Aggie books and authors
The Association of Former Students April 9, 2015 9:00 AM updated: April 23, 2024 8:50 AM
Among the more than 400,000 former students of Texas A&M are a lot of authors, as well as plenty of Aggies who have been the subjects of books. This page is where we compile a running list of these books by Aggies, about Aggies or about Texas A&M.
Jump to The Best-selling Aggie Authors
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To submit a book, please click the How To Submit link above for instructions (or scroll to the bottom of the page). Authors and readers can also email us to let us know of any broken links or other corrections.
We do not review books.
Marketing advice for authors: PR by the Book is a literary publicity firm in Austin that is owned by two Aggies, Doug Flatt '95 and Marika Flatt '97. The firm maintains a blog that includes advice for authors on how to use print advertising, social media and more. The blog is at www.prbythebook.com/blog/ and marketing-specific posts can be found at www.prbythebook.com/category/advice-for-authors/.
Overall: Forrest M. Mims III '66, "the Country Scientist," has written more than 60 books, mostly technical tomes on electronics, some in various editions and in two or more languages. His total sales exceed 7 million copies. He is probably best known for his hand-lettered and illustrated Getting Started in Electronics, published by Radio Shack in 1983, which has sold more than 1.3 million copies and is still in print. He is working on a new memoir.
Fiction: Kathleen Miller Y'Barbo-Turner '80 with 52 books written and 1.6 million copies sold, which to our knowledge is the most of any Aggie author other than Mims and the most of any Aggie fiction author.
Nonfiction: Michael Lee Lanning '68 with 1.1 million copies sold across 18 books, the most (to our knowledge) of any Aggie nonfiction author other than Mims.
We believe the highest-selling Aggie-themed title of all time is the modern version of the Directory of Former Students, published by us, The Association of Former Students. The modern Directory of Former Students was first published in 1949, with new editions following periodically, including the latest two editions in 2016 and 2012. Total sales of the various editions over the past 67 years are in the hundreds of thousands. As of the end of 2015, the 2016 edition had already sold more than 5,000 advance copies.
The books about which we were most recently notified, not necessarily the most recently published.
New titles added 4/23/2024
Maverick Scientist by Forrest M. Mims III '66
Maverick Scientist is the memoir of Forrest Mims, who forged a distinguished scientific career despite having no academic training in science. At thirteen he invented a new method of rocket control. At seventeen he designed and built an analog computer that could translate Russian into English and that the Smithsonian collected as an example of an early hobby computer. While majoring in government at Texas A&M University, Forrest created a hand-held, radar-like device to help guide the blind. And during his military service, he had to be given special clearance to do top secret laser research at the Air Force Weapons Lab. Why? Because while he lacked the required engineering degree, they wanted his outside-the-box thinking on the project. Amazon.
An Aggie Takes on Galveston County by Jennifer Wycoff '98, story by Ray Holbrook '48
As the child of a single mother growing up during the Great Depression and Second World War, it appeared that Ray Holbrook needed to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to attain success in life. Yet despite the odds stacked against him, Ray found a way to make a name for himself in Texas. Ray begins by chronicling his family history and childhood in California, sharing fascinating and sometimes humorous insight into the personal experiences and challenges that eventually led him into political life in the early 1960s when he ran for a position on the Texas State Board of Education. As he whetted his appetite for politics, Ray details his career path as he eventually became a Galveston County judge who instigated rare, historical, and progressive changes that included eliminating Social Security for county employees and creating an alternative program that provided employees with a tripled payout. Throughout his narrative, Ray reminds others that a life led by purpose is the best life of all. An Aggie Takes On Galveston County is the true story of the life and political experiences of a renowned Galveston, Texas, county judge. Amazon.
The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill '99
Moving between late 1990s small-town Texas to pre-World War II Japan and occupied Tokyo, an emotionally engaging literary debut about a grandmother and granddaughter who connect over a beloved lost place and the secrets they both carry. HarperCollins.
Title: 9 Leader Touchstones—Unleash your team’s unique potential and build a dynamic, enduring organization by Jes DeShields '00
In the past few years, the workplace has changed more rapidly than at any other time in history. Unfortunately, the internal workings of organizations, including how we lead people, have not broadly changed in response. Leader-First Leaders think differently. They understand that their behaviors shape every part of the organization. By cultivating the Leader Touchstones, they courageously challenge the status quo by relinquishing short-term results and put in the work to build organizations that thrive long after they're gone. They play the long game. In 9 Leader Touchstones, Dr. Jes DeShields takes you on the Leader-First Leader journey to show you how to unleash your team's unique potential to build a dynamic, enduring organization. Amazon.
On Madera Creek by Rachel Goss '83
A remote location in west Texas…1947…two young women search for freedom and identity in this story of conflict and personal growth as the Cold War heats up. Imogene seeks a new life after her testimony puts Natasha, her former friend and handler, in prison. Desperate, Natasha escapes and heads to the border. Each woman hopes never to see the other again. Sparks fly when their paths intersect and they confront a common enemy. Amazon.
The National Parks: A Century of Grace by Karla K. Morton '86
In 100 years of our National Parks this is the first and only poetry book written by poets traveling to all 62 U.S. National Parks! The National Parks: A Century of Grace is "…a guidebook, photo essay, and book of poems all in one … After reading this visually stunning and incredibly inspiring book, readers won’t be asking themselves which park to visit but where to go first." – US Review of Books. Amazon. TCU Press.
The Return Trip by Maya Golden '01
At 30, Maya Golden, an award-winning sports reporter, wife, and new mom, appeared to lead a charmed life, but she secretly battled addiction, perfectionism, dissociation disorder, and rage due to past sexual abuse. During a family road trip to her Texas hometown, she decided to confront her secrets. Three divine interventions saved her life, leading to a transformation from a suicide plan to founding a nonprofit, demonstrating that purpose can emerge from trauma. Rising Action Publishing Collective.
The Promise by Katrina M. Gray '04
Love, loss, betrayal, grief, growth. The collection of poetry contained in “The Promise” covers the spectrum of emotion that embodies the human experience. By engaging in the collective conversation, she sets the intention that her words and perspective will bring some small solace and comfort to the reader, create space to heal, and to uncover what it means to be bold in truth. This is the promise Katrina made and kept to her 12-year-old self. Amazon.
Code Name: Baker Catcher, the Human Side of WWII by Jack Ellis Westbrook '45 and Celia Westbrook Thrash
Code Name: Baker Catcher, the Human Side of WWII, is the true story of the life of Lt. Jack Westbrook, an A & M Cadet who finds himself in the mist of WWII. Opening with Pearl Harbor, it takes you through his ROTC training, becoming an officer, living on the front lines, the liberation of Dachau and the Occupation. It is a warm and personal side of WWII that you won’t often read about.
Salvation Has Come by Gregg Matte '92
"Salvation Has Come" is a set of twenty-five devotionals by Gregg Matte that seeks to center us on the beauty of the full story of the Gospel of Luke with a reflection for each day in December leading up to Christmas. By Christmas Day, just maybe, you will have a renewed sense of joy and peace as you center your heart on Who and why we celebrate Christmas. Lifeway.
The Game Plan: A Woman's Guide to Becoming a Doctor and Living a Life in Medicine by Dr. Leah Matthews '93 and Dr. Angela Barnes '91
New Amsterdam. Grey’s Anatomy. ER. They’re just a few of the shows that have entertained millions with their scripted look at the lives of doctors. A new book, however, goes where no Hollywood production has ventured before. Drs. Angela Walker and Leah Matthews, along with three of their medical school classmates, candidly share the rewards and frustrations of medicine from a woman’s perspective, and the importance of having a game plan no matter your career aspirations. Amazon.
