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Mr. Texas
A sharply drawn, page-turning send up of Texas politics—from the Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author—about a dark horse candidate who risks his personal life for a career in the Texas House of Representatives.
Sonny Lamb is an affable, if floundering, rancher with the unfortunate habit of becoming a punchline in his Texas hometown. Most recently, he bought his own bull at auction, saving it from being sold to a slaughterhouse. But when a fire breaks out at a neighbor’s farm, Sonny makes headlines in another way: Not waiting for help, he bolts to the farm and heroically saves the family’s daughter and her horse, riding the animal out of their burning barn. Within days of the event, he attracts the notice of a mysterious man named L.D. who arrives at his door and asks if he’d like to run as a Republican for his district’s representative seat. Though Sonny has zero experience and doesn’t consider himself political in the least, he decides to throw his hat in the ring . . . and he wins.
As Sonny navigates life in politics—from running a campaign to negotiating in the capitol—he must learn the ropes, weighing his own ethics and environmental concerns against the pressures of veteran politicians, savvy lobbyists, and his own party. In tracing Sonny’s attempt to balance his marriage and morality with an increasingly volatile professional life, Lawrence Wright has crafted a hilarious, immensely clever rollercoaster ride about one man’s pursuit of goodness in the Lonestar State.
Sonny Lamb is an affable, if floundering, rancher with the unfortunate habit of becoming a punchline in his Texas hometown. Most recently, he bought his own bull at auction, saving it from being sold to a slaughterhouse. But when a fire breaks out at a neighbor’s farm, Sonny makes headlines in another way: Not waiting for help, he bolts to the farm and heroically saves the family’s daughter and her horse, riding the animal out of their burning barn. Within days of the event, he attracts the notice of a mysterious man named L.D. who arrives at his door and asks if he’d like to run as a Republican for his district’s representative seat. Though Sonny has zero experience and doesn’t consider himself political in the least, he decides to throw his hat in the ring . . . and he wins.
As Sonny navigates life in politics—from running a campaign to negotiating in the capitol—he must learn the ropes, weighing his own ethics and environmental concerns against the pressures of veteran politicians, savvy lobbyists, and his own party. In tracing Sonny’s attempt to balance his marriage and morality with an increasingly volatile professional life, Lawrence Wright has crafted a hilarious, immensely clever rollercoaster ride about one man’s pursuit of goodness in the Lonestar State.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2023
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About the author
Lawrence Wright
84 books2,436 followersLawrence Wright is an author, screenwriter, playwright, and staff writer for The New Yorker magazine. He has won a Pulitzer Prize and three National Magazine Awards.
His latest book, The Human Scale , is a sweeping, timely thriller, in which a Palestinian-American FBI agent teams up with a hardline Israeli cop to solve the murder of the Israeli police chief in Gaza. According to The New York Times, “Wright succeeds in this complex, deeply felt work.”
He is the author of 11 nonfiction books. His book about the rise of al-Qaeda, The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 (Knopf, 2006), was published to immediate and widespread acclaim. It has been translated into 25 languages and won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. It was made into a series for Hulu in 2018, starring Jeff Daniels, Alec Baldwin, and Tahar Rahim.
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief (Knopf, 2013) was a New York Times bestseller. Wright and director Alex Gibney turned it into an HBO documentary, which won three Emmys, including best documentary. Wright and Gibney also teamed up to produce another Emmy-winning documentary, for Showtime, about the murder of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi.
In addition to The Human Scale, Wright has three other novels: Noriega: God’s Favorite (Simon and Schuster, 2000) which was made into a Showtime movie starring Bob Hoskins; The End of October (Knopf, 2020), a bestseller about a viral pandemic that came out right at the beginning of COVID; Mr. Texas (Knopf, 2023), which has been optioned as a limited streaming series.
In 2006, Wright premiered his first one-man play, “My Trip to Al-Qaeda,” at The New Yorker Festival, which led to a sold-out six-week run off-Broadway, before traveling to Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. It was made into a documentary film of the same name, directed by Alex Gibney, for HBO.
Before he wrote the novel, Wright wrote and performed a one-man show also called The Human Scale, about the standoff between Israel and Hamas over the abduction of an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. The Public Theater in New York produced the play, which ran for a month off-Broadway in 2010, before moving to the Cameri Theater in Tel Aviv. Many of the ideas developed in that play later evolved into the novel of the same name, published 15 years later.
In addition to his one-man productions, Wright has written five other plays that have enjoyed productions around the country, including Camp David, about the Carter, Begin, and Sadat summit in 1978; and Cleo, about the making of the movie Cleopatra.
Wright is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Society of American Historians, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also serves as the keyboard player in the Austin-based blues band, WhoDo.
His latest book, The Human Scale , is a sweeping, timely thriller, in which a Palestinian-American FBI agent teams up with a hardline Israeli cop to solve the murder of the Israeli police chief in Gaza. According to The New York Times, “Wright succeeds in this complex, deeply felt work.”
He is the author of 11 nonfiction books. His book about the rise of al-Qaeda, The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 (Knopf, 2006), was published to immediate and widespread acclaim. It has been translated into 25 languages and won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. It was made into a series for Hulu in 2018, starring Jeff Daniels, Alec Baldwin, and Tahar Rahim.
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief (Knopf, 2013) was a New York Times bestseller. Wright and director Alex Gibney turned it into an HBO documentary, which won three Emmys, including best documentary. Wright and Gibney also teamed up to produce another Emmy-winning documentary, for Showtime, about the murder of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi.
In addition to The Human Scale, Wright has three other novels: Noriega: God’s Favorite (Simon and Schuster, 2000) which was made into a Showtime movie starring Bob Hoskins; The End of October (Knopf, 2020), a bestseller about a viral pandemic that came out right at the beginning of COVID; Mr. Texas (Knopf, 2023), which has been optioned as a limited streaming series.
In 2006, Wright premiered his first one-man play, “My Trip to Al-Qaeda,” at The New Yorker Festival, which led to a sold-out six-week run off-Broadway, before traveling to Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. It was made into a documentary film of the same name, directed by Alex Gibney, for HBO.
Before he wrote the novel, Wright wrote and performed a one-man show also called The Human Scale, about the standoff between Israel and Hamas over the abduction of an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. The Public Theater in New York produced the play, which ran for a month off-Broadway in 2010, before moving to the Cameri Theater in Tel Aviv. Many of the ideas developed in that play later evolved into the novel of the same name, published 15 years later.
In addition to his one-man productions, Wright has written five other plays that have enjoyed productions around the country, including Camp David, about the Carter, Begin, and Sadat summit in 1978; and Cleo, about the making of the movie Cleopatra.
