The Thorny Rose of Texas: An Intimate Portrait of Governor Ann Richards [Hardcover]

Mike Shropshire (Author), Frank Schaeffer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1994

An in-depth look at the governor of Texas presents the life of a woman born to an impoverished farm community, a fierce intercollegiate debater, an advocate for abused women's rights, a divorced recovering alcoholic, and a striving candidate for governor. 25,000 first printing.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this enthusiastic, casual, not-so-intimate biography of Democratic Texas governor Richards, Texas journalist Shropshire and novelist Schaeffer ( Pandora Man ) tell the life story of the gutsy, tart-tongued former junior high school teacher who first won national acclaim at the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta for her caustic comments on George Bush ("Poor George, He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth"). The authors trace the growth of feminist Richards's heterogeneous, loyal following and the honing of the campaign style which won her elections in 1976 as County Commissioner of Travis County and in 1982 as State Treasurer. These were professional outlets for the then wife and mother of four, with her "enormous energy as an overachiever." But Richards is also tritely characterized here as "a woman on edge," who was "rescued" from alcoholism by family, friends and counselors in the 1970s. Despite her hardships as a divorced, recovering alcoholic, she won the governorship in 1990. This breezy, mid-career look at her rise offers no revelations and standard journalese. But Richards's fans will enjoy the rah-rahing of the authors, especially since the governor is up for reelection in 1994. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Then-State Treasurer of Texas Ann Richards became a media star at the 1988 Democratic National Convention when she proclaimed that George Bush was "born with a silver foot in his mouth." But she had long been a rising star in her home state, as one of the few powerful women and liberal politicians in Texas. This biography traces her rise from her beginnings in Waco, Texas, through her work behind the scenes in various local and state campaigns on behalf of others, and, finally, her own ascension to the national firmament. Based on interviews with friends, family, and political allies and foes alike, the authors' portrait reveals a woman who never provokes a lukewarm reaction. And while not news, her admitted alcoholism also receives the authors' objective and thorough coverage. Public libraries lacking Richards's autobiography, Straight from the Heart: My Life in Politics and Other Places (LJ 10/1/89) or needing additional background would benefit from purchasing this title.
Pamela R. Daubenspeck, Warren-Trumbull Cty. P.L., Warren, Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 271 pages
• Publisher: Birch Lane Pr; 1St Edition edition (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559722320
• ISBN-13: 978-1559722322
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #803,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Ann Richards, June 22, 2009

By 

Kanaka Maoli - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Thorny Rose of Texas: An Intimate Portrait of Governor Ann Richards (Hardcover)

The book was interesting, but not enlightning. I didn't feel like I got to know the "real" women. Only what she wanted us to know.