Keys to Better Healthcare: A Guide for Patients and Healthcare Professionals by Jack E. Lewi '85
Optimize your health and healthcare. This simple and effective guide will support you in increasing your understanding of healthcare and healthcare professionals. The included keys will assist you in preparing for and utilizing your healthcare experiences. For healthcare professionals, the keys will assist as reminders and suggestions in enhancing your relationships with your patients. Jack E. Lewi is a physician and a retired US Army Colonel. Amazon. Barnes and Noble.
Be Well by Jack E. Lewi '85
Be Well is a collection of wellness and spiritual quotes from a wide range of literature to include classic books, poems and religious texts. Amazon. Barnes and Noble.
An Aggie Takes on Galveston County by Jennifer Wycoff '98, story by Ray Holbrook '48
As the child of a single mother growing up during the Great Depression and Second World War, it appeared that Ray Holbrook needed to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to attain success in life. Yet despite the odds stacked against him, Ray found a way to make a name for himself in Texas. Ray begins by chronicling his family history and childhood in California, sharing fascinating and sometimes humorous insight into the personal experiences and challenges that eventually led him into political life in the early 1960s when he ran for a position on the Texas State Board of Education. As he whetted his appetite for politics, Ray details his career path as he eventually became a Galveston County judge who instigated rare, historical, and progressive changes that included eliminating Social Security for county employees and creating an alternative program that provided employees with a tripled payout. Throughout his narrative, Ray reminds others that a life led by purpose is the best life of all. An Aggie Takes On Galveston County is the true story of the life and political experiences of a renowned Galveston, Texas, county judge. Amazon.
Rough Waters: From Surviving to Thriving with a Progressive Muscular Dystrophy by Heather C. Markham '89
At age 34, Heather C. Markham received a life-changing diagnosis: she had a progressive muscular dystrophy and would eventually need a wheelchair. Despite her body’s betrayal, she fearlessly leaned into adventures including becoming an avid Para Surfer and winning Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky. With humor and heartbreaking candor, this memoir chronicles Heather’s slow decline in mobility and her determination to live an extraordinary life—a journey that is somehow relatable to all of us. Amazon.
The Heart of Aggieland by Kristin King '03
What is a Texas Aggie? Survey and tour the Texas A&M University campus with your fellow past, present, and future Aggies. Every landmark portrays the qualities of character within each Aggie with a “spirit that can ne’er be told.” The book is perfect for both the young and young-at-heart, further brought to life by illustrator Jenny Phelps. The inspiration and real-life story behind the book is touching, sensitive, and heartwarming—a true testament to the legacies people leave behind. Mascot Books.
The Artistic Legacy of Buck Schiwetz by William E. Reaves, Jr. and Linda J. Reaves with contributions by Sarah Beth Wilson, David G. Woodcock and Kelly Montana
E. M. (Buck) Schiwetz (1898–1984) could be called a “favorite son” among Texas artists working in the twentieth century. Schiwetz ranks among the state’s best-known early artists, having left behind an important body of iconic Texas imagery produced over a prodigious career spanning some seven decades. Educated as an architect at A&M College of Texas, he parlayed this training with natural acumen to become a consummate draftsman, prominent illustrator, and celebrated artist.
In the mid-twentieth century, Schiwetz distinguished himself as an active participant in the rise of Texas art. As the Texas art scene experienced a period of dynamic growth and development, his artwork evolved across successive movements of Lone Star Impressionism, Regionalism, Modernism, and Expressionism. During his lifetime, the artwork of Buck Schiwetz arguably graced more publications than that of any other Texas artist. Featured in popular journals such as The Humble Way or published in the pioneering art books issued by academic presses at both the University of Texas and Texas A&M University, Schiwetz’s Texas imagery has long been employed to portray and celebrate Lone Star history and culture.
The Artistic Legacy of Buck Schiwetz provides a long-overdue examination of this important Texas artist and his legacy: the first authoritative treatment of Schiwetz’s career as both fine artist and accomplished illustrator, and the first scholarly examination of his full body of work. Texas A&M University Press.
The Best of Aggieland- Gatherings & Game Days by Tamar Elkeles
The Best of Aggieland-Gatherings & Game Days is a collection of unique and signature game day recipes from Aggies' favorite restaurants and bars in Bryan-College Station, Texas. Filled with delicious dishes representing our local flavors; including craft cocktails, innovative starters, enticing main dishes and distinctive desserts, this book is a special collaboration of over 35 Aggieland restaurants and bars with the mission of funding scholarships for Aggies. Food brings people together and this book brings our Aggieland community together--it’s all about Aggies helping Aggies. The Best of Aggieland.
The ABC's of Aggieland by Cameron O'Connell '07 and Carolyn Jarecki '19
The ABC's of Aggieland is a fun, interactive, and educational book for Aggie fans of all ages! Young readers will find hidden upper and lowercase letters on each page as they discover why Aggieland is so special. Your family will enjoy teaching future Aggies about the wonderful traditions and reminiscing about your own experiences at Texas A&M. The ABC's of Aggieland is written and illustrated by former students to provide depth, context and hidden insights. Amazon.
The Heart of Aggieland by Kristin King '03
What is a Texas Aggie? Survey and tour the Texas A&M University campus with your fellow past, present, and future Aggies. Every landmark portrays the qualities of character within each Aggie with a “spirit that can ne’er be told.” The book is perfect for both the young and young-at-heart, further brought to life by illustrator Jenny Phelps. The inspiration and real-life story behind the book is touching, sensitive, and heartwarming—a true testament to the legacies people leave behind. Mascot Books.
The History of Handball at Texas A&M University by Don Johnson '55
Hitting a ball with the hand (Handball) is the oldest sport known to mankind. It has been almost 100 years since handball was introduced as an intramural sport at Texas A&M. This book connects a tie to those who helped handball along the way even before handball became a sport there and takes the reader through the years to the spring of 2022. Part of the history of handball is told in personal stories from those who have played at Texas A&M and the impact handball had on their lives and their lifetime achievements. Another part of the history includes a history of the Texas A&M courts, coaches, and Intramural Directors. With a rich history that has produced 26 players who have reached the All- American level and some who went on to become the world’s best, this story needed to be recorded. Friesenpress.
Architectural Documentation: Built Environment, Modernization, and Turkish Nationalism by Serra Akboy-Ilk '11
To date, the complicated question of a national identity embodied in the built environment has dominated the contemporary scholarship on early republican historiography. Akboy-Ilk’s study, however, distinguishes itself with its focus on architectural documentation, which became an agent of history-writing in the early years of the nation state. Curated by the ideologies of the state, the formal documentation findings extensively informed the republican plot of the modern progress of Turks. For scholars interested in a closer reading of the crossing boundaries between architectural heritage and nation-building in the case of the modernization of Turkey, this book is revealing and provocative in bringing forward architectural documentation, a remarkably overlooked subject in studies of the area. Vernon Press.
The Last Hill: The Epic Story of a Ranger Battalion and the Battle That Defined WWII by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin
They were known as “Rudder’s Rangers,” the most elite and experienced attack unit in the United States Army. In December 1944, Lt. Col. James Rudder's 2nd Battalion would form the spearhead into Germany, taking the war into Hitler’s homeland at last. In the process, Rudder was given two objectives: Take Hill 400 . . . and hold the hill by any means possible. To the last man, if necessary. The battle-hardened battalion had no idea that several Wehrmacht regiments, who greatly outnumbered the Rangers, had been given the exact same orders. The clash of the two determined forces was one of the bloodiest and most costly encounters of World War II. Barnes and Noble.
