"I Can Hear the Cowbells Ring" contains funny, sentimental, memories of growing up in south Texas...and no matter when the reader is from, it is just the type of book that causes one's own memories of childhood--the poignantly happy, as well as the sad--to resurface as reminders of how nice it all really was. Lionel Garcia's shared experiences are worth remembering, from the obnoxious version of baseball to spinning the grandest tale for the town priest, each chapter is a joy to read.

This is the best volume on South Texas history ever. Full of first-hand quotes, the lives of the people of this region from 1750 through the early 1900's is witnessed. It should interest people who don't even live in Texas, so much American history is intertwined with this region. Especially great is the civil war section.

Media Reviews:
"A beautifully written story that speaks eloquently of the plight of illegal aliens. . . . Stark prose that matches the arid West Texas landscape." -- D. R. Meredith, Roundup Magazine of Western Writers of America.

"A vivid description of what a common man goes through seeking work in a different country than his own. It is a powerful story, filled with adventure, sadness, persecution, and loneliness." -- San Angelo (Texas) Standard-Times.

"Patrick Dearen confronts a contemporary social issue--illegal aliens. The novel teaches us much about life in this large corner of the world. But better than the lessons is the sheer joy of reading a book by a writer who deserves to be better known." -- Lubbock (Texas) Magazine.

"Immigration from the viewpoint of a Mexican peon who `crossed over' is explored in sympathetic detail in `The Illegal Man'. . . Here is a 43-year-old destitute father of five, a 20th century recreation of LES MISERABLES' Jean Valjean--the man who breaks the rules of society to feed his family." -- Dallas Morning News.

This is a great book, and Carmen Lomas Garza is a great artist. Everything is so detailed, and she tells you exactly who's who. All her pictures are real memories. There is something going on in every corner

If you ever wondered what happened to Justin and his wife, Sarah and their child, Micki, as well as Andre, this answers those questions.

Filled with suspense, Andre and Rebekkah must find out what happened in the past that is about to be exposed and destroy the present business of his father. However, to find out they have to risk life and limb as well as travel from Texas to Alaska looking for answers and finding love along the way.

If you are into the out of doors and enjoy hunting and fishing then this is a book for you. The art of Herb Booth featured in the edition is outstanding. Not only do you get a fine insight into this artist but are shown the excellent examples of his work as well. The book is filled with oversized high quality color plates showing almost fifty of his pieces. Although wonderful in itself you also get almost 100 black and white line drawings that support the main featured art. These range from fish to birds to hunting dogs. You will also find many of the etchings that Mr. Booth is so famous for. This publication has quickly become a valued addition to my library. I could not be more please with it's quality and content.

Allen Hatley has done all Texas Ranger researchers a favor by helping explain the origin of this organization. Like most Ranger researchers, I have considered 1823 as the date for the formation of the forerunners of this organization. Unlike most researchers, I have put faith in this date because I am a Tumlinson descendant and have wanted to claim them as the first Texas Rangers. Hatley gives good evidence that this is not true. While that is disappointing, personally, the truth is better than a tale.

The book contains other important information on Austin's Colony which is enlightening. The book is concise, readable, and factual.

Excellent work from this emerging author/historian.

Roy B. Young President Western Outlaw-Lawman History Association

With a subject as narrow as Native Americans in a single and specific state, this book was very thorough. Subjects ranged from individual tribe appearance and dress to the specific foods and dwellings used by each. There are detailed maps showing which region each of the ten chief tribes inhabited while in Texas and what caused the disappearance of most from this state.

As a research tool for children I rate this an A+!

There is, in every "Tribal "civilisation",a structure.
It is a basic structure.
There is no difference between ourselves(socially) and those of our latin american counter parts.
Except for ecconomic structure.

A song, "Deep In The Heart Of Texas" extolled the virtues of the Lone Star State to a foot tapping rhythm, and now this blockbuster sunshine bright book by Texas born Roxie Munro takes readers on a tour of the state known for cowboys, aeronautics, and oil.

Ms. Munro, whose art has appeared on the cover of The New Yorker and is housed in various private collections, executed her eye-popping illustrations with watercolor and ink. The Rio Grande becomes an aqua trail bordered by spiky shamrock green cactus, while the port of Corpus Christi bustles with tugs, helicopters, and tankers. Boots of every size and hue dot a bootery in San Angelo, and a presentation at Palo Duro Canyon's Pioneer Amphitheater lights up the night sky.

An appendix provides explanatory notes regarding included sites, and more. It's there you'll find that the state sport is rodeo and the state insect is the Monarch Butterfly.

This tribute to Texas is a treasure trove of brightly colored illustrations and pertinent information.