| Here's a book
that's essential for your Texana library. Why? I can't believe you, of all people,
asked me that! Because it's entertaining and it's a reference book, that's why.
You don't often find this combination. Here's
the answer to all those pent-up questions you've had about Texas place names.
In Texas you can hardly get groceries without passing a mysterious place name.
Until a book comes out on street names (The Bradfields are probably working on
one now) this book will satisfy the most curious Texan, native or naturalized,
about the land beyond the city limits.
Think of a strange town name. Any strange town name. Yep, it's in there. Alphabetically
too. The margin on the right displays the letter so that you can flip through
the pages with your right thumb if you happen to be traveling alone. Do not do
this while driving. You can do this with your left hand too, although there are
fewer letters on the left hand margins. This
thoughtful aid can also be employed to teach your grandchild the alphabet. Cradle
the grandchild in your left arm and line up the postmark on the cover with that
sweet little face. Flip through the book with your thumb and read the letters
aloud as they appear. If you don't have a grandchild, you might substitute a cooperative
kitten. If the kitten is not cooperative be sure you have on a long-sleeved shirt
before flipping the pages. The
explanations are short, but complete. Each one is a little nugget of knowledge;
a jellybean of geography. Illustrations have been carefully chosen and postmarks
from appropriate Texas post offices are sprinkled throughout the book. Turn
off that millionaire program on TV and spend a quiet evening quizzing your spouse
on Texas place names. Men love to be quizzed, unless it's about their whereabouts. Not
only is this book a great gift for a relative, it's a great book to donate to
your local library. Buy one for yourself and one for the library (so you don't
have to embarrass yourself checking out a book you donated). Although
it's a reference book, we've included it in our TE
Traveling Library. Maybe you read about Ben Bolt, Texas six months before,
but here you are driving through Ben Bolt now. You can buy a cold drink and satisfy
your thirst, but what are you going to do about your curiosity?
June
2000
© John Troesser | 