Wright is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Society of American Historians, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also serves as the keyboard player in the Austin-based blues band, WhoDo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
October 1, 2023
Mr. Texas is a political satire that takes on Texas politics. At heart, it tackles the ethical dilemma of money = power and how each politician’s need for funds compromises them. “You’re taking an ax to the money tree. You just can’t do that. It’s political hari-kari.” When the book talks money, it’s serious. When it tackles the constant partisanship that’s a given at every level of current government, Wright allows a little humor to creep in. Although needless to say, it’s a very dark humor that always has the ring of truth.
The story focuses on Sonny Lamb, a rancher about to go under. Thanks to some heroics during a fire, a lobbyist sees him as the next state representative for his district. But neither gets what he bargained for.
Imagine Mr. Smith Goes to Austin in today’s political setting if Mr. Smith had a zipper problem. The book also gives us a look at other representatives, their back stories, their ambitions and their pet projects. There’s the Black, Gay Republican. The Hispanic woman fulfilling her mother’s dreams and trying to get a bill passed to fund Planned Parenthood. The House Leader who is bigger than life. In fact, satire often sacrifices character development, but I felt Wright’s characters all had sufficient depth and that ring of truth to them.
While most of the characters are fictional, Wright sneaks in a barb or two at Governor Abbott.
Wright is better known as a nonfiction writer, but he easily makes the transition to fiction. He manages to include a lot of facts without disrupting the storyline. I learned quite a few things, including the whole concept of Dominionism.
My favorite line of the book “History is one long struggle for sanity.”
Make sure to read the Author’s Note which outlines the history of this story and all its iterations.
My thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for an advance copy of this book.
The story focuses on Sonny Lamb, a rancher about to go under. Thanks to some heroics during a fire, a lobbyist sees him as the next state representative for his district. But neither gets what he bargained for.
Imagine Mr. Smith Goes to Austin in today’s political setting if Mr. Smith had a zipper problem. The book also gives us a look at other representatives, their back stories, their ambitions and their pet projects. There’s the Black, Gay Republican. The Hispanic woman fulfilling her mother’s dreams and trying to get a bill passed to fund Planned Parenthood. The House Leader who is bigger than life. In fact, satire often sacrifices character development, but I felt Wright’s characters all had sufficient depth and that ring of truth to them.
While most of the characters are fictional, Wright sneaks in a barb or two at Governor Abbott.
Wright is better known as a nonfiction writer, but he easily makes the transition to fiction. He manages to include a lot of facts without disrupting the storyline. I learned quite a few things, including the whole concept of Dominionism.
My favorite line of the book “History is one long struggle for sanity.”
Make sure to read the Author’s Note which outlines the history of this story and all its iterations.
My thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for an advance copy of this book.
November 28, 2023
Regardless where you stand politically, save far left or far right, there's something here for you and the machinations of government. Songs on the audio version. 7 of 10 stars
March 4, 2024
"Mr. Texas" by Lawrence Wright presents a captivating take on Lone Star politics. A Texan twist on "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" if you will. With its clever parody of Texas politics, the narrative strikes a delicate balance between satire and realism, delving into themes of ethics, power, money, family, sex, sexual identity, religion, gender, and race.
Wright's narrative dances between parody and celebration, skillfully navigating the tumultuous landscape of Texas politics with dark humor and genuine insight. Through a colorful cast of characters, some archetypal and others refreshingly unique, the story unfolds with rich detail and compelling profiles of politicians, both fictional and inspired by real-life figures.
At its core, "Mr. Texas" follows the journey of a political newcomer thrust into the chaotic world of Texas politics, struggling to find his footing amidst the complexities of power and ambition. While the story occasionally dips into predictability and sentimentality, it remains an engaging and well-crafted read, driven by Wright's masterful storytelling and sharp observations.
With its witty exploration of contemporary issues and its nod to political realities, "Mr. Texas" offers readers a thought-provoking glimpse into the inner workings of governance and the human experience. A blend of entertainment and introspection, this novel is sure to captivate anyone interested in the intriguing dynamics of politics and power.
Wright's narrative dances between parody and celebration, skillfully navigating the tumultuous landscape of Texas politics with dark humor and genuine insight. Through a colorful cast of characters, some archetypal and others refreshingly unique, the story unfolds with rich detail and compelling profiles of politicians, both fictional and inspired by real-life figures.
At its core, "Mr. Texas" follows the journey of a political newcomer thrust into the chaotic world of Texas politics, struggling to find his footing amidst the complexities of power and ambition. While the story occasionally dips into predictability and sentimentality, it remains an engaging and well-crafted read, driven by Wright's masterful storytelling and sharp observations.
With its witty exploration of contemporary issues and its nod to political realities, "Mr. Texas" offers readers a thought-provoking glimpse into the inner workings of governance and the human experience. A blend of entertainment and introspection, this novel is sure to captivate anyone interested in the intriguing dynamics of politics and power.
September 5, 2023
If there is anyone who is uniquely qualified to write a book like Mr. Texas, it is Lawrence Wright. As a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, screenwriter, and long-time Austinite, he has – to use his words – “long been enchanted by the politics of Texas and the vivid characters who inhabit the marbled halls of our legislature.”
If you’re from Texas, this is an absolute must read. You will likely know exactly who Wright’s bigger-than-life characters truly represent. But even if – like me – you’re not from the Lone Star state, this book is a real rodeo ride and eye-opener of how politics work (or rather, don’t work) and what’s at stake,
Sonny Lamb is a genial Texas rancher and Iraq vet, whose ranch has fallen on hard times. When a longtime Democrat state rep dies, a Republican lobbyist nicknamed L.D. appears at his door and asks him to run for his seat. Sonny has just saved a little girl’s favorite horse from a burning barn, and he is the hero they are looking for. He barely squeaks into office and then the fun begins.
I thought I knew something about Texas politics, but this novel affirms how craven the political process is. Sonny doesn’t quite understand that he is forced to “dance with the one who brung him”, which forces L.D. to bring him down a peg or two in a humiliating way.
Wright’s novel reveals how bills are stymied or stalled or are DOA, how the mettle of politicians is tested during a feral-pig hunt, how sanctimonious representatives in thrall to the lobbyists are forced to vote for bills that are not in the Texas people’s best interest. A hilarious (and sad) scene of representatives fleeing the capital, some pursued by police, so there is not a quorum to vote on an anti-LGBQT bill sounds too on-the-nose to not be true.
There are a couple of missteps. Sonny is passionate about a desalination bill that will convert wastewater (a result of fracking) to usable water for irrigation, and the descriptions of it sometimes lost me. I had the feeling that I was reading Mr. Wright’s views rather than Sonny. A subplot about his cowgirl wife, Lola, and their fertility issues and marital woes sometimes seemed out-of-step with the forward propulsion. At times, Lawrence Wright seems more hopeful than he perhaps should be at this juncture but there’s nothing wrong with hope.
