Mr. Texas

A novel

By: Lawrence Wright

Narrated by: Steven Weber, Lawrence Wright

AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • From the Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author, a hilarious, sharply drawn send-up of local politics • A novel about a dark-horse candidate who risks his personal happiness for a career in the Texas House of Representatives • "Required reading in these politically turbulent times.”—Susan Orlean, author of On Animals

“A rollicking satire . . ."— Paul Begala, The New York Times Book Review

Sonny Lamb is an affable, if floundering, rancher with the unfortunate habit of becoming a punchline in his Texas hometown. Most recently, to everyone’s headshaking amusement, he bought his own bull at an auction. But when a fire breaks out at a neighbor’s farm, Sonny makes headlines in another way: not waiting for help, he bolts to the farm where his heroic actions make the evening news.

Almost immediately, and seemingly out of nowhere, a handsomely dressed lobbyist from Austin arrives at his ranch door and asks if he’d like to run for his West Texas district’s seat in the state legislature. Though Sonny has zero experience and doesn’t consider himself political at all, the fate of his ranch—and perhaps his marriage to the lovely “cowgirl” Lola—hangs in the balance. With seemingly no other choice, Sonny decides to throw his hat in the ring .

As he navigates life in politics—from running a campaign to negotiating in the capitol—Sonny must learn the ropes, weighing his own ethics and environmental concerns against the pressures of veteran politicians, savvy lobbyists, and his own party. In tracing Sonny’s attempt to balance his marriage and morality with an increasingly volatile professional life, Lawrence Wright has crafted an irresistibly funny and clever roller-coaster ride about one man’s pursuit of goodness in the Lonestar State.

Content/storyline

A great listen, funny, insightful and well written. The reading was terrific and very comical. I really enjoyed the journey.

Fun listen and a great story

I grew up in Texas and moved away in my 40’s. I was there when Texas was a big Blue state and Ann Richards was Governor. I’ve watched it move from a very centrist (leaning liberal) state that pretty much followed the will of its citizens, to one run by lobbyists, bigots, corporate money, and power hungry greed - turning bright red. This story makes me wistful and hopeful that one day soon government will again start listening to the majority of its citizens and work together for the good of all of them (or at least most)!

As a policy analyst - cheeky and accurate

This was an entertaining dip into life in the Texas capitol. I enjoyed the play on “Texan” tropes mixed with the tumultuous political landscape. I had fun guessing who each legislator represented IRL (even though I know it wasn’t really a 1:1 comparison). A good book for a book club to read.

I really wanted to like it

The first half is great - a cynical look at getting elected and a fish out of water. Just know going in it gets preachy after that.

I didn’t expect it to be even-handed, but if you stick with it you will get a lecture on LGBT issues, abortion, guns, and the evils of Dan Patrick. All of the Dems are fun-loving, wise fighters for the little guy, and the Rs are cartoon characters ranging from moronic to corrupt. Legendary author and I am glad he finally got this to print, but he wrote this for his tribe. He had a chance to stay on the path of an equal opportunity send-up of Texas politics and electeds. He just couldn’t help himself.

Anyone in Txlege should read it though. It is like a longer version of the Loco and Dissent calendar, full of inside baseball. Look for Ms. T, Bullock, and some mashup characters. I think Carl is Leach, so that will be fun to debate.

Five gold bars!

Every Texas voter would get a big Kick out of Mr. Texas. The audio version includes the musical numbers at the end. It is my hearty recommendation!