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jlightwells 's review for:
God Save Texas: A Journey Into the Soul of the Lone Star State
by Lawrence Wright
It’s hard to explain why I loved it so much, but God Save Texas was somehow delightful, challenging, and informative. Each chapter of this book digs into an aspect of Texas history/culture – including the energy sector (mostly oil and gas), the bounty of beautiful places/parks (Big Bend!), the politics (especially the Bush family), and each of the major cities. I especially loved the ways that Wright used small moments in his own life (biking around San Antonio, hiking at Big Bend, conversations with George W. Bush, etc.) to frame larger conversations and to humanize and personalize this work of non-fiction. I admit that since moving to Texas 5 years ago, I’ve fully assimilated into feeling the Texas pride that used confound me – perhaps that’s why this book appealed. Texas is such an confusing place with multitudes everywhere you look. Wright captures the richness of a state that once was its own country and never forgot about that. Even if you’re not that into Texas, this is such a well-written book that you’ll be happy you picked it up.