Texas Books

Beware, if you have been suppressing a wanderlust be prepared to take a trip. Your office, school, or home will seem like a cage as you read about Dr. Pianka's adventures in the expansive Australian Outback.

Although the book is very readable, I only gave it four stars because at times there is a break down in continuity and he strings into random thoughts with multiple repeats. Maybe it is due to all that solitude.

I am a college student studying organismic biology. I am taking an ecology class this semester and our text is by Eric Pianka. Herpetology is one of my passions so when I found out Pianka was a "lizard man" I did some research and came upon this book. It turned out to be everything I hoped it would be. The book is written in a manner that engages the reader; you will be held captive as he writes about his childhood experiences and methods of lizarding.

I am so glad that I had bought this book from Half prize book store and had a chance to read. It helped me to understand the diversity of the lizards within and between the continents of northern America, Australia, and Africa. It also helped me to understand a lot about lizard natural history. The author of this book deserves a lot of credit for his hard work and dedicated service in bringing up so much knowlede about the lizards to the mankind.

Eric pianka is one of the finest ecologists in the world. His excitement and passion for these animals is evident throughout the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who i interested in ecology an field biology.

Erik Pianka is one of the worlds finest ecologists. His passion for lizard ecology is infective. By the end of book you will feel like you know and have worked with Pianka. His story shows what field biologists are all about.

An accurate accounting of the modern-day Texas Rangers. A must read for the Texas Ranger enthusiast and those interested in the history of law enforcement in Texas. I loved the section about "Garrison's Rangers". A real good read!! I highly recommend.

Much to the pleasure of Texans and history buffs acclaimed historian Robert Utley returns with his sequel to Lone Star Justice (2002) thus bringing the saga of the Texas Rangers to the present day. Many have been introduced to the Rangers via television with such programs as Walker or Texas Ranger, yet it is left to Utley to deliver the most telling and intriguing story of all.

We read, "One Riot, One Ranger. A single Ranger could quell an incipient riot. Rangers and Texans alike reveled in the image of the stalwart, fearless lawman facing down an angry mob. On occasion it came close enough to happening to provide at least an inspiration for the slogan."

Yes, the Rangers were and are, for many, men of mythic stature. Utley debunks some myths while perpetuating others. History is at its most fascinating as the Rangers enter the twentieth century leaving their beloved horses behind and chasing criminals in motorized vehicles. They're no longer after rustlers but set their sights on modern criminals and the utilization of contemporary methods, such as forensic science.

With Lone Star Lawmen readers view the Mexican Revolution (a dark point in Ranger history) and visit towns made rich and lawless by oil. The dramatic capture of Bonnie and Clyde is retold, as well as the Branch Davidian tragedy near Waco.

Prodigiously researched Lone Star Lawmen is one more valuable addition to Texas history.

- Gail Cooke

Robert Utley shows again why he is the dean of western history with the second part of his masterful account of the Texas Rangers. While this isn't as romantically wild and woolly as the previous volume--it's inevitable, as automobiles replace horses and the solving of cases relies on more technical tools--it's still engaging and colorful. A great historian--and a great storyteller--does a magnificent job once more.

As a proud native Texan I have relished the mythology of the Texas Rangers as much as anyone else. But after a century and three quarters of a steady diet of stories of larger-than-life Rangers who could do no wrong it is past time that we begin to understand these lawmen as the real men they were. Some of what they did was extraordinarily good and some extraordinarily bad. Robert Utley, who has never yet stepped back from pushing fact in the face of popular mythology, has helped us know the genuine background of Texas as few others have done.

