Texas Books

This book has made Mrs.Wagner one of my single most favorite poets. It shows us that there does not have to be a technique or background in poetry to give the world something with as much dept as "The Andrew Poems". I live with my grandmother and when my father passed I have always wonder how it affected her, these pieces have shown me what has gone through her mind and that is something I am very greatful for. If your looking for some dribble light hearted poetry, than this is not for you, but if you want "Poetry" than don't pass this one by.
Richard, TX, 17

I've seen Shelly in person and have felt her pain. Her poem "The Boxes" is one of the most amazing poems I've ever read. She knows how to put the pain into words.

I have lost two children in the past 6 years, and Shelly writes what I feel. "Get out of the box....Ben and Matthew."

Although I did not fall directly in the target audience ( if there can be such a thing) for this book, having never lost a child, I was greatly moved by reading it.

I had purchased a copy, and read it in one sitting ( highly recommended) on a trans-continental airline flight. My seat mate kept stealing glances over my shoulder, to find out what I was reading that kept me reaching for my handkerchief, and weeping profusely at times.

Subsequently, I have encountered numerous parents who have lost their children in some accident or tragedy, and I never hesitate to recommend this book to them. Shelly Wagner has given us a phenomenal tool for grief counseling. Read it, and see if there is not someone for whom it is appropriate. This volume belongs in the library of every compassionate human being on the planet.

Capt. Chris Siegel Beaufort, NC seagull@myexcel.com

The Andrew Poems by Shelly Wagner take us back to 1984, the drowning of Andrew. Having never written Poetry before, Shelly Wagner grasps us from page one, and doesn't let us go.

Lieutenant Jamie Slater and Jon Red Feather are alerted to the smoke.
A small burned out wagon train. Dead cattle, dead bodies - looks like no survivors. Another Indian attack.

No survivors that is until he meets up with a hell-cat. Tess Stuart thinks he is one of the attackers. She sure means to defend herself.

After he subdues her, he finds out that she claims that the attackers were Von Heusen's men. Jon Red Feather informs Jamie the she is talking about Richard von Heusen, who calles himself a rancher. Von Heusen also wants the Stuart ranch.

They take her to the fort where she meets up with Dolly Simmons who is determined to accompany Tess to Wiltshire. Tess also meets Eliza Worthingham, Jamie's former lover, who is determined to have him, permanently.

Things heat up - when they get to the ranch in Wiltshire, von Heusen shows up and is backed down by Jamie and Jon. Well the hormones play a big factor in glueing the plot together which leads to some arguements [as usuall]. But she does sign over half of the ranch to Jamie, tieing up all her inheritance to prevent von Heusen from acquiring any of her property.

Yup! von Heusen's men are at it again as they abduct Tess and take her to the Comancheros who will in turn sell her to the Apache, Nalte. Nalte wants a blond, white woman for his bride.

It is a tale to be unfolded - but Jamie rescues Tess and makes friends with the Apache, Nalte and boy, what a show down when his brothers, Cole and Malachi show up with their wives and children to face down von Heusen and his gunslingers.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED --M -- a great trilogy if you can get through all the emotionally mixed-up hormones and the aftermath.

This book and the two sequels that follow it are typical Heather Graham, which is good news to those of us who enjoy her writing.
In addition to the personal stories in each book, the American history in which the characters are involved is handled very well. Graham can see the several sides of the history at the time her characters live - during and after the Civil War.
She is one of the better historical romance writers.

This is the last book in the trilogy of the Slater brothers and I have to admit it that it's one of my favorites of Heather Graham's. Tess Stuart is beautiful, strong-willed and knows what she wants and it's Jamie Slater. Jamie Slater is really a great hero, he's sexy, a litte bit arrogant but tender at the same time. Dark Stranger (the first in the trilogy)with Cole and Kristin is another favorite of mine, so i recommend that one too.

The sequel to Rides A Hero - the story continues. Though the Civil War is over Jamie has continued a lieutenant on the frontier of Texas protecting settlers during Indian raids. His 2 older brothers settled down but Jamie never found the one he couldn't live without so he's still single. While traveling with her rich uncle Tess Stuart's wagon train is raided and her uncle is murdered. It is left to look like an indian massacre but Tess knows better. The man who owns the town has been harrassing the Stuarts for a while now to sell out their ranch to him but they have refused. Now Tess is left to advenge her homeland herself. But she can't do it by herself. What better person to help her than one of the Slater Brothers who are know to be able to handle a gun. Tess's spirited personality captures Jamie's heart and the battle is on. The reader even "sees" Cole and Malachi show up with their families to help Jamie out. So it's good seeing the family come together once more. Kristin and Shannon still prove to be spirited themselves. It's a lot of fun reading-one I think you will enjoy.