But these are just quibbles. For the most part, I found this novel to be fascinating, particularly for those of us interested in politics. The portrayal of Sonny was wonderful, and many scenes had me laughing and wincing at the same time. I owe a huge thanks to publisher Alfred A. Knopf for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re from Texas, this is an absolute must read. You will likely know exactly who Wright’s bigger-than-life characters truly represent. But even if – like me – you’re not from the Lone Star state, this book is a real rodeo ride and eye-opener of how politics work (or rather, don’t work) and what’s at stake,
Sonny Lamb is a genial Texas rancher and Iraq vet, whose ranch has fallen on hard times. When a longtime Democrat state rep dies, a Republican lobbyist nicknamed L.D. appears at his door and asks him to run for his seat. Sonny has just saved a little girl’s favorite horse from a burning barn, and he is the hero they are looking for. He barely squeaks into office and then the fun begins.
I thought I knew something about Texas politics, but this novel affirms how craven the political process is. Sonny doesn’t quite understand that he is forced to “dance with the one who brung him”, which forces L.D. to bring him down a peg or two in a humiliating way.
Wright’s novel reveals how bills are stymied or stalled or are DOA, how the mettle of politicians is tested during a feral-pig hunt, how sanctimonious representatives in thrall to the lobbyists are forced to vote for bills that are not in the Texas people’s best interest. A hilarious (and sad) scene of representatives fleeing the capital, some pursued by police, so there is not a quorum to vote on an anti-LGBQT bill sounds too on-the-nose to not be true.
There are a couple of missteps. Sonny is passionate about a desalination bill that will convert wastewater (a result of fracking) to usable water for irrigation, and the descriptions of it sometimes lost me. I had the feeling that I was reading Mr. Wright’s views rather than Sonny. A subplot about his cowgirl wife, Lola, and their fertility issues and marital woes sometimes seemed out-of-step with the forward propulsion. At times, Lawrence Wright seems more hopeful than he perhaps should be at this juncture but there’s nothing wrong with hope.
But these are just quibbles. For the most part, I found this novel to be fascinating, particularly for those of us interested in politics. The portrayal of Sonny was wonderful, and many scenes had me laughing and wincing at the same time. I owe a huge thanks to publisher Alfred A. Knopf for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2023
"Mr. Texas" is a satire about Texas politics. In the novel, Sonny Lamb is a young cattle rancher living with his wife, struggling to earn a living. He becomes a local hero by rescuing a little girl from a burning barn. Seeing Sonny on television, a powerful lobbyist taps him to run for office in the Texas State House. The lobbyist intends to use the inexperienced Sonny as a pawn to vote for laws that the lobbyist has an interest in. Sonny is oblivious to this and has his own ideas. He sincerely wants to help the voters in his district, while at the same time, dreams of being seen as a successful, important man.
What was meant to be a satire is frighteningly close to our real politics today. While the book had me chuckling a few times, it did not seem as funny as I thought it would be.
What was meant to be a satire is frighteningly close to our real politics today. While the book had me chuckling a few times, it did not seem as funny as I thought it would be.
November 15, 2023
intentionally DNF. not to be rude but the author should stick to nonfiction sorryyyy. it’s advertised as funny, smart, entertaining, and heartfelt but it’s none of those things and i am SO disappointed!! had all the makings for a funny cutting satire but like the “funny” moments … weren’t funny! it was like a vampire came in and sucked all the life out of this book and then published it:( i was pumped up for what i thought would be LESS (andrew sean greer) but about texas and with even more satire and instead i got a boring af book with no heart & poor storytelling. do NOT get me wrong i am all for turning texas blue etc but sadly it’s just not a well written story!
February 14, 2024
Lawrence Wright loves this story. He has looked at it in many different ways over time. This iteration works for me. He eviscerates and glorifies Texas politics, with politicians as varied as the population of a great state should be. Dirty business and the ways to muddle through it are fascinating to a political novice like myself. I highly recommend this book for everyone, both sides, to read, enjoy and ponder.
My thanks to the author, Lawrence Wright, and the publisher, Knopf, for my copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway
My thanks to the author, Lawrence Wright, and the publisher, Knopf, for my copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway
September 25, 2023
Lawrence Wright has been trying to explain Texas and Texans for many years through writing both fiction and nonfiction. He broke off for a bit when writing his superb book “The Leaning Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11”, which was one of the best books I read about 9/11. Two things I know about Lawrence Wright is that the man can write and that he loves his home state. And the people who live there.
His latest book, “Mr Texas”, is the fictional account of Sonny Lamb, a youngish Army vet from west Texas. He’s sort of drifted since his return from Afghanistan, marrying well to a woman, Lola, who seems to love him, despite his flaws. They’re working one of her family’s ranches, not too well, because of the ongoing drought in the area and some a lot of ecological problems with their land. Through a series of events concerning a family who’s neighboring ranch has burned down and Sonny’s heroism in saving a horse, Sonny Lamb has found himself as a new member of the state of Texas’s House of Representatives.
Now, I can’t write about the seeming looniness of Texas state politics, because I don’t know all the ins and outs of it, but the people and rules of governing are fairly…complicated. Austin - the city weird - is home to both the Texas state capital and the main campus of the University of Texas. It’s a “blue” area in a state which is solidly “red” outside the large cities. Sonny comes to Austin with a determination to “do good”, which involves doing something about desalination and other ecological problems. By the way, Sonny Lamb is a Republican but he is on the “moderate” wing of the party. (You can question the possibility of the existence of a moderate Texan Republican today and I hope you do. Having read Mr Wright’s previous books, I think he’s probably a Democrat but didn’t want to make Sonny a Dem).
Wright’s book is a wonderful picture of the micro level Texas politics as seen through the eyes of a clever “good ol’ boy” as he attempts to make the system work for he and his constituents. He’s also trying to make his wife pregnant which make for some funny scenes.
Some of “Mr Texas”s characters may seem like caricatures but they’re really not. Most really exist in some form or another. And most are sitting in the Texas legislature!
His latest book, “Mr Texas”, is the fictional account of Sonny Lamb, a youngish Army vet from west Texas. He’s sort of drifted since his return from Afghanistan, marrying well to a woman, Lola, who seems to love him, despite his flaws. They’re working one of her family’s ranches, not too well, because of the ongoing drought in the area and some a lot of ecological problems with their land. Through a series of events concerning a family who’s neighboring ranch has burned down and Sonny’s heroism in saving a horse, Sonny Lamb has found himself as a new member of the state of Texas’s House of Representatives.
Now, I can’t write about the seeming looniness of Texas state politics, because I don’t know all the ins and outs of it, but the people and rules of governing are fairly…complicated. Austin - the city weird - is home to both the Texas state capital and the main campus of the University of Texas. It’s a “blue” area in a state which is solidly “red” outside the large cities. Sonny comes to Austin with a determination to “do good”, which involves doing something about desalination and other ecological problems. By the way, Sonny Lamb is a Republican but he is on the “moderate” wing of the party. (You can question the possibility of the existence of a moderate Texan Republican today and I hope you do. Having read Mr Wright’s previous books, I think he’s probably a Democrat but didn’t want to make Sonny a Dem).