Robert M. Utley follows his masterful account of the first century of the Texas Rangers, Lone Star Justice, with another tour de force, bringing the story up to date. Brilliantly written and meticulously documented, as always with this celebrated historian of the West, this book traces the transformation of a frontier peace force at the beginning of the 20th century to today's internationally recognized investigative and law-enforcement force, a small band of efficient professionals whose frontier history will always hang over them. Casting off frontier ways was not always easy, politically or professionally, as Utley clearly explains. He is not afraid to deal with the controversial aspects of his subject's history, in particular repeated charges of racism and high-handed brutality. This is no love poem to this sometimes controversial organization, as Utley takes on the negative as well as the positive, with judiciouos balance. On the whole, his judgment of the Rangers, for all the regrettable elements of their past, is favorable, and he concludes that the organization has not so much overcome its history as learned from it. A welcome corrective to the romanticizing that usually characterizes stories about the Rangers. Recommended to anyone interested in the history of Texas, the West, and law enforcement. Given that issues involving the US border with Mexico are in the forefront lately, this book provides informative background.

A well-written history of the Texas Revolution and the events leading up to it. If you're already well-acquainted with Texas history, there's not much of anything new in this book, but H.W. Brands has an excellent eye for the telling detail and a good ear for the vivid quote that make the material feel fresh and lively.

What I especially liked about Brands' approach in this book is that he steers a commendable middle course between the traditional hagiography of flawlessly brave Texan heroes fighting evil Santa Anna for Liberty and the revisionist school of greedy white male slave-mongering mercenaries stealing poor Mexico's land. He shows both the strengths and warts of admittedly self-interested people on both sides of the fight who generally believed they were doing the right thing.

My main caveat for anyone who's well-read in early Texas history and is considering picking up this book for another perspective on the Texas Revolution would be that it takes 11 chapters and more than 250 pages of reviewing Texas colonial history (with the emphasis on Stephen F. Austin's colony) before the book finally reaches the actual outbreak of fighting. But, for someone who's relatively new to Texas history or could just use some brushing up on the subject, those 11 chapters do provide a surprisingly brisk and eminently readable account of Texas history from the first Spanish explorations up to the revolution.

Outstanding book, written with elegance and vigor. If you know the details already you will not find new revelations here, but Lone Star Nation is so well done that even if you aren't especially interested in Texan history, after a couple of chapters you will be. The audiobook, read by Don Leslie, is highly recommended.

Brands writes the "epic" story of these men who fought for Texas independence. He does not write over your head and does not leave the reader uninformed. He does not hold back details about the "mythical" Texas figures who are "larger than life" in most accounts. It is a simple and effective way to learn about the Texas Revolution.

Brands, without being multicultural for multiculturalism's sake, documents both the Hispanic and the Anglo contribution to Texas' independence. He does so without giving saccharine descriptions of either group's leadership or their ability to always get alone with one another, either before or after 1836.

And, in the years leading up to the Texas Revolution, he doesn't sidestep the slavery question either.

That honest eye is important, because in the last section of the book, he carries the story of Texas forward through 1865.

Brands does a great job of weaving the lives of Austin, Santa Anna and others together in a compelling fashion. His vivid narrative style makes you forget you are reading history, but rather makes you feel you are sitting around a fireplace listening to a master storyteller perform his craft with grace and ease.

This book is classic Dobie in style and is "the" book on Texas Longhorns. Dobie takes us through the history of the breed, through the animal, through the men and women that loved, used and abused them, and through the many tales that surround them, both fiction and fact. The animal stands large in this work, but the flavor of the old days, of the hardships, of the ranch life, of the love for the land of the people who lived and died there is a part of it too. For anyone with an interest in this breed, this book is a must read. For anyone else with a feel for the Southwestern United States, Texas, cowboys, or the land, it's time well spent.

As horses were introduced to America by the Spanish, so too were cattle, and both species became feral, then wild, and learned to survive on their own under extreme conditions in the west. Not infrequently some retained some of their domestication. Texas was the land of their beginning as catalysts to a lifestyle peculiarly western because of how they developed. The Longhorns were tough individuals as well as part of a breed apart, and Dobie was just the sort of person to describe them for what they were, and the men who made it their purpose to use them. Dobie is a story teller of exceptional talent as well as an historian of necessity if his stories are to carry any weight. Each Chapter deals with an aspect of the beast and its habitat from which they were removed to form enormous herds driven north by cowboys over tractless miles to railheads when they arrived or to distant markets before their coming. Cowboys were tough, but also gentle as they crooned softly to the cattle on a stormy night hopefully to prevent "stompedes." Dobies' tales of individual Longhorns illustrates that within the being of some was a spirit that exceeded normal expectation, and contributed to human emotions in spite of themselves. The Longhorns began to fade as bloodlines were mixed to improve the breed, and as railheads came closer to the herds. For "improved" cattle had not the prowess or the ability to survive without the help of man as did the pure Longhorns. They were a breed in transition from one life style to another, but their memory remains because of Dobie and his tales. Fascinating reading.