Henry Chappell has hunted and fished all over Texas and the American southwest. An accomplished sports writer, his articles, essays and short stories have appeared in a wealth of hunting, fishing, wildlife, and sports magazines. In At Home On The Range With A Texas Hunter, Chappell offers a series of engaging, highly recommended essays on the bonds that exist between hunter, hunting dog, land, and prey. From hunting Bobwhites in the Texas Panhandle, to prairie grouse in the Flint Hills of Kansas, Gambel's quail in New Mexico arroyos, blue quail on the staked plains, or doves and Mearns' quail in Arizona, Chappell evokes a true sense of hunting, complete with its responsibilities and ethics.

I am a native Texan and an avid hunter of over 25 years. I think Henry Chappells book is sublime and I enjoyed the realism and detail associated with it. It is nice to read a hunting book that I can relate to in not only hunting, but in a common love of the great state of Texas and all of it's beauty.

I got this book and expected to see the typical hunting stories and that would be O.K. because I have been an avid hunter/outdoorsman for over 30 years and enjoy anything related to hunting, camping, etc. This book was a surprise! It does contain some hunting stories, and some experiences encountered while camping, but more insightfully, one can share the thoughts and observations of a person very skilled not only in hunting but in observing nature. While it is difficult to accurately describe this book, I would say it is about hunting from the perspective of a conservationist as opposed to a person who is only out to shoot. Additionally, the author's thoughtful insights into hunting ethics are sure to raise some hackles, especially in Texas, and will hopefully provoke some self examination by anyone who hunts. As an aside, the section on Country is worth the price of the book, by itself. This book accomplishes something that is difficult-it stimulates thought.

I'm a novice hunter, have lived in Texas for 16 years, and was happy to have been tipped to read Henry Chappell's first book. I've read him in Texas Parks and Wildlife, and other magazines. The love he has and shows his dogs is evident, along with the intriguing insights into his background. It is evident he is an ardent environmentalist, but also a pragmatic capitalist. Great read !

Like the last reviewer, I too was considering a work-related move to Austin. I wanted a guide book that could give me a quick and easy entry into what Austin had to offer a tourist and potential resident. This guide book gave me a good overview of Austin while I was there -- it wasn't just an index or list of area attractions and businesses: It contained a lot of useful 'tips' interspersed through out the book and the maps were clear and well integrated with the text.

I had some reservations before I bought this because the maps were not in color. However, the maps were clear and concise. Rather than clutter up 1 map with icons for restaurants, attractions, etc., the maps were repeated in each section of the guide, and contained only the relevant data for that section; this made using them very easy. I'd also say that the authors of the book were very generous with the number and variety of maps.

Overall, the design of the book made reading and finding information easy. Good use of bold type made flipping through and finding stuff easy too.

In the end, I got the Austin job and will be moving there soon. As a future Austin resident, I think this will still be the only guide I need.

"City Smart Austin" is an indispensable guide to aculturally-rich and multifaceted city.

Austin natives EleanorS. Morris, Paris Permenter, and John Bigley wisely present the city in six geographic zones. And they cover everything from Austin basics (weather, homes, people, etc) and day trips to recreation areas and where to shop/eat/stay.

Whether they are writing about "BookPeople" (one of the largest bookstores in the U.S.) or the 'Dillo Express (one of the city's laudable forms of public transportation), the authors speak with warmth and home-town credibility.

I was especially pleased with their accessment of Austin's accommodations. Yes, they duly point out the grandeur of the historic Driskill Hotel. But they also note the convenience and affortability of the La Quinta at the Capitol, which not only has a gracious new manager, but renovated "Gold Metal Rooms," which have new decor, 25-inch TVs, and speaker phones!

The book's maps are clear and helpful, with inset-captions for easy referral; and the b&w photos--while a tad too small--are often bright and sharp.

