{"id":1422,"date":"2018-12-31T17:09:31","date_gmt":"2018-12-31T17:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/?p=1422"},"modified":"2018-12-31T17:09:31","modified_gmt":"2018-12-31T17:09:31","slug":"lone-star-reviewsmichelle-newby-nbcc-124","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/?p=1422","title":{"rendered":"Lone Star ReviewsMichelle Newby, NBCC,"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/span><\/span>Lone Star Reviews<\/span>Michelle Newby, NBCC,<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n

Contributing Editor<\/span><\/h1>\n
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TEXAS SPORTS<\/span><\/p>\n

book), 256 pgs., $19.99; September 4, 2018<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to Texas, it won\u2019t take you long to understand<\/span> that high school football games are a statewide religion, as well as a billion-dollar-plus industry.<\/p>\n

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TEXAS SPORTS<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeff Fisher<\/span><\/p>\n

High School Football in Texas: Amazing Football Stories from the Greatest Players of Texas<\/span><\/p>\n

Sports Publishing<\/p>\n

Hardcover, 978-1-6835-8181-9, (also available as an e-book), 256 pgs., $19.99; September 4, 2018<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to Texas, it won\u2019t take you long to understand<\/span> that high school football games are a statewide religion, as well as a billion-dollar-plus industry.<\/p>\n

On fall Friday nights, stadium lights snap on across the Lone Star State. Bleachers fill, often to overflowing. And opposing teams charge onto the fields with much more at stake than winning their game or getting dates with cheerleaders.<\/p>\n

As Jeff Fisher\u2019s<\/span> enjoyable new book, High School Football in Texas: Amazing Football Stories from the Greatest Players of Texas,<\/span> makes clear, many high-school players suit up also for the slim chance that they will get recruited by top-rated university teams and later drafted to play for professional teams in the National Football League.\u00a0 >>READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/span><\/span>Texas Reads<\/span>Glenn Dromgoole<\/span><\/h1>\n

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Adventure story for kids includes maze puzzles<\/h1>\n

Children\u2019s author Travis Nichols,<\/span> who grew up in Texas, has produced a delightful book that kids (and adults) will find challenging and fun.<\/p>\n

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Maze Quest<\/span><\/a><\/span> (Chronicle Books, $12.95 paperback) is an adventure story that incorporates more than 25 creative maze puzzles to solve along the way. These are not just your everyday mazes, either.<\/p>\n

For example the first maze is a child\u2019s messy room littered with toys and clothes and other objects. The reader has to walk through the maze to get to the Quest Office, where the adventure begins. In another maze, the reader must negotiate the relentless waves of the Sea of Sickness to get to a small island where the story continues.<\/p>\n

Right up front, Nichols warns readers, \u201cIf you choose to give up, put down this book and walk away.\u00a0 Ask a teacher or family member to recommend a book about people sitting quietly in a restaurant trying to choose between soup options.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the other hand, \u201cTo insist that you\u2019re up for the Quest, thrust your fist in the air and yell, \u2018I\u2019m up for it!\u2019 Then keep reading.\u201d<\/p>\n

Good luck on your Quest!<\/p>\n

Decorated: Danger 79er: The Life and Times of Lieutenant General James F. Hollingsworth<\/span><\/a><\/span> by James H. Willbanks<\/span> (Texas A&M University Press, $32 hardcover) tells the story of one of America\u2019s most decorated soldiers who \u201cled from the front.\u201d<\/p>\n

Born on a farm in Sanger, Texas, Hollingsworth drew praise from Gen. George Patton as one of the two best armored battalion commanders in World War II and received the Distinguished Service Cross three times, as well as four Silver Stars and six Purple Hearts during his career, which includes commands in Vietnam and South Korea. Hollingsworth died in 2010 at age 91.<\/p>\n

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Mysteries:<\/span> Self-published Texas novelist Lynn Vadney<\/span> features a 66-year-old widow as her main character in Hattie\u2019s Secrets: A Collection of Mystery Stories<\/span><\/a><\/span> (Desert Willow Publishing, $15, paperback).<\/p>\n

