The first two-thirds of the experience wasn't all that bad. In fact, it was rather interesting. I actually learned a few things about Texas that I hadn't picked up before. It was like uncovering hidden gems of knowledge.

However, the last third was a real grind. It focused on topics that I could hardly care less about, mostly real estate and exotic game ranching. It felt like a chore to get through this part.

I would only recommend this to someone who has a ton of time on their hands and a genuine desire to learn a bit about Texas history through a fictional lens. It's not for everyone, but for those who are interested in Texas and don't mind wading through some less exciting topics, it might be worth a try.

Overall, it was an okay experience, but it had its highs and lows.

I finished James Michener’s Texas fittingly on Texas Independence Day, March 2.

I usually have little appreciation for historical fiction, much preferring non-fiction historical tomes. However, Michener did an outstanding job of combining the new with the old to illustrate how Texans thrive on courage, innovation, inspiration, and resourcefulness.

He reveals a well-researched taste of what makes Texas and Texans unique. In his final days, Michener selected Texas as his home.

He leaves us to contemplate the truths that he has presented through his work.

Michener's ability to bring history to life in a fictional context is truly remarkable. His detailed descriptions and engaging storytelling make Texas a captivating read.

By exploring the themes of courage and innovation, he shows how Texans have overcome numerous challenges and built a prosperous state.

Michener's work serves as a reminder of the importance of history and the lessons we can learn from it.

It also encourages us to appreciate the unique qualities and spirit of the people and places that make up our world.

Overall, I highly recommend Texas to anyone interested in history, culture, or the human experience.

This is my favorite book by Mitchner. I read it right before our family embarked on a journey to Texas. We went to San Antonio to see the Bomans, then to Austin to visit Debby and Len, and finally to Houston to meet Doug and Diana. The book had a profound emotional impact on me.

Particularly, the descriptions of the first settlers along the Red River and their struggle to survive on pecans during the first winter after a crop failure were truly moving. It made me appreciate the hardships they endured and the resourcefulness they showed.

When I actually visited the Alamo and San Jacinto, I was overcome with emotion. Every time I saw one of those huge Lone Star flags fluttering in the wind, or noticed the blue bells blooming along the freeway, I felt a sense of connection to something much grander than myself. It was as if I had stepped into the pages of the book and become a part of Texas history.

I have made it 60% of the way through, but I'm finished for the time being.

I understand why Michener is admired for his neutral approach to his topics. He presents each character's perspective and thoughts without passing judgment on them (for the most part). This allows the reader to form their own opinion.

Speaking of which, y'all, it truly diminished my view of the Alamo. Look, I'm a native Texan who studied an entire unit on Texas History in 4th grade, went on a field trip to the Alamo, and everything. I'm even related to Davy Crockett. However, when you consider the plain facts, the "heroes" were just a group of shortsighted, stubborn men who disregarded Sam Houston's commands (based on smarter military tactics) and paid the ultimate price with their lives. Texas didn't even gain anything from that tragic battle except for a rallying cry ("Remember the Alamo!") to inspire others during the war with Santa Ana.

I'm glad I read as much as I did. I have a general love for history, and delving deep into the origins of my home state right before a visit back to Austin was highly rewarding.

Man, I'm truly on a roll! This year has indisputably been the year of big books for me. First, there was "Witness" by Whittaker Chambers, which had a whopping 350,000 words. Then came "Ronald Reagan: An American Life", and although I couldn't find the exact word count, it's a hefty 748 pages. And now, I've delved into "Texas", which clocks in at 280,000 words.

Overall, I found the book really captivating. It was incredibly cool to learn about what is arguably one of our most renowned states, right up there with New York, Florida, California, Hawaii, and the like. What truly intrigued me about this book, however, was the way Michener penned it. While it has a historical backdrop, it leans more towards being a historical fiction novel. Many of the characters and events are fictional, yet it feels as if they could have actually occurred due to its remarkable accuracy.

I've read several historical-fiction books, but most of them are typically short reads that don't consume much time. They also usually span only a few years at most of a specific period in history. In contrast, "Texas" covered an astonishing approximately 500 years. It journeyed from the Spanish colonization of Texas to the decline of the Spanish Empire, from Mexico's declaration of independence from Spain (which included the Texas region) to the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo, and from the inception of a sovereign Texan nation to its eventual and rather reluctant integration into the United States.

Texas is a truly inspiring state, with numerous cultures seamlessly blended together to form a completely unique people. It has made many significant mistakes, but what makes Texas, well, TEXAS, is that they confront those mistakes and, out of sheer determination, transform them into even greater successes. Texas has a penchant for gambling, whether it's with cattle, cotton, oil, or petroleum. It bets everything, willing to gain everything or lose it all. The only thing Texas would never wager is its freedom, perhaps the virtue it holds most dear.