The Best of Aggieland- Gatherings & Game Days by Tamar Elkeles
The Best of Aggieland-Gatherings & Game Days is a collection of unique and signature game day recipes from Aggies' favorite restaurants and bars in Bryan-College Station, Texas. Filled with delicious dishes representing our local flavors; including craft cocktails, innovative starters, enticing main dishes and distinctive desserts, this book is a special collaboration of over 35 Aggieland restaurants and bars with the mission of funding scholarships for Aggies. Food brings people together and this book brings our Aggieland community together--it’s all about Aggies helping Aggies. The Best of Aggieland.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Aggieland and The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Aggieland II by Rusty Burson
A book unlike any other Aggie-related publication, The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Aggieland details the insightful, fascinating and inspirational stories of 12 Aggies who’ve chased their entrepreneurial dreams, conquered obstacles and succeeded beyond their wildest imaginations. The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Aggieland II picks up where the first book left off, detailing the stories of 13 more Aggies. These stories will serve as a roadmap to success for Aggies with their own entrepreneurial dreams, as each first-person narrative features advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. These innovators have walked the Texas A&M campus and achieved tremendous success, and they each believe you can, too! Perhaps best of all, every penny of proceeds from the sales of these books will be donated to Startup Aggieland, a globally-recognized, award-winning and multidisciplinary business accelerator that is already helping current Aggies pursue their dreams. This is truly a one-of-a-kind book designed to propel current and former students to reach their entrepreneurial dreams! 2017, Hip Phoenix (for ebooks) and Auspicisous Apparatus Press (for paperback). Amazon. 2022, Outskirts Press.
Full Circle by "Jack" Oliver, Jr. '46
Full Circle is the fascinating story of Colonel John "Jack" Oliver, who was not only a highly decorated aviator but also a scientist and Missile Launch Officer who played a huge role in the early successes of the US space and nuclear deterrent programs. Amazon.
Phyllis Frye and the Fight for Transgender Rights by Michael G. Long and Shea Tuttle
The first openly transgender judge to be appointed in the United States, the first attorney to obtain corrected birth certificates for transgender people who had not undergone gender confirmation surgery, a survivor of conversion therapy, and author of a law review article that helped thousands of employers adopt supportive policies for their workers, Phyllis Frye is truly a pioneer in the fight for transgender rights. This gripping account of Frye’s efforts to establish and protect the constitutional rights of transgender individuals not only fills a gap in existing histories of LGBTQ+ activism but will also inform and instruct contemporary trans activists. Bear Pond Books.
Breaking Away by Tim Gregg
Based on hours of interviews with an array of key participants from across the Texas A&M System and a host of former students and other stakeholders associated with Texas A&M, Gregg has assembled a highly readable account of a pivotal time. Including a foreword by Henry Cisneros, former secretary of housing and urban development, Breaking Away is replete with little-known stories from behind the scenes as well as major developments in the recent history of the System under Chancellor Sharp’s leadership, telling an important story about one of the nation’s leading higher education and public service networks. TAMU Press
Standing Ready by John A. Adams Jr. '73
Across America in the wake of World War I, college football entered a time of prominence, often referred to as a “Golden Era.” This same period saw the origins of many beloved traditions of Texas A&M: cadets became known as “Aggies;” the “Aggie War Hymn” penned by J. V. “Pinky” Wilson ’21 was officially adopted; maroon and white emerged as the sanctioned college colors. And in 1922, a lanky Dallas athlete named E. King Gill stepped up and agreed to be the “12th Man” at a football game that may have been the greatest ever played. Today, the 12th Man tradition is one of the most cherished parts of A&M heritage. TAMU Press
The Best of Aggieland by Tamar Elkeles
The Best of Aggieland is a collection of unique and signature recipes from Aggies' favorite restaurants and bars in Bryan-College Station, Texas. Filled with delicious dishes representing our local flavors; including craft cocktails, innovative starters, enticing main dishes, and distinctive desserts, this book is a special collaboration of over 30 Aggieland restaurants and bars with the mission of funding scholarships for Aggies. Food brings people together and this book brings our Aggieland community together…it’s all about Aggies helping Aggies. California Aggie Moms.
Sul Ross at Texas A&M by John A. Adams Jr. '73
In Sul Ross at Texas A&M, John A. Adams Jr., chronicler of Texas A&M University history, presents an in-depth examination of Ross’s life as a college president. Adams shows how by the late 1880s, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas was on the brink of collapse. Student discontent, administrative mismanagement, and faculty factionalism threatened the continued existence of the fledgling school. The college’s board of directors was desperate and offered the presidency to Ross. Amazon.
Building Leaders, Living Traditions: The Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M University by Amy Bacon '91
This book details the history of the Memorial Student Center (MSC) and what it has meant to the transformation of the university – exploring the role the building, its programs, founding director J. Wayne Stark ‘39, and other leaders have played in guiding A&M to become a world-class university. Through the usage of numerous interviews, archival records, and photographs, Bacon takes a closer look at how the MSC is a unique part of the Aggie experience. TAMUPress.
Behind Friendly Lines: Memoirs of a US Marine in Chile by Mark McGraw '85
Behind Friendly Lines is the story of a U.S. Marine officer serving as the only foreigner in the Chilean Marines’ most important combat unit. The author takes the reader off the tourist’s beaten path on dangerous missions from the arid northern deserts to the frigid ice fields where he lived and trained with the Chilean Marines. Behind Friendly Lines explores the challenge of recalibrating a family’s existence while forging life-long friendships and learning irreplaceable lessons.
Trapped by a Mouse and Other Stories by Bob Zumwalt '55
Bob Zumwalt uses memory and imagination to tell the poignant, the fanciful, and the humorous moments of his life. From a bashful young lad in small town Central Texas to world-traveling chemical engineer, Zumwalt bares his life with a homespun quirkiness. The forty-five stories in this collection cover growing up, dealing with girls, getting married, working in the global petroleum industry, traveling, and retirement. Amazon.
The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band: 125th Anniversary Edition by Mary Jo Powell
They always win the halftime. Members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, embodying the spirit, camaraderie, and excellence of the school they represent, have marched and played proudly for 125 years. 2019, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
Dat: Tackling Life and the NFL by Dat Nguyen and Rusty Burson
Nguyen's insightful look into the life of a big-time football player offers first-hand glimpses of the personalities and playing styles of many celebrated stars of college football and the NFL. His stories offer excitement, romance, faith, fatherhood, and humor. 2005, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
Architecture That Speaks by Nancy T. McCoy '81 and David G. Woodcock
Nancy T. McCoy and David G. Woodcock, distinguished preservation architects and scholars, review the history of Texas A&M campus architecture and provide in-depth coverage of Vosper and his legacy. 2017, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
You Saw Me On The Radio by Dave South
For forty-eight years, Dave South was the radio voice of Southwest Conference and Texas A&M University football, basketball, and baseball. In You Saw Me on the Radio, he collects some of his favorite stories from the broadcast booth, locker room, and other behind-the-scenes locations. 2019, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History by Dan Flores '78
In the war between humans and coyotes, coyotes have won, hands-down. Coyote America is the illuminating five-million-year biography of this extraordinary animal, from its origins to its apotheosis. It is one of the great epics of our time. 2016, Basic Books. Amazon.
Meadowbrook, The Neighborhood That Made Me by Joe Bax '01
While observing the childhood of his grandsons, Joe G. Bax realized that his own childhood stood in stark contrast to theirs, and his childhood could never be repeated. 2019, Archway. Amazon.
