Texas Books

Chicken fried steak isn't the only yummy thing served in Texas.

Ever since the Spaniards encountered the Native Americans, the opportunities in Texas have attracted people from all over the world. Many families continue to celebrate favorite traditions carried from their original homeland or culture.

Our Texas Heritage includes traditional recipes, modified for today's kitchen, that are fun and simple to follow. Just as enticing are the stories and traditions the author liberally sprinkles among the recipes.

Use the book as a travel resource when exploring the Texas highways. Discover the Polish and their customs in Panna Maria, the Wends in Serbin, or the Danes in Danevang.

As a newcomer to Texas, I found this book a delightful way to discover the diversity of my new home.

Books about which ethnic groups came to settle a region tend to read like rough drafts of a master's thesis--all stray facts gleaned from sources, and no really interesting stories. Multi-cultural cook books tend to be filled with instructions such as "find restructured ghee at your local Bengal market", rather than practical ways to prepare meals with food one is likely to have on hand. Thus, one might imagine that Dorothy McConachie's survey of ethnic traditions and recipes of the folks who settled Texas between the Civil War and World War I might be a dreary hybrid of the trivial and the impossible-to-prepare. Instead, the book is an easy, enjoyable read, and the recipes are all within reach of the average cook using average ingredients. I am of the "heat and serve" school of cooking, and yet I think I can prepare most things in this book.

I particularly liked that the book, while non-trivial, has lots of "important little details" that such a survey written thirty years ago might lack. Among the native American groups, we get not only the expected discussion of Comanche practices, but also the oft-forgotten Caddo groups are discussed. The interrelation among the Polish, German and Wendish settlers is noted, making for an interesting contrast between the "old country" and the new.

The style of the book is very easy to follow. Each ethnic group gets a discussion of a few pages in interesting, anecdotal detail, followed by a few recipes which utilize "normal" American kitchen ingredients. The recipes are not mere curios, but instead are things one might wish to prepare--empanaditas from Mexico, a Czech dill soup, a challah (rich egg bread), and good old-fashioned spoon bread.

Too often we think of "Texas cooking" or even "southern cooking" as a monolith, just as we mistakenly think of the Anglo settlers of Texas as one ethnic group. This book helps explain who settled Texas, and provides special dishes for each group. Best of all, the whole thing is readable, fun, and devoid of that "footnote feel" which a zealous graduate student or addicted hobbyist can give this type of book.

Although the focus is on groups which settled Texas, the book is quite useful to generally understand the diverse cuisines which came along with the "pioneer experience". If you like your history to be real, anecdotal and laced with recipes for things like spritz cookies, you'll enjoy this.

Our Texas Heritage: Ethnic Traditions And Recipes is a truly wonderful compendium and survey of the history of Texas food culture that is the result of the combined influences and culinary legacies of thirteen unique ethnic groups ranging from early Texas settlers down to the present day. From Grandma Techa's Menudo, Dark Irish Soda Bread, and German Potato Salad, to Ukrainian Pickled Mushrooms, Kneydlakh (Matzo Balls), Kransekage (Traditional Danish Wedding Cake), and Italian Baked Eggplant, Our Texas Heritage is an outstanding testament to the rich and diverse culinary spectrum that has fed and feasted Texas for more than two hundred years.

Chicken fried steak isn't the only yummy thing served in Texas.

Ever since the Spaniards encountered the Native Americans, the opportunities in Texas have attracted people from all over the world. Many families continue to celebrate favorite traditions carried from their original homeland or culture.

Our Texas Heritage includes traditional recipes, modified for today's kitchen, that are fun and simple to follow. Just as enticing are the stories and traditions the author liberally sprinkles among the recipes.

Use the book as a travel resource when exploring the Texas highways. Discover the Polish and their customs in Panna Maria, the Wends in Serbin, or the Danes in Danevang.

As a newcomer to Texas, I found this book a delightful way to discover the diversity of my new home.

