Texas Books

I really enjoyed this book. It was comprehensive and very well written. I particularly enjoyed the chapter 'Decline Accelerates' and the story regarding "Powerful People Don't Ride Trains-Do They?" Great book.

Once upon a time, there were dozens of so-called "class one" railroads across the American continent, wielding massive political power and reshaping the nation. Today, most of those companies are gone, thanks to a corporate consolidation craze that began prior to World War One and continues today. In the 21st century American west, there are now only two major railroads: Union Pacific, and the BNSF Railway. Leaders Count is the "official" corporate history of BNSF, published under contract by them and distributed by Texas A&M University.

The book divides into roughly three sections. The first deals with the history of the BN heritage companies through the 19th and early 20th centuries. The second portion deals with regulation, the forces leading up to the BN merger, and the early BN period. The last segment covers the BNSF railway, from formation through to the present.

The book has a reputation of being a hard hitting self-examination of the company, it's successes, and it's mistakes. By-and-large, Kaufman does a decent job of telling the corporate history, but from the beginning there is an undercurrent of BNSF and its heritage roads being on the side of angels, and rival companies such as Union Pacific (UP) being less than stellar. While there is some truth to UP having a greater number of scandals in its past, BNSF's heritage companies were hardly innocent either, especially the Northern Pacific.

Minor factual errors in the book make me question how much primary source research Kaufman actually did. Another example of his lack of deep research is his knee-jerk acceptance of conventional wisdom, especially regarding the demise of the Milwaukee's Pacific Extension.

The segments dealing with regulation tend to be wonkish, but the segments regarding the creation of BNSF predecessor Burlington Northern are as good as anything I've seen in print on the subject yet. The newer portions of the book cover the creation of BNSF well, but tend to gloss over differences between BNSF previous leaders such as Rob Krebs and Gerald Grinstein. It's clear this is the sanitized version of BNSF, told from a board room perspective, and meant not to offend anyone still around.

Kaufman closes his epilogue with text about BNSF today, sounding much like a company press release. While there's a lot of value to his final analysis of the future, you can't help but feel that it's not an unbiased view, despite his claim in the preface that the company had never exerted the slightest influence on what he wrote.

Why was this book written? About half-way through, it occurred to me that the book in many was resembles a text-book; I wonder if the company uses it in their Management Training Program? Leaders Count is printed in trade-paperback form, the same rough dimensions most Bibles are published in. Indeed there are two versions: a plain cover versions issued in 2003 -- likely largely used internally by the company -- and a version sold to the public with a photo cover. One wonders if there is also a red letter edition.

Leaders Count is certainly not unbiased, nor does it live up to its reputation as a truly critical self-examination of company policy and leadership issues. That said, the book is probably the most concise corporate history on BNSF and it's predecessors. For anyone who wants to have one, comprehensive history text on these companies, this is it, and with used BNSF issued copies in paperback for about $5 a pop, it's a steal. Just be prepared to read; this is no picture book and it's no pulp novel either.

This book is more than an important slice of western railroad history: it is an insider's view of a company that has consistently and successfully dealt with the assimilation of competing, and in some cases conflicting, corporate cultures. In this respect alone it serves as an important contribution to the field of railway management, a subject that has received far less coverage than railway history.

Henry Posner III
Chairman
Railroad Development Corp.
Pittsburgh, PA

No serious student of the railroad industry can go without reading this book. I have also recently read (and recommended) Rush Loving's "The Men Who Loved Trains." As good as Loving's book was, I liked this book more. The book is well researched, well written and well organized...an easy and highly educational read. While focused on the evolution of the modern day BNSF (in a way, the western US counterpart to Loving's work), this book provides great insight into the entire contemporary rail industry in North America. Again, a must read for anyone interested in the rail industry.

Leadership: Texas Hold EM' Style is has excellent quotes, humor and what it means to be a leader. The best book on leadership I have read. The theories mentioned in the book is based on real world views and easy to understand how to apply the theories and ideas in your job. This book can be used in any organization.

I actually wrote a paper for a class and used this book as a reference and my professor enjoyed the ideass and bought the book to read for ideas to use for the management class next time.