Daily Devotions for Die-Hard Fans by Ed McMinn
Daily Devotions for Die-Hard Fans: Texas A&M Aggies combines the great passion of the Aggie fan with the grand passion of the fan of Christ in one set of devotions. 2015, Extra Point Publishers. Amazon.
Called to Serve: The Bush School of Government and Public Service by Charles Frazer Hermann and Sally Dee Wade
In Called to Serve, founding director Charles F. Hermann and writer Sally Dee Wade chronicle the twenty-year history of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, which has rapidly evolved into one of the nation’s major professional graduate schools of public and international affairs. 2017, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
I’ll Tell You When You’re Good!: America’s 12th Man Quarterback by David Walker '77
Four-year starting quarterback David Walker of Sulphur, Louisiana shares his story of getting recruited by Emory Bellard away from LSU to run A&M’s new Wishbone offense. His story takes you from his years in Sulphur to describing the coaches’ efforts in perfecting the Wishbone to sharing some of the greatest moments in Aggie football history. 2011, Authorhouse. Amazon.
I'm Dr. Red Duke by Bryan Boutwell
Bryant Boutwell’s entertaining and meticulously researched biography of Red Duke, based on years of interviews as well as painstaking exploration of both public archives and personal papers and effects, not only pays tribute to a great surgeon and his influence but also crafts a detailed and intimate portrait of the man behind the larger-than-life television image. 2018, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
Battle of the Brazos: A Texas Football Rivalry, a Riot, and a Murder by T. G. Webb '68
This “historical whodunit” is a must-read for sports fans and historians, devotees of “leather-helmet” football, local history buffs, and Texas football enthusiasts alike. 2018, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
"HERE" The Muster Speeches at Texas A&M University by Jerry Cooper '63
Rudder. Gill. Gates. Slocum. Eisenhower. Their words are preserved among 73 speeches delivered at the student Muster on A&M’s campus from 1946 to 2017, collected in a new book edited by Jerry Cooper ’63, former editor of Texas Aggie magazine. 2018, Texas A&M University Press as part of the Centennial Series of The Association of Former Students. Amazon.
Danger 79er: The Life and Times of Lt. General James F. Hollingsworth by James H. Willbanks '69
In Danger 79er, historian James H. Willbanks '69 tells the remarkable story of Lt. Gen. James F. Hollingsworth '40, a three-time recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross along with four Silver Stars, six Purple Hearts, and a host of additional medals and commendations. 2018, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
A Passion for Leadership: Lessons on Change and Reform from Fifty Years of Public Service by Robert M. Gates
Gates is president emeritus of Texas A&M University. Having led change successfully at three monumental organizations—the CIA, Texas A&M University, and the Department of Defense—he offers us the ultimate insider’s look at how major bureaus, organizations, and companies can be transformed, which is by turns heartening and inspiring and always instructive. 2016, Deckle Edge. Amazon.
From Midland to Mindanao: Reminiscences of the War in the Pacific by James W. Mims '45
"When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the citizens—both men and women—of the United States found their plans drastically altered. Many citizens responded by joining the armed forces, going to work to make munitions, or as in the case of fresh-faced high-school graduate and Texas A&M student and aspiring cartoonist, James W. Mims, being drafted into the Army. Appointed to the Reserve Officers program, Mims saw America as he traveled from base to base, learning to soldier, before crossing the Pacific to help liberate the Philippine Islands as an intelligence officer specializing in photo interpretation." 2016, State House/McWhiney Foundation Press. Barnes and Noble.
The Chronicles of Martin by Martin R. Adams '57
Martin's memoirs cover his upbringing in East Texas and his Aggie years and post graduate years; his rise in the world of oil and Wall Street money and politics; his calamitous fall driven by alcoholism; his recovery which led him into a new, more successful way of living than ever before. 2014, Virtual Bookworm. Amazon.
A Coaching Life by Gary Blair, head women's basketball coach at Texas A&M (with Rusty Burson)
In A Coaching Life, Coach Blair offers readers a “freeze-frame” view of a storied career. He serves up more than a few of his favorite memories with wit, grace, and humility. In the process, he invites readers to reflect on life’s wins and losses and, most importantly, what both have to teach us. 2017, Texas A&M University Press.
To Bataan and Back: The World War II Diary of Maj. Thomas Dooley transcribed and edited by Jerry C. Cooper '63
"His journals reveal the inside story of the battles of Bataan and Corregidor and with it the capture, imprisonment, and struggle for survival of tens of thousands of American prisoners of war. Dooley’s journals—dutifully maintained even as he was a prisoner—are at once witty, articulate, stark, and often reflective." 2016, Texas A&M University Press.
Over at College: A Texas A&M Campus Kid in the 1930s by James Knox Walker, Jr. '51
"A delightful memoir that described the culture and everyday life of the faculty and staff families living on campus during the Great Depression… viewed through the eyes of a young boy growing up on campus, with these memories later buttressed by careful research in the Texas A&M University archives to provide necessary details." 2016, Texas A&M University Press.
Inside the Texas Chicken Ranch: The Definitive Account of the Best Little Whorehouse by Jayme Lyn Blaschke '92
Many people think they know the story of the infamous Chicken Ranch, but the reality is more complex, lying somewhere between heartbreaking and absurd. Through exclusive interviews with madam Edna Milton, boarders, patrons, former government officials. 2016, The History Press. Amazon.
Summer Camp to Survival Show Winner - a Scout's Story by Terry Fossum '86
Summer Camp to Survival Show tells the story, in his own words, of how Scouting affected Terry’s life every step of the way. From becoming the Officer of the Year for Fairchild Air Force Base and Humanitarian of the Year for all of Strategic Air Command, to a multimillion dollar earner in direct sales, to a global philanthropist, to representing all of Boy Scouts of America on a survival reality show, Kicking and Screaming, on Fox. TerryLFossum.com.
Pushing to the Peak by Shelly Templin '87
Glen House ’91 was a typical 20-year-old, college student when he suffered a skiing accident that paralyzed him. But he never pitied himself, he was never angry and he never wavered in his faith. Instead, he pushed forward—with often nothing but sheer determination to sustain and motivate him—and went on to become a doctor, inventor, businessman, husband and father who now daily touches the lives of others facing physical difficulties. This is not a story of his disability; this is a story of Glen’s success-ability. 2016, WestBowPress. Amazon.
Randolph Field (Images of America) by Lt. Col. Michael P. Hoffman '68
Named for A&M graduate Capt. William Millican Randolph and once touted as the “West Point of the air” in the pre–Air Force Academy years, Randolph Field/Air Force Base is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, its iconic Administration Building (nicknamed the “Taj Mahal”), and its rectangular layout. on Fox. When the Corps of Engineers built the base, working from 1928 to 1931, it was its biggest project since the Panama Canal. Randolph has been a popular assignment location for Air Force members for over 80 years. 2014, Arcadia Publishing. Amazon.
The Propeller Under the Bed by Eileen Bjorkman
Arnold Ebneter ’60 landed at A&M in 1958. For his senior project to complete his degree in aeronautical engineering, he designed an airplane. More than 50 years later, at the age of 82, he built that plane and flew it across the country, setting an aviation world record. In this book, his daughter documents his project in detail, along with the history of homebuilt aircraft. 2017, University of Washington Press. Amazon.
Live from Aggieland by Rob Clark '95
Believe it or not, Aggieland has witnessed a parade of musical icons over the years, each with an intriguing story attached. Picture a young Elvis Presley entertaining the Corps of Cadets at G. Rollie White Coliseum. Flash forward to the “Committee for Johnny Cash,” originated by students after the country singer’s post-Bonfire concert was canceled by the A&M administration amid controversy; despite official disapproval, the students brought him to perform off-campus. 2017, Texas A&M University Press. TAMUpress.com.