I learned so much about my _own_ heritage by reading Ms. McConachie's book. She simplifies the recipes of our grandmothers into a form that we can all use -- and the recipes are delicious! I especially enjoyed making the Danish apple cake and the Syrian-Lebanese Meat Pies. I've tasted a bit more of Texas through this book. Whether you're a history buff, cook, or one just interested in the life and food of years past, this book is for you!

This was a pretty good book to read. It was a little to mushy for me at the beginning but it got better as I read the book.

I first read "Padre" when I was spending a semester overseas in Hungary. I was joyously surprised to see that our little Bible College library had one Robin Hardy book (I would have loved to see more, but the library was quite small, so no hard feelings!). As I told Robin in an email, it was a great taste of home while I was 9 time zones away. I recently bought and read the newest edition, and I believe I enjoyed it even more than the first time around. At the time, I was just a "beginning" Robin fan, and now (almost 7 years since picking up my first R.H. book--Chataine's Guardian), I think I appreciate it more. I have become accustomed to her humor, her wit, and her literary nuances. Padre is a wonderful book full of action (... did someone say cowboys and drug runners?), and yes, even a little romance! It is a delightful, addicting read (I finished it this last time in about 6 hours). Pick up a copy today and GET READING!!!

Royce, a New Yorker abandoned in Texas' Big Bend Country, is rescued by the enigmatic Paul, "Padre" as some call him, and her vacation becomes the adventure of a lifetime. A real page turner!

I read and enjoyed this book when it first came out, but the new edition is even better than I remembered. And I love the new cover, a beautiful picture of Big Bend taken by the author's father.

Don't miss the sequel, His Strange Ways.

When 25 year old Royce Lindel sets out from New York with two coworkers for a taste of the Lone Star State, they get more than they bargained for. As soon as Royce, Marla and Renetta arrive at their vacation destination, they are cheated by their guide and stranded in the desert. The trouble gets worse from there as shady law enforcement, drug dealers, opportunists and exes cause equal amounts of strife.

In no other novel does Hardy more emphatically portray the emptiness and void of modern life without a Padre, or Father. The comedy of errors serves as a poignant backdrop for the subtle spiritual activity in the novel. While the book is scant on formula, it is abundant in characterization. The growth of the protagonists through their seemingly endless struggles is believable and illustrative of the real spiritual life.

Once again, Hardy's works are not for the faint at heart: while her books can most certainly be read by young adults, they are aimed at readers who are mature enough to glean the Christianity from the plot, not the sprinkled lip service to Scripture that is so prevalent in Christian fiction. Look for a reprint of Padre, and possibly even a sequel, to be forthcoming from Westford Press in the next few years.

It's been years since I read this and I'm sad that it is out of print.

It's a wonderful western mixed with innocent love and unselfishness.

In Colorado we have the PLACE Exam for Principal licensing. However there are no official study guides for the test. I purchased this book after failing the PLACE and found that the TExES Domains are almost identical to the PLACE. Dr. Wilmore also gave great test taking strategies that were extremely helpful. I used these strategies on the provided practice test, and two PLACE Practice test (one for Principal and one for Superintendent) and scored a passing grade. Then I applied them to the actual PLACE Exam and passed!

Dr. Wilmore's Book Passing the Principal TExES Exam is a great help to the students working towards their Principal (mid-management) certification. The text is built around the Domains and Competencies set by SBEC and will guide you to achieve your personal best score!

This book was very helpful in preparation for principal certification.
I highly recommend this book.

Down to earth and very practical. A real eye openner for all students preparing for the Principal's test.

The information was valuable, but the practice test was way too easy. The real test is much harder.

My uncle has done painstaking research into our families background to flesh out our notorious relative's past while filling in all the blanks which were left by earlier tales from O.C. Fisher, our cousin.
Not a fan of westerns, this story has mystery, romance and a large dose of history interwoven together. This book should be on the Texas Education Boards required reading for Texas History courses.
I highly recommend this story to any and all who enjoy westerns.
Kay Fisher Vaul, niece of E Lee Fisher, cousin of King Fisher.