An added treat of "City Smart Austin" are the valuable coupons in the back of the book. Don't miss them!

I am a longtime Austin resident and discovered some hidden treasures about my city in this useful guide! I will be referring to this book often when I have company in from out of town or when I'm looking to enjoy a little one day vacation without leaving Austin's borders!

I am considering a move to Austin and found a lot of useful information in this guidebook. I used it to plan my freetime following a job interview in the city and found it right on target regarding the restaurant reviews. Good buy!

This is one of the best books ever written on a lifestyle all Americans would be better off living today. There is a peace, contentment, and satisfaction exuded by the people and stories in this book that should be the envy of all who struggle with the problems of modern society. As a child I heard my grandparents talk of the things covered in this book. I realise they were the lucky ones to have lived in such simple times. Men and woman were truely free and a man's word was his bond. Neighbor helping neighbor and, though times were hard, there was a satisfaction in making ones way in the world without expecting government or society to come to your rescue. Recommended for anyone who feels like they were born in the wrong historical time.

This book is the best book I`ve ever read about the area known as "The Big Thicket" in Southeast Texas!

My family was among the first settlers in the Thicket and I feel proud that someone took the time to really understand the culture of the people that live there. They are very old fashioned and plain folks, and they still cling to the "Old Ways"... Their "Indian Ways", as the author often reminds us.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would be interested in knowing the truth about these people who are always dismissed as ignorant and lazy. That is not true, no not by a long shot, as the author gives you insight into their daily lives, in their own words!

This book lets you in on their secret. The secret that `True Freedom` still exists in at least this one part of America. And that nothing or no one can really change them. The author shows you how self reliant they truely are, and you get the sense that they will stay that way, as much as the law allows. (and they do push the limits of SOME laws, for sure!) But no matter what changes happen around them, they will stay the way they are... A humurous, independent and determined people who instinctually know how to live off the land.

This book made me feel very nostalgic and on the last page, when the old men are recalling the "Hunt" it just brought tears to my eyes and I`m not even a hunter. I Love this book! I`m gonna read it again and again, and I highly recommend it.

The book has mentioned my own family in this book. I am very interested in this book because it speaks of my grandfather and some of my other relatives. It also speaks of my grandmother and her family. I was told about the book by my father and he went out and bought the book. I have been trying to get a copy of it but I have been unsuccessful. I hope some day to own it myself. I do appreciate the mention of my family by the author of the book. My family that I speak of is Brooks Williams and Fannie Jane Martin Williams. They were good people to get to know by anyone that ever met them. Anyone who ever met them would agree with me that they were the friendliest people they ever met. I know this is not the kind of review you were looking for but I was thrilled to have my family in a book on history of the past in Texas. They deserve to be remembered as part of the history of East Texas.

Fascinating and accurate insight to the culture, geography and ways of life in Eastern Texas. Describes the hunting, fishing and stock raising methods practiced by settlers in the forests of East Texas and how they have evolved into the 20th century. Includes stories of local lore and first hand accounts from those involved. Very interesting reading for anyone who grew up in the South, particularly in the Neches and Trinity river basins. Gives insight and perspective on attitudes and values of a slowly disappearing population of stockmen and outdoorsmen.

This book is full of funny short anecdotes with lessons to be learned. It is highly recommended for the person on the go. And who's not? The stories are light and breezy, only 2 to 3 pages in length, so if need be, one can put the book down but it won't be by choice.

Mr. Sumerlin's common sense approach to life's problems is a breath of fresh air. One would think that the neighborly, value driven "Barber-osophies" defined by Mr. Summerlin would be a naturally occurring thing, but everyday interaction with people and buisnesses show that they are not. Mr. Summerlin shows show practicing such credos can lead to a happy and productive life.

The philosophy behind Barberosophy is that, with keen observation, extraordinary life lessons can be learned from everyday settings and ordinary people. The author takes an opportunity to draw principles of human relations, happiness, and success from daily encounters in his barbershop. Because this book is formatted into short vignettes, I found the stories and lessons to be accessible, and the book hard to put down! The author writes with an easy, down-to-earth style and a wit as intellegent as it is funny. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's become bored with the standard self-improvement niche books- but would appreciate a perceptive insight on human nature.

