Un Mundo para Julius", pero quien haya pasado algun tiempo en el Peú reconocerá las actitudes representadas aquí. Con paciencia y pericia, Bryce Echenique satiriza la obsesion peruana con el estatus social y las diferencias de clase, raza, cultura y lenguaje. La figura central del ingenuo, sensible Julius es una ventana por la cual se examina los valores sociales, a veces con humor, a veces con una indignación apenas contenida.

Pero "Un Mundo para Julius" no sólo se burla de la oligarquía en medio de que se crió el mismo Bryce Echenique. Más allá de su fuerte criticismo social, es un retrato de la universalidad del sufrimiento humano. Lo que logra esta novela es mantener la empatía con las ansiedades de los ricos y poderosos, al mismo tiempo que va descubriendo su hipocresía y su complicidad en el sufrimiento de los pobres. A pesar de las paredes que construye el privilegio, nadie puede escapar el envejecimiento, la decepción en el amor, o la pérdida de un niño.

Se necesita algo de paciencia para los largos y detallados monólogos interiores, que se pueden comparar con Proust o con Joyce. La recompensa de esta paciencia es el desarrollo sútil y hábil de los personajes. Otro placer viene del exito de Bryce Echenique en capturar los ricos flavores del lenguaje peruano.

This is by far the most known novel Bryce has written, and there isn't much to comment unfortunately. It's a classic in Peru as far as I read but, as Chinua Achebe's 'Things fall apart', this is one of those folklore books that won't appeal to my Fiction reading hunger. It seems shallow most of the times, the character POV of the kid Julius never works out what's going on around him; no true sequels; Julius' parents are made of one piece of cardboard; the setting is the only thing that might be of interest (very much like Achebe's novel); and Julius barely grows by the end of the novel (at page 350!). For that matter, go check Coetzee's 'Waiting for the barbarians' or Peruvian Vargas Llosa's 'The war of the end of the world', two contemporary masterpieces.

The main thing that this novel does is make you ask what other such excellent novels must lay hidden in foreign languages or used book stores.

This book is nominally about the world of a young boy growing up in Lima, partly the real world in which he lives, partly in the play world where he goes on imaginary adventures in his great-grandfathers ornate, moldering carriage that has been stored in the carriage house.

This book is also about two other worlds, that of the well to do aristocratic family being pressured by changes happening in their world. And about that of the Indian servants who have come down out of the Andes seeking employment.

Like most of the best novels, the story grabs your attention as the characters and location become real, even though you've never been there. It took me back to my own Grandfathers garage, filled with musty relics from his younger years.

This book is absolutely amazing. No words could make justice to its brilliance. I've read it three times. Bryce describes the Limean society and especially the huge social gap between the aristocracy (where he comes from) and the low class (indian inmigrants from the Andes that arrive in Lima to work in domestic jobs), through the eyes of a 6 year old kid in such a way that'll make you both cry and laugh. I've read most of the Latin American authors but this has to be the best, its Bryce masterpiece.

Funnily, Alfredo started writing it as a short story but got so involved in it that he ended up writing more than four hundred pages. He stopped writing the book only because summer arrived and he decided to go on holidays (as many L.A. writers at the time he as living in Paris).

Other master pieces are: 1. "Todos los cuentos": short stories about Lima in the 50's and 60's, in the same line as 'Julius'. This edition includes his first book "Huerto Cerrado" and "La felicidad Ja Ja"

2. "La vida exagerada de Martin Romana" : A Julius, its heavily inspired in his own life. "Martin" could well be a 28 years old Julius trying to be a writer in Paris in the 60s. Truly amazing.

