Texas Books

Midori Snyder's range as a story teller continues to astound me. In this story, mythological elements from Irish, Native American, and Old West sources are woven together into a unique tale of a man on the run. Whether he's running from something or to something is a question both the main character and you keep asking, not to mention wondering what in the world is going to happen next. Another excellent read from an author who simply doesn't publish books fast enough as far as I'm concerned. But given the choice, I'll take quality over quantity any day!

Midori Snyder, who has done wonders with her traditional fantasies, has decided to blend two rather contrary styles. She takes the traditional, down-to-earth stylings of a western novel, and throws in some sensual, and occasionally bizarre, touches of magical realism. Along the way we also get a healthy dose of urban fantasy, as Snyder tells the tale of a young man growing up in 19th century New York who discovers that he has a much richer and more magical heritage than he had assumed. Snyder takes a classic plot -- a mortal sired by faeries -- and makes it shine

I was in the CBI for over 2 years and this is the most accrate account of any books I have read on the subject. If they had 6 stars I would vote for that.

This book gets a 10 for two reasons: the author scoured hundreds of books and articles and created a perfectly sized introduction to the Hump CBI history that should whet appetites of all military aviation buffs. Second, and most important, this is the ONLY WWII book I've seen that was honest about the women in these mens' lives. No beating around the bush in this book, although there was plenty of that in the CBI! An excellent book that touches on all the challenges of flying the highest mountains on the planet.

This was a powerful and sad story about a young boy growing up in Syria, and about the hardships in a person's life due to culture and geography. Most people don't know much about Syria, let alone the Middle East. The story does a superb job of revealing the agony of hunger, sickness, poverty, the marginalization of women and the poor, and it brings up the excesses of our own American society. It becomes obvious that Syria lacks the infrastructure to realistically support its people. Thus, they are forced to live day by day, barely avoiding injustice and death. It's a miracle that the author survives to tell his story. Sickness and poverty take on a new meaning in this book, showing how death can be much more humane than life itself, and how God can be ruthless, how begging can be dehumanizing. There are just so many elements of the human experience compacted into this story. If anything, after reading this book, I gained an appreciation for the relative comfort and security of my life. Lastly, I think this book shows how work and the ability to work give value to a person's life. A truly worthwhile read.

Fragments of Memory is a socio-historical novel that illustrates the characteristics of rural life in Syria at the time of the French Mandate. This biographical novel is particularly effective in illustrating issues related to the exercise of power and the role of the state. There will also be an analysis of the expectations of family life and the respective roles of men, women and children and the role of religion in daily life. The Novel offers considerable insight into relations of power and the role of the state in rural society. The vicissitudes of the author's family in al-Suwaydiya and the village of al-Akbar clearly show that the landowner and the village headman - mukhtar - held all the power, especially when the landowner was also the mukhtar as was the case in al-Suwaydiya. The first chapters of the novel describe the family's move from the administrative capital Latakiya to the coastal village of al-Suwaydiya. There the family virtually submits to a sharecropping arrangement with the mukhtar, Mr. Elias, who owns the land, which entitled it to earn a quarter of the income accruing from the cultivation of mulberry trees while the rest went to the mukhtar (p.19). The paramount characteristic of this arrangement, however, is the relationship of dependency that the family develops upon the assistance of the mukhtar that borders on slavery.

A book that is about making a family out of friends, living life to the fullest with a HUGE dose of Texas common sense. As a native born Texan, I recognize this woman who seems so much like my grandmother, strong as steel covered with silk, practical but teaches that to dream is a large part of life and death is not to be feared but not to be welcomed either! So much history in our own back yard.

