Texas Books

Not your typical "hook and bullet" writer, Kathy takes her reader deep into a search for her spiritual self. If you are looking for a more how-to, where-to approach to the wonderful waters of the Laguna Madre, you'll probably be happier with one of Phil Shook's excellent guidebooks. If, however, you would like to witness the growth of a fisherman, in terms of both technical prowess and spiritual awareness of the world around them, grab this little number and dive right in.
By the end of "the Spiritual Journey" you may find, as I did, that Kathy has vocalized much of what we feel when we wander in the wild places and talk to God.

I just finished this book and it is going to take a couple of days before a can finally put my finger on a suitable response. The eloquence and grace that have blessed my days this past week have been penned by a masterful artist. Kathy's passion and her yearnings are vividly reflected off the shimmering surface of the Mother Lagoon. A blessing for all to read, fly fishermen or not, and a must for all women. "on the Mother Lagoon" captures the essence of the spirit involved in life itself and with it Kathy has solicited my tears, laughter and many smiles.

I marvel at Kathy's ability in the kitchen, on the water, at her computer and beside Scott all of which I've come to know.

On The Mother Lagoon: Fly Fishing And The Spiritual Journey by Katy Sparrow combines her "one woman" adventure in learning how to fly fish on the Lower Laguna Madre of south Texas, with meditations on women's psychology and spirituality. With practical tips on how to choose the best rod, fly, and line, techniques for reading the water and wading stealthily, as well as thoughtful ponderings on embracing life and the joy of the catch, On The Mother Lagoon brings together a blended and highly recommended treatise on the love of fishing and the human desire to look beyond oneself.

To a 10-year-old Hispanic boy growing up poor in an El Paso barrio in the 1950s, life can seem idyllic: you come home from school and mom is always there, making tortillas for the evening meal; dad is the strongest man you know; and everything you could ever want in a best friend lives right next door. You seemingly have everything you need under your family's rented roof until the day your parents tell you you're moving out of the only place you've known as home for a "better" life in another part of town.

Arriving in the new neighborhood, everything isn't really what it seems. Yes, the beautiful house is there with its light brown brick walls, white wooden columns on a porch, and a swing hanging from two chains in the ceiling, but there's also an Anglo family living inside! Unbeknownst to everyone, "Pop" has made a deal to rent out the formal house to an Army family, and have his family live in the subterraneo (basement) while he strives to build an apartment that will one day house the clan--all in the name of economics.

Carlos Nicolas Flores has made this interestingly unique premise the foundation of his debut novel, "Our House on Hueco," a coming-of-age young adult fiction tale told through the voice of 10-year-old Junior, who must come to grips with a world he didn't know existed outside what he felt were the relatively safe confines of his barrio.

Junior quickly learns that the move has not only brought about a new home, but also a new way of looking at family members and friends, and causes him to question a belief system instilled in him by his Puerto Rican father that the United States is the land of opportunity if one is willing to work hard and make sacrifices.

Throughout the novel, Flores explores themes of racism, poverty, and the complexities of human nature in a family that is struggling to claim a part of the American dream while seemingly not wanting to let go of parental birth lands, customs and cultures, especially when mom, who hails from Mexico, comes into contact with "los gringos."

Flores, a co-founding director of the South Texas Writing Project and a winner of the Chicano/Latino Literary Prize, boldly lays bare his perception regarding the nuances of Hispanic patriarchy by making his father figure macho beyond what most non-Hispanics would deem acceptable or even realistic. Then he carefully peels back the layers of Latin male stereotypical behavior to reveal a man who ultimately only wants to do what's best for his family.

While "Our House on Hueco" is written for young adults, it tells a quintessential story that transcends generations and racial divides. It is gritty in substance, yet amusing and alluring when it needs to be, and nostalgically familiar to anyone who grew up in the `50s without losing readers who are living their teen-age years in the 21st century. Flores has expertly woven a tale that deserves a wide audience and a prominent place on your bookshelf, reserved for works you're proud to say you've read.

