A Texas Writer Tackles a Subject ‘Beckoning in the Shadows His Entire Life’
Stephen Harrigan explores his own Catholic boyhood in Texas—and the prophecy left behind by a Portuguese prophet girl—in a compelling new book.
Books
Heroin, Cornell, Prison, and Journalism
In ‘Corrections in Ink,’ star criminal justice reporter Keri Blakinger skillfully tells the story of her own unusual life.
A Lexicon of the Border Wars
The “Bard of Juárez” and a Tucson artist co-created a glossary of the violence so many have endured.
Houston’s Hayan Charara Plumbs the Politics of the Personal
A new collection of poems by the author is plainspoken, yet profound.
‘The Mexican American Experience in Texas’ Takes a Deep Look at Our Sordid State History
Martha Menchaca’s new book examines events that have shaped the lives of so many in the Lone Star State.
The Texas GOP Has Declared War on Books. I’ve Seen This Before.
For 10 years, I “smuggled” banned books across state lines to bring attention to crucial literature. This year, I won’t have to leave Texas for the fight.
The Observer Recommends 10 Texas Books of 2021
From correcting the record on racism and Texas history, to queer love on the border, to the #MeToo movement in federal courts, we rounded up some of our favorite books this year.
Dallas’ Hidden History of Terror
A 34-year-old old book set for re-release unearths a painful past with poignant provocation.