I was visiting Galveston when I purchased this book. I loved the book & it was even mor interesting as I had been to many of the places she refers to in this book. It is a book I coul dnot put down & in fact finished in 2 days. I recommed this book, as a great summer read/

William W. Dunmire's book just published in October of 2004, Gardens of New Spain: How Mediterranean Plants and Foods Changed America, was much anticipated in the field of public history. Dunmire worked in the field of interpretation (writing and exhibiting scholarly data in an entertaining and educational format for the public) in various park sites and administrative positions for the National Park Service for over thirty years. He now teaches at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. This stimulating work was supported and promoted by such noted historians in the specialty area of New Spain as Dr. Felix Almaraz, Dr. Rosalind Rock, and Dr. James Ivy. UTSA historian and Associate Professor, Dr. Kolleen M. Guy, used this work "hot off the press" for her fall 04 graduate seminar in Food and Drink and reported that,

"This book is generally being well received by scholars of Latin American history and borderlands studies. The book definitely opens up new areas of research. I think that we should take public historians and the work that they do quite seriously." (personal e-mail reference)

Dunmire argued that it was "one agricultural society colliding with another (Spanish and native inhabitants) over the last 350 years that forever reshaped the land and the people of America." He restated this argument in other ways: "the proliferation of Old World Foods...ushering in the grandest blending in history of international cuisines," "...the illustrious plant way from Spain had provided the grandest migration of plants, agriculture, and foodstuff in all of human history, and "the one-time clash of cultures has softened into a blend of people and ideas...."

His approach and argument was one of the so-called new methods of historiography, a different perspective, a definite departure from: the Boltonians standpoint developed in the 1915s, Carlos Castenada's Catholic view of the 1930s and 40s, and Habig's and Weddle's positive Catholic, pro-Spanish emphasis in the 1960s. Surprisingly, Dunmire blended the colorful and narrative details of Bancroft's collection and concept of destiny with a naturalist's passion for relating interactions between men, plants, and animals. His emphasis on foods crisscrossing the globe and the motives and technology associated with food's global influence and production gave this book a unique flavor (no pun intended). Weber, Chipman (who Dunmire greatly credits for his support and input on this work), and Dunmire all agree that the reader should look at New World events from all the players' points of view. Here is a yummy, 360 degree perspective that is fascinating to ingest. The tables, maps, and illustrations are one of a kind, accurate, and easy to absorb. This is a book you'll want to have in your kitchen and in your scholarly library!

Ever wonder where the tomato you are eating or the lemon you are squeezing really came from? This book has the definitive answers in an easy to read and enlightening format. It is for foodies and gardeners everywhere but focuses on foods that are central to the Mediterranean diet. Cherries, peaches, squash, coffee and chocolate all feature prominently in this food guide. It is a stomach's point of view of the Spanish colonization of the Americas with plenty of information about the natives and the foods that they were meeting. Gardeners will love the detailed descriptions of native gardening and irrigation techniques from the elaborate Aztec chinampas or floating gardens to Hohokam irrigation techniques.

My favorite part is the description of Spanish and Aztec feasts during the mid-16th century. The viceroy's banquet, "Course after course featured an abundance of meats: roasted goat kids, baked hams, and chickens along with native rabbits and venison, doves, and quail (but no turkeys). Heads of hogs, calves, and deer paraded in grand presentation featuring a musical accompaniment with trumpets, wind instruments, guitars and dulcimers...Contrast this repast to the Aztec feast...That one too, highlighted meat courses, but the Aztec selection seems much lighter, almost dainty: lobsters, sardines, frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, small birds, turkeys, winged ants, and locusts (to say nothing of the sauced gophers)."

If you access history through your stomach or are interested in how native Americans in the desert Southwest managed to water their gardens; you will really enjoy this book.

With many books I read, after a couple of days I cannot remember anything about them, but with Joseph Flynn's it is almost total recall for me. His characters are as quirky as Carl Haaisen's and just as endearing. I mean it when I say I can't wait for Flynn's next book.

I loved this book! It reminded me of one of my favorite authors, Carl Hiaasen, with all of its wacky characters. The hero, Laddy Johnson, who may or may not be President Lyndon Johnson's love child,is a former stuntman in Hollywood who comes back to his hometown of Gasoline, Texas, where gas sells for 25 cents a gallon, to run for mayor. He runs up against the crooks already well established in the local government and the fun begins. Throw in Laddy's former girlfriend, the famous actress Joanna Wells and the twists and turns keep you reading non-stop. I finished this book in 2 days and felt like I lost some friends when it was all done. This would be a great addition to your favorite reader's Christmas list.

