Summer Reading Guide

Discover new ways to make your summer all about reading, from trips to Texas’ historical libraries to new books by Texas authors to tips for hosting your book group.

Take a Family Field Trip

Escape the summer heat and book it to Texas’ historically important libraries.

Harry Ransom Center
This humanities research center and library at The University of Texas at Austin was founded to examine the creative process of writers and artists. Its collections span almost a million books, more than 42 million manuscripts, 5 million photographs, and 100,000 works of art. Don’t miss Jack Kerouac’s notebook chronicling his journey writing “On the Road,” Frida Kahlo originals, and E.E. Cummings’ wooden paint box.
300 W. 21st St., Austin, TX 78712

George W. Bush Presidential Library
The George W. Bush Presidential Library is the 13th presidential library and provides an in-depth view of the eight years President Bush governed from the Oval Office. Inside are 43,000 artifacts, from the president’s speech cards to the bullhorn he used while visiting the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks.
2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205

Dr. Eugene Clark Library
Built in 1899, this is the oldest continuously operating library in Texas. It has everything to make a library lover weak in the knees — a woodsy-leathery “library” smell, ornate stained glass windows, two iron spiral staircases, and more than 38,000 books. The library was founded by Dr. Clark, whose medical textbooks are displayed in glass bookshelves. Fun fact: The library was a set location for the movies “The Faculty” and “Secondhand Lions.”
217 S. Main St., Lockhart, TX 78644

Worthwhile Listens for Long Travels

Take a little piece of Texas with you wherever you venture this summer.

“Mr. Texas” by Lawrence Wright
“Mr. Texas” is the bitingly funny tale of a blundering (but good-hearted) Texas rancher, Sonny, who unintentionally becomes an overnight hero. He catches the attention of a slick lobbyist, who then convinces him to run for his West Texas district’s seat in the state legislature. Hilarity ensues as Sonny’s moral limits are tested, and he navigates the world of politics.

“The Madstone” by Elizabeth Crook
Set in Texas Hill Country in 1868, “Madstone” follows the story of a pregnant young mother, Nell; her son; and a frontier tradesman who helps them escape the wrath of vengeful no-good outlaws. Nell’s journey from the Hill Country to her intended escape at the Gulf of Mexico is as thrilling as it is swoon-worthy.

Hot Off the Press

Texas boasts a rich tapestry of cross-genre authors. Get lost in one of the many new releases from Lone Star authors.

MYSTERY

“The Donut Legion” by Joe R. Lansdale
This comedy-mystery-thriller is set into motion when Charlie Garner, an ex-PI turned novelist residing in small-town East Texas, is warned by the ghost of his missing ex-wife about a local site where it’s believed a flying saucer is buried. As in all of Lansdale’s novels, you can expect outlandish characters, witty dialogue, and the general questioning of your own sanity.

CHILDREN’S

“Nell Plants a Tree” by Anne Wynter Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
This heartwarming story from Austin-based children’s author Anne Wynter tells the story of Nell, a little girl who plants and lovingly tends to a pecan tree — a metaphor for the close-knit family she also creates and nourishes with love through generations.

SHORT STORIES

“Holler, Child” by LaToya Watkins
Each story in “Holler, Child” is told from the perspective of a Black woman or man living in Texas and shares an unflinching view of how power, race, and inequality imprint on us as individuals. Watkins has an incredible gift for rapid and graceful shifting between absurd humor and bleak poignancy. This read will break and mend your heart many times over.

FICTION

“All That Rises” by Alma García
García’s debut novel follows two El Paso families living next door to one another: one Anglo, one Mexican American. But, really, it’s an examination of borders — the boundaries and connection points between neighbors, families, and countries. Every one of García’s complex characters is an exercise in empathy. (Recommended for book clubs.)

POETRY

“The Lies We Weave” by Grace R. Reynolds
Reynolds, a Texas-based author, has spun an incredible collection of visceral poetry and prose examining the far-reaching consequences of generational trauma. It’s a raw and haunting examination of her journey to self-discovery. You may just find yourself inside too.

HONORABLE MENTION

“Because Narwhals Can’t Kiss” by Catharine Day Illustrated by Lucy Pirogova
This whimsical board book from Texas author Catharine Day and illustrator Lucy Pirogova is destined to become a bedtime favorite. The story follows nature’s real-life underwater unicorns, narwhals, who show young readers there are many ways to recognize and show love.

Start a Book Club

Starting a book club can be as much about building a community as it is about reading. With a little planning, your book club can become a highlight of your social calendar.

Choose a Theme
Stick with titles of a particular genre, author, or topic.

Invite Members
Typically, eight to 12 members are manageable and allow for meaningful conversation. Too many members will lead to cross-talking and a breakdown of group discussion.

Do Some Research
Many publishers include discussion questions at the end or post them online. Look up author interviews or club-focused sites to enhance your discussions.

Select Books
You can decide as a group, rotate choices among members, or have the club leader select the titles. Set up a schedule a few months in advance so members know what’s coming up.

Serve Snacks
Some book groups pull inspiration for snacks from the theme of the book (e.g., pork, beans, and cornbread for Westerns or scones and tea for Victorian-era novels). Whatever you choose, prioritize handhelds and easy apps (e.g., mini quiches, veggies and hummus, charcuterie boards, etc.).

Still hungry for a juicy story? Crack open one of these Texas cookbooks.