The book is divided into three sections, each one pretty much self-contained, featuring Hattie Johnson, whose domineering husband has died a few months earlier. With him gone, Hattie is free to make new friends, develop new interests, and discover heretofore hidden talents.<\/p>\n

She makes use of these new gifts in helping solve a double murder, a local ghost story, sagging morale at the town\u2019s major industry, and an espionage case.<\/p>\n

Vadney employs a technique that I really like: At the beginning of the book she lists the characters who will be appearing in the stories. So, if you\u2019re reading and you can\u2019t remember exactly who Kirk Montrose is, you can go back to the list and refresh your memory. I did that (at the back of the book) with my own \u201cColeman Springs\u201d stories a few years ago, and I wish more authors would, as a courtesy to readers.<\/p>\n

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Glenn Dromgoole<\/span> writes about Texas books and authors. Contact him at g.dromgoole@suddenlink.net.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

>> <\/span>Check out his previous Texas Reads columns in Lone Star Lit<\/a><\/span>erary Life<\/span><\/h1>\n

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4th Annual Permian Basin Writers\u2019 Workshop set for Oct. 13-14<\/h1>\n

Now in its fourth year, the Permian Basin Writers\u2019 Workshop<\/span> annual event will feature writing coaches, agents, and publishers from around the country, October 13-14, 2018.<\/p>\n

The two-day workshop event will be held in Midland, at the Marie Hall Academic Building at Midland College.<\/p>\n

The workshop will feature ten speakers, including Margie Lawson, Christie Craig, Manning Wolfe, David Farland, Reavis Z. Wortham, Kristen Marten, Stephen Graham Jones, Donna M. Johnson, B. Alan Bourgeois<\/span> and Arlene Gale<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/a>>>READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/span> Twig\u2019s Top Ten Bestsellers<\/h1>\n

July 2018<\/h1>\n

What are Texans reading these days, you ask? <\/span>Lone Star Lit\u2019s newest regular feature is a monthly list of trending titles at the <\/span>Twig Book Shop,<\/span><\/a><\/span> a leading independent bookseller in San Antonio. Click on any title for the Buy link. And we’ll also include a hotlink to related content in Lone Star Literary Life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Claudia Guerra & Char Miller,<\/span>300 Years of San Antonio & Bexar County<\/span><\/a><\/span> 978-1-595348494<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael Cirlos<\/span>Humans of San Antonio<\/span><\/a><\/span>978-1-595347930<\/span><\/p>\n

David Sedaris,<\/span>Calypso<\/span> 978-0-316392389<\/span><\/p>\n

HBR\u2019s 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself<\/span><\/a><\/span> 978-1-422157992<\/span><\/p>\n

HBR\u2019s 10 Must Reads on Mental Toughness<\/span><\/a><\/span> 978-1633694361<\/span><\/p>\n

Min Jin Lee,<\/span>Pachinko<\/span><\/a><\/span> 978-1-455563920<\/span><\/p>\n

Amor Towles,<\/span>A Gentleman in Moscow<\/span><\/a><\/span> 978-0-670026197<\/span><\/p>\n

Andy Weir,<\/span>Artemis<\/span><\/a><\/span> 978-0-553448146<\/span><\/p>\n

Robert Wright,<\/span>Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment<\/span><\/a><\/span> 978-1-439195468<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesmyn Ward,<\/span>Sing, Unburied, Sing<\/span><\/a><\/span> 978-1-501126079<\/span><\/p>\n

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LONE STAR CLASSIFIED LISTINGS<\/span><\/h1>\n

FEATURED:\u00a0 CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS<\/h1>\n

8.19.18<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 Fort Worth Poetry Society<\/span> seeks submissions from poets and visual artists for an anthology on classical music, proceeds from which will benefit the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. No cost to enter; accepted submitters receive a free copy of the anthology. This link to the FWPS website provides complete details: https:\/\/fortworthpoetrysociety.wordpress.com\/2018\/07\/23\/call-for-submissions\/.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

6.3.18\u00a0 The 2018 Chester B. Himes Memorial Short Fiction Prize<\/span><\/p>\n