Wright’s book is a wonderful picture of the micro level Texas politics as seen through the eyes of a clever “good ol’ boy” as he attempts to make the system work for he and his constituents. He’s also trying to make his wife pregnant which make for some funny scenes.
Some of “Mr Texas”s characters may seem like caricatures but they’re really not. Most really exist in some form or another. And most are sitting in the Texas legislature!
November 3, 2023
If you live outside the state, you might find Mr. Texas hard to believe. As a long-time resident of the state capitol, Austin, I am interested in Texas history and closely follow state politics. Some of the characters are obviously fictional, but much of the book is based on real politicians, lobbyists, and events. However, author Lawrence Wright surprised even me with some of the crazy but true stories about the Texas Legislature. As he writes, It is hard to write about Texas without straining credulity.
This paragraph is an excellent summary of the current situation here. This novel is definitely a must-read for anyone living and voting in the Lone Star State.
One thing he [the main character, Sonny] had learned about the leaders of Texas was that they didn’t really represent the wishes of the majority of Texans. Most citizens wanted reasonable gun laws—red flags and background checks and no assault weapons in the hands of teenagers. Most Texans wanted immigration laws that controlled the flow of people into the country but didn’t demonize those who came here—after all, the economy of the state depended on immigrants. Most Texans wanted affordable health care and good public schools. They wanted clean air and water. They supported the oil and gas industry, but not at the expense of renewable alternatives. They wanted fair elections. The leaders were turning the state away from the direction the people wanted to go. All this was true, but it was also true that Texans had it in their power to make a change, and they simply didn’t do it.
This paragraph is an excellent summary of the current situation here. This novel is definitely a must-read for anyone living and voting in the Lone Star State.
November 25, 2023
As promised, here is my review. If you have seen the movie Caddyshack, keep it in mind. My favourite line of which there are several was "Carl was an absolute genius at putting people to sleep" Carl was making a speech at the time. Wright, who writes tremendous non-fiction, has put his political knowledge to good use here. I have had the good fortune to spend some time in Texas, so this was a good opportunity for me to learn more about the politics. I have also picked up some books and articles about game theory. When bartering/haggling (I was in Morocco at the time) I made all the mistakes that Harold Morton warns about. The big question I have now is: What is scuppernong hair?
Mr.Wright has written several books. I think I'd like to read them all.
Mr.Wright has written several books. I think I'd like to read them all.
December 26, 2023
While this novel is fiction, it rings so very true on how Texas government works, especially the Texas Legislature.
August 29, 2023
Note: I received an advanced reading copy for free. This is an honest review.
An excellent story set in today's Texas.
While there are certainly aspects of this novel that blur the lines of reality in today's politics Wright uses this to excoriate the hyper partisan nature of today's political elite.
I think the greatest strength of this novel is Wright's ability to use his talents as a non- fiction writer to set a scene that feels extremely real. He takes us to post-pandrmic, post-trump Texas and builds a fictional world that feels extremely real.
In an effort to avoid spoilers I'll be vague here but I also think Wright created one of the most palpable marriages I've ever read about. I've seen my parents struggle with the same things our main carachter struggles with and Wright has captured the feelings and realities to a T. I do feel like he wraps up the story a little neatly, but the tumult leading up to the final chapter is excellently written.
An excellent story set in today's Texas.
While there are certainly aspects of this novel that blur the lines of reality in today's politics Wright uses this to excoriate the hyper partisan nature of today's political elite.
I think the greatest strength of this novel is Wright's ability to use his talents as a non- fiction writer to set a scene that feels extremely real. He takes us to post-pandrmic, post-trump Texas and builds a fictional world that feels extremely real.
In an effort to avoid spoilers I'll be vague here but I also think Wright created one of the most palpable marriages I've ever read about. I've seen my parents struggle with the same things our main carachter struggles with and Wright has captured the feelings and realities to a T. I do feel like he wraps up the story a little neatly, but the tumult leading up to the final chapter is excellently written.
November 8, 2023
All political satires past, present, and future will inevitably be compared to the classic ‘Primary Colors’ from the 90’s. Most will never live up to these expectations, fairly or not, and ‘Mr. Texas’ is nowhere close.
With such an interesting premise, a hefty amount of character possibilities to choose from, and a fairly quick pace start-to-finish, you would think this would be a better crafted novel? Protagonist is not a great person to expect readers to empathize with. Secondary characters only get a brush-by with any background details. Lots of small chunks of story are just completely dull, then another set of story blocks that are intermingled throughout feel like unnecessary filler, especially as these sections are generally about ‘History’ lessons. So many obvious pieces to work with but the author leaves them behind.
With such an interesting premise, a hefty amount of character possibilities to choose from, and a fairly quick pace start-to-finish, you would think this would be a better crafted novel? Protagonist is not a great person to expect readers to empathize with. Secondary characters only get a brush-by with any background details. Lots of small chunks of story are just completely dull, then another set of story blocks that are intermingled throughout feel like unnecessary filler, especially as these sections are generally about ‘History’ lessons. So many obvious pieces to work with but the author leaves them behind.
April 12, 2024
Sorry, but I expected much more from a writer of Wright’s experience and talent. I understand it’s fiction and I understand it’s politics but it has every stereotype and cynical look at the world that you might expect. And it has every ridiculous plot twist you would predict. Perhaps it wasn’t a good week to read this book but I really found it silly tripe.
May 1, 2024
Political drama and an unlikely hero make this book a lot of fun. There are times when I had to ask myself whether it is satirical or realistic, but political culture over recent decades make me lean toward realistic.
Sonny Lamb, the protagonist, is endearing despite human flaws. Some of his entanglements border on feeling contrived, but the characters around him are well developed and interesting, even the absurd ideologues having some room for honorable moments and agency. Though the book has some clear messages, it does well to avoid preaching any party line.
Largely the book presents politics as prone to corruption and cowardice, but it also celebrates the chance that these flawed characters have of making positive change.
Sonny's wife is a weird mix of Texas tough and "stand by your man" that strains belief at times, but the difficulties they go through offer an entertaining saga.
Sonny Lamb, the protagonist, is endearing despite human flaws. Some of his entanglements border on feeling contrived, but the characters around him are well developed and interesting, even the absurd ideologues having some room for honorable moments and agency. Though the book has some clear messages, it does well to avoid preaching any party line.
Largely the book presents politics as prone to corruption and cowardice, but it also celebrates the chance that these flawed characters have of making positive change.
Sonny's wife is a weird mix of Texas tough and "stand by your man" that strains belief at times, but the difficulties they go through offer an entertaining saga.
November 3, 2023
I've read Mr. Wright's nonfiction, but had no idea he wrote fiction until I saw this on Libby's list.
According to the epilogue, Wright wrote this a while ago with different media - it became a theatrical production with "names" portraying the characters (G.W. Bailey - Rizzo of M*A*SH fame).