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT COLLECTION OF STORIES ON THE LONGHORN. IT STARTES WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF CATTLE AND HOW THE LONG HORN CAME TO BE. THERE ARE A FEW TALES OF THE LONG HORNS LONG HORNS,AND AFEW ON WHY IT WAS THE PERFECT ANIMAL FOR TEXAS CATTLEMEN.THE BOOK IS ENDED ON A SAD NOTE THAT TALKS ABOUT THE LAST OF THE WILD LONG HORNS

Frank Dobie, a University of Texas professor, spent years collecting stories of the old southwest. Many are tales that he wrote down of 19th Century life. Several are collected into volumes about important parts of life at the time, including "Longhorns" and "The Mustangs".

They provide great insight into the origin of those animals and their importance to people who lived in those times.

Another excellent Dobie book is "I'll Tell You a Tale," with excerpts from these two books and others. The anthology includes tales of gold, stories of irony, Old West characters, and saddle stories.

J. Frank Dobie spent his life documenting the grassroots history of Texas and this book is probably his finest examples. I've read all of his books and found this one to be the most informative. There's also a wonderful collection of photographs of many of the different variations of horn and hide at the rear of this book. You'll learn how the cattle came north from Mexico in the beginning and how early settlers rooted them out of the thickets of East Texas to start their herds. You'll learn about many of the principal cattlemen of early Texas including their drives north to the Kansas railhead.

If you enjoy Texas history you'll really enjoy this book.

the best book on surgical oncology when you need to refer real fast... best a resident in surgery can have

This handbook is the must have for every surgery resident or even staff member who's not an oncologist, very clear and easy to read....

As others have said in their reviews, the MDA Surg Onc Handbook is well written, easily readable and a great source for studying for the boards or just quick review before a case or clinic. Our Surg Onc department uses this as its preferred text for the residents - even buying several copies so that they and the students could always have one to review while on service.

Treatment plans are cutting edge but available to the community and the presentation of controversies is helpful in understanding the topic.

This book is essential for inservice and general surgery board review

If you are looking for exellent value for money in (surgical) oncology, you have to purchase the MD Anderson Handbook. In a compulsively readable yet comprehensive style the entire field is covered. In contrast to its title, it is not only focussing on how things work in Houston, but altenative state of the art diagnostic and treatment options are discussed. In our surgical clinic, the book has become a standard reference text.

I have always loved this song and was so glad that I bought this release with the book. The song is even better after reading the book.

This is by far the funniest thing I have seen, heard, and read in a long, long time! A must have for anyone with a sense of humor!

I have loved "Merry Christmas From the Family" by Robert Earl Keen since the very first time I ever heard it. I was initially exposed to this song on a cable access TV show, "Viva and Jerry's Country Videos" (which is hilarious in its own right). I hadn't caught the name of the artist, so I called Viva herself and she told me to look up Robert Earl Keen. I did so, bought a couple of albums and generally liked them, but this song (and his video that goes with it) remains my favorite of his works.

This book/CD combination is very nicely produced and is basically a funny color collage telling the story of the song. The CD has my favorite version of the song on it so you can follow along if you want, or more likely just listen and laugh.

I have given several of these as gifts over the last few years and they always get rave reviews. It's kind of sad that there is more than a little truth in the song, but nonetheless it's funny, dryly tongue-in-cheek, and very well done. While this may never overtake "Silent Night" or "O Come All Ye Faithful" in the pantheon of the world's most popular Christmas songs, it has a unique charm that is like nothing else, and I recommend it highly.

