Native Texan: Stories from Deep in the Heart

by Joe Holley

Native Stories from Deep in the Heart is a lively and personal tour of small town and big city Texas in search of what makes the state unique. Nationally acclaimed columnist Joe Holley is widely loved for his popular “Native Texan” column, which appears in the Houston Chronicle. In thirty stories curated from column archives, Holley introduces readers to his favorite people and places across the state. From interviews on the “weird” streets of Austin and his search for ghosts in Bigfoot to a decades-long love affair with everything about Marathon and hikes on the back trails of the Big Bend, Holley is a masterful storyteller. His instincts are backed by a seasoned journalist’s passion to measure legends and tall tales against investigations into what really happened. He reveals small-town Texas, and some small towns within the largest cities, with a style that has proven popular with readers and a keen eye for a unique spin on an old story. The result is an entertaining and certainly surprising view of the Lone Star state.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[TyAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming collection of stories. It reads like you’re listening to neighbors talk on the porch. A delightful read.

[Texas Standard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of short stories that captures the essence of Texas through the lives and experiences of its diverse inhabitants. Each story delves into the rich cultural heritage, unique landscapes, and the resilient spirit of Texans, offering readers a vivid portrayal of life deep in the heart of the Lone Star State. Through compelling characters and evocative storytelling, the book paints a multifaceted picture of what it means to be a native Texan.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obscure Texas History

I love Texas, history and trivia. This book has all three in bite-size chunks, which are easy to read. I enjoyed it, although I could have done without the politics in the last story. Still, it is well written and interesting.