Pretty much everything we need to know about getting by in life is contained in the sage sayings in this book. One of my favorites is, "Never drink downstream from the herd." Some are simply funny. Others are downright insightful. This is the "Confusius says" of the American West. It makes a good gift, and the perfect thing to pass around at a gathering for laughs and conversation. --Christopher Bonn Jonnes, author of Wake Up Dead.

Proverbs by those living west of the Pecos could make everyone's life a little easier. Sayings like, "Tellin' a man to go to hell and makin' him do it are two entirely different propositions," and "If you get to thinkin' you're a person of influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around," could be some of the best advice ever written.

A wealth of daily inspiration. I fervently believe this book belongs next to everybody's hopper to be included in the morning rituals.

This is a fascinating and disturbing tale that illustrates just how hard it is to convict somebody who has a lot of money and power. Cullen Davis, warped little rich boy dominated by his incredibly wealthy and megalomanic father, grows up to inherit most of the fortune and position. What does he do with it? He chases sex kitten type women, showers them with lavish gifts, and abuses them.

Naifeh and Smith raise the true crime genre to something close to literature here. We have the usual litany of sickies and psychopaths, the usual police incompetence, prosecutors who can't prosecute, etc. The "final justice" in the title is somewhat ironic since multimillionaire Cullen Davis is never found guilty of any of his crimes, the worst of which was the cold-blooded murder of his wife's 12-year-old daughter; the least of which, perhaps the killing of her kitten. The juries in Texas just would not convict him (although they have put a number of poor people on death row). Instead they admired him for his money, stupidly since he just inherited it. And before the book is over, he blows most of it.

We get a terrible sense here that people with riches in positions of power really can get away with murder. People look up to them regardless of their crimes. It helps us to understand how murderers like Sadaam Hussein and what's his name in Yugoslavia continue in power. It's not just that people are afraid of them, they look up to them and find ways to excuse their crimes. This is the human tribal mind at work: better our corrupt and evil leader than theirs, and better a corrupt and evil leader than no leader at all. The women in this one come off as particularly subject to manipulation by power and money, although that was not necessarily the authors' intent. They wanted to show just what a sick, sick man Cullen Davis is, and they succeed in that. But incidentally they revealed the women around him, especially his gold-digging wives, as sad, sad creatures who would be abused and wallow in it for the sake of being close to all that money and power and maybe getting a little of it. One has the sense that they couldn't help themselves.

This is a good read that will rouse your sense of indignation.

it actually happened!!!

Don't look at the facts. Facts are **BAD***!! Let's attack the victims and divert attention away from what the case was all about...the murder of a twelve year old girl and a family aquaintance.

OJ's "Dream Team" (what a joke) must've used this case as a template for OJ's defense, because the similarities are eerie.

Highly recommended.

This book is really, the most precise account of the murders and trials. Some of the other books on the murder trials of Mr. Davis are very goddy and don't focus on the facts of the case. I really think that Mr. Naifeh did an excellent job with the content and details of this novel.I hope that people will not simply judge a case or story by one book, and know that you must have a numerous amount of facts and reality before you try to judge someone or something.

I first saw the author perform one of these stories at a festival, then I bought the book. I have truly enjoyed these stories, even though I am no longer a child, because I can see the original myth in between the puns and Texas twang. Adults, I think, would get a good laugh from these stories because these are the stories that they already know but transported to the twentieth century.

I got "hooked" on Barbara McBride-Smith's brilliant style of writing and storytelling when I met her the summer of 1998. She was leading a storytelling workshop at East TN State University. The study of Greek Mythology was never appealing to me until I met Barbara. I am a 6th grade Social Studies teacher, and when I introduce Barbara's work to my students, they fall in love with her. I highly recommend this book to ANYONE!

This book places humor in stories where humor is not usually found. Told in the Texan style, some passages just make you want to burst out laughing. It helps to have a general knowledge of Greek Mythology before reading, just so you can get the references and jokes. Great read, great laugh!!

Greenbelt brought back childhood memories of a Texas lake and the antics one can get away with as a young kid. It reminded me of times that I had not considered in ages. Times when I was invincible.

The stories in this book transcend a regional area, they could have occurred on a Texas Panhandle lake, a California beach or on a Iowa farm.

Read this book to remind you of your own childhood or to remind you of a childhood you wish you had lived!!