I love the analagy to poker that is used. I love the chapters on teamwork, Morale, organization, change, and importance of being an excellent leader to follow. This book changes the way you look at leadership but also fun to read. There is an interactive website that is a great companion to the book. This book will be hard to top in leadership. I hope it this book receives an award for it's great information and writing.

I hope to see a sequel to this book out from Andrew Harvey
and Raymond E. Foster.

Wow...what a great book. As a consultant for career development and promotion, I read all the leadership materials I can get my hands on. The problem is, much of it is disappointing. It's too long; too theoretical; too convoluted; or just plain boring. Harvey & Foster created a leadership encyclopedia of sorts that is packed with the essentials of leadership. This book has all the basics: Delegation, Decision Making, Teamwork, and many more, but it also has valuable details on important elements of leadership that other books often overlook: Consistency (important), Accountability (one of the biggest problems with new generation employees), and How to fail. This book is well written and detailed, but concise in that it won't overwhelm the reader. It weaves the information through stories, definitions that are right on the money, great quotes, simple diagrams, and nice-to-know parallel information. This book serves as a great resource and will always be at an arm's reach for years to come.

Raymond Foster has demonstrated his knowledge of leadership very thoroughly in this book. Coming from the LAPD, he draws upon his experience as a mid-level manager by using humor and anecdotes so aspiring supervisors and managers can develop their individual skills. I am a retired police captin from Newark, NJ and wish I had the book during the promotional testing process. Now, I am using the book in my consulting practice--very relevant, very practical and an easy read!.

I write police promotional textbook exams and assessments for a living [...]. I'm always seeking out new and cutting edge books in the fields of police supervision, management and leadership.

So, I was very pleasantly surprised after I finished reading this unique leadership book. It presents an impressive amount of information on leadership in a fun and interesting format - with liberal use of relevant and humorous quotes, experiences and analogies. Your retention of the material will be extremely high because of the author's unique writing style and the attention-grabbing format. Both authors are highly qualified and experienced to present this material - but that's not the primary reason you should consider this book. If you are in law enforcement, entering law enforcement or looking to advance your law enforcement career, this book not only covers the basic leadrship experience in a way that is lively and interesting, it makes you relate to and almost experience the hardcore, daily struggle all law enforcement supervisors and managers have with how to select, train and "grow" quality law enforcement personnel.

It took a lot of guts to write a leadership book in such a unique format. And guts is what you'll need in Poker .. and in Leadership ... and this book, if nothing else, will make you see how you can embody these leadership skills.

Our book club selected this book, and it contained a wealth of interesting topics to discuss. We had one of our best discussions yet! Rebecca Meacham is a fresh new writer with wonderful talent. I highly recommend Let's Do!

This author brings each character in each story to life. It was like I knew them myself. The book was great and I highly reccommend it to anyone. I can't wait to read more from this new author.

I am not normally a fan of the short story genre -- usually short stories are all about plot or Some Grand Idea, and you have to let them go just when you're starting to get interested. Rebecca Meacham's stories are full of beautiful, knowable characters who draw you in from the first sentence and allow you to sit down, stay awhile, and learn something about someone who is, at least a little bit, just like you. Each story is complete, complex and satisfying, if sometimes heartbreaking and even devastating. It's the details about the characters that make the difference...the wry humor of a pregnant art teacher trying to hide her growing tummy while fending off possessive parents, the woman who is so nervous about socializing with her neighbor who has just lost a child that she rationalizes fixing a "quick Beam and Coke" before the party starts, the awful detail of an anorexic teenager planning every minute of a day. Meachem's insight into such vastly different human beings is amazing. I can't wait for more.

Let's Do is hands-down one of the best collections of short stories I've come across. The characters were described as people "we don't want to be" and yet, each of them evoked a measure of empathy as I read. The way they spoke and the things they thought were incredibly honest--a testimony to Meacham's talent. There is a frankness to her prose that is endearing. She isn't afraid to probe the raw spots of people's characters, however uncomfortable it may be. At the same time, the collection has its share of hilarious moments: thoughts and actions and mis-guided intentions that made me laugh out loud. This was a great holiday read. Enjoy!