       King Fisher was an endearing character. The author developed his personality from childhood in a believable way and it is obvious he liked him. This book was very well written, kept my interest. and I liked the matter of fact, non-judgmental style. I found it quite interesting that my grandfather was stationed in the Rio Grande area during World War I, not that many years after King Fisher rode those trails. It was believed that the Germans had given funds to Mexican vigilantes to cross the Rio Grande and cause problems to keep the U.S. out of the war in Europe. Ah, if only King Fisher had been alive they wouldn't have needed thousands of U.S. Troops to settle the unrest! I hope this author writes another book as he is a gifted writer.

Pendencia Creek is like watching a favorite old western. Its main protagonist has all the requisite bravery and coolness beftting "the handsome hero". Based on a true story, this historical novel moves along effortlessly, as it chronicles the life and times of King Fisher and the growth of mid-19th century Texas. The hardships and complexities of life on the Texas frontier come vividly alive in this studiously detailed account.

This is the life story of a late 19th century gunfighter and cattleman named King Fisher. The author has thoroughly researched the history of Southwest Texas, and the growth of the towns, railroads, and local governments.
Many of the names which show up in this novel will be familiar to readers. Bat Masterson, John Wesley Hardin, and and Wild Bill Hickok to name a few. The unsung heros of the early Texas Rangers feature heavily in the story.
This book can be read for the rich detail about the lives of the cattle ranchers, saloon keepers, lawman and outlaws. The account of a cattle drive from Goliad to Abilene seems so real you can feel the dust in your face.
History buffs who enjoy a good story and would like to enrich their knowledge of 19th century Texas will find this to be a good read.

E. Lee Fisher has created an absolutely fabulous piece of work in his novel, Pendencia Creek: The Life and Times of a Texas Gunfighter. You'll get so wrapped up in the story of John King Fisher that you'll easily forget this is the author's first attempt at writing. And let me say, you'll question that thought over and over as you anxiously continue to turn the pages of this exceedingly well written book. You will go from feeling sorry for the titled character as a young boy, to cheering him on as he establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with in the wild and untamed Texas frontier. No matter what John King Fisher may, or may not, have done in his life...you will soon put aside the fact that history considers him to have been a gunfighter and, I dare say, an outlaw. In the process you will see a very likable young man whose future was quite possibly determined by circumstances and luck of the draw, rather than an inherent need to do the wrong thing. And nestled comfortably amidst all this action and adventure, the author melds a little romance into the story...and he does it quite nicely, too. John King Fisher's unwavering love for Sarah is but one factor that will endear him to the reader. In this reviewer's opinion, E. Lee Fisher has created a wonderful story filled with action, adventure and even romance, as he paints a very realistic picture of what life was like in the early days of Texas, and even our country. There is no doubt in my mind that many years from now, Mr. Fisher's book will be immortalized and at the top of every students reading list for both American History and American Literature.

This is a great book for anyone who loves to ride PWCs and a must-have for anyone new to the sport. The detailed information on specific locations tells what to expect there, as well as hotel and campsight names and phone numbers. I found the chapters on Equipment and Planning and Preparation especially helpful in evaluating how ready we are for a trip. The whole book is packed with useful information. We refer to it often.

This is a great book, I just got done reading it just before the season starts and water gets warm. I found this book very informative and it gave me many NEW ideas for places to go this summer. Intra-Coastal Waterway and Caddo are places that I had never heard of riding and after reading this book I know how to get there, were the best place to load and unload, were to eat, were to get gas and what to expect. It also gives the Texas Water Safty Act which is also very helpful so this year I won't get a $150 ticket. I would suggest this book to anybody that has PWC's or is planning to buy one.

Today I read your book ont he plane while returning from Portland, Oregon. I cannot tell you how long it has been since I read something so pleasurable as your book. I found your advice so valuable. You grought up things that i haven't even begun to think of. What a great resource. My greatest challenge is deciding which trip to do first! Thank for all the research, time and effort you must of put into this fine book.

Patrick Fitzgerald Genreal Sales Manager Federal Signal Corporation

Thom wrote this book in a language everyone can understand. He includes everything you would want to know about each location he covers. Very user friendly.