This was a very enjoyable listen narrated by Steven Weber. An inside look at how a Texas legislature works (or doesn't).
If you follow politics at all, this should be an enjoying (and occasionally infuriating) listen.
According to the epilogue, Wright wrote this a while ago with different media - it became a theatrical production with "names" portraying the characters (G.W. Bailey - Rizzo of M*A*SH fame).
This was a very enjoyable listen narrated by Steven Weber. An inside look at how a Texas legislature works (or doesn't).
If you follow politics at all, this should be an enjoying (and occasionally infuriating) listen.
October 31, 2023
The dive into the nuts and bolts of Texas politics is fun, if you're a state government nerd like me but the attempts to update the story (based on a play Wright started work on several decades ago) to post-2020 America make it feel way out of touch with the realities of what's at stake today, and the personal storylines are really cringey.
December 29, 2024
Not a great book but good info on how state houses are run. My own state in NC very similar to Tx, lots of back room deals with lobbyists (pig farming, taking away voter rights par for the course) so fun (yeesh!) because of that. Otherwise light reading, the people there just to have a place to hang politics.
March 5, 2024
This book provides an interesting peek into Texas politics via the satirical story of a rancher who becomes an unlikely candidate for the Texas House of Representatives. Whether you live in Texas or not and no matter where you stand politically, this is a humorous and clever look at the wheeling and dealing that goes on behind the scenes at all levels of government.
June 26, 2024
A fable about Texas politics, historical, satirical, and idealized. Not perfect but entertaining.
July 23, 2024
pros: an interesting meditation on the role of morality in politics
cons: long technical passages
cons: long technical passages
January 21, 2024
Song of the book: Mr. November - The National
It would be easy to label “Mr. Texas” as Lawrence Wright’s love letter to Texas, but this novelization of Texas politics is so much more than that. It’s an exposé, it’s a warning, and it’s a satire. But yes, it is a love letter at heart. Wright finds the humanity and nuance in the characters others would quickly dismiss or even dislike, which is what makes this book great.
“Mr. Texas” is quite a bit like a modern-day “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” The protagonist, Sonny Lamb, is a rancher who has never voted in his life. L.D., a lobbyist hoping for one more vote he can always guarantee on, spots Sonny and recruits him to run for Texas’s State House. Far from Jimmy Stewart’s wholesome hero, Sonny is a man with a complicated background that includes a traumatizing stint in Iraq and a troubled marriage. Going into the book, I thought it would be incredibly difficult to root for him. He runs as a Republican and beats a far more qualified woman to win his race, two factors I might ordinarily find disqualifying. However, Sonny is a good man at his core, and the book only works because he has so much heart and genuinely wants to do right by the people of Texas. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly he began rebelling against L.D. and fighting for what he believed in.
The book takes place over one memorable legislative session in Texas, as Sonny and his fellow lawmakers confront issues like abortion, gay marriage, and immigration. While Sonny’s more QAnon-adjacent and Tea Party-aligned colleagues attempt to fan the flames of the culture wars, all Sonny wants to do is pass legislation that will address the drought that is making his way of life in West Texas near obsolescence. The legislative manuevering is some of the most exciting and masterfully written content in this novel. I am thrilled to say Wright made me laugh and gasp out loud over a series of truly incredible chapters in which the book’s queen of religious zealots, Representative Lurleen Klump, attempts to put forth a draconian and homophobic bill.
“Mr. Texas” also had a fascinating cast. I appreciated that although the book mostly focused on Sonny, Wright occasionally used the third-person omniscient narrator to provide backstories for other key players. Any one of these characters could have easily had a starring role in their own novel, but I am very glad that this book was cented on Sonny. He is far from perfect, making poor decisions in his personal life that will frustrate any reader. However, his blend of naiveté and sincerity makes him the right guide for the reader and also allows him to become a connector between disparate parts of Texas politics.
At times, I found it odd that real-world people were interspersed with the book’s fictional characters. Governor Greg Abbott is mentioned and briefly appears (without any dialogue), and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is a looming force in the background, ever resented and dreaded. The book takes place in the post-Trump administration era, and there were moments early in my reading when I almost wished it were removed from any clear timeline and took place in some nebulous modern-day. However, looking back, I realize how wrong I was. The book’s ending is open, and it is a message to us. We do not know if American politics is going in the direction of reasonableness and cooperation that Sonny Lamb longs for, or in the direction of hostility and cruelty that his Republican colleagues are pushing. Wright wants to drive home the point that we are at a crossroads, and he cannot tell us which direction our world is heading. It’s terrifying, and it’s true.
It’s for this reason that “Mr. Texas” really tugged at something in my heart. I see in my own home state what Lawrence Wright sees in his beloved Texas. The worst people are being elevated to positions of power, where they happily “punch down” on favorite targets like women or immigrants. I think if I were from Texas, certain passages from this book might make me too emotional to bear it. Even though I’m not a Texan, there was so much of my home in this novel. I think many people like me might as well. I hope that many people read this book, regardless of their interest in politics. Yes, it is bitingly funny and extremely well-written, but it is also a necessary look at how our country has changed and where it might be headed.
It would be easy to label “Mr. Texas” as Lawrence Wright’s love letter to Texas, but this novelization of Texas politics is so much more than that. It’s an exposé, it’s a warning, and it’s a satire. But yes, it is a love letter at heart. Wright finds the humanity and nuance in the characters others would quickly dismiss or even dislike, which is what makes this book great.
“Mr. Texas” is quite a bit like a modern-day “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” The protagonist, Sonny Lamb, is a rancher who has never voted in his life. L.D., a lobbyist hoping for one more vote he can always guarantee on, spots Sonny and recruits him to run for Texas’s State House. Far from Jimmy Stewart’s wholesome hero, Sonny is a man with a complicated background that includes a traumatizing stint in Iraq and a troubled marriage. Going into the book, I thought it would be incredibly difficult to root for him. He runs as a Republican and beats a far more qualified woman to win his race, two factors I might ordinarily find disqualifying. However, Sonny is a good man at his core, and the book only works because he has so much heart and genuinely wants to do right by the people of Texas. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly he began rebelling against L.D. and fighting for what he believed in.
The book takes place over one memorable legislative session in Texas, as Sonny and his fellow lawmakers confront issues like abortion, gay marriage, and immigration. While Sonny’s more QAnon-adjacent and Tea Party-aligned colleagues attempt to fan the flames of the culture wars, all Sonny wants to do is pass legislation that will address the drought that is making his way of life in West Texas near obsolescence. The legislative manuevering is some of the most exciting and masterfully written content in this novel. I am thrilled to say Wright made me laugh and gasp out loud over a series of truly incredible chapters in which the book’s queen of religious zealots, Representative Lurleen Klump, attempts to put forth a draconian and homophobic bill.