This book can touch readers at all ages. Carlos Flores captures the essence of Mexican-American and Puerto Rican culture beautifully. I laughed, cried, and grew along with all the characters in the book. Growing up, I shared a smiliar experience as my father built large two story house that we later split into three smaller apartments in order to afford living there. For fifteen years we were crammed into that tiny space and felt just as Rafa and Junior must've felt living in the subterráneo. I will most definetely use this book with my students as I know that they too can relate to many of the experiences the characters shared.I am confident that this book holds the ability to help young readers rekindle their love for literature. I highly recommend this book and hope to see it put on the YALSA Best Books for Young Adults list. Include this book in your personal library; you will not be disappointed.

Thank you Carlos Flores for making Laredo proud.

The childhood world of 1950's El Paso is opened, and the mystery of the adult world, brought to life in Our House on Hueco. Carlos Flores imbues his hero, Junior with a childhood full of joy, and wonder. Junior's childhood eyes begin to see the world of prejudice, racial tension, and the cross cultural marriage of his mother, from Mexico, and his father from Puerto Rico. Yet through it all, a tale of courage, of hope, of redemption, of healing between Junior's family, and the Anglo neighbors upstairs, unfolds. A must read to understand the glory and grace, and the tension and tragedy of the border of the United States and Mexico, the power of the Mexican American dream, and the transcendant hope the touches each of our lives. I highly recommed this book to any lover of family stories, and lovers of the southwest.

This is the kind of bio that should be written about every important film director. Simmons is just detached enough to be objective, but not cold and removed so as to miss the color and flavor of this remarkable man. Highly reccommended for all interested in films - not just Peckinpah geeks.

Someone should get this guy to do a series of books on directors.

This is one of the first and best Peckinpah's biographies. Written a few years before his death but with a new preface and postscript it is a superb account about the life and films of Sam Peckinpah. Garner Simmons talked to many friends, family, actors and producers to make this a wonderful readable experience.If you are in the films of Sam Peckinpah get this book!

Peckinpah, written by Garner Simmons and published by the Universtity of Texas Press in 1982,is a no-nonsense, non-opinionated look at the life and work of director Sam Peckinpah. The first few chapters are devoted to his early life: parents, childhood, growing up, early TV work, etc. The rest of the book is presented in a movie-by-movie format, with one chapter being devoted to each film. The chronological discussion of each film pays great attention to detail form pre to post production. Lots of good insight from cast and crew members help make this book really special! There is little info on Peckinpah's final film, "The Osterman Weekend", as it had not been released at the time of this book's publication. The book is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Fielding, the extremely talented composer who worked with Peckinpah on several films.

This is my favorite gardening book, and the one that gave me the courage to start ripping out the grass and planting ornamentals. I've referred to it so often, the binding is now loose. Welch's vast experience with plants that can stand up to sometimes-brutal Southern conditions is invaluable. Exceedingly helpful general and specific information on a large variety of plants to brighten your landscape.

One of the best book's on Texas gardening.

You will enjoy the many discoveries this book has to offer and it is beautifully illustrated with a color photograph and planting recommendations for every plant. I cannot recommend a better book for a Houston or Gulf Coast gardener, either expert or new comer, and I have read them all! It focuses on plants that truly do well HERE. It skips azaleas, hybrid roses, tulips and all the other fussy plants pushed by the local nurseries do great anywhere but here. Instead it offers beautiful and underused (and for the most part - EASY) alternatives.

The Performing Set: The Broadway Designs Of William And Jean Eckart by Andrew B. Harris (formerly Chair of the Theatre Departments of Columbia University, Texas Christian University, and Southern Methodist University) is an eclectic and intrinsically interesting interpretation and collection of the works and influence of two outstanding visionaries and the mutual understanding the two of them shared. Introducing the reader to the wonderful background worlds of Hollywood and New York's Broadway, The Performing Set creates an interesting and informative format for all readers. The Performing Set is most especially recommended to film and theatre students, as well as to those who appreciate behind the scenes perspectives of the big screen, and aspire to creating theatrical sets of their own.

If you are in any way interested in stage design,this is the BEST book I have.Informative,beautifully illustrated,with lots of interssting background on Broadway.I have already bought 2 as gifts and may buy more.
It's a Great book!