A prize of $750.00 and publication in The Ocotillo Review<\/span> Winter 2019 will be awarded for a short story up to 4,200 words. Antonio Ruiz-Camacho<\/span> will judge. Revenue generated will be donated to Parkinson\u2019s research. Details: www.kallistogaiapress.org<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

>>READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span> CLASSIFIED LISTINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/span>WHERE IN TEXAS?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Don’t miss a reading or a good read! Sign up for our FREE weekly
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Meet our bloggers<\/h1>\n

Bookmark them so you can return again and again!<\/p>\n

A Page Before Bedtime<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Melyssa Prince<\/p>\n

All the Ups and Downs<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Heather Cranmer<\/p>\n

Bibliotica<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Melissa Bartell
Book Fidelity,<\/span><\/a><\/span> Celia Medrano-Ortiz<\/p>\n

The Book Review<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Julie Whiteley
#Bookish<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Erin Decker<\/p>\n

Books and Broomsticks<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Belle Whittington<\/p>\n

Books in the Garden<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Julia Byers
Carpe Diem Chronicles<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Maida Malby<\/p>\n

Chapter Break Book Blog<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Lynn Poppe & Julia Smeltzer<\/p>\n

The Clueless Gent<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Michael O’Connor<\/p>\n

Forgotten Winds<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Christena Stephens<\/p>\n

Hall Ways Blog<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Kristine Hall
Kelly Well Read<\/a><\/span>, Kelly Moore<\/p>\n

The Librarian Talks<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Tabatha Pope
The Love of a Bibliophile<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Kristen Mouton<\/p>\n

Margie\u2019s Must Reads<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Margie Longoria
Max Knight Blog<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Max Knight<\/p>\n

Missus Gonzo<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Lorilei Gonzales<\/p>\n

Momma on the Rocks<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Jenn Belden<\/p>\n

Nerd Narration Blog<\/span>,<\/a> Taylor Sebring<\/p>\n

The Page Unbound<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Becca Cahill & Haley Ringer<\/p>\n

Reading by Moonlight<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Ruthie Jones<\/p>\n

StoreyBook Reviews<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Leslie Storey<\/p>\n

Story Schmoozing Book Reviews<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Marissa Marroquin<\/p>\n

Syd Savvy<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Sydney Young<\/p>\n

Tangled in Text<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Kelli Quintos<\/p>\n

Texas Book Lover<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Michelle Newby<\/p>\n

That\u2019s What She\u2019s Reading<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Jenn Zavaglia<\/p>\n

CONTINUING ON TOUR: AUTOBIOGRAPHY<\/h1>\n

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THE GRAND DUKE OF BOYS RANCH by Bill Sarpalius
Visit with Bill through August 30, 2018<\/span><\/h1>\n

8\/26\/18 Excerpt Texas Book Lover<\/p>\n

8\/27\/18 Scrapbook Page Reading by Moonlight<\/p>\n

8\/28\/18 Review Forgotten Winds<\/p>\n

8\/29\/18 Video Interview, Part 2 The Love of a Bibliophile<\/p>\n

8\/30\/18 Review Kelly Well Read<\/p>\n

CONTINUING ON TOUR: FICTION<\/h1>\n

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THE THEORY OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER by Kristin Billerbeck
Visit with Kristin through August 31, 2018<\/span><\/h1>\n

8\/26\/18 Review Missus Gonzo<\/p>\n

8\/27\/18 Scrapbook Page Story Schmoozing Book Reviews<\/p>\n

8\/28\/18 Review The Love of a Bibliophile<\/p>\n

8\/29\/18 Author Interview Texas Book Lover<\/p>\n

8\/30\/18 Review Syd Savvy<\/p>\n

8\/31\/18 Review Book Fidelity<\/p>\n

RECENTLY ON TOUR: FICTION<\/h1>\n

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THAT ONE MOMENT by Patty Wiseman<\/h1>\n

RECENTLY ON TOUR: FICTION<\/h1>\n

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JUSTICE BETRAYED by Patricia Bradley<\/h1>\n