Released just in time for for summer reading, I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure. Jim Man's style is easygoing, and at the same time compelling. I kept reading "just one more chapter" to find out what would happen next to Jim, Dwight, and the other colorful characters. This book truly is a return to a simpler time in the not too distant past. A time when kids explored the outside world on their own, and a Mother's parting words were "Be home in time for supper".

I picked up the book on a Friday night. I was skeptical at best, but everybody leaves the bookstore with a book; and besides, the author was at the bookstore doing the dog and pony show trying to sell some of his books. Politely, I bought the book, came home and was mesmerized for the next four hours (I am a slow reader). I liked the size of the book, it wasn't real intimidating and I thought I would give it at least three chapters. That was all it took and I was hooked. A NOSTALGIC RETURN is exactly what I got. Mr. Man's book took me back to my own childhood and the amazement that I (and he)lived through it. Chapter after chapter was adventure, exploit, and just good ole' childhood mischief. I finished the book that night (to my wife's dislike). Several times she woke up and hit me with the pillow because the bed was shaking from my laughter. I honestly couldn't put the book down. Anyway, for what it is worth, I wish I had the book to look forward to. Write on Mr. Man, Bart boxwell

"A tremendously exciting read" Judge Sanford M. Brook

Patricia Williams, Acting Justice of N.Y. Supreme Court says about Gun Crazy: "I truly enjoyed Mr. Booker's writing. He knows the secret of making you want to actually visit the scenes he describes so well. . . Mr. Booker's book is different than others, because it deals with the many different aspects of a real trial. Hence, the characters are drawn with detail and care."

Warren Burnett said: "Superbly, writer Booker honors his craft in this story of a courtroom trimph made possible by the grit and grace of Kerrville's Scott Stehling, a true examply of the decent and talented lawyer."

Patricia Anthony is underrated in general, but this is her most overlooked book. Too bad, because it's THAT GOOD. Although the premise is a simple twist on an old ghost town of sorts, it is sci-fi/specu-fic at its best.

I just discovered Patricia Anthony and boy am I glad! Great characterization and dialogue. Great style that keeps you turning the pages. I hated time away from this book! Then hated that I finished it. The alien Torkus are so deliciously creepy and philosphical. I am so glad I found Happy Policeman. I looked foward to reading Brother Termite and Cold Allies.

It's a locked-room mystery, folks, with all the action taking place inside "the line." Who killed the pink lady? Pastor Jimmy? Foster, the dope-smoking banker? Billy, Loretta's estranged husband? Or maybe she was murdered by the aliens in the UPS truck. The Happy Policeman is the story of police chief DeWitt Dawson's struggle with duty and rebellion, responsibility and truth. Oh yeah . . . and adultry.

One of Anthony's best.

When King came to our campus to lecture about this book, I was naturally interested in attending, but believed I knew the story already. (A man had been brutally murdered in a small Texas town because of his skin color).

I am glad I went on impulse because both the presentation and the book throughly examines intersections of race, gender, ecconomic status while imploring all of us to work together for the proverbial betterment of human society. What it lacks for in volume it more than makes up for with substantive content and heart-wrenching insight.

Alternating between detached reporting and personal narratives, this story chronicles the best and the worst of human condition. Just because it is easy to simplify things into a 'soundbyte binary' does not mean the action effectively generates learning, indeed such labeling effectively stops the process.

Without dilluting Byrd's saga, the author also recounts her complex feelings during the investigation. Briefly living among the residents of Jasper Texas in order to complete the book, she learned good people come from all backgrounds and there was no shortage of townspeople (including the law enforcement) who roundly condemed the act.

this Book is very much on point to me.it's no secret here in the United States we have come so far but we have so far to go.this is a Friendly Reminder of a time not so long ago.this Book details that&so much more.truth be told as much Hatred that still goes down you couldn't tell if it was 1898 or 1998? truth be told not much has changed overall.James Byrd should have been front Page News all over the World.Much Props to Dennis Rodman for Contributing to the Byrd Family a Story that went almost unnoticed by the Media.

This book was many things to me. Disturbing, insightful and educational. The book depicts the Mr. Byrd's death so vividly that at times I felt myself being dragged behind the truck. I had to put the book down many times but I was unable to stay away for long. The author did a very good job of exploring the backgrounds of the men convicted of this heinous crime. You must be made of stone to be left untouched after reading this book.

