Texas Books

In this book, Erickson proves that his ability to tell a story is not limited to tales for children, but the real jewel is in the work of Bill Ellzey. I first met Bill as a young teenager, and new even then that he saw things that other people did not see, and that he could get what he saw onto film. As we drove across the hot Texas Panhandle in his blue Dodge (with the windows down!) his dimples danced and shown through an already graying beard, and he began to teach me how to "see" like an artist. Bill's photographs will remind you of what you have seen, or let you see what you always hoped was out there somewhere. Enjoy this book, and let Erickson tell you tales, while Ellzey lets you see the indescribable. What a great combination these two boyhood friends have become!

PS: Bill, I'm sorry that I didn't have enough sons to name one of them Ellzey.

In an overall sense, this is one of the best books I have ever read. Arguably, Erickson is the best author living in Texas. Over and over, I think children would definitely consider him a wonderful storyteller. And, who is a better judge of storytelling than kids. I don't generally read Hank the Cowdog books, but I was very fascinated with the idea of reading this book. It was outstanding. Erickson, a Perryton (Texas) rancher/author, has written a great book about the Canadian River valley. The author does a great job of taking the reader along the journey. Erickson, makes the reader understand the past events and people groups who have lived or live in the central to eastern Panhandle of Texas. I think many would agree that the Panhandle is not one of the most beautiful areas of our world. Afterall, it's not as popular as the European Alps, Hawaiian islands, or even the Chesapeake Bay region - but, it is distinctive. One thing can certainly be said about the Panhandle - the places and people are REAL. What you see is what you get, so to speak. I appreciate John Erickson for being a real writer and a real storyteller. I appreciate John Erickson for writing about something he has a great understanding of.

Erickson's story of traveling through the Canadian River in the Eastern Texas panhandle on horse back with photographer and childhood friend Bill Ellzey is a wonderful tale told by a true to life cowboy/yarnspinner. Once in the late seventies I took a photography course under Ellzey and his photos tell a pretty good tale of their own. The cast of characters introduced are all very real and I know(or knew) most of them. Some are still around and some have passed on to their reward. But John's story and his cast will always be interesting reading for anyone that has ever dreamed of time in the saddle and sleeping under the stars. It should be required reading for any Texan or those that wish they were a Texan. Do yourself a favor and get this one.

There are just a few books a parent needs to read to "do it right." Joan Beck's "How to Raise a Brighter Child" and Prudence MackIntosh's essays in her trilogy of books: "Thundering Sneakers," Retreads," and "Sneaking Out." The MackIntosh books are better than chocolate, whether you have a boy or a girl. And on those frequent occasions when I am at my wits' end and rapidly losing perspective, her books bring me right back. You'll laugh with a lump in your throat the whole way through.

In Thundering Sneakers, Prudence Mackintosh has anecdotally shared her life as the mother of 3 boys in a Texas town with humor and frankness. Mothers of boys anywhere will recognize her stories and grandmothers who have raised their sons will laugh as they remember those moments when they longed for a little girl to dress up. In the days of career women, Mackintosh has made her career writing about what it's like to be a stay-at-home mom, and life with her three boys and her lawyer husband will bring laughter to your heart and tears to your eyes. This is a must read for any woman whose life is made richer, and rowdier, by sons. {Retreads is the sequel -- and just as good!

Prudence Mcintosh is just about my favorite author of all time and this book is the best. She is a real role model for young moms.You will love this book.

Sonya Katye Childers has done an amazing job bringing to life the country music scene and the demands of being on the road as an entertainer. But that's only the beginning. This is really a love story about two people who are star-crossed in so many ways, circumstances conspire to keep them apart every time they get together, but each separation only strengthens their love for each other. You will laugh, you will cry, you will wring your hands when it seems life has finally dealt them a dividing blow, but get those hankies ready for an ending that will have you cheering and crying at the same time. Ms. Childers is an outstanding writer. This is a book not to miss.

Reading is definitely NOT a favorite past-time of mine, but if there were more books like this, it sure would be! This book is amazing! The story will draw you in from page one and you won't be able to put it down. Sonya's style or writing really makes you feel like you are right there with the characters in the book. I can't wait to read more from this author!