This book is wonderfully written and well researched (many of the locales are familiar to me as an Austin resident). It has all the elements of a great story -- adventure, danger, intrigue, romance -- while remaining realistic and wholesome. My 9-year-old daughter has already read it twice!

Fourteen-year-old Hallie Lou Wells is the daughter of a wealthy rancher in South Texas in 1878. At their mother's insistence, Hallie and her little sister are learning to be proper young ladies. But they are also learning how to run the ranch someday. When her father decides not to go on the annual cattle drive so that he can stay home with his pregnant wife, Hallie persuades him to let her go in his place, along with her servant and best friend, Dovey Mae. Along the trail, the two girls face the dangers of rattlesnakes, storms, river crossing, hostile Indians, outlaws, and illness. But Hallie becomes a braver, stronger person, and even experiences the joy of love. Told through the form of a diary kept by Hallie, this book was very similar to the Dear America series, and I would reccomend it to all fans of that series.

These are some well-written, very interesting tales of ghosts throughout North Texas, focusing on the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, but including some stories from surrounding localities such as Mineral wells, Waxahachie, and Cleburne. Each story includes the address of the alleged haunting, a photo of the locale, and the author ends each story with his opinion as to whether or not there is enough confirmation to think it is believable. Since I was born and raised in Dallas, it was interesting to go through and get the entire story on some tales I had heard around the campfire as as a girl scout. For example, the author talks about the "Lady of White Rock Lake" a contemporary tale of a ghostly hitchhiker seeking a way to return home. It was interesting to compare my childhood memories of this tale with the entire story as laid out by the author. Also, I went to college in Arlington - a small city between Dallas and Fort Worth - and I was surprised to read about how haunted that city is. There's "Screaming Bridge", which talks about the screams of teenagers still haunting the spot where they drove over a burned out Arlington bridge in 1961 and died as a result. This involved an area I passed through many times when I lived there, but I was unaware of its history. This book is a well-written compilation of stories of the paranormal for non-Texans, but for those of us who have lived in Texas or North Texas in particular, it is especially interesting. The author has a very conversational style that conveys that Texans haunt and tell tales of haunting in a way that is as big as the state itself. Highly recommended.

Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. The author's thorough investigation and honest storytelling make this a great read. It not only appealed to the ghost lover in me, but it also told the history of certain places. For example, I have lived in Dallas for many years, but never knew the history of Preston Rd., a route I take often. Now, when driving a particular stretch, I find myself looking for early settlers walking alongside the road. I have also had a good time debunking urban myths as told by my friends, since this book explains the history of such legends so well. For example the screaming bridge is a fabulously told tale. I would certainly recommend this book for any Texan looking for a good place to see ghosts, as well, as any one (no matter where you live) looking for a good ghost story!

It's a guy thing. Men do not willing offer information to women than can feasibly lead to an emotional encounter; that is, until circumstances compel them to do so. Guys simply prefer logic to messy emotional encounters. So when Gideon First learns of his former girl friend's will, indicating that he's the father of her baby, his first reaction is logical. They always used condoms; the last time he saw her she would have been two months pregnant and didn't tell him; consequently, the baby cannot be his. Further, he's now engaged to a woman who believes sex should be saved for marriage. While she knows of his past, she's never been confronted by it. Consequently, it's best to protect her delicate sensibilities, and not explain about his possible paternity.

It's a girl thing. Women want the whole truth, including anything that was omitted to prevent a messy emotional response. Unlike men, they do not fear their emotions nor do they consider emotions a barrier to working toward a reasonable, logical solution. Lupe Amorado feels betrayed because Gideon was not forthright regarding his daughter. Lies by omission are still lies. Worse, Gideon's logical evaluation of the situation, especially when he considers allow the child's grandparents to adopt her, is abhorrent. Such logical thinking leaves Lupe questioning the morals and values of the man she wanted to marry. Her feelings of betray lead to her decision to give back his engagement ring.

Once again K.N. Casper boldly tackles some of the most delicate of human relationships in GIDEON'S BABY. With his unique story telling ability, Casper captures the heart of the differences in how men and women both think and communicate. Indeed, he captures the most basic elements of femininity and masculinity and exploits those differences, creating tension and passion in equal measure. A remarkable achievement, and a memorable story, GIDEON'S BABY comes very highly recommended.