Julius is born in "a palace in Salaverry Avenue", coming from two of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Peru around the late fifties. Julius has it all: pretty family, servants who adore him, a forest-like garden, a pool, toys and cares. He grows up within a bubble of welfare. But one day, a little after his father's death, his beloved older sister Cynthia also dies, devastating him. Sadness and silence loom over the palace. Susan, his mother, a notable beauty of Anglo-Saxon descent, gives herself over to frivolity and nightlife. Julius finds shelter in the world of the numerous servants, since his mother and older brothers take no notice of him. Stability and some cheerfulness return when Susan marries a new man, Juan Lucas. He is another millionaire, the stereotype of the winner.In his early forties, Juan Lucas is handsome, rich, self-assured, a great socialite, a despot with those under his position, a man of the world and the perfect match for the always pretty Susan. The couple and the older boys leave for a time to go to Europe, during which time Julius goes to live in the countryside with the servants, in a beautiful chalet. There, Julius's sentimental education continues, by way of exploring the world of the servants, of poverty, the simplicity of country-side life, and how it is to be beyond Lima's jet-set. Then come the return to Lima, life in school, life with Juan Lucas (who hates Julius in an almost friendly manner), Susan and her husband's life in the fast lane in Lima's upper strata, as well as the move to a new palace and the traumatic arrival of adolescence.

Written with great control of style, with a lot of "stream of consciousness" and with the use of both the language of the beautiful people and the slang of the lower classes, the novel credibly conveys a portrait of the Peruvian high class and the miseries and small joys of the poor. All of this from the point of view of a smart, sensitive and sympathetic boy who basically grows up by himself, since his brothers are mostly absent, Juan Lucas despises him, and mommy is always partying or doing other things. In fact, Juan Lucas and Susan make up for one of the least sympathetic and most frivolous couples of literature and yet they are utterly credible and may very well remind you of people you actually know. I know I do. A great strength of the book, as noticed by another reviewer here, is that it has, thankfully, no political agenda. It is descriptive and avoids moralizing or patronizing about political issues. That's life. And for all of us who grew up in Latin America, especially, the books is a perfect portrait of our societies. Very good (and with a great sense of humor).

What to make of this book? I went into it knowing what the author was trying to do and thinking, "He'll never pull it off." Well, he does. It works because of the time spent building the character of Jimmy Blackburn, a kid growing up abused out in the sticks and trying to make sense of a cruel world. He is so decent he cannot abide the deliberate infliction of pain on helpless victims, be they humans or dogs. So he kills them -- a mean cop, crooked mechanics, a wifebeater, etc.

A masterpiece of black humor, it's also surprisingly touching. Imagine Holden Caulfield as the protagonist of a serial killer novel and you have some idea. This is the ideal novel for the fans of serial killer books, American humor aficinados and dog lovers on your gift list.

BTW, if you are interested in the polar opposite of "Blackburn," check out Shane Stevens "By Reason of Insanity."

...people will wonder what the hell is wrong with you as you literally blurt out roaring, uncontrollable laughter. VERY few other books have ever made me do this, NONE on such a *continuous* basis.
Lest you forget, this is about a serial killer:
"what's so funny?"
(incoherently *try* to quit laughing, regain your composure, and explain why that murder WAS SO FUNNY)...
I read this book a year ago, and it still impacts me as one of the best ever. I read a fair amount, yet most books are so unmemorable to me.
if you want a book that questions the whole polemic issue of "good and evil" i recommend this book. if you want to laugh, ditto.
i'm here searching for it to buy my own copy, because it was that eff-in good (one in a thousand books -- that's how many books i want to re-read, let alone what fraction of that i would buy AFTER I have read it already, if i hadn't bought it in the first place).
I HEART THIS BOOK

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

if he didn't know he had a moral code?
if thoughts could kill, so many of us would be serial murderers.
we'd take out a lot of people having a bad day too

but blackburns victims were all deaths we could root for, especially given our knowledge of Blackburn's inner monologue
poor blackburn, his mission ended too soon.

I read this book in less than eight hours, impossible to put down and hard to forget!

Generally, when a serious book set in modern America features a person who murders twenty people, that person is not the star, you don't find yourself cheering him on, and you aren't sad when the killing spree comes to an end. In Blackburn, Bradley Denton makes all of that happen.

Blackburn follows the life of Jimmy Blackburn, told through a series of nineteen stories spanning his life. The book has an intriguing structure, alternating stories called things like "Victim Number Two" (which is the tantalizing first one) with numbered and named chapters (the second chapter is actually called "One: Blackburn and the Blind Man"). The chapters alternate between "Victim" and "numbered and named" chapters for the rest of the book. I found this structure terribly interesting, especially beginning with "Victim Number Two". For a long time we are left wondering who victim number one was. His father? The bully? Who?