The Fightin' Texas Aggie Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor by John A. Adams Jr. '73
"While many words have been written on Bataan and Corregidor, none have taken the approach of collective biography as The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor does here. As a result, this book is not only a new contribution to the history of World War II but also stands to be a landmark publication on the history of Texas A&M University." 2016, tamupress.com.
Gathering Courage by T.A. "Terry" McMullin '82
"Gathering Courage illustrates how perseverance conquered adversity, heartache, and a disability. Terry’s journey of overcoming struggles of adoption, rejection, and foster home loneliness to a life as a distinguished educator inspires hope. The victory of graduating from Texas A&M will bring a cheer and whoop to the reader." 2015. Gathering Courage Media.
A Treasure to Keep: An Aggie Book for All Ages by Susan B. Goldberg '87
"A treasure to keep is a story about a young boy, his Aggie dad and an extraordinary treasure… treasure of unbridled loyalty, honor and pride… a wealth of history and tradition... a devotion to maroon and white... a life-long bond." reachbranches.com
I Bleed Maroon by Frank W. Cox III '65
"'I Bleed Maroon' encompasses the life, traditions, history and Spirit of Texas A&M. It is a quick reference to our roots and the true meaning behind our great and unique traditions, songs and yells." Forward written by Randy Matson '67. Insight Press. 1992, updated in 2013. Sold at Aggieland Outfitters and Texas A&M Bookstore or from the author (979-575-1761).
Champion of the Barrio: The Legacy of Coach Buryl Baty by R. Gaines Baty
"This poignant memoir by son R. Gaines Baty is an account of an extraordinary man and a son's personal journey to know the father who was gone too soon. Coach Baty's life story is portrayed from the perspectives of nearly 100 individuals who knew him, documented facts, and news reports." TAMU Press, 2015.
Kyle Tough: The Saga of Texas A&M's Rise to Power in Athletics and Agriculture, 1902-1956 by Barbara Donalson Althaus (Foreword written by Dr. Mark Hussey '79, interim president of TAMU)
"KYLE TOUGH is the story of Texas A&M and Edwin J. Kyle from the 'family perspective.' This biography of Edwin J. Kyle reflects how Texas A&M history and culture have influenced, interfaced with, and connected students, families, and friends since it opened its doors in 1876." www.kyletough.com
All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings by President Geroge H.W. Bush
The revised edition now includes letters, emails, diary entries, and photographs from the past 15 years, covering George W. Bush’s presidency, 9/11, his unlikely friendship with Bill Clinton and ruminations on life, friendship and family. Scribner, originally published in 2000; revised and released in 2014. museumstore.com, amazon.com, bn.com.
Marooned in Aggieland: A Bumbling Brit Discovers College Football, Guns N' Waffles by Josh Perry
A remarkably unsuccessful British sports-comedy writer trekked across the pond to live through a heavy chunk of the 2013 college football season. The destination? During this expedition into Aggieland's spirited maroon seas, he humorously embraces the traditions, pageantry and stark cultural differences that encompass Texas A&M University and college football. Throw in 450 pints of beer, gun-wielding Houston gang members and a polarizing Heisman Trophy winner, and you're still barely scratching the surface of an oblivious Brit's truly unique story. Dog Ear Publishing, 2014. Barnes and Noble.
A Sword for All Seasons: General O.P. "Opie" Weyland and the Emergence of Tactical Air Command by Charles B McFarland '91 and Otto P. "Opie" Weyland, Class of 1923
"General Otto P. "Opie" Weyland, despite having almost no combat experience as a young aviator, emerged as one of the most combat-experienced air leaders in the Air Force by the time he began a five-year stint as Commander, Tactical Air Command (TAC) in 1954. BiblioScholar, 2012. Amazon.
Highways to the World: the Engineer, the Teacher, and the Dangerous 20th Century by Carolyn Calvin Kneese and John DeMers
Written about Aggie Elmer B. Calvin '24. "Highways to the World is one daughter’s personal journey into history. Here are striking portraits of events, from small-town Texas childhoods to life as a cadet at Texas A&M after World War I, from the family’s rescue by the US Navy during the Suez Crisis in 1956 to overseas 'aid'” assignments invariably tied to our nation’s anticommunist foreign policy" Bright Sky press, 2013. Amazon.
Infantry Lieutenant by Gid B. Adkisson '67
"An earnest West Texas farm boy attending Texas A&M so he could be a better independent farmer, Gid Jr. found himself vying for a lieutenant’s commission a full year before he was scheduled to graduate, and fighting in France, Luxembourg, and Germany." Pacifica Military History, 2013. Amazon.
Dutchman on the Brazos by Caesar "Dutch" Hohn,' Class of 1912
"Most Texans remember Dutch Hohn primarily as one of the first great gridiron heroes of Texas A&M, but his intensely purposeful life has been a record of social accomplishments that dwarf in importance his exploits in "primitive football." Hohn was president of his Senior Class, captain of the football team and earned the very first master's degree awarded by Texas A&M. University of Texas Press; First Edition edition, 1963. Amazon.
The Spirit Within by Dan Quinn '81
"A true story of the spirit and camaraderie of life at Texas A&M University." Insite Pub Co, 1993. Amazon .
Also: But For A Season: "Finding peace after a loss child." Amazon.
Forty Years at Aggieland by Edwin Cooper '53
"In his 40 years at Texas A&M as a student and employee Ed had seven jobs on the staff, including Dean of Admissions and the Assistant to President Rudder and Williams. He tells humorous stories about his life including the love of fishing in the San Marcos River, student life at A&M, serving his country." AuthorHouse, 2013. Amazon.
Roy Story by Roy Bucek '42 with Rusty Burson
"The amazing and true rags-to-riches account of an Aggie legend, WWII hero and entrepreneur extraordinaire. Author House, 2012.
First dooowwwnn… and life to go! by Red Cashion '53 and Rusty Burson
Covers Red's rise to prominence in the NFL; many sportswriters described him as the most well-known official in NFL history. "An inspiring, captivating story that accentuates the power of a positive attitude. Cashion also recounts fascinating stories about some of the NFL's biggest personalities." Author House, 2012. Website.
Me and Fish Jones by Dennis Davenport '01
Davenport worked for Corps Housing for 17 years, and the book is about his reflections on his time with the Corps. Corps of Cadets Association, 2009.
Game of My Life: 25 Stories of Aggie Football by Brent Zwerneman
"The Game of My Life describes, in colorful detail, the single favorite game of 25 Texas A&M football legends, including photos of that particular legend in his favorite game. While each of these 25 Aggie legends has different memories, they certainly all have a place in Texas A&M's football history." Sports Publishing LLC, 2003. Amazon.
Rudder: From Leader to Legend by Thomas M. Hatfield
The definitive biography of the legendary Texas A&M president and World War II hero. TAMU Press, 2011.
Texas Aggie Medals of Honor by James R. Woodall '50
"Scintillating story of seven innocent young Texas Aggies who went off to war and became heroes of the highest order." TAMU Press, 2010.
Softly Call the Muster: The Evolution of A Texas Aggie Tradition by John A. Adams, Jr. '73
"This book traces the evolution of Aggie Muster from its early roots to the modern-day observance." TAMU Press, 1994.
Also by Adams: We Are The Aggies: The Texas A&M University Association of Former Students: "Heavily illustrated review of the hundred+ year interaction of former students with their alma mater shows how the stability and growth of Texas A&M are a direct function of the students it has produced." TAMU Press, 2000.