The book as a whole is extremely good. Even though it is largely a work of fiction, the author has crafted it in such a way that it provides a sort of panoramic view of what Texas is all about. I've taken a few history classes, and I have a passion for modern history (which I define as from 1500 to the present). One thing that I truly regret is that, while it's granted that the French and British have had a profound impact on the world, in my opinion, the SPANISH EMPIRE has made the greatest difference. They laid the groundwork for the French and British to thrive in the Americas, and without them, the world (at least when it comes to the Americas) would be entirely different. There's a reason Spanish is such a widely spoken language, and that's because the Spanish Empire was so powerful and far-reaching. They are also perhaps the greatest example of a country completely driven by Faith (although the Spanish also had a love for money). While Catholicism has its shortcomings, it must not be entirely dismissed, as it is truly what has shaped Western society. It's all very fascinating stuff, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who are willing to invest a significant amount of time reading it and who want to learn about this truly influential state. Seriously, though, this book is massive. Don't ask me for book suggestions because I'll give you such recommendations that you won't need to seek any others for quite some time!

This is the final James Michener book that I listened to on Audible, regardless of whether I was on long bike rides or not. Overall, I consider this to be a good story. However, in reality, it should have been my absolute favorite James Michener book. Why is that? Because Texas is closely related to Mexico. Instead, the story seemed to drag on and on to the extent that I was eagerly and desperately longing for it to come to an end.

In terms of style and form, this book is no different from any other James Michener book. It is an epic yet somewhat shallow novel that tells the story of a particular place. The characters are entertaining, but for the most part, they lack depth. One advantage of listening to these books on Audible is that if you space out for a while, as I often do, you haven't really missed a great deal. The downside, though, is that not much in the story is truly compelling, which makes it easy to zone out.

I do plan to read another James Michener novel on Kindle because I really enjoyed "Hawaii". However, I will no longer listen to his books on Audible, no matter how much it might please me to extend one credit for two months.

(Also, I am aware that this book is listed as a paperback version. This is not true as I listened to the Audible version. But Goodreads claims that there is no such thing as an Audible version for this book.)

Published in 1985, in the aftermath of Reagan's decisive re-election victory over Mondale, this work showcases the remarkable ability of Michener, a loyal Democrat. He demonstrates an understanding and a sympathetic reporting on the ideas and motivations of his Republican fellow citizens.

The main character in the latter chapters, Ransom Rusk, is a hardworking and patriotic Texas billionaire who eventually evolves into a philanthropist. His grandparents are also significant and heroic characters, shedding light on the extremely troubled relations between the Anglo-Saxon settlers of Texas and the American Indians they displaced.

By far the most amusing segment is the twelfth, titled "The Town", which features a hilarious tale of Texan high school football. The Hispanic heritage of this great and influential state is vividly brought to life through the characters Benito Garza, Eloy Muzquiz, and his daughter Enriqueta, among others. Their stories add depth and color to the overall narrative, painting a rich and diverse picture of Texas.

Michener's work not only provides an interesting look at the political and social landscape of the time but also offers a glimpse into the complex and fascinating history of Texas.

I only made it to The Rangers.

It seems that for now, my journey has stopped at this point. However, I firmly believe that I will get back to it eventually.

The Rangers hold a certain allure for me, perhaps it's the challenges it presents or the opportunities that lie within.

Although I haven't been able to fully explore or achieve all that I hoped for at this moment, I am not deterred.

I know that with time and determination, I will find my way back and continue to pursue my goals related to The Rangers.

Whether it's improving my skills, making new connections, or achieving specific milestones, I am committed to giving it my all when I return.

So, for now, I'll take a break and focus on other aspects of my life, but The Rangers will always be in the back of my mind, waiting for me to come back and make my mark.

I always had a strong hope to take this thick book from my bookshelf well in advance before starting my planned road trip in Texas. However, unfortunately, it has been about 6 weeks, and Michener and I have traveled to the Lone Star State and returned to Chicago without finishing the 1100 pages. The book was published in 1985, which means I am 37 years behind in history, but it still remains relevant. I have truly gained a better understanding of the history and character of Texas and its people.

Yes, in many aspects, what a terrible place it is - this summer's extremely high temperature of 109 degrees, the political conservatism, and the anti-intellectual attitudes! But Michener enables us to have a clearer appreciation of how and why it is like this.

I am a big fan of a book structure that combines multiple characters and storylines in unexpected ways, which is Michener's specialty. (I consider The Source and Centennial among my all-time favorites.) And Texas follows the same pattern. The device used in this case is a Task Force appointed by the Texas governor to study and report on Texas history. The main characters are all descendants of fictional characters who play important roles throughout the centuries, from the Mexican muleteer who accompanied Coronado in his exploration to the pioneers and defenders of the Alamo. As time progresses, we encounter Comanches, cattlemen, Texas Rangers, wildcatters, cotton planters, linebackers, and billionaires. In his usual style, Michener brings them together to create a broad and vivid picture of Texas life.