In the book, young Jimmy Blackburn is tormented by his father and various other thugs and shysters. While this formula could be used to make Blackburn into a victim, carrying out his violent deeds because of lingering pain of his childhood, Denton doesn't take it that direction. Instead, the events of Jimmy Blackburn's childhood lead him to an inexorable decision. He will not be a victim, he will be a perpetrator, a righter of wrong, a sticker-up for the downtrodden, an anti-hero. And we are along for the ride, holding on and hoping for the best and knowing it can't end well.

From beginning to end, the book is excellent, compelling, and surprisingly funny. The chapter with the encyclopedia salesman is hilarious, and the chapter with the car repair scam artists is wicked fun. There are lots of dogs along the way. You could make a case that without the dogs there wouldn't have been a story at all. It's hard not to like a guy who likes dogs as much as Blackburn does. Denton even takes some fun shots at himself, inserting an author of a book very much like this one into the narrative. It is, to say the least, interesting when Blackburn confronts him. The most compelling part of the story, though, is when Blackburn runs into another serial killer, only the evil kind. Perhaps it's meaningful that this encounter is the beginning of the end for Blackburn.

Toward the end of the book there is, to me, the most satisfying exchange, so cool that I have to share it here at the risk of spoiling something for someone. It should come as no surprise that Blackburn finds himself in the custody of the police. Here, Blackburn has decided to be forthright with them, but his honesty is not appreciated. There are no good cops in this book. The jerky DPS troopers are escorting him in shackles and handcuffs back to the jail after his preliminary hearing when Blackburn tells them he has killed men, but never a woman. "How many men?" the first trooper asks. "Just so we know how scared we should be," the second says. "Eighteen," Blackburn says. "So far." It helps the excitement of the moment that the exchange takes place in the chapter called "Victim Number Nineteen". Wicked fun.

Blackburn is a great book, funny and exciting and sad. If it doesn't make you cheer for the killer and wail at the unjust world when he doesn't get to kill more people, there's something wrong with you.

Brennan's is a famous New Orleans restaurant started up in the 1940s. The family opened up a sister restaurant in Houston in 1967. The cuisine served in the Houston branch has become well known in its own right, and is affectionately known as "Texas Creole"

When a cookbook comes from a restaurant, its important to know if the restaurant is any good. Brennan's is one of the best restaurants in Houston. The food, ambience, service and live music are all excellent and although there is a dress code and the waiters wear suits, it isn't pretentious or snobby. I liked the food there so much that I bought this cookbook so that I could make some of the dishes at home! By the way, it is not diet cuisine - most of the dishes are rich and well seasoned, with lots of nuts, butter, cream and oil. Totally fattening, extremely filling and very satisfying.

The book has a good number of color photos, mostly of the food but also some of the interior. It also includes some information about the history of the restaurant. Some restaurants keep their signature dishes secret, but not Brennan's - in this cookbook you will find the recipes for many well-known specialities such as Creole Bread Pudding Souffle and Bananas Foster. There are chef's tips included with the recipes, and overall the book is very user friendly.

This book is highly recommended, both for its faithful recreation of the restaurant's dishes, and for the overall excellence and originality of its recipes.

LIST OF CHAPTERS:

Introductions
Best of Beginnings - Lagniappes, Drinks& Appetizers
From the Garden and Beyond - Salads & Soups
Breakfast at Brennan's - Creole Jazz Brunch
Chef Carl Recommends - Meats & Poultry
Brennan's Favorites - Seafood
Accompaniments - Sides, Sauces & Seasonings
Grand FInales - Fantastic Desserts
Our Texas Creole Story
Source Guide & Index

SAMPLE RECIPES to tempt your palate and give you an idea of the style of cuisine:

Salmon & Smoked Corn Salsa
Grilled Yellowfin Tuna with Crabmeant Mango-Papaya Relish
Gulf Seafood Pontchartrain
Texas Bobwhite Quail
Jicama Slaw
Southern Pecan Crusted Catfish
Smoked Salmon Cheesecake
Texas Cornbread Pudding
Cajun Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Ancho Pepper and Cumin Sweet Potato Smashers
Spiced Pumpkin Seed Chicken
Bayou Gumbo
Roasted Peanut Soup with Honey-Cajun Shrimp
Risotta Jambalaya
Creole Bread Pudding Souffle (this is to die for!)

