Texas Bad Girls: Hussie, Harlots, and Horse Thieves

by J. Lee Butts

Sometimes humorous, sometimes tongue-in-cheek, sometimes deeply sad and moving―such are the biographies of fifteen Texas bad girls.

Genres: History, Westerns

265 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2000

Reviews

[Robert Vanneste · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a hard book to read. The author is in love with his countrified " witticisms" . " Drunker'n a waltzing pissant " . Seriously ?

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author writes short biographies of several famous/infamous Texas women mostly from the 1800's. Many of the ladies tried to make the best of their plight in the harsh climate and society of Civil War era Texas. Some married multiple times, not always divorcing the previous husband, and at times it was because they helped previous husbands into a premature death. When money was scarce they were not above a bit of cattle rustling, horse thievery, bank robbing, and street walking. The author includes an interesting history of the Chicken Ranch and the politicians and Texas Rangers who helped to keep it open. We are introduced to the likes of Belle Starr, Etta Place, Bonnie Parker, and oddly out-of-place in this book, Janis Joplin. Some of the stories are intriguing enough that I would like to read more in-depth coverage of the women. For the most part I enjoyed the book quite a bit as the author has a folksy tone that makes one feel like you're sitting on the front porch in a rocker with a good story-teller but his idioms began to weigh heavily on me after awhile.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who knew 'ladies' in the 1800's could be such wild and crazy girls!! Reading about the antics of a dozen liberated women could be so interesting. Quite a few had connections to Texas, which should not be such a surprise! We Texas girls have always been quite the talk of others. The 2 women from the 20th century were Bonnie Parker and Karla Faye Tucker. Having read much about Parker, this didn't add too many new items. I lived in Houston during the Karla Faye time frame and read the papers voraciously, but author J. Lee Butts had much to add to her story. Most of the book is written with a tongue in cheek style, until he recounts Tucker's sad story. I found it a most interesting read.

[Darlene Ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

clearly some tough ladies

[Terri Chapin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories. A familiarity with locations makes it more interesting. Not especially well written, in my opinion.

[Louann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. The information was great, but I am not a fan of his writing style. Even though he is from Texas, he seems to be writing how he thinks most Texans talk. I am sure Yankees will be diggin' this as it feeds into the stereotype.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book and Mr. Butts bigger than Texas approach of tale tellin' but I don't understand why Janis Joplin is in this book. Is she a hussy or harlot? I'm pretty sure she wasn't a horse thief.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most historical books i have ever read. The woman in this book.we're strong, hard headed, mothers, sisters, wives, entrepreneurs, thrives, killers, and beautiful ladies. From shootings to brawls makes this book a more than once read.

[Caryl McAdoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, fun read! Love all the Texas history and J. Lee pens a great story!

[Ken Mccoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories about interesting people somewhat diminished by the authors insistence on over-the-top colloquialisms.

[Anca]

An original way to enrich one's knowledge of the state's history.