Letters Home- A Soldier's Legacy provides the reader with an inside look at the life of a soldier through the letters of one man. The battles themselves are not the focus here, rather, it is an account of how one man found the strength and courage to go on through numerous letters home to family and friends. From training, through the early campaigns in Africa through the invasion of Italy, the war unfolds in a the personal story of a single officer. To have read his letters is to have known him.

"[This] poignant story is that of so many young men whose lives ended far too soon on a battlefield. Bill Rogers' letters capture the essence of World War II and the families who were caught up in it." Marilyn Grant--Montana the Magazine of Western History

What a privilege to read this intelligent,courageous young soldier's letters home. It is a rare opportunity to take a first hand look at the heart, soul and mind of the young American soldier during World War II. Historically, the letters validate American spirit, intelligence and valor. Bill Roger's letters are a national treasure. They are direct evidence of our national courage, honor, heart and hope. I wish every American had a copy of this very special book

"Rogers' letters and story are reflections of a time and experience...[he] was far more inquisitive, sensitive, and willing to share his thoughts and emotions than the average GI of World War II.... [The book] exhibits a freshness and honesty that are appealing...the work flows so nicely." Timothy K. Nenninger--Reviewer, University of Oklahoma Press

Deborah Lighfoot Sizemore's The LH7 Ranch: In Houston's Shadow is the fascinating and informative true story of a cattle range that has operated since 1907 and the venerable family who owned it. Men and women worked hard to keep up with ranch life, stand fast through the Great Depression and finally stand up to a conflict with the growing metropolis of Houston. Energetic and aptly researched, The LH7 Ranch is a most compelling and highly recommended slice of Texan-American regional history.

Having reviewed books for THE CATTLEMAN magazine for 30 years, I read with pleasure this well-crafted work about a ranch in a part of Texas not commonly associated with ranching and ranch life. The Marks LH7 Ranch was established at the end of the 19th century in an area only about 20 miles west of the center of Houston. The author was fortunate in her work because she was able to interview all four of rancher E.H. Marks' children. This gives her work an immediacy not allowed to some biographers.--Copyright 1992 K.E. Snyder, Friends of the Fort Worth (Texas) Public Library

I got the book for Christmas and read it in two days. I loved it! Boy, what a family! I do a combination of genealogy and local history writing in the vicinity of the old LH7 Ranch and was thrilled to see what the author had done in this book.

I especially enjoyed the women's part of it and the warmth and reality the author brought to the story. I hope it sells as well as it deserves to.

As an experienced hiker in the Big Bend region, I was still amazed at the marvelolus plants neither I nor others have ever seen. This guide is a MUST if you really want to see the hidden beauty of this rugged region.

Devoted to the plants of Big Bend National Park this book also captures the stark beauty of the park. After brief sections on the preface, acknowledgement and design of the book, the book opens by explaining the environment in the short chapter headed, "Big Bend, The Land of Extremes." Along with rainfall rate, temperature extremes, elevation changes of thousands of feet, and other facts of interest the author also writes of the ecological diversity and the human influence on the park from the earliest hunters to modern time as well as the history of park itself.

That is followed by a brief section on how plants are named and a section on plants helpfully organized under the various family names. Page numbers are also noted for the family plant names making it easier for readers to find the pages grouped together for a certain family plant name.

Page 35 begins the actual heart if the book with a plant name, a close up color photograph and an easy to read and understand text on the plant. The text for each plant covers a description of the plant, where it is found, and some interesting history on the plant such as its reputation for inflicting damage on people and car tires (Lechuguilla), what the Aztecs used it for (Havard Agave) and other interesting information.


More than 250 pages later after a color picture of a beautiful Spanish dagger, the appendices begin. Appendix A is devoted to the status of the plants and how endangered they are in Texas. Appendix B is devoted to selected locations in the park such as Boot Canyon, Casa Grande, Panther Pass, and many others and the names of plants found at each location. Appendix C is devoted to the author's suggestions concerning photographing plants and necessary equipment. All of the pictures in the book were taken by the author and he explains how to achieve the quality photographs he does. Appendix D is a brief two page explanation of what sources were used for the names of the plants and why.