Also available in a hardcover edition (0970472986, $24.95), culinary author and chef Carl Walker draws upon his Creole and Texas styles of cooking that made Brennan's of Houston a very successful restaurant. Capitalizing on fresh ingredients, all of the recipes comprising this mouth-watering collection are kitchen-compatible and "user friendly". Enhanced with color photography, the recipes range from Chili-Fried Gulf Oysters; Creole Barbecued Shrimp; and Braised Red Cabbage; to Champagne Fennel Cream; New Orleans-Style Pralines; and Creole Bread Pudding Souffle. A master-piece of its kind, Brennan's Of Houston In Your Kitchen will prove to be an invaluable and popular resource for even the most novice of kitchen cooks seeking to replicate gourmet quality dishes for their family dining table!

Absolutely wonderful southern and creole recipes. I haven't cooked anything from this book that hasn't received rave reviews. You can't go wrong!

This is one of the greatest cookbooks ever produced. Chef Walker's preparation techniques as well as the "Chef's Tip's" throughout the book allow you to make these dishes exactly as they do in the restaurant. Even the recipies that are common in alot of other cookbooks take on a uniqueness in this book that makes it a "must have" book for anyone interest in creating good food. I was fortunate to be able to take a cooking class with Chef Walker called "Breakfast at Brennan's". One of the dishes he prepared was "Eggs Hussard", from page 72 in this book. Wow!The best egg dish I have ever tasted. It even makes the popular Eggs Benedict seem bland with comparison. Using the recipe from this book, I have prepared "Eggs Hussard" for family and friends with the same results and taste as that prepared by Chef Walker. I have also prepared several other recipies from this book with equal success. Chef Carl is truely a gifted chef and he fully shares his recipes, techniques, and tips in this great cookbook.

This beautiful 192-page book is a triumph for Chef Carl Walker. This eclectic and inventive collection of recipes has been carefully accented with full-color photographs and personal anecdotes. It is a wonderful gift for fans of Brennan's, and even for home cooks who have never made their way to Houston.

The book is organized by course: Beginnings (Lagniappes, Drinks, and Appetizers), Garden and Beyond (Salads and Soups), Breakfast, Meats and Poulty, Seafood, Accompaniments (Sides, Sauces and Seasonings), and Fantastic Desserts.

Each recipe features an expected yield, list of ingredients, paragraph-style instructions on how to prepare the ingredients, and a Chef's Tip. The Chef's Tips include technique suggestions, ingredient substitutions, and reminders on how to prepare the raw ingredients.

The desserts section is especially decadent. For example, the Chocolate Praline Cheesecake is a masterpiece by Pastry Chef Melissa Piper Reilly. This luscious dessert uses a chocolate crumb crust filled with caramels, pecans, and chocolate-laced cheesecake filling.

This beautiful cookbook will be a delight for chefs and bakers alike. Enjoy!

This was a great read. The author brought the characters to life and the mystery intriguing.

Dance on His Grave is Sylvia Dickey Smith's first in her Sidra Smart/Third Eye series. This is a mystery with a touch of paranormal, in that the protagonist has a sixth sense about things.

Sidra Smart and the other characters in the book are true to life. This is not to say they aren't larger than life, which they are, but they certainly hold true for east Texas. You could pluck just about any character from Dance on His Grave, set him or her in the real setting and they'd be right at home.

Orange, Texas, is fictional, but Smith creates the town in such detail and with such love that it comes to life - vivid and believable.

The protagonist of Dance on His Grave, Sidra Smart, starts off as a fish out of water, but by the end of the book, she's grown into her role as sleuth and unexpected P.I. If you like character driven mystery with a touch of fantasy, you'll most likely like this book - and will look forward to more in the series.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. Though it's extremely bizarre at times and walks a line of becoming unthinkable, yet it never fully crosses that line. "Dance On His Grave" is suspenseful, engaging and anything but predictable and rekindles your love of why you started reading it in the first place.

As a former native of the area where much of the story takes place, I think the story works because the cast of characters are quite an interesting ensemble. While each new character introduced is appealing enough to catch your eye, Sylvia Dickey Smith doesn't go into too much detail to detract from the main story or main characters.