Texas Aggies Go To War: In Service of Their Country by Henry C. Dethloff
"Since the university's founding in 1876, Texas Aggies have provided exemplary leadership and service to their state and their country in peace and in war. ... Texas Aggies Go To War: In Service of Their Country is a remarkable story, one that makes me value and admire my adopted university all the more." -- George H.W. Bush, from the foreword. TAMU Press, 2006.
Viper Pilot: A Memoir of Air Combat by Dan Hampton '86
"Memoir of one of the most decorated F-16 pilots in American history: U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hampton, who served for twenty years, flying missions in the Iraq War, the Kosovo conflict, and the first Gulf War." William Morrow Paperbacks, 2013. Amazon.
Becoming A Noble Man Of Kyle: 92 Life Lessons I Learned From The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band by Paul G. Middleton '92
"The book is a collection of humorous, inspirational, and entertaining anecdotes and adventures that the author experienced as a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. He has related each of these stories to a 'pearl' of wisdom that he has found to be useful for living successfully. Furthermore, the author also paints a portrait of everyday life in the Corps of Cadets and the Texas Aggie Band from 1988 until 1992. Self-published, 2012. Available on iTunes and Amazon.
Ambassadors of the Aggie Spirit: The History of the Texas A&M Yell Leaders by Rusty Burson
“From the earliest documented yell leader—Tom Armstrong Adams in 1907-08—to now, the Aggie yell leaders have played an instrumental role in defining, refining, building, maintaining and showcasing the Aggie Spirit. Then and now, the yell leaders are revered on campus and recognized as the true ‘Ambassadors of the Aggie Spirit.’ This is their authorized story.” Dog Ear Publishing, 2013.
Proceeds benefit current yell leaders via Association of Former Yell Leaders. Available at yellleaderbook.com, as well as on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. We’re told more money goes back to the yell leaders if it's bought at the website than at Amazon or B&N.
Also by Burson: 100 Things Texas A&M Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. "Describing the personalities, events, and facts that any and every Aggies fan should know, this work stands as a complete guide to one of the most accomplished and unique histories in college football. Triumph Books, 2013."
Fellow Students: A Collection of Aggie Poetry by Glenn Allen Phillips '01
A book of poetry about Texas A&M; poem titles include “College Station sunset,” “Bonfire villanelle”, “Echo Taps,” and “Passing the torch.” Profits fund an Aggie Ring Scholarship in honor of Jeffrey Wetuski '91, Phillips’s cousin who passed away while a student at A&M. Available at MSC Bookstore or email Glenn at texasaggiepoetry@gmail.com.
Tales of Tummy—Stories of O. G. Tumlinson—Pure Texan, Pure Aggie by Richard R. (Dick) Tumlinson '51
O.G. Tumlinson was Class of 1918. Purchase by emailing dicktum51@gmail.com.
Also by Tumlinson: Magarkin: The Original Ol’ Sarge, a compilation of the artwork of the late Pete Tumlinson '42 from 1938-42 issues of The Battalion Humor Magazine. Compiled from the original proofs by his brother, Dick.
The Vietnam Trilogy, including The Only War We Had, by Michael Lee Lanning '68
The author is a former infantry platoon leader and rifle company commander in Vietnam who has written 18 books on military history that have sold about 1.1 million copies in all. We think that puts him in second place for copies sold by an Aggie author, behind only Kathleen Miller Y'Barbo-Turner '80 (see below), and at the top for non-fiction. TAMU Press, 2007.
Aggie Savvy: Practical Wisdom from Texas A&M by Glenn Dromgoole '66
Dromgoole is one of the more profilic Aggie authors, with at least 16 books written or edited, mostly nonfiction with Texas or western themes. Author page on Amazon .
Colonel Haydon L. Boatner and His Texas Aggies by W. Pat Kerr '53
A recollection by Kerr, known to many as “Blackjack,” of life at Texas A&M in the late 1940s and early 1950s under legendary commandant Haydon “Bull” Boatner. For information on the book, email Kerr at blackjackpapapat@gmail.com.
Life in Bronze: Lawrence M. Ludtke, Sculptor by Amy L. Bacon ’91
Ludtke, after playing professional baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers, became a Fellow in the National Sculpture Society and a Corresponding Member of the Royal Academy of British Sculptors. Works Aggies will recognize include the Rudder statue and the sculpture behind the Langford Center of a boy with a golden retriever. TAMU Press, 2013.
Also by Bacon: MSC, Building Leaders, Living Traditions: the Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M University. TAMU Press, 2009.
The Power of 2: Johnny Manziel's Career at Texas A&M, pictures by Stuart Villanueva 02, edited by Rob Clark 95
Published in 2014. Find it here.
OTHER NONFICTION WRITTEN BY AGGIES
Nonfiction books about A&M or about Aggies are listed in the section above
The National Parks: A Century of Grace by Karla K. Morton '86
In 100 years of our National Parks this is the first and only poetry book written by poets traveling to all 62 U.S. National Parks! The National Parks: A Century of Grace is "…a guidebook, photo essay, and book of poems all in one … After reading this visually stunning and incredibly inspiring book, readers won’t be asking themselves which park to visit but where to go first." – US Review of Books. Amazon. TCU Press.
The Return Trip by Maya Golden '01
At 30, Maya Golden, an award-winning sports reporter, wife, and new mom, appeared to lead a charmed life, but she secretly battled addiction, perfectionism, dissociation disorder, and rage due to past sexual abuse. During a family road trip to her Texas hometown, she decided to confront her secrets. Three divine interventions saved her life, leading to a transformation from a suicide plan to founding a nonprofit, demonstrating that purpose can emerge from trauma. Rising Action Publishing Collective.
William F. Buckley Sr.: Witness to the Mexican Revolution, 1908–1922 by John A. Adams Jr. '73
An eventful chapter in the life and career of a singular character, this dramatic account of a man and his moment is a document of political and historical significance—but it is also a remarkable story, told with irresistible brio. Amazon.
Between the Floods: A History of the Arikaras by Mark Van De Logt
Enhanced with the insights of archaeology, linguistics, and anthropology, and illustrated with Native maps and ledger art, as well as historic photographs and drawings, Between the Floods brings unprecedented depth, detail, and authenticity to its picture of the Arikaras in the fullness and living presence of their history. Amazon.
Keys to Better Healthcare: A Guide for Patients and Healthcare Professionals by Jack E. Lewi '85
Optimize your health and healthcare. This simple and effective guide will support you in increasing your understanding of healthcare and healthcare professionals. The included keys will assist you in preparing for and utilizing your healthcare experiences. For healthcare professionals, the keys will assist as reminders and suggestions in enhancing your relationships with your patients. Jack E. Lewi is a physician and a retired US Army Colonel. Amazon. Barnes and Noble.
Be Well by Jack E. Lewi '85
Be Well is a collection of wellness and spiritual quotes from a wide range of literature to include classic books, poems and religious texts. Amazon. Barnes and Noble.
ARM Assembly Language, 2nd Ed. by William Hohl '87 & Christopher Hinds '80
This undergraduate electrical/computer engineering textbook introduces students to the concepts behind programming microprocessors at the assembly level on one of the most popular processors in industry. It has been adopted by dozens of universities worldwide. Amazon.