“Mr. Texas” also had a fascinating cast. I appreciated that although the book mostly focused on Sonny, Wright occasionally used the third-person omniscient narrator to provide backstories for other key players. Any one of these characters could have easily had a starring role in their own novel, but I am very glad that this book was cented on Sonny. He is far from perfect, making poor decisions in his personal life that will frustrate any reader. However, his blend of naiveté and sincerity makes him the right guide for the reader and also allows him to become a connector between disparate parts of Texas politics.
At times, I found it odd that real-world people were interspersed with the book’s fictional characters. Governor Greg Abbott is mentioned and briefly appears (without any dialogue), and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is a looming force in the background, ever resented and dreaded. The book takes place in the post-Trump administration era, and there were moments early in my reading when I almost wished it were removed from any clear timeline and took place in some nebulous modern-day. However, looking back, I realize how wrong I was. The book’s ending is open, and it is a message to us. We do not know if American politics is going in the direction of reasonableness and cooperation that Sonny Lamb longs for, or in the direction of hostility and cruelty that his Republican colleagues are pushing. Wright wants to drive home the point that we are at a crossroads, and he cannot tell us which direction our world is heading. It’s terrifying, and it’s true.
It’s for this reason that “Mr. Texas” really tugged at something in my heart. I see in my own home state what Lawrence Wright sees in his beloved Texas. The worst people are being elevated to positions of power, where they happily “punch down” on favorite targets like women or immigrants. I think if I were from Texas, certain passages from this book might make me too emotional to bear it. Even though I’m not a Texan, there was so much of my home in this novel. I think many people like me might as well. I hope that many people read this book, regardless of their interest in politics. Yes, it is bitingly funny and extremely well-written, but it is also a necessary look at how our country has changed and where it might be headed.
October 16, 2024
4.5 stars!
I have to start by saying my jaw genuinely dropped when I got to the end of this audiobook and found out that it started out in basically every form of media including a musical and musical podcast and that I’d get to hear original songs from the musical soundtrack of the absolutely fantastic book I'd just read!! Such a fun surprise and another reason to recommend the (extremely well done) audiobook version of this.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their interest in politics (though obviously an interest in the field would make this book more enjoyable). It was fascinating, incredibly well-written and researched, and full of both laugh out loud satire and gut wrenching reminders of the reality our democracy faces.
Sonny was the perfect protagonist for this novel. There are occasional uses of third person omniscient to examine the thoughts of side characters, many of whom could have been great heroes for this novel. But I loved reading about Sonny as a sort of antihero who does the wrong thing sometimes, but actually cares so deeply about his constituents and his home state. I truly enjoyed reading about the legislative maneuvering he does, especially his power plays and rebellion against L.D.
It felt a little weird hearing about real political figures interacting with the fictional characters in this book, but I understand what the point of it was, especially when considering the ending. Normally I’m an open ending hater, but the way this ending represents the direction America could potentially go with regards to extremism and political polarization worked very well with this novel.
I have to start by saying my jaw genuinely dropped when I got to the end of this audiobook and found out that it started out in basically every form of media including a musical and musical podcast and that I’d get to hear original songs from the musical soundtrack of the absolutely fantastic book I'd just read!! Such a fun surprise and another reason to recommend the (extremely well done) audiobook version of this.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their interest in politics (though obviously an interest in the field would make this book more enjoyable). It was fascinating, incredibly well-written and researched, and full of both laugh out loud satire and gut wrenching reminders of the reality our democracy faces.
Sonny was the perfect protagonist for this novel. There are occasional uses of third person omniscient to examine the thoughts of side characters, many of whom could have been great heroes for this novel. But I loved reading about Sonny as a sort of antihero who does the wrong thing sometimes, but actually cares so deeply about his constituents and his home state. I truly enjoyed reading about the legislative maneuvering he does, especially his power plays and rebellion against L.D.
It felt a little weird hearing about real political figures interacting with the fictional characters in this book, but I understand what the point of it was, especially when considering the ending. Normally I’m an open ending hater, but the way this ending represents the direction America could potentially go with regards to extremism and political polarization worked very well with this novel.
April 13, 2024
Meh. I liked it because it was all about Texas politics, which is super fun since I worked a year in the Capitol, but that was about it. The writing was subpar, the storyline was underwhelming, the vocabulary was surprisingly (and frustratingly) vulgar and sexual, and the author did nothing to hide his overt disdain for Republicans, making all of them into weak-willed, corrupt, and dishonorable caricatures. An easy read, but I was hoping for better!
October 3, 2023
I see my own political campaign in the guy and my own wife in the lady, lol. Unputdownable political novel
October 17, 2023
Lawrence Wright is a great writer, and this a very funny satire on Texas politics. We have to laugh to keep from crying.
October 21, 2024
Han has been reading all these Westerns lately and I must have caught the bug. And boy, did this one delight! Easily a top read of the year.
One of my favorite litt professors once shared a probably apocryphal tale about Victor Hugo's son, who allegedly expressed disappointment that his father made a Catholic priest the hero of "Les Misérables." The elder Hugo reportedly replied, "There is no greater insult to the Catholic Church than showing them a priest who does his job in loving people." Similarly, Lawrence Wright crafts a lovable, down to earth, moderate Republican in his novel "Mr. Texas," offering a sympathetic yet critical lens on the political landscape. Through Sonny Lamb, Wright critiques the Republican Party's flaws while highlighting the humanity of his warmhearted protagonist, contrasting him with real life figures like Dan Patrick, Tim Dunn, and Donald Trump.
Wright's portrayal of Sonny vividly captures the disillusionment that often follows when idealism collides with the murky realities of governance. This theme resonates deeply with me. Long before I felt a call to ministry, I immersed myself in politics—serving as Chaplain and later president of the DBU College Republicans, helping to bring Col. Allen West to campus, lobbying with student advocacy groups, and interning on several campaigns. Over time, I witnessed the darker side of politics and began to feel disillusioned. The rise of a certain TV personality in 2016 intensified my disillusionment, and like Sonny, I felt abandoned by the party I had invested in. I chased a dream that, in the end, wasn’t what I truly wanted, placing eternal value on temporary things.
Wright skillfully navigates this tension. Although the novel features absurd moments, his critique of the political system remains sharp. The characters leap off the page, the satire bites, and beneath it all lies a genuine sense of humanity, making "Mr. Texas" both entertaining and thought-provoking.
At its core, "Mr. Texas" serves as a love letter to the Lone Star State. Wright creates a believable world, capturing the rolling hills of Central Texas, the vast openness of the West, and the blended cultures of South Texas. While I am known to wear pearl snaps and drink Shiner, I definitely don’t consider myself a Texas patriot. However, "Mr. Texas" stirred in me a deep connection to the state's mythic allure.
Wright structures the narrative through small vignettes reminiscent of Sandra Cisneros, my favorite Texana author. The primary narration flows from Sonny, but Wright occasionally pulls back to offer a third person omniscient view, enriching our understanding of the characters' inner thoughts. Many vignettes begin in media res and often leaves conflicts unresolved, enhancing the storytelling’s brilliance.