The descriptions of the place and the people and even the food are detailed enough to give the reader a good feel of the setting and atmosphere. From start to end, it is an interesting tale because the characters are unbelievable (in a good way) and it takes place in an area where anything and everything is know to happen. This area along the Sabine River as it winds its way to the Gulf of Mexico has always intrigued me. From the fantastic architecture, to the culture and people, they are all truly fascinating and Sylvia Dickey Smith paints a picture that is easy to visualize. She has a definitely unique style of writing and I was left wondering how in the world she came up with some of the things that are exposed in "Dance On His Grave." This story totally captures the hot, sultry mood of Orange, Texas, and goes at that pace - any faster and the heat would have caused a melt down. This book is a thrill-ride a minute.

Cliff Johnson
Author, Wrong Side of the River

The Sidra Smart stories carry you right along; they are intriguing and mesmerizing for the reader who likes `real' characters and a puzzle to solve--a good write!

I enjoy getting to know Sid; a very interesting person. I'm very glad to see that she has moved beyond the rules (which are made to be broken) and seen beyond words (which are meant to control). Especially that she had/has the strength (guts) to move/stay out of a relationship that was damaging her and move on to a life that calls to her. All of us are where we need to be at any given time and when the urge to move on comes, it is because we are ready to do just that, even if we don't know what's waiting for us out there.

If studying Zen has done anything for me, it has made me more tolerant of everyone else; allowing me to see that each of us is on our own path and each of us needs different supports and trials at different times and in different ways. It is not for us to judge where a person is but to accept that it is their journey. It only becomes sad when one gets so involved in being `human', they cannot see their way. I know; I've been there.

I don't see either the Zen or Buddhism as a religion, or the worshiping of some mythical creature/person, rather as a way of life--a way to live with the Earth, the Universe and more importantly, with myself.

Thank you for introducing/releasing her.

Sidra Smart is 51 years old and recently divorced from her preacher husband. When her brother dies in a motor vehicle accident, Sid, inherits his investigative firm, The Third Eye, in Orange, Texas. Sidra has no experience as an investigator and initially intends to sell the business but is intrigued by a young woman named Jewell, who claims her father murdered a woman 30 years before. Although Jewell was three when it happened, her memories are so intense, Sid can't help but wonder if they're real. She questions Jewell's sister, Emma, who corroborates much of what Jewell remembers. Emma and Jewell confide in Sid their father's cruelty, and both, along with their mother, are suffering mental and emotional sequelae as a result of his abuse. Sid contacts the sheriff of Orange, Texas with the information Jewell has provided, and shortly thereafter, her life is threatened. This makes Sid more determined than ever to bring justice upon the man who has severely damaged so many lives. But someone is intent on stopping her.

Dance on his Grave is a strong start to the Third Eye series and is sure to develop a large reader base. Sid Smart is a compelling character; a woman who lived a sheltered life until she decided she wanted out of a controlling relationship and is now determined to start her life anew, despite antagonistic actions from members of her husband's parsonage. A female baby-boomer as a private eye is a fresh addition to the mystery genre, even more appealing, one with intelligence and maturity. Sid's Aunt Annie is a likeable, albeit quirky character, and Sid's mentor George Leger lends a colorful Cajun ambience to the story. This well-written mystery falls under the category of page-turner and will keep the reader entertained throughout.

Great job Victor! I had a hard time putting the book down once I started reading it. (I read it twice) you almost felt like you were living it. Victor did a nice job of making you visualize each character. I think Mr. Johnthan Holloway was my favorite. He's every girls hero. His family, his friends, and his community were his life. So much that he was willing to die for them. I can't wait for your 2nd novel hit. good luck Victor.

gwen

Yes, our book club "Mixed Company" discussed every aspect and enjoyed it. We look forward to meeting the Author VERY soon!

In Spite Of spins a tangled web of comedy, chaos, espionage, and intrigue; bascially things that occur in the Black community on a daily basis.

In addition to all the drama that takes place from the neighborhood beautyshop to the corporate boardroom, this novel's true gift to its readers is the passionate "Black on Black" love-thang. I'm sure you'll agree that is the "real deal" personified. The story gives each reader hope and reaffirms that love don't mean a thing, unless you have some for yourself.

