Texas Books

A good book for folks wanting to learn about our night-time visitors. Well worth buying.

I bought this book just because I was curious about bats. I had always thought they were "bad", until I visited a conservatory in Wyoming that had a bat house and explained how important they are. That was a surprise to me.
This book opened my eyes to how beneficial bats really are. It talks about the facts, myths and misconceptions about bats... what's true, what's not. It tells what to do if a bat comes into your house, and how to evict them if they have taken up residence in your attic or somewhere else you don't want them to be.
The book is well-written and an "easy" read. It has lots of good photos, and tells about some of the different species of bats and where they live. I recommend it for older children (maybe 10 and up) and adults. Well worth the money.

Dr. Tuttle has set out to redeem the reputation of the bat clan and if people would just read this book I believe he would succeed. This book is packed with information that will help dispel the fear and misunderstanding with which people view bats, but at the same time it is by no means too technical to be readily understood (I first read it when I was about fourteen iirc and enjoyed it as much then as I do now.) I would recommend this book to anyone anywhere who is the least bit interested in nature and also to anyone who is fearful or concerned about bats in their nieghborhood.

This is a very informative, well wriiten and beautifully photographed book on bats. The book includes beautiful color photographs of the most commonly seen bats in America. One of the most appreciated sections is the "Beginners' Key To American Bats", a well written, easy to comprehend section on identifying common bats of the region and placing them in their proper groups. Very important if you intend to build bat houses and hope to attract occupants and just general knowledge.
The book includes several other interesting chapters besides identification. It shows how bats navigate with radar. It addresses the many negative myths of bats, it explains how beneficial bats are in nature. If you want or need to know anything at all about these interesting creatures, THIS is the book and Merlin Tuttle is the expert to seek out. And even if you only need to know enough about bats to humanely evict them from your belfry, this book comes with even that information!
The author has dedicated his life to these interesting mammals. Even without knowing that fact, you can see from the entertaining way Mr Tuttle writes, how much he cares. All of his books are excellent. Check them all out!

I thought that this book was very informative and easy to read. I research on corvid communication and even found the book to have VERY important information. Anyone interested in birds in general should read this book!

With a keen observer's eye and a flair for marvelous prose, Kilham has written a book that is not only an important resource for researchers in behavioral biology, but also a delightful read for any nature lover.

This book illustrates great behavioral and environmental aspects of crow life within social groups. It was nice for me to read this book to familiarize myself more with Crows with my research. As a corvid researcher myself I found the book very interesting, educational, and informative. I suggest anyone interested in birds or corvids (crows, jays, ravens, magpies, etc.) especially should read this book. The author writes with passion about his research and he explains it in a VERY simple way, understanding is easy. All in all this book was AWSOME!

There are more than enough reasons to pick up this book if you have any interest in crows or birds in general or even seeing a good example of descriptive biological studies, however one point missed by others are the beautiful illustrations in this volume that are well above average for a science book.

There are very few books about Corvids, and even fewer based on North American research, but this wonderful volume is a solid step in the right direction that is both well informed while also personable, leaving one to hope that future volumes or at least more research on these birds will result.

Any Corvid enthusiasts should purchase this book without hesitation as it is a relatively inexpensive and irreplacible contribution to the literature.

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.