Rebecca Roberts has been at loose ends since the love of her life and musical soul mate left to pursue his dreams of stardom in Nashville. Despite her mother's incessant insults and abuse, Rebecca continues to work toward her dreams of being a successful songwriter. Her Uncle Bert and her best friend, Whitney, have been supportive and encouraging of Becca's musical aspirations in the years since Jason left. Both are aware, however, that she never has gotten over him.

Jason Engles left Becca to become a big Nashville star. He became disillusioned when his `career' failed to go anywhere. After a year of playing in dives and living on bologna sandwiches, Jason opted to join the Marines in favor of three meals a day and a roof over his head. By the time he was discharged from the military, he was able to focus on his music and finally fulfilled his dream. But he never stopped thinking about or loving Becca.

All Becca wants to do is relax and spend some time working on lyrics or possibly even napping. Any thoughts of napping or writing are extinguished by Whitney's arrival at Becca's apartment. Whitney is determined that Becca needs to go out and she's not taking `no' for an answer. Becca assumes that her friend is on another man hunt and dragging her along again. She couldn't be more wrong. Whitney has won front row tickets to a local America Supports You concert where Jason Engles is going to be performing.

Becca makes it through most of the concert before Jason notices her in the audience but once he spots Becca, there's no way he's willing to risk losing her again . Jason sings the last song of the night, a poem that she'd written the night he'd left, directly to her. After the song ends he pulls her up on the stage and requests that she wait for him in his dressing room while he performs an encore. Having achieved everything he set out to do, Jason couldn't ask for anything more than having Becca back in his arms. Only their happily-ever-after is fraught with pitfalls and unexpected events that will put their relationship through some hard times which only true love can withstand.

After reading this heart-touching tale, I'm so afraid that nothing I say could possibly do it justice. Sonya Kate Childers TIDES OF TIME gives readers insight into this sweet romance that could have easily been all hugs and kisses and happily ever after with no effort. However, as this story shows - true love requires time, effort, patience, and understanding. Without going into too much detail and giving anything away, Jason is recalled to the Marines and sent to Iraq leaving Becca to struggle with several devastating events. Her strength lies in the support of a few friends and her own pure determination. TIDES OF TIME will give readers a healthy respect for not just the men and women who are overseas fighting wars, but also for their loved ones that are left behind.

On a lighter note, I was very impressed when I reached the end of the story and read that country singer Steve Azar endorses TIDES OF TIME.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies

In the tradition of Lorraine Heath's emotionally charged Western Romances, Tracy Garrett makes her debut with this outstanding novel TOUCH OF TEXAS.

What a beautifully written story! It captures the spirit of the old west and the simplicity of the lives living in that era. Though it depicts the harsh times that families were subjected to and the lawlessness in the territories, it beautifully captures the richness of the American spirit and how people come together at times of strife.

Texas Ranger, Jake McCain ha never thought about anything other than his job. Nothing has deterred him from capturing the thieves and murderers that he is after - after all it is his job. Half white and Apache, he stumbles in the dead of winter on Rachel Hudson's doorstep. Unconscious and badly wounded he is dragged into her cabin by Rachel and her brother Nathan.

The time spent with Rachel and her brother shows Jake a different side to what he is accustomed in life. He falls in love with her and cares deeply for her young brother but realizes that there is never any hope for a white woman to ever fall in love with a half breed.

The story that follows is richly narrated, with heartfelt secondary characters, horrid villains and daring rescues. You will definably fall in love with Jake and his unbelievable sense of justice and kindness. How he protects the innocent and punishes the murdering outlaws! The sizzling and emotionally charged romance between Jake and Rachel is lovely. Jake is a wonderful treat of a wounded sexy hero who immediately falls for Rachel's sweet and open nature. Rachel who is haunted by her mother's less that respectable past makes her a wonderful mate for our hero. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Nanette

Rootin' Tootin' Cowboys are back and I am thrilled to see it. Debut author, Tracy Garrett, gives a solid historical romance set in the Old West. She delivers a sexy hero, an engaging heroine and a novel that simply sizzles. Garrett truly brings to the story a passion that lets the reader really experience the setting.