If you are a fan of Rober Earl Keen- I mean a fan of all his stuff from the rowdy staples "Road Goes on Forever" and "Copenhagen" to the skillfull subtle songwriting exhibited in No Kinda Dancer, and West Textures.

If this is you, then you will aprreciate this book. In short it is a hysterically illustrated version, verse by verse of his epic Chrismas Song "Merry Christmas From the Family". It is designed by esteemed Nashville graphic designer Buddy Jackson, and it is done with wit and humor in keeping with the songs' lyrics.(...)

Well, Robert Earl Keen himself said this was more of a greeting card than great literature. I think it's a delightful presentation of one of REK's best-loved songs. It's chockful of lyrics, pictures (did you know that Fran and Rita are both women?), recipes (for all those great drinks sung about), lists (10 Things You Can Do with Fake Snow, 10 Things You Won't Find in a Convenience Store), and Texas-style fun. And it includes a CD to boot, so you can listen while you read along. This is a hoot--and at this price, you can buy one for yourself and all your friends. Spread the love from the fam-o-lee!

An American classic by the country's best curator of western folklore.

Dobie tells the story of the impact that the introduction of the horse had on life in the Americas, with an emphasis on the American West. His historical research is good, citing a number of written sources (and even giving new perspective on Fremont or Pike).

But the real color of the book comes from his anecdotes, many of which come from discussions with cowboys and mustangers who lived through the final days of the open range in the American West. Great color, great stories throughout!

Highly entertaining, yet with good research and historical value. Wonderful insight into the character of horses.

I'm not sure why, but this book just completely captured my imagination and ran with it. This is one of m favorite books of all time. What I really love, though, is the copy I read was a musty old tome, probably printed in the 30s or 40s, from my library, that just had the mosr wonderful smell and the comfortable, dusty feel. If at all possible, read a copy like that.

My major was "Spanish North American History," and my wife and I developed a ranch and bred horses for more than ten years. So, this book was down my alley. In fact, it was a book of assigned reading in a course I took. It is primarily about the Spanish BARB that the Spaniards brought to America, and that became the root stock of Mustangs that still run wild in many western states. They have bred into themselves qualities that make them special, especially as cow ponies, and explain why they are sometimes referred to as "rock horses," because they do not need to be shod. Dobie is as much a story teller as he is a historian with a style most becoming. He was born in the 1800s and knew the people and the times of which he speaks. Mexicans were most familiar with Mustangs, but the Plains Indians learned to handle them and became great riders in their own right, as when on the hunt. The Mustang was essential to the time in which they existed, and were the catalyst for the life-style of their day. Wealth was counted in the number of horses a brave had, and horse stealing was the avocation that pitted tribe against tribe at the expense of human life as well as horse flesh, much of which was eaten. Whites ate them, too, usually when either they or their horses played out. Times have changed, but there is another book that as a sequel to this one expresses the way in which it changed. I refer to A BEAUTIFUL, CRUEL COUNTRY, by Eva Antonia Wilber-Cruce who was born about the turn of the 20th century, and raised in Southern Arizona. The rock horses played a significant role in their lives when horses were still essential in such a rough land. I recommend The Musangs be read first, then Eva's book, for those who even yet have a fondness for horses. If I were still raising horses, I would, after reading these books, look seriously for a rock horse I could call my own. I cannot believe how much I learned from reading Dobie's book. Little is left to the imagination.

What would the Old West have been without the Mustang? Frank Dobie regales the reader with tales ranging from the legendary Pacing White Mustang to more obscure but nonetheless fascinating legends such as Blue Streak and Starface, to insight into the mysterious origins of the breed.

I read this book for the first time years ago, and I still can't get enough of it! This book is must-read for any horse lover or Wild West enthusiast!

I was privileged to hear Jesse Sublett speak at ConMisterio in Austin. The way he presented himself and talked about his book intrigued me. A great-grandmother, I've never been particularly fond of rock music, but I bought the book and read it on my airplane ride back to California.

