Customer Reviews

Red Boots & Attitude: The Spirit of Texas Women Writers

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At first glance you might wonder why you would want to read works by JUST Texas women, but when you sample just one or two you will be drawn in by the spirit and talent of this eclectic group of women writers. Almost every genre is present with nonfiction, poetry, and short fiction gracing the pages while introducing the reader to a spirit that is undeniably of a distinctly Texas brand. Think of this as a spirited literary journey through what is both real and mythical in a land of fierce independence and cultural distinction. Beginning with humorous nonfiction from such a notable woman author as Liz Carpenter and continuing through to the brief, yet heartfelt, poetry of Teresa Palomo Acosta, the reader follows a literary itinerary across the vast countryside of what seems like "a whole 'nother country" without ever needing a passport or dictionary (well, maybe a local interpreter might come in handy!) Treat yourself to an articulate slice of Texan life as boisterous and thought provoking as can be found on paper within the borders of red boots and plenty of attitude.

I liked a lot of the stories by these Texas women writers. Any of them could probably fill a whole book by herself with good stories. One of those is certainly Susie Kelly Flatau, the editor along with Diane Fanning. Her stories: The Well, When Time Stutters and The Screen Door--will stay with the reader long after the book is closed. They appear dark--but they end with defiance and with a look toward a new beginning--a happier time or at least a determination to exist without rancor. Maybe Susie Kelly Flatau is ready for a book of her own. I hope so. I would like to read more of her stories.