A snowstorm finds Rachel Hudson all snug against the coming blizzard. That peace is shattered when sexy Texas Ranger, Jack McCain, comes a knocking at her door. He's nearly frozen from the storm. Rachel works to save his life, paying little heed that being a school marm would see her reputation ruined from being snowbound with a man.

Jack is a man on a mission. He is out to find the men who killed his father and left him to die.

Garrett strikes a strong not in this debut novel, sounding that she is an author to watch.

Very highly recommended.

Rachel Hudson has settled in for the blizzard, along with her younger brother and their animals when she hears something, or someone, at the door. Texas Ranger Jack McCain has nearly frozen to death and it's up to her to keep him alive. Which would have been a bit easier if he weren't so darned sexy. Rachel has done her best to flee her mother's past and develop the kind of reputation a schoolteacher needs in rural Texas. Having a sexy male snowed in with her won't help that reputation at all.

Jake McCain is on the trail of the man who killed his father--and who left him to die in the snow. It's a quest he's certain he won't survive, but then, Jake has never had much reason to want to survive. Half white, half Apache, Jake has never been accepted into any society. Any woman who takes up with him is doomed to be rejected as well--which means he can never have Rachel no matter how much he wants her. But Rachel gives him a reason to want to live--just when he's certain that's impossible.

In her debut novel, author Tracy Garrett combines western historical adventure with sizzling romance to deliver an entertaining and enjoyable story. Wounded hero Jake is definitely a sexy treat and Rachel, with her mother's past haunting her, makes a sympathetic heroine. Garrett's writing appeals to the senses--although I was reading the novel in the midst of a Texas heat wave, Garrett nevertheless made me feel the sting of blown snow and the winds of the open plains.

Western historical romances have been unjustifiably on the outs in recent years. It's great to see Zebra bringing them back, and with an author like Garrett leading the way, this just might be an entire genre to watch.

I'm a gardener in California, and was looking for something to help me select worthwile gardens to visit while touring Texas on vacation. This book fills the bill admirably.

Nothing is more invigorating and tranquil than a walk in a lovingly tended garden, and this wonderful book guides the lucky reader to the best such spots in Texas. Touring Texas Gardens catalogues the most seductive gardens over the sprawling state, complete with descriptions of their territory, lists of their flora and fauna, contact information, and driving instructions.

Jessie Gunn Stephens, a well-known Texas naturalist and columnist who specializes in gardening, has created a carefully and exhaustively researched book that makes a wise and friendly companion for trips to these special places.

I especially appreciate the book's "bird alerts," which remind readers which avian friends they will meet in these gardens and when each species is likely be there.

This book is a rare treasure. You might like to keep an extra copy in the car.

Bob Huffaker

This directory spotlights the best of Texas gardens. Many are hard-to-find treasures you'll recommend to gardening friends and family as great destination spots, or as ideal along-the-way travel breaks while driving through the state.

The guide book provides details about each special garden: days and hours, garden type, size, themes, special "don't-miss" features, and even "bird alert" notes for birders. Many Texans don't know about these secret places -- I didn't! -- but with TOURING TEXAS GARDENS you'll find favorites to return to, time and again.

My daughter-in-law is one of Don's daughters. I have collected the calendars for 15+ years and have some of his original art works and attended some of his art shows over the years. I am so pleased to have this book published.

Linda

Whether you are old enough to remember Model T Fords or young enough
to understand the Blue Berry, you will find this book the most exacting
record of the past and the most interesting to follow through. These
drawings of Don Collins are not only facinating but authenic. This book
will be the most read on your coffee table. Sam Harris, 3232 Hwy 29E,
Burnet TX 78611

A difficult book to locate, but seller went out of the way to find it for us and kept us informed during the process. Book arrived shortly in beautiful condition. It's a lovely book, worth the trouble and the wait. Thank you!

These are the delightful memoirs of a young immigrant from Germany who accompanied her parents to Torreon, NL, just on the western edge of the LAGUNA district just across the state line from Gomez Palacio, CH, arriving jusy before la Revolucion began.
Torreon is located where the north-south Mexican railway from Juarez to Mexico City meets the east-west lines running east to near Monterrey.