A glossary of terms, a list of sources for more information on the park, reference materials and an index brings this beautiful and easy to use book to a close. Designed for people who want to know what they are looking at in the park, this book is superbly done in text and photographs and is easy to understand. Not only does it depict many of the plants within the park, numerous photographs also capture the surrounding countryside and the beauty of the park. This is a must have for your next trip.


Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2008

Big Bend National Park, which is located in southwest Texas along the Mexican border, contains more than 800,000 acres (which is larger than the state of Rhode Island). Due to its unique location, this park is sometimes referred to as three parks in one because it includes mountain, desert, and river environments. A short drive can take you from the Rio Grande River and its canyons, to a mile high mountain basin or the Chihuahuan desert. As a result, plant life within Big Bend National Park is highly diverse.

While book does contain a lot of information on the many of the common plants found in the park, the book primary focus is to provide information on those plants that are often overlooked by other guidebooks. Each of the hundreds of plants featured in the book has at least one high resolution photograph that accompanies the text that allows the reader/adventurer to easily identify the plant and its flowers.

Finally, unlike many guide books which fit into the back of your pocket, the book is a standard sized book, which allows for large sized pictures to be included.

Exceptional book for the southwest plant lover. Not an exhaustive study of all the plants in that area but a nice crisp focus on exceptional, interesting or the unusual ones. Photography is dead on the money. Highly recommended.

Like all the Elmer Kelton books I've read, this is excellent. Kelton is better than Larry McMurtry when it comes to Western fiction; too bad he doesn't receive the same popular and critical acclaim. This is a wonderful work of historical fiction with great characters and smooth writing.

Mr. Kelton does an excellent job developing characters and weaving them into the story. I found the story to be suprisingly intriguing and unpredictable. I plan to read more of his work.

I have read all three of these books separately. Although a trilogy, each can be read on its own. Kelton does an incredible job of creating a sense of place in his novels, and his character development exceeds L'amour's. Highly recommended.

I was doing a booksigning with western writing icon Elmer Kelton a while back and picked up his book "Lone Star Rising." It's a trilogy of Texas Ranger stories featuring a ranger by the name of Rusty Shannon, and an ongoing feud with several generations of Comanche warriors, set against a cast of other fascinating characters that I guarantee will intrigue you. It's a terrific look at the history of the rangers before, during and after the civil war.

The settings are drawn exceedingly well, the characters are real and compelling, and the story moves at a pace that makes it hard to put down. I was pleased to see that it included a faith element to it, though not enough that it would be aimed for the Christian bookstore shelves. There is a mild spattering of language and light violence, but not enough that would put off a more sensitive reader. It preserves the realism, but is done with Elmer's taste and light touch.

People have always been drawn to the myth and legend of the rangers, but the true story is no less compelling. This force always stood against great odds protecting Texas in the early days as well as in the years to come. This book is a great read, and with three separate books in one volume is a good reading value as well. Easy to recommend.

Terry Burns
Author of the Mysterious Ways Series from River Oak

I'm a big fan of Junior League cookbooks to begin with, so I was sure I would like this one. Little did I know that I would LOVE it. Most of the recipies are easy and inexpensive. This has become one of the most frequently used cookbooks in my collection and we have yet to be disappointed. Great gift, too. I've given it to several friends and they have all raved about how wonderful it is.

This has become my "staple" cookbook because everything I've made is not only easy & elegant in its presentation, but Yummy! I recommend it to everyone who likes to have a book with the things they love, but with a twist, and also try something new. We tried the East Texas Breakfast Cake for Christmas morning and it's now going to be our annual tradition- it was perfect to make the night before and cook in the morning. You'll love it for yourself and everyone else you give it to.

I love this cookbook!!! The party ideas are fantastic, the pictures are beautiful and the recipes are delicious. This cookbook is a must have for any cookbook library.

Very nice book which makes a great gift. This is the official cookbook for the City of Plano and Tabasco Award Winner!! Lone Star to Five Star features a collection of recipes designed to enhance every occasion from holiday dinners to elegant cocktail parties. In addition to over 250 recipes extensively tested in home kitchens, Lone Star to Five Star features signature recipes from more than a dozen of North Texas' most lauded chefs.