The philosophy behind Barberosophy is that, with keen observation, extraordinary life lessons can be learned from everyday settings and ordinary people. The author takes an opportunity to draw principles of human relations, happiness, and success from daily encounters in his barbershop. Because this book is formatted into short vignettes, I found the stories and lessons to be accessible, and the book hard to put down! The author writes with an easy, down-to-earth style and a wit as intellegent as it is funny. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's become bored with the standard self-improvement niche books- but would appreciate a perceptive insight on human nature.

If you are serious about becoming a great teacher, then you should read this book. It is not just a study prep but a great book on pedagogy, laws related to teaching, testing theories, development theories, discipline techniques....and so much more.

I just finished a Master's degree in Education and I'm still learning so much from this book. It has complete and in-depth chapters on each of the 13 competencies and also a final chapter on test taking skills for the 4-8, 8-12 PPR test.

This is the kind of reference you can use even after you pass the test!

If you are in an alternative certification program, this is a MUST have to start your career as a teacher. Wong's book is a must-have, as is this one. My first year of teaching, I used this book so frequently, it's become a bible to me.

This book is one of a very few that gives valuable information about the PPR TExES test for middle and high school teachers. It specifically deals with each of the 13 competencies and provides lots of samples and review questions. It's definitely worth the investment, something I can't say about most test-prep books. This one actually has information about good teaching, not just test info.

This book gives the most comprehensive preparatory review that I have seen. I am getting ready for TEXES, and I bought just about everything Amazon has on the subject. Most of the books provide a very brief summary of the competencies and go straight to the practice exams. Not this one! In fact, there is no practice exam anywhere in the book, but each chapter (organized based on competencies) has review questions at the end. Each competency is explained with application to middle and high school students. The book has definitions, examples, extensive bibliography at the end of each chapter and suggested activities that you can do in order to master the concepts. I can't say enough good things about this book. I have been out of school for years, and I was looking to something that would give me a nice refresher course in Pedagogy. But I also wanted to have more in-depth, detailed explanation of terms and concepts, and I got it here.

Start with this book if you are getting ready for your TEXES, and then move on to the other study guides. This is your textbook!

I strongly recommend and encourage anyone taking the TeXes teaching certification exam to purchase this book!~

The book is well organized with each chapter representing a specific compentency. Tons of information!! Excellent review of information needed. Easy to read!

This book is extremely well put together. I credit this book for the successful passing of the TEXES. I read this book from cover to cover, it not only gave me pertinent information for passing the TEXES but it was an excellent read as well.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling to pass any of the TEXES PPR examinations. This guide is essential for anyone who is serious about becoming a teacher in the state of Texas not only will you feel confident in passing your examination, but you will have gained the necessary knowledge as to how to shine as a teacher as well!

Wonderful book -- need I say more . . .

If you want to pass the PPR for the state of Texas, this is the book for you! The book is extremely easy to read.

Beneath the Texas Moon by Elle James
Harlequin Intrigue # 906 - March 2006

Eve moves to Spirit Canyon with her son, Joey, looking for a fresh start and a quiet town to heal in. Eve's hoping to escape from her nightmares and she's praying that Joey will heal from the trauma of watching his father being viciously mauled to death by his own dog. Mac recently returned from Iraq and also recently resigned from the Special Forces. The scars of his last mission run deep not only on his body but in his spirit as well. Spirit Canyon isn't as peaceful as Eve was expecting. There's an animal attacking livestock, it even got one of Mac's breeding goats. And someone wants to scare Eve by leaving her threatening messages. Though trying to fight her attraction to Mac, Eve finds herself accepting his protection and admires the bond he's forming with Joey.

This is definitely a paranormal. I liked the characters that Ms. James has created and I hope that there will be more to come about Spirit Canyon. The climax was most unexpected. A very memorable debut for Ms. James!

This one came in my Intrigue subscription. I've been trying to clean up a lot of my older books in the TBR pile, so this one has been waiting. But reading the back blurb brought it closer to top of the pile; I just had to read it now. I'm glad I did. Excellent debut and I look forward to Ms. James' next release.

Reminded me of the "skin-walker" in the movie, Shadowhunter with Scott Glenn.

Eve Baxter moved to tiny Spirit Canyon, Texas to escape her nightmares and to raise her son in a safe place.
Her ex-husband was more interested in his dogs than his son, Joey. Thereby making his son a witness to his mauling and death by a dog.