This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn more about the safe use and enjoyment of personal watercraft. It is especially handy for Texas watercraft enthusiasts because it contains so much useful information on places to go in the state and what to expect when you get there. The author also does an excellent job in the areas of preparation and planning, equipment, maintenance, and rules and regulations.

I bought the book three weeks ago and have already been on three of the author's recommended adventures. They were terrific! This book will add a whole new dimension to your personal watercraft experience.

I hope that Thom Bell will follow this guidebook with another one full of even more fun trips and adventures!

Pitching Tents. By Gail Mount. Huntsville: Texas Review Press, 2005. Winner of the 2004 George Garrett Fiction Prize: Novel

Where is Aaron Spelling when you need him? This rollicking novel needs a sitcom venue. Gail Mount, a Fort Worth native, Rice graduate, UT teaching fellow, and experienced short story writer and playwright, tosses sedate novel-writing aside, and gives us Ezekiel and Vida, two seniors with a love of life and devil-may-care schemes.

To the small town of Burro, Texas, Vida returns and immediately Ezekiel falls in love with her a second time. Mount's fast-paced plot and the characters fast-paced plotting make the story fast reading, delightful reading. Ezekiel is a painterly artist who even derives an income there from; Vida is a burning individualist, now 80-years-old. The town's citizens have long categorized both as trouble makers. They start off caring for Mad Betty's dead, naked body, he prepares an art show, she organizes a school for rebels, he deals with his mother, she deals with philosophy, and they touch each other gently. It is one rollicking scene after another. They wander apart and re-unite.

Finally, after a year or so, they decide to really get wild. They marry and drive off into the sunset. If the concept of two creative oldsters making love and being in love with raucous language and civilly unacceptable behavior offends you, die young or sad. This couple does neither.

Gail Mount clearly and consistently portrays an elderly man and woman who do what they want to do without violating the right of others to do what they want to do. Against community standards in central Texas, the man is much younger than the woman; they ardently make love (in their own way); and they want no place to call home. Nevertheless, they contribute to the social good, wherever they pitch their tent, through their artistic talents and human decency. They are more than aged hippies; they are exemplars of Mill's "Essay on Liberty."

I recently read and was thoroughly captivated by a fast moving and enjoyable story by Gail Mount, called PITCHING TENTS. It's about two hippies who become reacquainted and fall in love in their later years in small town Texas. Mr. Mount weaves a wonderful portrait of the two main characters, Vida Singer and Wayman (don't call me Ezekiel) Scott describing with clarity and humor how they meet life's continuing challenges, including getting to know each other, while maintaining their integrity. Each additional character introduced in this story is quite memorable. Some are likeable and some not very likeable, but all very real. The story has a nice ending. I was unable to put the book down until I had finished it. A second reading a few days later was just as rewarding as the first.

Joseph Erwin

I found Pitching Tents by Gail Mount to be very entertaining and easy to read. Having lived my whole life in Texas, I related to the surroundings and the people. The main characters show a lot of the 1960's spirit. They are very humorous and really seem real. When you think about the book, the people become real and the morals become real.

I picked this book up on a Sunday evening and did not put it down until I was done. It was a page-turner. My husband had to leave our bedroom and seek silence elsewhere because of my laughter. By page 40, I had been laughing so much I was crying and my diaphragm ached. It was a real joy to read. Write more Gail Mount. Write more.

This book provides an excellent overview of the evolution of human knowledge about the Solar System from the first observations in recorded history to the latter 1990s. Its emphasis is on communicating a basic understanding of planetary astronomy rather than focusing on scientific details. This makes the book an outstanding introduction to a complex and fascinating subject. The general public rather than astronomers and space scientists are the primary audience for this work, but conceivably specialists in the field could read this book with profit. Jurgen Rahe, NASA's late director of Solar System exploration, sponsored this work as a formal effort to provide general readers with a reliable, well-written overview of planetary astronomy. He succeeded in that objective as author Ron Schorn has published a fine entree to comprehending the breadth of the subject.