It was great fun to be reading the book while visiting some of the places described in it, from Cousin Robin's ranch near Fort Worth to the Rio Grande at Big Bend National Park. Our friend Tommy drove us from New Braunfels to Fredericksburg, where we got a close look at some of the German heritage. We drove through the vast miles of West Texas, hiked in the Guadalupe Mountains, and learned to appreciate some of the virtues of the state that Michener also mentions. It really is a unique and different place.

It took me an incredibly long, long time to finish reading this book. However, despite the length of time it took, the book was still truly excellent.

It may not be the absolute best work by Michener that I have ever read, but it was highly entertaining nonetheless. The story had me engaged from beginning to end, and I found myself constantly eager to turn the next page to see what would happen next.

Moreover, the themes and ideas presented in the book are as relevant today as they were when it was first written. It makes you think about various aspects of life, society, and human nature.

In conclusion, although it may not be Michener's masterpiece, this book is definitely worth reading for its entertainment value and its thought-provoking content. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

I started reading "Texas" in late 2022 after my wife and I visited our son and daughter-in-law in Austin. It may seem odd that I've been dipping in and out of that Texas-sized book (>1100 pages) and only just finished it now, almost 15 months later. However, I truly relished this book. Just like "The Caribbean", also by Michener, he (along with, no doubt, a team of research students) weaves a rather comprehensive history of the targeted place. But he tells the story through the developments of a limited number of families that represent different aspects of that place's evolution.

We follow multiple generations of Scotch-Irish settlers from Kentucky and Tennessee, including the vivid Sam Houston, as well as those of the more aristocratic South Carolina cotton plantation owners who "went to Texas" due to primogeniture leaving few other options. There are Spanish settlers and Roman Catholic priests moving out of Mexico City to expand the Spanish empire north, only to represent the overreach of a failing empire and the snobbism of the Spanish aristocracy. According to Michener, they established more than 60 categories for racial classification, with the highest "caste" reserved for those not only from "good families in Castillia" but also born in Castillia and not in Mexico. We also have hardworking Germans leaving petty duchies with outdated aristocratic privileges, where the local Duke wouldn't allow the sons of even loyal court servants or less wealthy shopkeepers to marry without his consent. And there are the sons and daughters of freed slaves and of settlers whose families have been nearly wiped out by raiding Comanches.

These generations all come together, and their 1980 descendants are asked by the governor of Texas to serve on a Task Force to determine what should be taught to students in Texas about the state's development.
While inevitably, a book written 40 years ago will touch on some modern sacred "wisdoms", and his attempts to understand all aspects behind the KKK in a particular town in Texas will cause the greatest discomfort, Michener does a very believable job of trying to reconcile all these parts of Texas. He goes through the histories of their representatives at each step of the way, at least starting with the Spanish push into Texas as their next frontier.
He tries to describe all the elements that make up Texas in ways that blend sympathy with their tragic failures or their successes with their inherent limitations.
I believe both "Texas" and "The Caribbean" books written by Michener bring the history of the places he focuses on to life. The stories he tells remain in the reader's mind to caution and deepen their understanding of what exists even now, although of course he has missed the last 40 years.
If one is seeking to understand Texas, I highly recommend reading "Texas" and giving Michener the opportunity to explain how the contexts evolved from 1600 to 1984 and, of course, to today.

As a passionate lover of historical fiction, I was certain that I would have a deep affection for this book. And indeed, I was not let down.

I adored the way Michener constructed this story. A task force has been chosen to conduct research on the curriculum that will be imparted to schoolchildren regarding Texas history, and the history unfolds through the tales of their families (not just the heroes - although they are also mentioned).

Michener's research into the affairs of Texas is truly astonishing, and his writing remains brilliant from start to finish. The earlier characters are vividly defined. You can understand precisely why they act the way they do and why they think as they think. I particularly favored the character Otto Macnab. You follow his growth from a very tender age until his demise, and it is truly an exciting journey.

The prominent characteristics of Texas are vividly portrayed throughout the novel. The Alamo and the battle for independence are narrated splendidly, and the changing beliefs and culture with the discovery of oil seem highly believable. The sensitive topics - blatant racism, slavery, religious strife - are all presented from the perspective of whoever's story is being told, and for each, there is an opposing view - someone who believes something entirely different. At times, it feels as if Michener is being a bit cynical or humorous in highlighting some of the hypocrisies that emerge throughout the story, and I really relished this aspect!

The only gripe I had about the book was the final Task Force meeting. This did not seem like a fitting conclusion to such a magnificent masterpiece (although I did think the very last line was appropriate), but this one complaint was insufficient to overshadow the fact that he appears to have captured the very essence of Texas and of Texans.