People of the Screen: How Evangelicals Created the Digital Bible and How It Shapes Their Reading of Scripture by John Dyer '00
The book traces the history of Biblical software development, showing the role evangelical entrepreneurs and coders played in shaping its functionality and how their choices affect millions of people’s reading habits. Examining Bible software from desktop applications to mobile apps and virtual experiences, People of the Screen argues evangelical creators have an orientation toward societal change that positions them to lead the digital Bible market, imbuing their creations with evangelical ways of understanding Scripture. Oxford University Press
The Winning Spirit: The United States of America by Randy Parikh '74
There is truly a winning spirit in the United States of America and Randy proves it in this amazing book. The Winning Spirit examines the importance of patriotism and to love one another on American democracy, politics, and government to help others achieve dreams through the lens of Randy’s own life. It reminds us just how special and great our Nation really is and how its freedom allows an individual to seek and achieve their dreams and destiny. Amazon.
Unthinkable: Who Kills their Grandmother? by James W. Marquart '83
The book is about a murder that took place in July 2014. The perpetrator drove round trip in one day from Frisco, Texas to East Dundee, Illinois and murdered his grandmother. He did it to obtain her estate money to pay off his debts, much of which was due to his involvement with Las Vegas escorts. Unbeknownst to us, we purchased the former home of the killer in 2018 and I wrote a book about the crime. Barnes and Noble.
THE POTENTIALIST: Your Future in the New Reality of the Next Thirty Years by Ben Lytle '70
Ben Lytle lays out what’s next and how to get ready for it in, THE POTENTIALIST: Your Future in the New Reality of the Next Thirty Years. The next 30 years will include a seismic shift. Lytle looks at this new future through a lens of opportunity, not anxiety and fear, while emphasizing now is the time to take action and reach a higher level of personal performance. The Potentialist.
Marketing Strategy & Management by Diane Phillips '91
Marketing Strategy & Management provides students with a thorough step-by-step exploration and grounding in marketing strategy concepts, processes and models. The text takes a global perspective that is both sustainability-focused and consumer-centric. Executive insights, head-scratching blunders, and other features provide additional depth and engagement. Examples include: Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Domino’s Pizza, KFC, K-pop, L’Oréal, and Starbucks. For more in-depth application of and practice with strategic decision-making, this book also includes 14 case studies accompanied by detailed teaching notes and answers to case questions, on a range of organizations from Pez Candies to the Sydney Opera House. SAGE.
Consumer Behavior and Insights by Diane Phillips '91
Consumer Behavior and Insights presents a new approach to teaching consumer behavior. Author Diane M. Phillips moves beyond traditional psychological learning to acknowledge more holistic perspectives of consumer behavior, incorporating new areas of research, such as neuromarketing, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. This text includes the latest behavioral, psychological, and sociological approaches to elucidate important concepts and models of consumer decision-making. Importantly, the book draws important executive, research, and consumer insights to bring these concepts and models to life. The book sets theory in context through extensive use of US and international examples and extended cases. Oxford University Press.
American Reboot: An Idealist's Guide to Getting Big Things Done by Will Hurd '00
It’s getting harder to get big things done in America. The gears of our democracy have been mucked up by political nonsense. To meet the era-defining challenges of the 21st century, our country needs a reboot.
In American Reboot, Hurd, called “the future of the GOP” by Politico, provides a “detailed blueprint” (Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense, 2006–2011) for America grounded by what Hurd calls pragmatic idealism—a concept forged from enduring American values to achieve what is actually achievable. Simon & Schuster.
Architectural Documentation: Built Environment, Modernization, and Turkish Nationalism by Serra Akboy-Ilk '11
Against the backdrop of building a new country, this study explores and evaluates the documentation culture in early republican Turkey. Having fought the Turkish War of Independence (1919–22) against the Allied Powers, the revolutionaries led by legendary leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938) came to engage with the idea of the West and its cultural origin. With the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the constitution abolished the 600-year-old Ottoman Empire including the dynastic cultural, economic, educational, and governmental institutions. In the redemption of the nation within the modern history of civilizations, cultural Westernization and technical modernization became the model for the newly found nation-state. While the new country became the subject of reformation, historic architecture was called upon to grant the aura of a glorious past to the Turks. Through the materialization of ‘Tu¨rk Tarih Tezi’ (the Turkish History Thesis), the founding leaders focused on the origin of Turks and the everlasting spirit of the Turkish state. In this pursuit, architectural heritage signified the formative power to represent the past. Supported by state-agencies, scholars, with supreme patriotic zeal and diligence, travelled across the remotest corners of the country to document and study the historic architecture of the nation.
To date, the complicated question of a national identity embodied in the built environment has dominated the contemporary scholarship on early republican historiography. Akboy-I?lk’s study, however, distinguishes itself with its focus on architectural documentation, which became an agent of history-writing in the early years of the nation state. Curated by the ideologies of the state, the formal documentation findings extensively informed the republican plot of the modern progress of Turks. For scholars interested in a closer reading of the crossing boundaries between architectural heritage and nation-building in the case of the modernization of Turkey, this book is revealing and provocative in bringing forward architectural documentation, a remarkably overlooked subject in studies of the area. Vernon Press.
Thoughts from an Observationist, Recorded from 2014-2021 by Chip Hill '70
An Observationist is someone who observes, notices, processes, concludes and describes something of interest to him/her self, and hopefully to others. In this book, I have tried to explore things I’m curious about, to help explain who we are and why we do what we do. It includes subjects from the serious to the silly, and it provides some insight into who I am. Amazon.
Doug Welsh’s Texas Garden Almanac by Doug Welsh '79
Think of Doug Welsh’s Texas Garden Almanac as a giant monthly calendar for the entire state—a practical, information-packed, month-by-month guide for gardeners and “yardeners.” With over 30,000 copies sold and now in its second printing, this book provides everything you need to know about flowers and garden design; trees, shrubs, and vines; lawns; vegetable, herb, and fruit gardening; and also soil, mulch, water, pests, and plant care to create beautiful, productive, healthy gardens—and have fun doing it! Amazon.
Driller by W.R. McAfee '64
From the famous oilpatch that spread from West Texas to New Mexico, Alaska, China, and other locales, Hubert H. Hays (1935–2005) drilled for oil. He drilled for fifty years - and he was good at it. He knew what negative 70 degrees does to casing and drill pipe. He knew what 500 degrees downhole does to affect drilling. He set records drilling gas wells and never had a blowout. Hays had a worldwide reputation that preceded him, and he probably drilled as many wells as any other man during his time. Readers will come away with invaluable technical knowledge, colorful stories, and a clear-eyed sense of the real oilfield seen by the men who plumb the earth for energy.
NOTE: Edited and wrote this book from the stories I collected from Hubert Hays, and from stories his wife, Catherine Hefferan, collected from Hubert the last ten years of his life. Amazon.
Consumer Behavior and Insights by Dr. Diane M. Phillips '91
This textbook presents a new approach to teaching consumer behavior by moving beyond traditional psychological learning to more holistic perspectives of consumer behavior, incorporating new areas of research, such as neuromarketing, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. It includes the latest behavioral, psychological, and sociological approaches to elucidate important concepts and models of consumer decision-making. Importantly, the book draws important executive, research, and consumer insights to bring these concepts and models to life. Amazon.
Making Today Count for Eternity by Kent Crockett '74
What will people be doing in heaven forever? God created the earth as a temporary world to prepare us for the next world. What happens in the next life is determined by the decisions we make in this life. Life on earth is your “Opportunity.” Amazon.
If God Knows What I Need, Why Should I Pray? by Kent Crockett '74
Some things will not happen in your life unless you pray. Otherwise, prayer serves no purpose. This book explains that prayer has four purposes. Your faith is determined by your concept of God and His ability to answer your requests. Amazon.
Slaying Your Giants by Kent Crockett '74
Fresh and humorous, and packed with inspiring anecdotes, Slaying Your Giants is a spiritual guidebook that provides biblical solutions to defeating the harmful attitudes that keep you from enjoying life. Amazon.
