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alexisrt's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a native New Yorker, which probably makes me constitutionally obliged to hate Texas. It's too hot and is entirely devoid of decent pizza. Nonetheless I'm a little skeptical of writers who come from New York or Los Angeles and try to explain Texas for us Yankees. It's a good thing that Lawrence Wright wrote this and not one of us--as a native Texan who still lives in the state, he's better placed to explain it and to be affectionately critical.
There isn't a real plot or structure to the book--it's a series of stories, part reporting, part memoir. Wright is a fine writer, with a good sense of humor he hasn't gotten to display in his recent nonfiction. He's sharply critical of Texas politics while also keen to point out, for the benefit of northeasterners who think all Texans are evangelical Tea Party boosters, that the far right of the Republican Party has completely hijacked the state and pushed its socially conservative agenda without the voter support you might think it has.
Overall, very enjoyable (and with many quotable anecdotes, such as Phil Collins' collection of Alamo relics).
There isn't a real plot or structure to the book--it's a series of stories, part reporting, part memoir. Wright is a fine writer, with a good sense of humor he hasn't gotten to display in his recent nonfiction. He's sharply critical of Texas politics while also keen to point out, for the benefit of northeasterners who think all Texans are evangelical Tea Party boosters, that the far right of the Republican Party has completely hijacked the state and pushed its socially conservative agenda without the voter support you might think it has.
Overall, very enjoyable (and with many quotable anecdotes, such as Phil Collins' collection of Alamo relics).
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a decent resource to learn about a few facts of Texas. I'm pretty sure I finished this book but my notes say otherwise. I read this right before going to the SISU IRON and I went through another Metamorphosis that weekend so my memory isn't the most reliable. Although, I believe this was written by a filthy liberal so all you staunch conservatives that love Texas might have your tender feelings hurt about your precious Texas.
And speaking of filthy liberals something I learned is that in the first half of the 20th Century both California and Texas were opposite in the political parties that they are today. So weird to think it was like that. I guess Texas turned red (Republican because of migration in the 50's and 60's then steady growth in the suburbs. To quote Lloyd Christmas, "So you're telling me there's a chance."
"The danger of holding onto a myth is it acts like a religion we stop believing in."
Notes:
Texas uses 17% wind power. Using more electricity than another state, it has the cheapest electrical costs. Pretty neat, huh?
Houston is the single most ethnically diverse metro area in the nation. 1 out of 4 is foreign born. 142 languages are spoken. It led the nation in refugees at one point a few years ago. Wild stuff, huh?
Austin is the second most tourist destination in the country behind Las Vegas. I find that one very hard to believe. I liked in Austin. The pinchy part even.
And that's all I got. See, I think I missed something.
And speaking of filthy liberals something I learned is that in the first half of the 20th Century both California and Texas were opposite in the political parties that they are today. So weird to think it was like that. I guess Texas turned red (Republican because of migration in the 50's and 60's then steady growth in the suburbs. To quote Lloyd Christmas, "So you're telling me there's a chance."
"The danger of holding onto a myth is it acts like a religion we stop believing in."
Notes:
Texas uses 17% wind power. Using more electricity than another state, it has the cheapest electrical costs. Pretty neat, huh?
Houston is the single most ethnically diverse metro area in the nation. 1 out of 4 is foreign born. 142 languages are spoken. It led the nation in refugees at one point a few years ago. Wild stuff, huh?
Austin is the second most tourist destination in the country behind Las Vegas. I find that one very hard to believe. I liked in Austin. The pinchy part even.
And that's all I got. See, I think I missed something.
adhdthoreau's review against another edition
Just not in the right mood for reading about oil drilling, shale, and fraking after work. I might try again later
papidoc's review against another edition
4.0
I found this a frustrating experience - I've rarely been so amused, irritated, engaged, fascinated, or exasperated all at the same time! The historical review of my adopted state of Texas was fascinating, but the regular insertions of the author's political views (with what seemed to me to be a clearly supercilious attitude!) wasn't something I appreciated. But there were plenty of stories and historical accounts that made me laugh out loud, or that I will remember well. All in all, I'm glad I read it.
joshuamt's review against another edition
4.0
Such a good read. This book made me want to spend a month exploring Texas, which is impressive as I havent had a desire to return for any stretch of time to the Lone Star State since I left after university.
The author is a real joy to read, with a style that I recall from reading the pages of the Dallas Observer and similar papers growing up: a raconteur that is serious about not taking anything too seriously. I look forward to reading some of his other books.
The only section that dragged for me was the multiple chapter on Texas politics. There were a few good stories in there, but my attention for politics these days is at an all time low.
The author is a real joy to read, with a style that I recall from reading the pages of the Dallas Observer and similar papers growing up: a raconteur that is serious about not taking anything too seriously. I look forward to reading some of his other books.
The only section that dragged for me was the multiple chapter on Texas politics. There were a few good stories in there, but my attention for politics these days is at an all time low.
jsisco's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed learning so much about Texas but the tone in this gave me whiplash. Odd mix of personal memoir and legitimate political discussion of the history and context for the state.
andrewotey's review against another edition
2.0
The premise of the book was very interesting to me. And there were parts of it that were indeed interesting. However, the amount of personal narrative the author includes strays from providing structure into humble brag territory.
jeremypmeyers's review against another edition
5.0
Lawrence Wright is a helluva writer.
He captures in this book both a lot of what I love about my home state and my antipathy towards some of its excesses.
An interesting book that is equal parts history, essay, and personal memoir.
He captures in this book both a lot of what I love about my home state and my antipathy towards some of its excesses.
An interesting book that is equal parts history, essay, and personal memoir.