Mr. Sublett pours his heart and soul out in this book. It gave me some insight into the make-up of a musician. The way he writes about his music and how it makes him feel is revealing, especially to someone like me who had no prior knowledge.

However, the meat of the story is how the murder of his girlfriend affects his whole life, and how that devastating event also changes him and eventually even influences his choices during his life-threatening illness.

Once I began reading, I couldn't stop. I highly recommend Never the Same Again.

Marilyn Meredith, the author of Wishing Makes It So and Wingbeat

Aside from his music, Jesse Sublett is known for his pulp detective novels. Here he turns his gaze inward, and exercises his detection skills to unravel his past and come to terms with an event which has troubled his sleeping and waking since its occurence. One of the few memoirs that I have read which treats the author's younger self with neither condesencion nor contempt: it captures his innocence even in "rebellion", and the lovely part is, that although he faced both the brutal murder of a lover and a deadly disease, that innocence has survived and blossomed into a new life.

It's gotta be a wild hopscotch between playing first wave punk in the late 70s and turning into a detective novelist for the next two decades. Yet, like his idol James Ellroy, Jesse Sublett's own life was imprinted with death. Sublett's talent lies not just in the vivid depiction of a nascent music scene in Austin, Texas but his deft juxtaposition of it as a man living with a dark memory and what might have been a bleak future. With wry humor and insight, Never The Same Again is in a category of its own in the rock book pantheon, an autiography turned up to 11.

Although marketed as "A Rock 'N' Roll Gothic," this remarkable book deserves a much wider readership. Jesse Sublett's very literate story should be required reading for everyone over the age of sixteen.

His autobiographical story is a cautionary tale in which he visits the darker sides of his life head-on with incredible courage--traveling back to the one tragic event that was to shape his entire life. How he deals (and doesn't deal) with this tragedy is what makes this book a compelling read. It is a survivor's story written in an honest and candid style.

This is not an easy book! Reader's may be confronted with their own demons along the way but Jesse's ultimately hopeful and positive message shines through--leading the way!

Family, friends, music, creativity, tears, laughter, and ultimately understanding meld together to form a powerful mix in this very human story of one man's journey.


Note:
I was first introduced to Jesse at an evening signing event in our bookshop in Glendale, CA. Both my wife and I were impressed with this tall thin man from Texas with such an easy manner. I might not have investigated this book had it not been for Jesse's reading that evening. Thank you, Jesse! Keep writing!

The best compliment I can give Mr. Sublett is that after the first third of the book, I had to put the book down, go smoke a cigarette and then didnt pick the book back up for about 3 weeks. The events of his life are gripping, entertaining, funny and sad. Jesse defianlty has a story to tell, but in the same way, his writing reminds us that we ALL have a story to tell. That good and bad things happen to everyone. I really liked his writing style. Certain phrases and ideas really stuck in my head - lines like "her eye's didnt see me" and the tape loop running over and over. These are both events that I could identitfy with in my own life. I too was involved in a murder trial in which I was there with body before the police came. I really dont talk much about it because I feel like no one I know has been in that position and Jesse's words summed it all up. It made me revisit my past.
Overall, I highly recommend this book - especially to those who actually live in Austin. Reading about all the clubs that are now long gone and reading the back stories on people who play everyweekend here in Austin was great. The idea of John Dee Graham at 17 is a trip. Also I think struggling austin musicains will also find this book to be inspiring and an eye opener to how success in the music biz goes; the reality of it.
I loved how this book ended but what I think would be even cooler is when Dashille is older, that he writes a book from his prospective starting off where this book ends. Now that would be cool. Congrats Mr. Sublett on a great book. Much love to Lois and the most handsome man. I now will pass it on...

North Of Texas is a novel of historical fiction inspired by real-life hero Ed North, a San Antonio deputy constable whose family lineage reflected the passion and the daring to do great deeds. North of Texas traces the saga of a brave family through ten generations, from a pioneer who immigrated to the New World in 1630 to a veteran of the American Revolution, a Civil War soldier who moved his family to Texas, to an oil-funded millionaire who suddenly lost it all. A rich and exciting saga of courage, compassion, and the drive to realize one's dream.

