Thank you to Misha Blaise, Rowman & Littlefield, and Lone Star Press for the privilege to read This is Texas, Y'All!: The Lone Star State from A to Z early released for an honest review;

As a born and bred Texan, I could not help reaching for this book when it came up available.

I find myself very much at a crossroads about this book. I think I went into this book expecting very little (perhaps, more like a kid's book based on the outside), and yet came out of it feeling unsatisfied as thought with my changed perception of what it was, like I hadn't gotten enough out of it that could have been done with it.

The books is designed by alphabetical points to tell you all about Texas, with historical references/records, quotes, lyrics, and art. I was confused a number of times how certain pieces ended up under the letters they were chosen for. Also, it seemed unhelpful to have them all pushed back to back, instead of having a line, space, or perhaps a drawing between different facts or ideas encased in each of the letters. ( )

If you’re from Texas, new to Texas or just curious about it then you MUST get this book. It would also be perfect for the classroom or library as a fun resource. There’s also lots of quotes from those well-known or deeply connected to Texas sprinkled throughout.

Despite the fact the author isn’t from Texas and was raised up north she managed to put together an amazing book that should make Texans proud.

It’s an A to Z outline of all things Texas with fun illustrations, quirky facts, interesting bits on the culture and historical data to teach even long time Texans a thing or two. It was fun to learn how many of the ‘pure’ Texas icons actually had their originations from across the world. Brahman cattle originated in India, the first settlement was established by people from the Canary Islands and would become San Antonio, the Crape Myrtle came from China, a sailing ship in a Galveston museum was built in Scotland and so much more.

Blaise seems to have taken great pains to show the wide diversity in the history of the Lone Star State as well as how that has continued through the modern era. Sources were provided so you can do further research on your own.

By the end you’ll be craving a glass of sweet tea to go with your BBQ. ( )