If you're thinking about this book you might want to go to [...], the Internet Broadway Data Base and look up the Eckart's. There's a list of thirty seven plays where they did the set design. They began in 1952 with the play 'Glad Tidings,' and for about twenty years it was a very rare year that they didn't do the sets on at least one major broadway play. It could be argued that they alone changed the basic concept of sets on the Broadway Stage. Before them the curtain went down and stagehands moved the furniture around. After them the sets moved themselves, automatically it seemed, and the set became part of the performance. And then in 1965 there was 'Mame.'

This book is a profusely illustrated tribute to their work showing how their sets changed the look of Broadway forever. It doesn't cover every play, but it begins with their work in college, shows the highlights of their Broadway careers, and takes them to Dallas where they concentrated on being parents, and in teaching.

A Masterful Book.

--our times. This book shows what he has seen all over the world in his "short" life.

He is most famous for being Gerald Ford's photographer during the aftermath of the Nixon insanity. When his Whitehouse pass was revoked after the lost election, he wasn't even 30 -- YET had a body of work that was the envy of many of his fellow Shooters, me included. I am honored that he is aware that I exist.

Follow this man for the rest of your life and you will be exposed to all the wonders of this world. He is not just a photographer; he is a driven "oracle" of the 20th century who must make images or die - much like a shark who must keep swimming or drown.

Having known David Kennerly since he was 24 on on his way to Viet Nam. I threw a party for him while passing through Chicago on his birthday.

I bought many copies for gifts as I thought that highly of the book and especially for anyone interested in photography.

I strongly recommend reading this for a statement in courage and tremedous enthusiasm and talent for his work. His Jonestown story, as one of the first on the scene, is breathtaking.

Stan Golomb

Photo-Op will take you on an unforgettable journey through the last 30 years. Through the commentary and photographs you will experience such events as the Ali-Fraiser fight, the Ford White House years and the Veitnam War. Every one needs a copy of this book to teach the next generation of Kids, the true History of the USA

I missed Ty Cashion's book "Pigskin Pulpit" when it was first released a few years ago but with the re-release in paper back this year (2006) I had the opportunity to read it. I think the reason I didn't read it the first time was the title. I thought it was another "Glory" of High School Football book. Had I just paid attention to the subtitle "A Social History of Texas High School Football Coaches" my history buff inclination would have made reading this book a no brainer.

Ty Cashion was ordained to write this book. A professor of history at Sam Houston State University and more importantly the son of a Texas High School football coach, Ty had the knowledge to tell the story and the access to interview, by my count, at least 82 different Texas High School football coaches, many of which are no longer with us.

Some 40+ years ago, when I was a kid, I would listen to Texas High School football play off games on the radio. The radio announcer start by saying something like this: "Broadcasting from P.E. Shotwell stadium in Abilene, Texas ...".

P. E. Shotwell, Darrell Tully, and Gordon Wood may just be the name of Texas High School football stadiums for football fans of the current generation but they are just three of the many coaches that made Texas High School football what it is today. Many young athletes dream of "going pro" and signing multimillion dollar contracts. School boy football players born into the depression era of the early twentieth century just dreamed of the chance to play college football, get an education and coach football. It was their ticket off the farm and a way to a better life.

Ty Cashion chronicles the path to their goal and how the experiences that they had impacted several generations of young men in Texas.

If you ever knew a coach, if you ever played for a coach, if you ever learned from a coach, if you ever cussed a coached, if you ever idolized a coach ..., you need to read this book.

This is a great book. It tells the story of how High School Football has become the number one event in Texas. I am glad someone put these stories into print because sadly many of these great men are leaving us but their stories and the impact they have had, and continue to have, will be passed on. This is a must read for any football fan.

Aren't history books supposed to be dull as dishwater? I gave this book to my 80+ year-old Father for Christmas. He really enjoyed it! So did I, for that matter. Dr. Cashion must have spend untold hours interviewing old-time Texas High School football coaches and those who played under them. This book is as close to listening to those old timers as the written word can be. Growing up in football crazy Garland, Texas (back-to-back state championships in the 1960's under Chuck Curtis), I remember as a child "high school football fever." This hits the mark, or should I say is a "two point conversion."