The prose dazzles. It’s hard to believe Wright is a journalist because "Mr. Texas" reads like poetry. In one early scene at a Capitol grounds barbecue, he introduces two key characters. One a Tea Party conservative of considerable means, and a newly elected African American Republican. I found myself rereading that passage several times, marveling at how Wright makes his vignettes feel like lived experiences. The emotions come alive, the characters feel lifelike, and the events seem entirely plausible.
Wright himself contemplated running for governor as a Democrat, and the novel is certainly synthetic to several Democratic causes. Yet, it consistently reminds readers that most Texans, regardless of party, seek moderation and reason, wanting what’s best for the state. While the Democrats in the novel are almost exclusively shown in a positive light, they also are quick to remind us that republicans who disagree with them are still human beings who want what’s best for the state. The book, pushes back against Dominionism, QAnon, Big Oil, Dan Patrick, and allure of Donald Trump. But the novel reminds the reader several times that Republicans can still be conservative, vote for conservative causes, love God, and faithfully practice their religion without giving into the more radical pressures of the party. After all, most Texans are rather moderate.
"Mr. Texas" felt particularly relevant as we prepare to head to the ballot boxes in less than a month. As political temperatures rise, Wright’s novel reminds us of the humanity on both sides of the aisle. It’s easy to demonize our political adversaries, but Wright illustrates that, at their core, they are people who genuinely wish to do what they believe is right for their communities. While I am probably not going to vote red in the upcoming presidential election, I’m also not going to support the blue candidate either. Down ticket, I support candidates from both parties in different races. I pray our political climate cools down, and books like "Mr. Texas" might just help us get there.
One of my favorite litt professors once shared a probably apocryphal tale about Victor Hugo's son, who allegedly expressed disappointment that his father made a Catholic priest the hero of "Les Misérables." The elder Hugo reportedly replied, "There is no greater insult to the Catholic Church than showing them a priest who does his job in loving people." Similarly, Lawrence Wright crafts a lovable, down to earth, moderate Republican in his novel "Mr. Texas," offering a sympathetic yet critical lens on the political landscape. Through Sonny Lamb, Wright critiques the Republican Party's flaws while highlighting the humanity of his warmhearted protagonist, contrasting him with real life figures like Dan Patrick, Tim Dunn, and Donald Trump.
Wright's portrayal of Sonny vividly captures the disillusionment that often follows when idealism collides with the murky realities of governance. This theme resonates deeply with me. Long before I felt a call to ministry, I immersed myself in politics—serving as Chaplain and later president of the DBU College Republicans, helping to bring Col. Allen West to campus, lobbying with student advocacy groups, and interning on several campaigns. Over time, I witnessed the darker side of politics and began to feel disillusioned. The rise of a certain TV personality in 2016 intensified my disillusionment, and like Sonny, I felt abandoned by the party I had invested in. I chased a dream that, in the end, wasn’t what I truly wanted, placing eternal value on temporary things.
Wright skillfully navigates this tension. Although the novel features absurd moments, his critique of the political system remains sharp. The characters leap off the page, the satire bites, and beneath it all lies a genuine sense of humanity, making "Mr. Texas" both entertaining and thought-provoking.
At its core, "Mr. Texas" serves as a love letter to the Lone Star State. Wright creates a believable world, capturing the rolling hills of Central Texas, the vast openness of the West, and the blended cultures of South Texas. While I am known to wear pearl snaps and drink Shiner, I definitely don’t consider myself a Texas patriot. However, "Mr. Texas" stirred in me a deep connection to the state's mythic allure.
Wright structures the narrative through small vignettes reminiscent of Sandra Cisneros, my favorite Texana author. The primary narration flows from Sonny, but Wright occasionally pulls back to offer a third person omniscient view, enriching our understanding of the characters' inner thoughts. Many vignettes begin in media res and often leaves conflicts unresolved, enhancing the storytelling’s brilliance.
The prose dazzles. It’s hard to believe Wright is a journalist because "Mr. Texas" reads like poetry. In one early scene at a Capitol grounds barbecue, he introduces two key characters. One a Tea Party conservative of considerable means, and a newly elected African American Republican. I found myself rereading that passage several times, marveling at how Wright makes his vignettes feel like lived experiences. The emotions come alive, the characters feel lifelike, and the events seem entirely plausible.
Wright himself contemplated running for governor as a Democrat, and the novel is certainly synthetic to several Democratic causes. Yet, it consistently reminds readers that most Texans, regardless of party, seek moderation and reason, wanting what’s best for the state. While the Democrats in the novel are almost exclusively shown in a positive light, they also are quick to remind us that republicans who disagree with them are still human beings who want what’s best for the state. The book, pushes back against Dominionism, QAnon, Big Oil, Dan Patrick, and allure of Donald Trump. But the novel reminds the reader several times that Republicans can still be conservative, vote for conservative causes, love God, and faithfully practice their religion without giving into the more radical pressures of the party. After all, most Texans are rather moderate.
"Mr. Texas" felt particularly relevant as we prepare to head to the ballot boxes in less than a month. As political temperatures rise, Wright’s novel reminds us of the humanity on both sides of the aisle. It’s easy to demonize our political adversaries, but Wright illustrates that, at their core, they are people who genuinely wish to do what they believe is right for their communities. While I am probably not going to vote red in the upcoming presidential election, I’m also not going to support the blue candidate either. Down ticket, I support candidates from both parties in different races. I pray our political climate cools down, and books like "Mr. Texas" might just help us get there.
December 16, 2025
Lawrence Wright’s Mr. Texas is a political novel that resists both cynicism and sentimentality. Instead, it offers something rarer: a clear-eyed, humane examination of how power actually works—and what it costs the people who learn to wield it.
Wright is best known for his Pulitzer Prize–winning nonfiction (The Looming Tower), and that background shows. Mr. Texas reads less like political fantasy and more like reported fiction. The procedures, the compromises, and the personalities of the Texas legislature feel observed rather than invented. The novel’s great strength is its refusal to caricature, even when dealing with subjects that are morally and politically charged.
The story centers on Sonny Lamb, a struggling West Texas rancher and Iraq War veteran whose life changes after a heroic act during a wildfire brings him unexpected public attention. That moment of bravery becomes an origin myth. Sonny is transformed into a symbol before he has any control over the narrative surrounding him, and that loss of authorship shadows the rest of the book.
Sonny’s election to the Texas House—by a razor-thin margin—does not mark his transformation so much as begin it. Wright is careful not to turn Sonny into a hidden genius or a natural politician. At first, he is genuinely unprepared. What changes him is not ambition alone but seriousness. Sonny studies the role of representative: parliamentary procedure, committee work, and the strategic use of amendments. With the help of his staff—particularly Ezer Prince—he learns to think in terms of incentives and reactions rather than moral declarations. Game theory becomes a practical lens: the art of shaping conditions so that the least risky choice for others aligns with a desired outcome.
