#2 – big wonderful thing by Stephen Harrigan – Best Reads of 2023

Mary Austin Holley, author of the first English history of Texas, (and cousin to Stephen F. Austin), said “One’s feelings in Texas are unique and original…and very like a dream or youthful vision realized.” (116) Many a Texas visitor or emigré has discovered the same thing about the state, despite its outsized contradictions.

Stephen Harrigan captured that spirit marvelously in his recent, super-sized addition to Texas historical works. I reviewed his big wonderful thing on Heartlands and found it chockfull of quotes and anecdotes that either make you shake your head or warm your heart. I’m in the latter category since Texas is a place I can’t get quit of. And Harrigan’s writing is spot on.

Other entries on the Best Reads list:

#3 – All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

#4 – The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

#5 – Lone Women by Victor Lavalle

#6 – I, Julian by Claire Gilbert

#7 – Holy the Firm by Annie Dillard

#8 – The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer

#9 – Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles

#10 – 24 Hours in Charlottesville by Nora Neus