Tulitas of TorreonTulitas of Torreon;: Reminiscences of life in Mexico,

This is the true story of an American girl of German descent growing up in Torreon, Mexico prior to and during the Mexican Revolution, told by the girl herself. Tulitas's father was a civil architect from San Antonio, Texas, working in Coahuila, Mexico. He moved his wife and five children to Torreon and Tulitas lived there from an early age until several years after she was married, when she moved back to the US due to the continuing civil unrest. In the book she describes a pre-revolutionary Mexico, and also tells the story of what happened when Pancho Villa arrived. It's obvious that Tulitas loved Mexico, and this book is a rare first person history of a forgotten era. For anyone interested in this period of time, this is a great book.

I bought it some time ago for my wife, and she loved it. We live in Torreon, were the book was wroten and a cultural institution translated it and now the whole spanish edition is sold out. I dont think 1500 people are wrong.

All other attempts to post have failed. This is a test.

I know poetry. I teach the stuff. I don't know war. Firsthand, that is. But I suspect I've come as close as I'll get by reading Unaccustomed Mercy.

I very much enjoy poetry, but I don't like - really like - many poems. So much poetry is solopsistic slop and slobbering encased in fine technique. This book is different. This book is real. Ehrhart offers us slice after slice of war, of being right in the middle of it, of it being right in the middle of you, physically, emotionally, and years after it was supposedly over. Ehrhart's editting is masterful. He's earned the right to choose who goes in the book, and he's chosen well.

Some critics have said that what these works lack in poetic technique they make up for in gut-searing impact. Half right. The necessary technique is there. Whether studied or intuitive, form fits content in poem after poem.

I have a PhD in literature. I write and publish this stuff. Well, not this stuff. I've not lived this stuff, thank God. Every poet in this book has though. And they've let me get close.

We all know the war was bullsh*t. Still, readers will thank the poets for their poems and their service.

War poetry, as oppossed to poetry written by veterans, is certainly not new. The "Iliad" comes to mind. Most English literature classes also throw in poetry from World War I, which produced the likes of Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. Not since Vietnam has American Literature produced such fine poets. Thanks to the best-known Vietnam War poet Will Ehrhart, ofter described as the "Poet Laureate of the Vietnam War," we have a number of such poets being published.

Ehrhart (Marine) is known for early work such as "A Relative Thing," an angry statement reminding America that we returned veterans did "your" work ("accomplices in this travesty of dreams") and that "we are your sons, America, and you cannot change that." In "Letter," we see hope on the horizon.

Bruce Weigl (Army) is my second favorite poet. It is from his "Monkey" that the title of this collection comes from. "Burning **** at An Khe" speaks to us Vietnam veterans on more than one level. "Song for the Lost Private," about the death of a friend, and "Anna Grasa," about his reaction to a family "welcome home" truly capture some of our inner feelings.

Walter McDonald (Air Force) can write some varied poetry, from people to places. "For Kelly, Missing In Action," and "For Harper, Killed In Action," are about obvious topics. Likewise, "After the Noise of Saigon," and "For Friends Missing in Action" should be read in tandem. His "Interview with a Guy Named Fawkes, U.S. Army" is simply too witty for description.

Bryan Alec Floyd (Marine) writes one of the most poignant poems in this book. All his poems in this collection are named after individuals. His "Private First Class Brooks Morgenstein, U.S.M.C." is the one poem all should read. Brooks has a wife at home, and this is the sole reason for his being and his survival. "He only knew as he held his rifle/during a sweeping operation/that next year he would hold her/and when he kissed her/his tongue would touch hers/and she would feel/as though a piece of the sun/was in her mouth."

I know I am leaving out all the other fine poets represented in this book, not least Jan Barry, a close frind of Ehrhart's. We all owe our gratitude not just to the poets of the Vietnam War, but most certainly to Will Ehrhart for ceaselessly working to bring us this exceptionally beautifull form of expression.

