Saving Lone Star Literary Life
A literary website that has connected bookish Texans since 2015 nearly closed this year. Then one of its readers saved it.
Culture
Why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Needs Texan Johnny Nash
The “I Can See Clearly Now” singer was much more than a one-hit wonder.
‘Thursday Night Lights’ Pays Tribute to Black Football History in Texas
Michael Hurd's new book shows how the stories we tell ourselves about Texas football history are woefully incomplete.
The King of Pulp
In Cross Plains, a literary festival honors the most influential Texas writer you've never heard of.
‘El Peso Hero’ is the 21st-Century Borderland Superhero Texas Needs
Hector Rodriguez couldn’t find a comic hero he could relate to, so he created one.
Photo Exhibit in Houston Changes the Narrative on Refugees
"There is no room for dignified depiction of refugees, and they’re not shown as human beings with hopes and plans to go back to normal life."
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Announcing the Seventh Annual Observer Short Story Contest
We're now taking submissions for our seventh annual short story contest.
‘The Potlikker Papers’ Wants You to Eat Your Grits with a Side of Discomfort
John T. Edge’s new food history is an unflinching look at 60 years of racism and activism in the South.
The Art of Looking
An afternoon with the king of birding in Texas, Victor Emanuel. His new memoir, "One More Warbler," hits shelves this week.