and wonderfully rich descriptions of Austin
592695
Thrilling storyline, and wonderfully rich descriptions of Austin, Interior Mexico, and in-between. Sister Bridget is a hoot!
4839894
The author has a way of creating rich lively characters and fascinating stories with his beautiful writing. I will read this one again for sure.  Its touch is transformative.
4785001
creates the perfect setting for much of what a visitor to this great city will see and feel and experience
804738
I didn't realize how much I needed some adventure in my life until I started this book. The characters are so well-developed, and the scenery so deliciously detailed with this book actually made me want to run away to San Francisco for a weekend. Immediately. (Though I lived in the Bay Area for quite some time, some of the landmarks described in this book sound too fantastic to miss. And I certainly never found them on my own.)

I was nervous that this book would be a bit too forward for me, taking me to places I wasn't necessarily prepared to go. However, I found the characters to be vulnerable, endearing, real, and insecure  -- just enough to make me feel comfortable. I dare to hope that the tales of Electra and Charley will continue on.  They seem like a fine crime-fighting pair.
1664791
"Stone-Tree Houses of Texas," by Charles Garrett, is one beautiful book. Even as a long-time rock collector here in
Texas, I was amazed to see how the abundant petrified wood native to Texas and the Southwest United States has been put to use. Having these houses highlighted in a book like this is a wonderful archive of Texas history and innovation. The book is full of fine photographs of the houses today and vintage photographs of the homes and their builders. "Stone-Tree Houses of Texas" includes a history of each house and how it is in use today. Some are still owned by the descendants of the people who built them. Some have undergone major transitions to new uses (check out Glen Rose). Regrettably, some also show the effects of neglect or abandonment. The designs and patterns crafted with petrified wood on the houses are often artful and ingenious. These are shown in crisp detail. The book will fascinate anyone with an interest in rocks, architecture, design, or just to see something 'really neat' that they may have never seen before. You'll want to look at it over and over again. Buy this book, so Mr. Garrett can get on with the next volume. I can't wait to see it.
4036109
Austin has such a powerful way of expressing what he went through and how he got to where he is today. I read this book in 2 days and it touched me in so many ways. Very helpful in my own story of recovery.
2206254
David and Chelle Neff capture the essence of Austin's weirdness in this awesome coffee table book! The unique stories tied to each ATX homestead along with the compelling photography will leave you thumbing through its pages again and again and again ...
4328380
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me a better understanding about Denton Texas. Mexican music, jewelry, a Mexican Heritage Museum, and a fiance' all figure in.
The story of Talia and Luis Arroyo had my interest from the beginning. I wish the book was longer...the end came way too soon for me.
The story is about an engaged couple having second thoughts, debutantes that are kidnapped, and Luis running for re-election.
The book is well written with beautiful descriptions throughout. When I was done I felt like I'd spent time in Denton. I will be purchasing more books by Robin. She is a refreshing new author for me
1389508
Couldn't put it down...rich descriptions make you feel like you're there.
3055610
Mesquite is such a good name for this book that shows not only the strength and beauty of the state of Texas but also the endurance and solidity of its people.  The hardships endured by Poly and Duxie in the late nineteenth century are followed by the lasting and enduring madcap love story of Herschiel and Katie in the roaring twenties.  All of this is deftly woven together with the lives of the next generation -  Molly and Jim and "the sisters".  There is also a searching insight into Camilla's faith and thoughts that makes this book an intelligent read and a rare treat.
2447617
A wonderful book full of complex characters. This book provides a lot insight into the lost or homeless fragments of our society. We are much more complex than many think, and this book captures the rich and complex world that some homeless or outcast Americans live in. The writing is rich and detailed, the story strong and the characters deep and believable.
2305957
I stumbled on this book via our local library.  It was fascinating to read about these unsolved murders, and their parallel to Jack the Ripper.  Masterfully researched, you will feel like you are living in Austin at the time of the grisly killings.
4275197
These wonderfully written, highly engaging stories are rich with insight into a range of very different characters, revealed by finding the character at a turning point in his/her life. In my personal favorite, a seemingly patient woman's suffused rage surfaces to prevent her son from adopting his father's worst character traits. In another, we follow a young woman's mood shifts over a 24-hour period as they signal a shift in her life direction. Stegner never explains too much, and she captures brilliantly the sometimes tender, sometimes violent, creepy thoughts that exist just below the surface of polite discourse.

The stories have a powerful sense of place, with vivid physical details that propel the reader right into the scene with the characters. A woman looking out at Big Sur redwoods in the early morning: "Everything felt still, the only movement coming from the ground that was faintly huffing the heat it had held on to through the night."

Special bonus for Californians: Experience the most memorable ride up Highway 1 ever!!
744777
What a delightful and engaging story about a group of writers, and seekers, engaging and exploring their lives and fantasies in Paris. The group of budding writers who gather together to support and critique each others' writing is small, but marvelously diverse. As the story unfolds, we learn more and more about each writer's inner lives. I couldn't help being pulled into their hopes, dreams, fantasies and, yes, even their disappointments. Such an intriguing and emotionally enlightening story, and so well written. And if you love Paris, you'll be swept away.
1984205
This book was a delight. Although often sad, the characters are rich and the locales are beautifully written.  Terrific read.
2897647
This story combines the richness of Texas; the life, the legends, the love and the legacies...

Each character in the book has tremendous individualism in their perspective of life in early day Texas.

While each of their stories intertwine, each individual has their own perspective and their own view on the way of life and the ruggedness of early Texas.

It is great to see a story that preserves and shares the history of early Texas. It does so in a way that brings about a high level of excitement, adventure and even romance to the story as well...

Combining a tremendous amount of research, and stories and legends handed down through immediate family throughout multiple generations, the authors open the imagination by sharing their view of how life in early Texas was lived out... Thus, sharing their legacy.

While keeping the story easy to read, the author shares cultural heritage and vocabulary unique to the various cultures in the melting pot of the gulf of Texas. This richness further illustrates the challenges of migration from Scotland and Mexico to the newly developing Texas territory.

It is an amazing story that will captivate you in the adventure and will cause you to daydream about the adventures and challenges of living as an early Texan. You won't be able to put the book down without finishing it.
4263470
I am from the very spots in Utah that this author describes so eloquently. I loved reading about my old haunts. It was lovely the way Ms Williams interwove the environment into the story of her family.