North of Texas follows ten generations of the North family and chronicles the lives of five of these spirited men in particular: John, Abijah, Tom, Harvey, and Ed. Tom Elkins' journalistic background is evident in his attention to facts, but he utilizes his talent for story-weaving to provide fictional details that make for a tale that's as entertaining as it is informative and historically accurate. Readers fight alongside North men in the Revolutionary, Civil, and Vietnam wars. Their adventures are engrossing and make you feel as if you're watching the events play out before your eyes. Even for a history non-enthusiast like me, this gripping book was hard to put down.

The author also reveals his journalistic roots by his refusal to slant his portrayal of any of the characters. He reports their flaws and mistakes right along with their accolades, leaving his readers well-equipped to form their own opinions about these sometimes too-human men, and his honesty lends credibility and pays tribute to the North family's many honors.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written docudrama and eagerly look forward to reading more by Tom Elkins.

Once you start reading this book it is difficult to put down. Chapter by chapter this historical novel captures the spirit of a truly American family, the kind of family that forms the backbone of our great country. There is a real Ed North, and if you ever have the opportunity to meet him you will understand the qualities of which Tom Elkins so eloquently writes. Ed North has the compassion of a father and the fearless courage which we expect in our lawmen. Start reading this book and you will enjoy Americana without ever having a dull moment.

NORTH OF TEXAS is a five-star winner! A total delight to read, Tom Elkins, a master story teller, takes the reader through the life and times of the North family beginning with John North, who came to this country in 1630, to Ed North, who became a Texas legend in law enforcement in the 1990s.

This is a tale of an extraordinary all-American family and of this country's turbulent history. The story of this country and this family are tightly woven together in this saga which stretches over several centuries making this tale both entertaining and educational.

Folks in Texas are known to be colorful characters and the North family is certainly not an exception to this stereotype. There are many extraordinary situations and more than a few belly laughs along the way.

Don't miss this one! This story does not disappoint.

This book was advertised as "exciting historical fiction," and the author has an interesting way of interjecting his real-life characters into actual historical events ala James Michener. But unlike a Michener novel, these stories left me wanting more. I don't need to know how the Texas hills were created by volcanic upheaval, or how the dinosaurs turned into oil deposits, to enjoy a story about Texas oilmen.
I did find myself wishing a few of the events, such as the double murder that goes along with the oilmens' story, had gotten a little more play. But all in all, this book was very much like reading the abridged version of a Michener novel, which was very appealing for me. BUY THIS BOOK!

I keep buying and giving copies of The ONLY Texas Cookbook...starting with my daughters-in-law who want some of my favorite recipes. But you don't have to be a cook to hunker down with this powerful book of classic Texas tales you'll never forget because Linda's voice rings so true. It is an oldie but goodie! ~ Shirley (Shirleybarr PR, Houston)

I picked up this book a few years ago while visiting a friend in Houston. There are so many good recipes in here, I don't even know where to begin! Lots of basic, easy to make Texas-style and Tex-mex recipes, plus a smattering of exotic wild game dishes. But it's not just the recipes that make this book -- the author, Linda West Eckhardt -- has filled the pages with humorous stories and factoids about the Texas lifestyle.

This is not only a cookbook but a collection of excellent short stories by Linda that give you an insight into Texas culture as well as cusine (recipes are good too).

I read cookbooks for more than recipes. This book has it all. Curl up on a cool evening, or a torrid afternoon, to learn abut Texas and the great humor of Linda West. She talks about her family and friends in a way that makes you want to meet them and sit down and enjoy a hearty meal with them all. The recipes are easy to follow, and true to her description. Thoroughly enjoyable!

I had borrowed the book from my sister and found it to be just wonderful!! Being a Native Texan, I am always on the look-out for recipes that are "Texas". The recipes for Duck Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee andFuzzy's Fantastic South Texas Road Meat Chili are among my favorite from the book. My sister is demanding her copy back, so, I am ordering my own!!