The book title, Understanding Automotive Electronics, is an understatement. This book, in chapters 5, 6, and 7, gives one of the best explanations of modern engine control systems I have ever read. Every major concept of OBD-II vehicles is discussed in clear precise language. These chapters alone are worth the price of the book.

My favorite feature of the book is the end of chapter questions which can be used to test your understanding of the material. And in the back of the book, you can check your answers.

Be careful when buying automotive books. Many are written by good in-shop mechanics who have poor writing skills. This book is different. Mr. Ribbens not only knows his stuff but can communicate it to others as well.

You won't be disappointed, from air/fuel/spark to control systems, this is a very well written and informative book.

Electronics has taken over control of the modern automobile, so much so that it is difficult to tinker with the car as we used to do in the old days, since all of the electronics is contained in embedded systems and diagnostics are usually performed by a PC. All the key functions are, or can be, controlled with electronics which has greatly benefited the driver.

There are 11 chapters and over 450 pages illustrated with diagrams, circuits and performance graphs, but very few photographs of the electronics. The chapters step the reader through fundamentals of combustion, controls, engine and motion control and diagnostics. After each chapter there is a multiple choice quiz relating to the chapter. You will have to read the text in detail to answer the questions, not speed-read. It's an interesting textbook and ideal for education in the topic. I found it to be easy to read and informative. The book shows how the electronics works to improve the safety and performance of the automobile. There is little coverage on the type of componentry, wiring or reliability of different forms of assembly, so the book is only of interest to manufacturing engineers if they want to understand the reasons behind the circuits built into automobiles. Instead there are quite a few block diagrams, equations, snippets of assembly language code, and even explanations of more elementary electronic devices and systems that will probably be most interesting to the electrical engineer who is interested in how electronics controls the modern automobile.

Scooter Keyshawn looks forward to becoming one of the Graveyard Armadillos, which include Russell Knight and his sister, Racquel, Kristie Chandel, Jo Gunn, twins BJ and CJ Mochrie, and Garrett. His initiation was both heart pounding and preposterous at the same time. All he had to do was take a picture, a picture of Marcus Chandler, a retired filmmaker with a rare skin disease that left him with white - really white - and sensitive to sunlight, whom Garrett believed was a vampire. He took the picture, unfortunately, but of course there were consequences for doing such a foolish deed. Scooter apologized, forced to by Judge Grandfather Keyshawn, and he actually came to be fond of the man. As soon as people started to disappear, things became uneasy for Scooter. And, when they found Tony and Teri, the Newbaker twins, dead, everything just fell apart. He knew all accusations pointed to Chandler, but he wasn't a vampire and he didn't kill them, or so he thought.
The Graveyard Armadillos was just a local gang that no one wanted to be apart of, no one except Scooter Keyshawn. Scooter was an outcast in school, and no one really knew him well except his best friends, Flash and Russell. Flash, his Labrador, is the perfect dog for him; he's smart, loyal, and obeying. Russell, his human friend, is pretty much just like him; they like each other for who they are, and not who they want to be. Scooter, however, wants to be the one in Kristie Chandel's, the minister's daughter's, eyes. He's got a major crush on her and he hasn't made his move yet. Once they started "hanging out," they came to grow fond each other, and he even received his first kiss from her.
Although I'm not into the whole "love scene" that much, my favorite part in this fantastic book is when Scooter and Kristie kiss. Scooter had killed - staked through the heart - the vampire, Mr. Shade. He was responsible for the deaths and disappearances of the teenagers of the town. Scooter found Kristie afterwards and kissed her. The kiss was short, yet sweet, and in my opinion, nothing else could have reached the height their kiss did. It was the perfect moment for it; they both liked each other and were in great danger just minutes before. The best part: she beamed brightly and said, "I think everything is going to be all right now." Obviously the kiss wasn't just a kiss, it was a spark of true love.

Once again William Hill brings his characters to life. From the first page to the last you'll be riveted. This is Bills third trip into the realm of the vampire and I can't wait for the fourth, fifth, sixth.....

This book had alot of drama and action. It introduces many new ways to kill a Vampire. There is no telling who the vampire is. Many seens had me think it was time to lose a charactor. It shows real life matters with totally off the wall stunts. It was easily one of my favorite books.