Lone Star to Five Star celebrates legendary Texas hospitality, with entertaining ideas, historical sidebars and food presentation tips. Wine pairings, featuring custom selections by the Texas Wine & Grape Growers, highlight Texas' agricultural background. Start your day with "Rising Stars", then sample "Greens & Tureens" or "Star Attractions", and end up with "Lasting Impressions". All proceeds from their sales go to projects of the Junior League of Plano in Collin County, Texas.

This book was so good. I love every book that I've read by Beverly Barton, but this book had to be the best. They loved each other, but her family got in their way and would not let go. This book is full of passion and sex. The plot was so good that I could not put the book down until I finished it. I read it in a day. What can I say? Just read her books, you will thoroughly enjoy them.

I have read this last book of Beverly Barton's. I love this book. The passion, sex, plot and the ending was great. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to read it. It is worth you time to read this book. I have read every book I believe Beverly has written. She is a great writer with so much feeling in her books.

Luke McClendon, 35 and at his peak, is a quarter-breed cowboy and illigitimate son of Baxter McClendon and he runs the Montrose ranch for his step-mother, Kizzie and step-brothers, Tyler and Grant.
Tyler, about 30, we meet as the sheriff of Luma County. Neither brothers have any interest in running the Montrose.

Deanna Atchley is the girl next door. As a spoiled, indulged teenager she wanted Luke and did whatever it took to meet up with him. It was her testimony that put Luke in prison for the murder of her father. He didn't believe she couldn't remember.

All Luke wanted now was revenge on her for betraying him. It has been fifteen years since her father's murder and ten years since Luke got out of prison. All Luke could envision was Deanna living the good life somewhere. He was certain she had gotten rid of his baby.

Deanna has started having nightmares and flashbacks and now must face the past in order to get on with her life. She is also determined to clear Luke's name. Yet was the price he asked for his help too high. Could she tolerate his treatment of her?

Deanna wondered what her mother, Phyllis and her brother, Junior and his wife, Benita would say to her regaining her memory.
She was sure that one of them knew who killed her father. The man who horsewhipped Luke and threatened to kill him. He would not tolerate her having a child by Luke.

Plenty of charged emotions as hatred threatened to destroy Luke - and Deanna needing forgiveness - betrayal and mistrust - murder and vengence - wonderful characters - brutal disregard of emotions.
It has it all.

Definitely Recommended --M Maybe a keeper? you decide.

I thought this book was the best of Beverly Barton. I could not put this book down, I had to finish reading that day. Deanna was so in love with Luke, but her family stopped at nothing to keep them apart. His trial and release from prison for the murder of Deanna's father was unreal. Deanna came back into Luke's life to clear his name, but the only thing on his mind for her was revenge. I loved this book, the passion and sex, was great. But the plot and the ending of this book was unreal. I could not believe it. Keep writing those books BEVERLY!!!

Because I lost my father in WWII, Lost in the Victory, had a very personal meaning for me. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. The personal stories of what happened to several of the orphans once the war ended brought back memories that were buried for years. A truly touching book. Thanks Ann

A well documented reminder of how families that lose a parent in a war are permanently affected.

As one who lost my father in WWII, this was a difficult book to read because it triggered a flood of emotions that had been suppressed for many years. It should be required reading for all military officers and world leaders. Those of us labeled war babies or war orphans will be forever grateful to Ann Mix for bringing us together and our stories to light.

So few members of my generation, born in the 1960's, have been introduced to the full depth of a war's reach. Often our understanding is derived generally from the broadest high school or college survey class; or worse, Hollywood. So it is quite sobering that a member of the "me" generation receives the sharpest of slaps across the face.
As a collection of essays and interviews of American World War Two orphans, LOST IN THE VICTORY paints a broad and intense picture of a narrow and lonely subject. With each chapter, the sense of loss grows; not just the loss of a fine American to battle, but the loss of a child's identity.


However, the range of emotions is broad. While sad and desperate at times, the book also brims with pride and faith.


For a Memorial Day tribute, there could be no better slap of reality than LOST IN THE VICTORY.