Texas Tradition

A native Texan, Edwin "Bud" Shrake has written more than two dozen works and is best known for The Borderland (S1001), which was named one of the 10 best books of 2000 by the Los Angeles Times. Fort Worth lawyer Ben Carpenter's 30th birthday party turns into a bizarre trip across the Mexican border. And things get even stranger when he finds himself in a confrontation with a dangerous legal opponent.

Jane Gilmore Rushing has been a celebrated Texas author for more than fifty years and she is a recipient of such accolades as the Texas Literary Award for fiction. In this novel, Rushing captures intimate family life on the West Texas plains. Granny Albright's time has come and relatives have gathered to say goodbye to the matriarch. Linda Kay has recently married into the family, and tries to do her part to help. But when Cousin Herman arrives, feelings of resentment and heartaches from the past come to the surface. Cynthia Darlow's enchanting narration perfectly captures the feel of small town family life in the vast reaches of West Texas.

First printed in 1948, High John the Conqueror, John W. Wilson's only published book, was considered a breakthrough novel for its attention to racism, sexual politics, and the oppressive nature of agribusiness. It has since become a classic depiction of the arduous life and work of African American cotton farmers in southeast Texas.

In the House of the Lord follows one day in the life of a Protestant minister as he balances faith with self-doubt while answering the demands of his church.