1. Fortunate Son: Selected Essays from the Lone Star State
By Rick Bass
Explores the meaning of being a "Texan" through literary essays. Chronicles historical state events through the author's memories and musings on nature, music, football, religion, geology, and the passage of time. Scrutinizes the ever-changing culture of the Lone Star State, with stories stretching from Galveston Bay to Wichita Falls and featuring characters such as Roy Bedichek and James McMurtry, musician and son of writer Larry McMurtry.
High Road Books, 2021, 189 pages
976.4063 B317F 2021

 

2. From a Taller Tower: The Rise of the American Mass Shooter
By Seamus McGraw
Chronicles the rise of mass shootings, beginning in 1966 on the campus of the University of Texas. Explores the backgrounds of the perpetrators, as well as the experiences of gun violence survivors, first responders, and mental health experts. Challenges the notion of a "good guy with a gun" and the cultural idolization of guns.
University of Texas Press, 2021, 240 pages
364.152 M487 2021

 

3. On Juneteenth
By Annette Gordon-Reed
Provides a series of short essays on the history of Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of slavery in Texas, and how African Americans have played a crucial role in Texas history. Examines the author's own recollections and her family history to discuss the complexities of the Black experience in Texas.
Liveright Publishing, 2021, 148 pages
394.263 G662J 2021

 

4. A Single Star and Bloody Knuckles: A History of Politics and Race in Texas
By Bill Minutaglio
Recounts a history of Texas politics from the June 19 ("Juneteenth") order announcing the emancipation of slaves in Texas in 1865 to the 2020 election, with an eye to how race and racism have shaped the institutions and mythology of the state. Profiles both well-known and forgotten figures in Texas political history, such as Barbara Jordan, George W. Bush, labor activist Emma Tenayuca, and Reconstruction Governor Edmund Davis.
University of Texas Press, 2021, 376 pages
976.406 M668 2021

 

5. The Texas Triangle: An Emerging Power in the Global Economy
By Henry G. Cisneros, David Hendricks, J. H. Cullum Clark, and William Fulton
Studies the Texas Triangle, the interconnected urban economy consisting of three metropolitan complexes – Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston-Galveston, and Austin-San Antonio. Explains the origin of the Texas Triangle, its importance to Texas, how it compares to other economies, and its potential to become one of the most economically powerful regions in the world. Points out that the political structure that fueled the state's success during the past sixty years now has the potential to undermine the state's and the Texas Triangle's continued growth and future success.
Texas A&M University Press, 2021, 335 pages
330.9764 C579 2021

 

6. The Eyes of Texans: From Slavery to the Texas Capitol: Personal Stories from Six Generations of One Family
By Melvin Edwards
Retells the stories of six generations of the author's family, spanning from Edwards' first enslaved ancestor in Texas to his role as speechwriter for former Texas Governor Rick Perry. Features firsthand accounts detailing their lives, while delivering a glimpse into Texas history. Provides insight into the discrimination and harassment endured by African Americans along with their achievements.
Independently published, 2020, 159 pages
929.20973 ED26E 2020

 

7. Juneteenth Texas: Essays in African-American Folklore
Presents a wide variety of viewpoints on African American folklore in Texas, including personal memoirs, scholarly articles, and essays describing African American folk culture, songs, and stories. Includes an essay on the history of the Juneteenth celebration in Texas, highlighting the path to establishing it as an official state holiday with the passage of HB 1016, 66th Legislature.
University of North Texas Press, 1996, 364 pages
398 AB37 1996