She had been in contact with Miss Addie, who is a bit of a matchmaker, and suggests that Eve use the help of Daniel Goodman and Mac McGuire to help turn her house into a Bed and Breakfast. [never did learn if it ever was finished]

Mac had retuned from Iraq just six months ago and still was living with his guilt at having survived his troup and healing from his wounds.
He and Joey had identical wounds across the forehead which intrigued the boy. Until he met Molly, Mac's forty pound Aussie.

Daniel Goodman was his friend and foreman who kept his ranch running while Mac was away. He and Daniel were trying to find a lost goat and lamb. Strange losses of animals was occuring around the ranches.

It seems that the drought-ridden town has it's share of secrets and skeletons.
Eve also meets the Mayor, Clint Logan who had showed up about 5 years ago and he tried to put the move on her. She gently tried to discourage him.

Because of her hang-ups about her unloving step-father she was determined not to subject her son to the same problems. The only thing that I disagreed about was that she tended to get a bit hysterical and you can't do that when raising a child.

Joey seemed to develope a rapport with Mac which made Eve very uneasy. Yet she felt drawn to the brooding rancher. Eve's dreams tended to be a bit spooky without being explained why she had them. Did she tend to be a bit psychic?
Well she sure did come across in the end.

A great mystery with great characters and not sluggish.
Definitely Recommended -m

This story grabbed my attention from the opening pages and held it throughout. The suspense kept me concerned for the character who seemed like people I might meet in my everyday life. I love a tough-on-the-outside hero who has a soft spot for kids.

From the first poage of this book Elle James grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. You'll fall in love with her hero, be fascintaed by the mystery, and find yourself absorbed in a w=mystical world that captures your attention. If you want a book to reread again and again, this is one to buy.

Sitton and Hunt recap the Great American Story, told many times in many places in this great nation. Blending a worthy narrative with an amazing array of photographs from Larry Jene Fisher, the authors remind us why and how America became so great and why East Texas is such a magnificent story of its own. Read this book if you want to understand what made America and Texas rich and dynamic. Study this book if you want to recall what we must build on to keep our nation great. There's a reason we are who we are and Big Thicket People captures that story superbly.

This book does a magnificent job of capturing a poorly documented chapter
in our nation's history. Sitton and Hunt's text combined with Fisher's
amazing photography magically transports you to the East Texas of the 1930s and 1940s. In reality, the book transports you to the Old South for these "lost" lifeways were common throughout the South before WWII. If you'd like to know more about the Old South, whether it be fox hunting, tie hacking, turpentining or just the old free range livestock culture, this book is a must.

Again, Sitton and Hunt do a great job of telling/showing the history of the rural South which has not been heavily documented. I highly recommend this book, it is a MUST have.

This book offers wonderful photography of an almost lost era in American history. The history of the rural South has not been heavily documented. Sitton and Hunt combine the outstanding photography of Larry Fisher with their wonderful text to make this era come alive. Many of these photographs provide extremely rare documentation of old Southern lifeways, such as turpentining, marking ears of free-range hogs, stave making, etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the South or East Texas. It is a fabulous resource.

Big Thicket People by Thad Sitton and Charles Hunt provides an invaluable pictorial record of a back woods culture that has faded from the scene.
Larry Jean Fisher moved to Saratoga, Texas and the area called the Big Thicket in the mid 1930s when his first career as a silent movie pianist was ended by the "talkies". We are extremely fortunate that he chose to apply his artistic talents to photography for his pictures provide authentic images of a lost culture.
The Big Thicket is a unique ecological area whose major feature is quite well described by its name. For some the "Thicket" provided a hiding place and for others it meant a meager livelihood, but its harsh and also bountiful environs shaped the lives of those who established homes there. Fisher took pictures of the rustic culture that he found in and around Saratoga. The negatives of his pictures were fortunately passed to the custody of the Lamar University Library where they were finally published by Sitton and Hunt.
The natural history of the Big Thicket was significantly altered by timber-cutting and oil exploration, but it is now slowly reverting to its original state under the protection of the National Park Service's 100,000 acre Big Thicket National Preserve. The Preserve, however, can not bring back the way of life so we are left with the Fisher pictures and the descriptions by Sitton and Hunt.
This short volume provides an excellent review of life in the Big Thicket, but it leaves one wanting more than just this taste of what once was.