I read lots of mysteries, but enjoy the English village murder mysteries the best. This is a welcome addition of the American variety. I also liked this book because the heroine didn't do something stupid that put her in harm's way. It was well written and very enjoyable. I have now ordered her other mysteries.

Martin writes with a true feel both for place and for mystery. Her knowledge of the Big Bend area of West Texas is reflected in the accuracy with which she captures the people and lifeways of this interesting borderland. Her tale of the healing woman is both intriguing and resolved with a grimly appropriate resolution. This book will whet your appetite for those that have followed.

I finished reading, THE DEATH OF A HEALING WOMAN, when I went on a fishing trip. The fish had to wait until the authoress solved the mystery. Once in awhile, I still go back and look for a clue that led up to the gruesome murder. When the one who did the killing was caught I almost cheered at the justice of this person's demise. I won't say when you read this novel, I'm saying you must read this novel 'cause it is being reveiwed by the big reviewers. What I would like for you to do is E-mail who sent the article out of a newspaper in the last chapter. I've other things to do than go back and figure this out! THE BEST MYSTERY NOVEL I'VE READ SINCE SHERLOCK HOLMES! LUTHER BUTLE

I've tried many recipes out of this book and they've all been outstanding. The chili verde was excellent, the jalapeno poppers make those frozen things taste like dog doo. This is down home "comfort food" cooking at its best. Not only that, its well written, with mouth-watering descriptions of the foods, it inspires me to cook!

Coming from a true South Texan, I am constantly trying to re-create recipies from the eating establishments around us. I found this cookbook and so far believe the Green Chicken enchiladas can walk on water. I have also prepared the double spoon bread, chipotle-lime mayonaise and the smoke signals barbeque sauce. I usually work with serranos and jalapenos and this book opened up a whole new world of peppers. It is a must have.

After about twenty-five years of looking for a reliable guide to reproducing the tastes I remembered growing up with in El Paso, I found Park and Norma Kerr's book. My search is over. His meat recipes (and his methods) for pork or chicken deshebrada are outstanding, and typical of the entire book. Tamale pie for company and pot beans for home alone! He combines the basically simple (and timeless) ingredients of Border cuisine to yield results which will delight anyone who longs for home cookin' as it was yesterday and remains today from the Franklin Mountains to Houston. Instructions are complete and clear, a pleasure to read and execute. Keep 'em coming, Kerrs.

We keep this book in our car. It is organized by area of town, and neighborhoods so suggestions on where to eat are easy to find. We have tried several places already and were well-pleased with the food, decor, etc., which match the book's description. Houston is a wealth of culturally diverse restaurants and many of them are listed in this book. Don't be fooled by the word "cheap" as the food is really good! And this book will be a great add to the phone book you also keep in your car!!

Who knew that the Chinese food restaurant around the corner (which we had never bothered to try!) was a hidden gem? Mike Riccetti did! Besides some of the Houston standards, there are many pleasant surprise choices in this book. Reviews are accurate representations and include info on atmosphere, drinks, and "what to order." Riccetti advises on places with breakfast specials and lunch bargains as well. Some of Houston's best restaurants offer good deals at lunch - he'll tell you which ones. Restaurants reviewed heavily favor Vietnemese, Mexican, etc, but will give you the courage to try some of those strip-mall joints you've wondered about (you'll be pleased!). Most restaurants are inside the Beltway/near the Loop but there are a few on the outskirts as well. Indexed by cuisine type, meal, location, etc. Very easy to find what you want. Call ahead, however - some of the information is already outdated due to the rapidly changing nature of the restaurant industry.

Move over, Shakespeare. Stand aside, Tolstoy. Roll over, Porky Pig. A bright new literary and eating talent has emerged...and his name is Mike Ricetti. Who else but Houston-native Ricetti could have the literary chops and cast iron stomach necessary to write this ode to cholesterol, this towering magnum opus of grease? I found his book engaging, witty, and chocked full of useful information about eating and drinking in Houston. Too bad I live in San Francisco. Still, at 413 pages, the book will come in handy on my next trip to Texas, or as a door stop. From the most rustic taqueria to the glittering (and uncrowded) Enron employee cafeteria, it's all there. I highly recommend this book to any human being capable of ingesting solid food, and I can't wait for the indefagitable Ricetti's next project, which I understand involves eating his way to Tierra Del Fuego on $1 per day (including Pepto Bismol).