Of course, planetary astronomy is generally categorized as consisting of the outer planets and inner planets of the Solar System. Schorn begins with a discussion of the nighttime sky and what one may view there. While he discusses the possibilities for origins of the universe, and the galaxies on view every night, his focus is on what planets one might view with the naked eye, relatively simple telescopes, and then more complex instruments. At that point he journeys back in time to the earliest observations by the ancients and how they constructed their understanding of the universe based on astronomical observations. He then quickly moves forward to the twentieth century when understandings of planetary astronomy changed rapidly in response to ground and airborne observatories and especially space probes sent to the various planets of the Solar System.

Schorn discusses at some length the many spacecraft that have been sent to the inner planets by the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as European and Japanese consortia, traveling to Mercury, Venus, and particularly Mars. This book explains well the story of such missions as the Mariner series that journeyed to these planets, the two Viking spacecraft that landed on Mars in 1976, and plans for future explorations of the red planet. Some spacecraft have been sent, but far fewer, to the outer planets. Visits to the gas giants of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and the small distant rock known as Pluto have been largely the province of the United States' efforts. NASA, for example, sent Pioneer 10 and 11 on a "windshield" tour of Jupiter and Saturn in the 1970s; following soon thereafter with Voyagers 1 and 2 that flew past the gas giants beginning in the latter 1970s through the 1980s. This activity, Schorn asserts, represents a golden age for Solar System exploration.

Schorn is at his best in discussing the decline of planetary astronomy in the early twentieth century--as astronomers led by Edwin Hubble focused their attention on galaxies beyond the Milky Way rather than on the Solar System--and its recovery in the 1960s as NASA reenergized planetary exploration with the first probes to Venus and Mars. This reemphasis on planetary astronomy was actually quite practical. The recently created NASA held a mandate to undertake exploration of the cosmos with both human and robotic spacecraft. Since the technical capability for planetary exploration existed, NASA's scientists focused their attention there. Even more important, according to Schorn, these scientists also emphasized lunar exploration as an adjunct of NASA's Apollo program to humans on the Moon. These efforts revitalized scientific study of the Solar System and yielded an enormous harvest of understanding about our immediate corner of the universe.

Easy to read and dased on a wealth of sources, both oral and written, "Planetary Astronomy" is a wonderful introduction to an enthralling subject. Enjoy!

This is a fascinating history of the field of planetary astronomy written by an insider. Dr. Schorn was once head of planetary astronomy for Nasa. As such, he's known most of major figures of the field from the last half of the 20th century. What distinguishes this book is it's very literary style. Dr. Schorn not only knows the field, he writes of it in an engrossing style that the layman can understand. If you have any curiousity about how study of the planets has grown, then languished for decades, only to re-emerge during the space age, then this book is for you.

This book is a good read for anyone who has a limited knowledge of astronomy, especially from a historical perspective. I would have rated it five stars, however I would have like to have seen a little more discussion about celestial mechanics (the movement, alignment, and rotation of the planets) along with illustrations. I found it somewhat cumbersome to intereperet some of the early models of the universe without charts or other illustrations. Overall though a very well written book.

This book is a must as a historical reference. It offers a fresh insightful look at Planetary astronomy as it happened. Schorn has a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat at the turning points of discovery (i.e. Newton... sunlight through a prism... but spectroscopy wasn't to be discovered for another 2 centuries...), minutes, purpose and impact of the US/USSR space race...

This book is surprisingly well written and very engrossing. The author never gets ahead of himself--each new nugget of knowledge about the heavens above is evaluated using the science of the day, not with a modern bias. Consequently, you never feel that ancient astronomers were somehow stupid for missing things that are so "obvious" to us, such as the heliocentric model of the solar system or the nature of comets. The very first chapter is an especially good gem--it puts you in the shoes of someone two thousand years ago and asks "what could you logically deduce from looking at the heavens above?" Utterly captivating and a must-read.

This book is a great new twist on the Horatio Alger stories of decades past, but much, much more satisfying. The difference here is that the author creates characters of incredible depth, making even the bad guys interesting. I still cannot believe this is his first book.

This cannot be a first novel. Already waiting for the next one, and the movie! This is what I call "A GOOD READ" from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to our Library patrons.