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Lone Star Literary Life Facts and FAQs<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u2022 Editorial policies<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Review policies<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Advertising policies<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Event and resource list policies<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Lone Star Literary Archives<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u2022 Weekly issues<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Lone Star Listens Interviews<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Lone Star Book Reviews<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Texas Reads<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Events<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Announcement: LSLL Launches<\/a><\/p>\n

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WHAT TEXANS ARE READING<\/span><\/h1>\n

LONE STAR LISTENS interviews\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>>> archive<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n

Author interviews by Lone Star Lit staff<\/span><\/h1>\n

8.26.2018\u00a0\u00a0 Randy Kennedy on his debut novel, Presidio, reporting for the NYT, and visual art\u2019s resistance to being written about<\/h1>\n

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Randy Kennedy grew up in Plains, Texas<\/span> on the Llano Estacado and entered the journalism program at UT Austin where he was a stringer for the New York Times.<\/span> Upon graduation, Kennedy moved to New York City where he was a clerk at the Times<\/span> before being promoted to reporter two years later. He wrote for the Times<\/span> for twenty-five years, first as a city reporter and then covering the art world, before leaving to manage special projects for the international art gallery of Hauser & Wirth. A collection of his Times metro columns, Subwayland: Adventures in the World beneath New York<\/span>, was published by St. Martin\u2019s Griffin in 2004. His debut novel, Presidio,<\/span> comes out this month from Touchstone Books.<\/p>\n

LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE:<\/span> How did growing up in Plains, Texas, shape you and impact your writing?<\/span><\/p>\n

RANDY KENNEDY:<\/span> I was a bookish kid from the start and not at all built for football, the state religion, so a small, mostly uneventful town gave me long, uninterrupted stretches of reading time. By the age of fourteen or so, I knew I wanted to be a writer. Like many people longing to escape a rural existence, I built up a huge reserve of resentment and grievances, which made for awful, melodramatic writing when I was young. But at least it propelled the writing \u2014 and gave me something to atone for later when I wrote a book about West Texas.<\/p>\n

You moved to NYC from Austin and wrote for the New York Times<\/span> for twenty-five years. What or who inspired you to become a journalist?<\/p>\n

I fell into journalism in college, at the University of Texas, because I could write pretty well and pretty quickly, and I also had as a role model a cousin, Bob Horton,<\/span> from Lubbock, who\u2019d had an illustrious career in journalism with the Associated Press and U.S. News and World Report.<\/span> I thought I\u2019d probably end up making a living as a writer in academia, not journalism. But a daily newspaper, even one run by students, was a thrilling place to be, and I loved it immediately. I started stringing for the New York Times<\/span> while in college and managed to get a few news pieces into the pages. So, when I graduated in 1991, a Texas friend and I pointed his Honda north toward New York, and I lucked into a job at a Manhattan trade magazine. Nine months later the Times<\/span> hired me as a clerk and promoted me to reporter within a couple of years.<\/p>\n

For the you were a city reporter and also covered the art world for many years. What was it like to move from the Texas Panhandle to the country\u2019s largest metropolis and report on NYC? Were you thrilled and excited or terrified or both? Perhaps neither?<\/p>\n

I had Austin as a way station between Plains, Texas (pop. 1400) and New York City. But New York was still overwhelming and sometimes, especially in the early \u201990s when crime was so bad and I was sent into crack-war territory with just a notebook in hand, indeed terrifying. For years, I experienced epic mood swings between loving New York with all my soul and wanting to wake up one morning, rent a car, and drive away for good. The pendulum\u2019s arcs are less dramatic now, but every time I look down from a window to see New York City spread out below me during approach, I\u2019m still overcome with joy and wonder that I get to live here. (I have to watch myself, in fact, not to fall into the mindset John Updike once described so astutely: \u201cThe true New Yorker secretly believes that people living anywhere else have to be, in some sense, kidding.\u201d)\u00a0 >>READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Texas’s only statewide, weekly calendar of book events
<\/span><\/a><\/span>Bookish Texas <\/span>event highlights\u00a0 8.26.2018<\/span>>> GO this week<\/span><\/a><\/span>Michelle Newby, Contributing Editor<\/span><\/h1>\n

SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK<\/span><\/p>\n