Mr. Texas by Lawrence Wright

MR. TEXAS by Lawrence Wright, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, offers a penetrating look at Texas politics and at the compromises involved in a marriage. The main character is a rancher, Sonny Lamb, from West Texas who performs a heroic action that draws attention from L.D. Sparks, a cynical and wily political operative. In fact, “when the attorney general, a pious crook, was caught fixing up a girlfriend with a well-paying job with a real estate developer in exchange for settling and damaging lawsuit, L.D. not only managed to quash the whistleblower complaint, he got the AG's wife elected to the Texas Senate.” Soon, Sonny is embroiled in this world, splitting his time between the state capital in Austin (where he has been elected to the legislature) and his ranch where he and wife Lola are trying to conceive their first child. Along the way, readers are treated to more of Wright’s biting comments about political practice in the Lone Star State; take your pick:

“‘Crazy ideas can turn into crazy public policy,’ said Wanda [Sonny’s aide]. ‘History is one long struggle for sanity.’”

“A pro-choice bill has about as much chance in the Texas Legislature as a kangaroo in a hockey rink.”

“‘And a shitload of new voting restrictions,’ said Gilbert. ‘When are you guys gonna start believing in democracy?’ ‘Democracy is fine as long as the right people vote,’ said Carl.”

Sadly, many of Wright’s references are reflected in the actual state politics like media influence: “A common affliction among billionaires is the belief that money equals wisdom. To share his abundant opinions, Mr. Peeples started his own radio station.” Or regarding Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to limit local regulation, as also profiled here and here in The Texas Tribune. One idea Wright missed? A chance to showcase the MAGA work from Mothers Against Greg Abbott – thought provoking and clever commercials from a grassroots group. Combining satire and humor with social justice themes, MR. TEXAS appears on The New York Times’ list of 34 Works of Fiction to Read This Fall.