This story line is captivating and Mr. Clidienst obviously knows the industry which serves as the backdrop to his book. It was refreshing to read a book with an original plot and excellent character development. Fantastic book!!

Would the next John Grisham please come forward...Introducing George Clidienst! The Protege marvels with twists and turns that rival no other. The reader is gripped as they follow our fellow Protege through an intense path of corporate corruption, a racey relationship, and the struggle for more, more, more. The Protege is a must read for those who love suspense in the combination of greed, wealth, and power.

This is one that I could not put down. Just when I thought I knew what direction it was going in, I was taken by surprise. Remarkable ending and very unpredictable... I can't wait to read Mr.Clidienst's next novel. GREAT WORK!

Like all over reviews of this book, it was the funniest western humor book i have ever read. Just find myself wishing Sederwall would put out another one just good as this one, but that would be a hard thing to do since this is as good as it gets.

Michael Humphries

This is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Coming from the Southwest, I almost feel like I know these characters. I read a story anytime I need my spirits lifted. My thanks to the author.

What a terrific book! This is a great book full of BULLoney. The book is written just like you were sitting there with the boys around the campfire. I swore I about busted a gut laughing...

Sederwall's great sense of humor, and ability to tie short stories into one big hoorah, is incredible. If you like Jeff Foxworthy's style of jokes, you'll love "Puncher Pie & Cowboy Lies." You don't even have to be a cowboy to enjoy the chuckling humor of this book. You almost feel like your in a comedic Louie Lamour! A definite must read!

As one of the characters in this book, I can assure you that the campfire quibble was all true (at least in our minds, such as they are). And since you weren't there it really doesn't matter much. A bunch of us cowboys just sat around the campfire for several days and told bold stories as only we could remember them. Being a personal acquaintance of all those folks ( I would never admit to anyone that they were friends) I can only say, never let them hold your money for you! The book was definitely a major dose of "Puncher Pie" served up with a hearty plate of sarcasm and obnoxious behavior; stories which probably meant something to someone but certainly not to any of us. Read the book during those times you don't want any intellectual stimulation. It will definitely help you pass the time and put many a grins on ya'.

I have read and enjoyed all three books in this trilogy about a family, through two generations,from Tennessee who make their way to Texas in the early 1800's. It is well researched with accurate historical facts mingled with the storyline. It is well written and caused me to stay up past my bedtime more than once! I only wish this was an ongoing series.

The Raiders: Sons of Texas (Sons of Texas Series)

This was a great series. I picked up the first book in the series by mistake thinking if another author. Was very glad that I did. I ordered the rest of the series from Amazon, along with several other books by Elmer Kelton. I have not had time to read the other books that I purchased but expect they will be everybit as good as this series was. I would recommend these books for anybody that likes stories about pioneer life.

I really like following the familys. I can't wait for the third in the series.

Another Kelton masterpiece. It fleshes out the early settlers of Texas and fills in the history.

In book two of the Lewis family trilogy, THE RAIDERS: SONS OF TEXAS, veteran author Elmer Kelton delivers a finely wrought western set in the early days of Mexican-ruled Texas. To keep their land in Stephan Austin's colony, Michael and Andrew Lewis battle the elements and raiding hostiles. Michael's frequent wanderlust causes hardships for his wife, Marie, and small son. Andrew works Michael's land in his brother's absence, but Andrew's apparent fondness for his sister-in-law drives a wedge between the brothers. Their lives are endangered by the appearance of old enemies, the Blackwood brothers.

In an effort to ease tensions Marie suggests that Andrew should leave for a while and use the time away to hunt for a wife. While on his journey, Andrew visits Stephan Austin who sends him to Nacogdoches to ascertain if rumors of a revolt are true. Andrew meets a lovely young woman named Petra, but he is very confused about his feelings for Marie. During his travels Andrew makes a sworn enemy, Tolliver Beard.

Elmer Kelton's skillful narration exposes the resilience of love intertwined with gutsy determination. This second volume is rich in detail and strong characterization. I'm certain that the third book in the Lewis trilogy will be excellent reading.