What I enjoyed most about this book is the realness and the concern I had for the characters after I finished reading the book. The events are true and could happen, it's real life, with real situtaions. Rozelle puts his words and thoughts together as if they are hooked by links of a chain.

Another great book by Ron Rozelle. I couldn't wait to get back to it each time I put it down. A masterful writing and a wonderful study of a man and those around him who so greatly depend on him. As is Rozelle's style, this book is filled with great descriptions and is very easy to read.

The main character of this book is Sam, a man who for years has taken the easy way out, who always goes the path of least resistance. He is a chemical engineer who lives in Ohio and works at the plant where his father was an hourly worker for 40 years. His home is neat and tidy, just like his life, and he makes sure he doesn't clutter it up with too many emotional attachments or responsibilities. Suddenly his well-ordered world is turned upside down when his job his threatened, his father exhibits strange symptoms, and his son descends on him with a whole horde of problems. Sam learns a lot about himself and his relationships with his family as he bemusedly watches his world fall apart, bit by bit. Rozelle carefully crafts his characters and describes them in a way which bring them vividly to life. He infuses his book with a gentle humor which keeps everything in perspective. This is a little gem of a book which I heartily recommend.

Great book, I read it for a Chicano Studies class but I enjoyed every moment of it. A good memoir for anyone interested in the daily life experiences of Chicanas in the U.S.

Beautifully told story of a young Mexican-American girl growing up in El Paso in the 1940s. Ms. Lopez-Stafford shares her recollections of her barrio and all it's colorful characters.

The author titles her story "A Place in El Paso." Nevertheless, any of the following titles, "A Place in My Heart," "A Place in the Sun," "A Place in my Life," would had been appropriate as well. To the careful reader the story will bloom like a flower in his or her heart and soul.

Even though the characters, the places, and the events are necessary to complete the gestalt of the story, the characters, and the events are not restricted to any particular place or to anyone in particular. It can happen anywhere to anyone.

The careful reader will examine the story "A Place in El Paso" by looking below the surface, below the gestalt of the story in order to reach the nuances of Gloria's coming of age and survival. Moreover, the grammatical structure of the story is, symbolically speaking, a ticket for the reader to shadow, follow, and observe her life, and in doing so experience her innocence and get involved in the vicissitudes in Gloria's existence. The reader will witness and feel not only the tragic sad and heartbreaking moments in her existence, but the events that made her strong to endure the various disappointments and disillusionments while trying to find the right place in her life.

I highly recommend this book whether you are Anglo, Black, Hispanic, and so forth; this story can very well be your story as well.

Since Wesley wrote in a different era, his style requires some adjustment but once one gets past that there is a lot of edifying content in this book. The key point of this book is the issue of "perfection." He sees it as living what Jesus said was the greatest commandment and its accompanying commandment, i.e., to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Wesley's life demonstrates that he reached the goal. He traveled extensively, read widely, wrote inspiringly, and influenced many people to believe in Jesus as their Savior. Thank God for his legacy in words and deeds. He truly practiced and preached.

Wesley's brief treatise on the important yet overlooked Christian doctrine of perfection is a "must read" for all Christians interested in growing in Christ. The fact that this book is not mandatory reading in every seminary and Bible school is a travesty, making a mockery contemporary Christian education. This book is excellent for anyone serious about their spiritual journey.

John Wesley (1703-1791) firmly believed that God continued to work in the life of the believer subsequent to justification. In A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, Wesley provides an account of the development of his understanding of the doctrine of Christian Perfection. This short work contains a lucid explanation of the doctrine with special attention not only to the Biblical promises and commands that are the basis of the doctrine but also the practical way that "perfect love" works in the life of the believer. While this work was certainly intended to instruct those who were seeking "perfect love," it also attempts to answer those who would deny the doctrine.

The essence of Christian Perfection, for Wesley, was clearly defined by Christ when an expert in the law asked him, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "`You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 23.36-40 NRSV)

Here one sees that, for Wesley, the main point of Christian Perfection is "perfect love." "Perfect love" thus defines our relationship to God and others.

This book is essential for those in the Wesleyan tradition and a worthwhile read for those from other Christian perspectives that wish to understand what Wesley thinks Christian Perfection is and is not.