This shift is most clearly embodied in Sonny’s fight over aquifer water policy. The issue is concrete, local, and tied to stewardship of land and future rather than abstract ideology. It is here that Sonny first finds a voice that feels earned. He is no longer reacting; he is initiating.
Wright also explores the personal costs of political life, showing how power exerts pressure not only on institutions but on marriages, friendships, and private judgment. These strains are handled with restraint rather than melodrama, reinforcing the novel’s insistence that consequence, not scandal, is what truly matters.
One of the most challenging aspects of Mr. Texas is its portrayal of conservative arguments, particularly around abortion and gay marriage. Wright presents these views as morally serious and internally coherent, even when they are deeply uncomfortable for socially liberal readers. This is not endorsement; it is accuracy. By refusing to delegitimize opposing positions, Wright forces readers to sit with disagreement.
The novel ultimately resists easy resolution. Wright avoids the comfort of triumph or collapse, instead leaving readers with a sense of moral unease about what it means to be effective within a powerful system.
Mr. Texas is not a book about heroes or villains. It is a book about fluency: how people learn to speak the language of power, what they gain by doing so, and what they risk losing. Wright does not tell readers what to think.
This is a novel that lingers, not because it offers answers, but because it refuses to simplify the questions.
4 stars
Wright is best known for his Pulitzer Prize–winning nonfiction (The Looming Tower), and that background shows. Mr. Texas reads less like political fantasy and more like reported fiction. The procedures, the compromises, and the personalities of the Texas legislature feel observed rather than invented. The novel’s great strength is its refusal to caricature, even when dealing with subjects that are morally and politically charged.
The story centers on Sonny Lamb, a struggling West Texas rancher and Iraq War veteran whose life changes after a heroic act during a wildfire brings him unexpected public attention. That moment of bravery becomes an origin myth. Sonny is transformed into a symbol before he has any control over the narrative surrounding him, and that loss of authorship shadows the rest of the book.
Sonny’s election to the Texas House—by a razor-thin margin—does not mark his transformation so much as begin it. Wright is careful not to turn Sonny into a hidden genius or a natural politician. At first, he is genuinely unprepared. What changes him is not ambition alone but seriousness. Sonny studies the role of representative: parliamentary procedure, committee work, and the strategic use of amendments. With the help of his staff—particularly Ezer Prince—he learns to think in terms of incentives and reactions rather than moral declarations. Game theory becomes a practical lens: the art of shaping conditions so that the least risky choice for others aligns with a desired outcome.
This shift is most clearly embodied in Sonny’s fight over aquifer water policy. The issue is concrete, local, and tied to stewardship of land and future rather than abstract ideology. It is here that Sonny first finds a voice that feels earned. He is no longer reacting; he is initiating.
Wright also explores the personal costs of political life, showing how power exerts pressure not only on institutions but on marriages, friendships, and private judgment. These strains are handled with restraint rather than melodrama, reinforcing the novel’s insistence that consequence, not scandal, is what truly matters.
One of the most challenging aspects of Mr. Texas is its portrayal of conservative arguments, particularly around abortion and gay marriage. Wright presents these views as morally serious and internally coherent, even when they are deeply uncomfortable for socially liberal readers. This is not endorsement; it is accuracy. By refusing to delegitimize opposing positions, Wright forces readers to sit with disagreement.
The novel ultimately resists easy resolution. Wright avoids the comfort of triumph or collapse, instead leaving readers with a sense of moral unease about what it means to be effective within a powerful system.
Mr. Texas is not a book about heroes or villains. It is a book about fluency: how people learn to speak the language of power, what they gain by doing so, and what they risk losing. Wright does not tell readers what to think.
This is a novel that lingers, not because it offers answers, but because it refuses to simplify the questions.
4 stars
February 17, 2025
An excellent send-up of Texas and its politics by the great Lawrence Wright. Having lived in Texas for the majority of my life I can attest that this book is pretty much right on the nose.
After a state representative from the far Southwest reaches of Texas passes away. a cynical lobbyist searches for a replacement. He finds and courts Sonny Lamb, a not-too successful rancher. Sonny has some things going for him that make him an excellent candidate, such as requisite good looks, a brief stint as quarterback at Sul Ross, Iraq veteran, and head of the local volunteer fire department. He doesn't have any political convictions (other than desalinization is good) and doesn't know if he is Democrat or Republican. Who cares? He is told he is now a Republican and schooled in their typical nonsense talking points. His campaign brands him 'Mr. Texas'.
Wright's characters are all too familiar to Texas observers. We have the East Texas ultra conservative, the religious extremist, the progressive African American Houstonians, the crusading woman from San Antonio, and the tyrannical House Speaker, among others. And there are hilarious segments, including the candidate's first radio interview, where he takes questions from the local citizens, and a scene in a local sperm bank. Pure gold.
All in all a fun read, with some timely commentary on the state of Texas, and by association the state of America.
After a state representative from the far Southwest reaches of Texas passes away. a cynical lobbyist searches for a replacement. He finds and courts Sonny Lamb, a not-too successful rancher. Sonny has some things going for him that make him an excellent candidate, such as requisite good looks, a brief stint as quarterback at Sul Ross, Iraq veteran, and head of the local volunteer fire department. He doesn't have any political convictions (other than desalinization is good) and doesn't know if he is Democrat or Republican. Who cares? He is told he is now a Republican and schooled in their typical nonsense talking points. His campaign brands him 'Mr. Texas'.
Wright's characters are all too familiar to Texas observers. We have the East Texas ultra conservative, the religious extremist, the progressive African American Houstonians, the crusading woman from San Antonio, and the tyrannical House Speaker, among others. And there are hilarious segments, including the candidate's first radio interview, where he takes questions from the local citizens, and a scene in a local sperm bank. Pure gold.
All in all a fun read, with some timely commentary on the state of Texas, and by association the state of America.
April 24, 2024
Really a 2.5. Wright seems to have made a name for himself as a nonfiction writer, and a talented one. I have read some nonfiction work from him which is what made me interested in his fictional political satire. I will say that Mr. Texas contains many moments that showcase Wright’s strengths as a writer. However, I do think he has several weaknesses as a fiction writer that caused Mr. Texas to fall flat for me. It felt like Wright was hand holding the reader through the entire story, making sure to spell out the exact nature of the many characters (this character has a good heart, this character is strong, this character is motivated by money, etc…) It got to a point where Wright was spelling out the nuance in characters in such a heavy-handed way that it ended up killing the nuance instead. Perhaps I’m not well suited to satire, but everything felt a little bit too cartoony to be impactful. Major plot points, which came at breakneck speed, often felt either thuddingly obvious or out of left field. It might just be my personal taste and disposition but I didn’t get any new perspective from the novel, which I would hope to gain from a story like this one. Wright is clearly knowledgeable and I am not turned off from reading his journalistic or nonfiction endeavors, but I don’t think that skill set translated to fiction.
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