Gideon First feels his life will begin as soon as he marries his beloved Lupe Amorado. He is so in love, Gideon looks forward to helping Lupe raise her two preadolescent children Miguelito and Tersita.

Everything changes when attorney Cavanaugh Pike informs Gideon that he has been named in a will as the biological father of fourteen month old Janna by a former girl friend who recently died in a car accident. Gideon knows he practiced safe sex and though time wise Janna could be his, he insists on taking a paternity test. Gideon hides and then lies to Lupe for fear she will not marry him. When she learns the truth she is hurt by his actions, but even more so when he leans towards not raising Janna. However, one look at his baby changes his mind, but he wonders how to persuade Lupe to add a third child to the family.

KN Casper always provides a captivating romance especially with her First Family of Texas contemporary series. Her newest entry, GIDEON'S BABY, is a strong relationship drama. The story line hooks the audience from the start as Gideon goes through a metamorphose starting with denial converting into fear and finally into love. Though why he thinks he can hide the truth from Lupe seems inconceivable, he remains a wonderfully flawed lead protagonist. Lupe is quite a person and the support cast especially her children and Janna's grandparents provide insight into the lead couple helping to turn Ms. Casper's latest novel into a first rate tale.

Harriet Klausner

Too often biographies plod along; not A Girl From Texas: The life, Loves and Battles of Ruth Conerly, American's Extraordinary Artist. Reading like a novel, it is one book you would not regret staying up all night to complete. Ruth's daughter S. E. Wolf, M.D. virtually spent years and crossed continents researching her mother's life and collecting her art to produce a well illustrated book that celebrates Ruth's accomplishments and talents despite life's twists and turns. A few times, I was so engrossed that I wanted to shake Ruth for tolerating men such as charming, philandering Ted or jealous dominating Zach. On the other hand, I marveled at her talent and perseverance. Sharon was lucky to have a mother like hers that led such a colorful and romantic life, a true legacy. For Texas and WWII history buffs and those who respect successful women with true grit, this is a must read!

Helen Dunn Frame is an accomplished businesswoman whose professional writing skills and love of travel have culminated in the fascinating mystery called GREEK GHOSTS. A graduate of the Journalism School at Syracuse University, Helen has been published in major newspapers and magazines as well as trade publications in the United States, England, and Germany. She has edited newsletters and other author's books, and created business proposals for clients. Many threads of her experiences have been woven into Greek Ghosts which can be found on Amazon.com:

After Jennifer Haslett Vandergriff's husband Paul dies in a suspicious helicopter crash, she inherits Global International Travel, and discovers she is wealthy and pregnant. While seeking peace in Greece, she encounters terrorists dominated by fanatically religious people, criminals seeking huge profits, and uncovers her husband secret life. . .

I got the book in the mail on the morning of July 3rd and started reading right away. I took a break, went right back to it and finished the whole book before 9pm. What a great read!!!

I was fascinated the whole way through Ruth's life, her strength, weaknesses, from her hitchhiking and landing with $100 bucks in her pocket in NY to knocking out second husband Zack's tooth to protect her "calf".

I could relate so well to the undertone of the book, which permeates a sort of "mysterious" quality and spirit. Besides Ruth being an artist, she was a full spirited person who never failed to make her situation better and to learn from it spiritually. What a wonderful woman she was and what a privilege for those who knew her.

When Ruth's daughter (the author) begins to dig up the porphyria and connections to King George toward the end, it became very interesting indeed. The way details and pieces of the puzzle "appear" as if the time had come for them to surface and be found. I do not believe in coincidences.

I had recently questioned how in the world I would find the name of the book that I had heard of that contained a forward by Prince Charles when he spoke of the metabolic malady affecting his family. As I turned to the book's photo of Prince Charles gazing up at Conerly's painting of Commander Travis in the Alamo, I began to get excited in hopes of some mention. I could not believe my eyes when I found the direct reference to the book I had been pondering inside "A Girl From Texas"! What a
prize! Coincidence?

Excellent book!!!!!