The burning question that's sure to come to mind after completing the story of two life-times will be: "Who's going to star in the movie?"

I guess I'll be the dissenting voice here. I could not wait to put this book down. It was just plain bad.

The characters came off as one-dimensional stereotypes with no real depth who could be easily summed up in five words or less. John Holloway was "strong black man", the villain was "evil racist white man", Nation of Islam- "strong black men with suits", John's best friend-"Player" etc... While it's admirable to have a book featuring a "strong black man" to the extent that character is "Mr. Perfect/Dudley Do-right" he's not all that interesting.

Moreover, I lost count of how many times the author used John's thoughts as a vehicle to preach his views of what's wrong with Black America and how it can be fixed. While I understand the desire convey some sense of morality in a character, it just felt a little heavy-handed to have some moral lesson being conveyed to the reader on every other page. I couldn't help but wonder if this book was targeted towards teenagers because of the constant and obvious soap-box preaching going on.

As for the plot, why the author felt the need to make this an action novel I'm not sure. I felt like I was watching bad made for TV movie which from start to finish was obviously going to have a happy ending.

Finally, setting this story in Dallas was interesting, however the details were somewhat superfluous. As a reader I don't need to know every single street name the characters travel on to really "feel" like this story is in Dallas. A little too obvious an attempt to "Dallasize" the story on the author's part in my opinion. One more thing, way too many typos and misspelled words for a real book.

Twice John Holloway Sr., is placed in the wrong place at the wrong time and end up paying dearly for it. It took John Jr., to outwit the deception that was thrown upon him, to settle the score for him and his dad.

I really enjoyed the drama and would really like to see this novel made into a movie.

I loved the adventure parts of this book. Jeanni was sort of like me, in a way. She and I both like horses. I enjoyed how the characters spoke, with an old-fashioned language. It was cool when Lady and Suzy had babies. I chose this book for a school project and really liked it a lot!
From my mom: We ordered this book and communicated with the author directly via email. Ms. Horan was very helpful in getting the book to us as soon as possible so my daughter could have it in time to read it for her historical fiction book report. She can't wait to read the rest of the series!

I loved Book One and am now enjoying Book Two of the Jeannie, Texas Frontier Girl series. Evelyn Horan has a way of making characters come alive and feel as if they are members of your own family. I like the way she weaves Christian values into the story without having it overwhelm the overall theme of Frontier life in the 1880's. Kids of today will enjoy reading about these kids, Jeannie and Helga, of yesteryear - as will we 40-something kids at heart! I look forward to Book Three of the series - due out soon! If you love Janette Oke, you'll love Evelyn Horan too!

"The sun was setting in a burst of deep oranges and reds behind the purple foothills, when Pa pulled their dusty wagon to a stop before the wooden porch steps of the ranch house. Inside, they both knew they would find Ma's comforting arms, some warm food, and plenty of love waiting for them."

Evelyn Horan is a native Texan who has spent many years as a teacher-counselor. Over 200 of her children's articles have appeared in over 80 periodicals and publications.

This is the first book in a four book series set in the Texas frontier. It is a cute innocent tale of friendship and adventure. Through the characters' experiences, Evelyn shows us that life threatening events can make us stronger and that even when life isn't going exactly as we planned, we can still trust God.

Twelve-year-old Jeannie is eager to experience the adventures in West Texas during the 1880s. She loves her horse, Diamond, and together they survive many tests out in the wild. Jeannie is a bit of a tomboy who would rather be out riding horses than doing chores at home. There is an adorable scene where Diamond is a bit naughty:

"Mister, if you ain't the most ungrateful horse!" she shouted angrily, rubbing her sore nose. "I come all the way out here, bring you sugar, feed you , and ...and ..." She ran out of breath. Oh! You just wait. I'll ride you yet!"

She prefers the outdoor life and is an impulsive, lively child. When Diamond is stolen, she is not about to stay home. She helps her father raid the Indian camp to find her horse. Her mother is not impressed and thinks she should try to be a bit more of a lady.

Jeannie's mom is a great cook. I was getting rather hungry reading about the Christmas festivities with pecan pie and blackberry cobbler, not to mention a two layer chocolate cake.

