1001 Greatest Things Ever Said About Texas

Edited by Donna Ingham
The Lyons Press (2006)
ISBN 9781592289981
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (1/07)

Texas, being the largest state south of the Canadian border, is not only big, but it has been observed as one of the most unique states.  Politicians, entertainers, media, visitors, wanna-be Texans, and many home grown locals can tell you what is great about Texas.   “1001 Greatest Things Ever Said About Texas” is just that – a conglomeration of quotes expressed by many famous and not so famous people.

A smile came across my face when I read this blurb from a traditional cowboy song because it brought back memories of me singing it as a child:

“Then come and sit by my side ere you leave us,
Do not hasten to bid us adieu,
Just remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy who loved you so true.”

Most of us remember when President Kennedy was shot and what we were doing when we heard the news.  But, do we know that Lady Bird Johnson, just moments before the shots rang out, said to the President:

“You can’t say Dallas doesn’t love you!”

Infamous Texas’ own, Audie Murphy said:

“Bravery is just determination to do a job that you know has to be done.”

Lee Trevino explains:

“If you’ve ever driven across Texas, you know how different one area of the state can be from another.  Take El Paso.  It looks as much like Dallas as I look like Jack Nicklaus.”

Donna Ingham’s compilation, “1001 Greatest Things Ever Said About Texas,” is a great bathroom book, or a book left in a guest room for visitors to enjoy while appreciating the humor and seriousness of Texas.  Everyone will enjoy reading the quote and eventually come up with the same conclusion as William Blakley did:  “Texas is neither southern or western.  Texas is Texas.”

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