This is not an easy life. The family members have to pick cotton, tend the livestock and do chores in the Texas heat. However, they seem happy. Everyone has a place in their little world and they are appreciated for their contributions.

Jeannie's friend Helga has recently arrived from Germany and when they promise one another to remain best friends, they really mean it.

In this book you will find out:

1 What it feels like to meet a rattlesnake and a mountain lion.
2. How you survive a cyclone.

This is a book for children and adults who enjoy reading about the Texas Frontier and seeing the courageous pioneer spirit in action.

Evelyn makes a note at the start of the book about The Comanche Indians at the time. During the early frontier days, they roamed the grassy plains in Texas. She explains how they were encouraged to steal horses and raid settlers for food and horses. She also talks about how the Indians were given land and how the government now regrets how they treated the Indians during the early years of expansion. At the time of this story, settlers still feared the Comanche tribes and the author explains this fully before the story begins.

There is a West Texas Map from the 1800s and this shows where Jeannie and Helga live. The locations of the Church, school, creek and Trading post are all on the map.

In book 2 Jeannie wants her own horse ranch. She and Helga become teenagers and follow their dreams for a wonderful future. Their lives are filled with puppies and a new colt to train. Helga and Jeannie learn to cook, sew and are on their way to becoming young ladies.

~The Rebecca Review

I am in the third grade in Pennsylvania. I have just read the Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl, Book One. I thought it was a great book. I am going to read Book Two right away. I like the adventures that Jeannie has with her friends. I want to be a writer someday, just like Evelyn Horan.

Love,
Cassidy

Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl - Evelyn Horan

This novel by Evelyn Horan tells the adventures of 12-year old Jeannie Hanson, who lives with her family in the frontiers of West Texas in the 1880's. For fans of the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, JEANNIE, A TEXAS FRONTIER GIRL is a similar type of book written for children, depicting life in the wild untamed land that was Texas, seen through the eyes of a 12 year old girl.

Along with her friends, family, her horse Diamond and her loyal dog Ole Blue, Jeannie has adventures that bring her close to life threatening danger every day. Encounters with American Indians, rattle snakes, and tornadoes are all part of every day life for a child of these times. And Jeannie is a tomboy who would rather be outdoors climbing a haystack than sewing a dress indoors with her mother. The character of Jeannie reminded me somewhat of young Laura Ingalls (based on the television series depiction of the author). She has spirit and a curiosity that puts her in potential danger all the time, but her faith in God and her belief in prayer always saves the day.

JEANNIE, A TEXAS FRONTIER GIRL was a treat to read. I had a few problems with incorrect historical facts (For example: Ms. Horan had the people celebrating "President's Day", but in fact "President's Day" didn't come about till the 20th century) but the story in itself would be fun to read for any child.

This is a wonderful book for advanced poker players. It is well written with many fresh ideas. It is a must read... Visit SuperAggressive.com for more details.

New tactics and many tricks to learn. Read it, it will be helpfull for changing your game style when is needed on late game play on tournaments and of course at final tables!

This book is full of useful information.I really liked it I have been playing poker and games nearly all my life.Lots of good stuff in this book most common things I never really think about while playing and some things that I should be thinking about.Anyway lots of useful information it was a good purchase in my opinion.

Very solid and innovative new age tournament poker strategies presented in this book. Definately a book for advanced players as some of the mathematical situations detailed in the book are beyond the grasp of beginners. The book is very well written.

I was a little skeptical, if not curious as to what would be written in this book and as to how useful the advice would be. I had read Kill Phil and thought that the ideas were very basic and not very applicable to intermediate and advanced players. When I spent my money on Kill Everyone and read I could not stop reading. Why? Because the 2008 Aussie Millions main event was coming up and the book focuses on bubble play, equilibrium strategies and prize pools and equities; concepts which are very important in the major events. All the money in poker is to be made in or around the bubble and when approaching the final table. Kill Everyone is the best for these situations and therefore very much worth the read. Part one of the book shows how to accumulate chips early on and I found a particular example useful for me in the 2008 Aussie Millions Main Event. For No Limit Hold'em Tournaments this book sets the new precedent. Lee's latest book Let's Play Poker is brilliant for sit and go's. Use these books to improve your skills and reach your poker playing potential.