The Sure Cure for Worry by Kent Crockett '74
The Sure Cure for Worry gives proof that you can trust God to guide and provide for you, even when the world appears to be out of control. Amazon.
Amazing Stories & Daily Devotionals by Kent Crockett '74
This 365-day devotional book uses unusual true stories, humor, and personal experiences to help readers understand the Scriptures and apply them to their daily lives. Amazon.
What Does a Real Doctor Look Like? by Dr. Cherice Roth '13
What Does a Real Doctor Look Like? unpacks the harmful stereotypes that only children from certain backgrounds can enter STEM fields. With medicine of all types still overwhelmingly white, Dr. Roth’s latest picture book offers young readers the chance to see themselves represented in these spheres. For marginalized children, the Real Doctor series is a window into a better, more inclusive future with equal possibilities for all. Barnes and Noble
Assassin's Mace: Origin by R.J. Albers '87
Zhao, a billionaire Chinese industrialist, had struggled for years to find a way to elevate China to it's rightful place in the world order when he discovered the ancient Chinese concept of the Assassin's Mace and developed a plan to destabilize the West and entrench China as the only superpower. In addition to fomenting political division, he developed a virus that he released on the world to destroy the political and social ways of life in the West. Amazon
Covid, College, & Life Transitions by BJ Barnes '24
Toilet paper shortages, curbside pickup, face masks, Zoom, travel bans, and flattening the curve were all a part of the reality everyone who lived through 2020 was far too familiar with. After receiving their diplomas through the mail or, in the author's case, via drive-thru, they turned around and said goodbye to their hometowns to never return quite the same. Normally, this experience would be full of meeting new people, staying out late, and learning the balance between partying and studying; although that wouldn't be the case for the author and his friends. They instead unwillingly traded in these life lessons for the bleakness of seclusion inside of their dorm rooms.
Join the author in this unique coming-of-age journey that spelled trouble, misfortune, laughter, and fear of meeting expectations, all while navigating his way through college's awkward social queues and simultaneously trying to shut the door on his adolescence. Barnes and Noble
Anthill Economics: Animal Ecosystems and the Human Economy by Nathanial Gronewold '20
An exploration into how the rules of nature can inform our own human world and the human economy. Explanations for how natural rules may determine common and complex macroeconomic trends and phenomena. Amazon.
The Dialectical Path of Law by Charles Lincoln '16
A new way to interpret legal decisions in any field of law and in any capacity of interpreting law through a theory called legal dialects. This theory of the dialectical path of law uses the Hegelian dialectic which compares and contrasts two ideas, showing how they are concurrently the same but separate, without the original ideas losing their inherent and distinctive properties. Primarily focusing on the technical rules of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development approach to international tax law and the United States approach to tax law, Lincoln shows that both engage in the Hegelian dialectical approach to law. Amazon.
The Cold War Wilderness of Mirrors: Counterintelligence and the U.S. and Soviet Military Liaison Missions 1947 – 1990 by Aden C. Magee '83
This unprecedented examination of a unique and little-known spy/counterspy dynamic is a must-read for real-life spy story and Cold War enthusiasts alike. Based on declassified U.S. government documents and first-hand accounts of the exclusive few secret warriors who battled the enemy in the streets of Cold War Europe, this epic includes the untold story of the highly sensitive and elite counterintelligence element established to counter perhaps the most sophisticated and enigmatic of Soviet threats. Amazon.
Business Doing Good: Engaging Women and Elevating Communities by Shannon Deer '03
Business Doing Good outlines six principles for effectively hiring women who have experienced incarceration, poverty, addiction, and/or engagement in the sex trade. While making a difference to both these women and communities, businesses benefit from the women’s resourcefulness, resilience, ability to motivate, and other unique skills and perspectives only available to someone who has overcome difficulties. Investments in women, in general, are exponential as they are more likely to return that investment to future generations. Amazon.
The Austin Striders Track Club, Inc.: A True Austin Original by Kimberly Burgess-Taylor '15
The Austin Striders is a true Austin original! Inside these pages you'll find the history of one of Austin’s oldest track clubs, serving the youth and the community. Its founders Howard and Harvey Ware have poured their love, knowledge, and emotion into the organization. As you go through the pages, you'll read about the rich history and hear about it in the words from past Striders and friends affiliated with the organization. Amazon.
Alice: The Story of How I Met My Biological Parents by Mary E. Miller ’87
With the explosion of DNA testing and social media, it is easier than ever to find relatives…even if you were not looking. This story is the account of what it was like to learn of one’s biological family 50 years after being adopted. The reader of this personal journal gets a firsthand look at a once-in-a-lifetime discovery. This road to family includes a little anxiety, worry, humor, acceptance, faith and most importantly love. Amazon.
The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook by Jill Grimes '87 M.D.
The book serves as a guide to what students really want (or need) to know about their mental and physical health when they're away from home. The book covers topics such as: living in the close quarters of dormitories, feeling homesick, experiencing test anxiety, managing the stomach flu, and even how to nurse a hangover. Amazon.
Law on the Last Frontier: Texas Ranger Arthur Hill by S.E. Spinks '88
In a career forged in the saddle on scout duty along the Rio Grande, Arthur Hill witnessed dramatic changes from 1947 to 1974. Whether inspecting brands, deterring smugglers of everything from cattle to candelilla wax, or giving chase on horseback across merciless terrain--often into Mexico--Hill found himself immersed in a world that straddled centuries as well as cultures. I hope to give the reader the chance to ride through the Big Bend with Hill and hear of the Texas that was and the Texas that emerged on his watch. Barnes & Noble.
The Consumer Appliance Recycling Guidebook by Jeremy R. Poland '00
A collection of our authored resources on consumer & appliance recycling. Compiled & created by our communications director, Jeremy Poland. Elite Appliance Media.
The First Thirty Days: Launching your Relationship Right by Jeremy R. Poland '00
End the cycle of early-stage dating disasters and discover savvy new skills to navigate the complexities of building a relationship into a life-long union. Marriage Pursuit.
Back to the Base: Devotions for Athletic Ministry by Jeremy R. Poland '00
A powerful resource for coaches, recreation pastors, and sports leaders seeking eternal impact in their teams, leagues and events. FCA Devotions.
The 10 Commandments of Digital Marketing by Jeremy R. Poland '00
The famous 10 Commandments placed bountiful boundaries & life best practices into manageable bullets. Historically, this law set led to unique and beautiful blessings to those who obeyed. As a Digital Marketer, I eventually realized the hard way that neglecting any one of these ironclad rules spelled disappointment. It's hard in the maelstrom of daily SEO work to stay aware of the pinnacle precepts of our profession. To boost your business, I offer you the 10 Commands of Digital Marketing. The Platform Shop.
Unbranded by Ben Masters '11
On an epic 3,000-mile journey through the most pristine backcountry of the American West, four friends rode horseback across an almost contiguous stretch of unspoiled public lands, border to border, from Mexico to Canada. 2015, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
The 30-Minute Guide to Editing by Ray Grasshoff '77
With The 30-Minute Guide to Editing, anyone can tap an experienced editor’s wide range of knowledge and advice through what is essentially a half-hour editing short course. 2019, independently published. Amazon.
Crumbs for a Hungry Soul by Bibb Underwood '52
The author wants the readers to enjoy his sincere, passionate, compelling and poignant way of expressing his emotions. In this book, you, as the reader, will take a unique journey through the authors unique and broad perspective on life. 2018, Authorhouse. Amazon.
Also: Ordinary People: Heroes, Creators, Survivors: Folks of San Marcos and Hays County. 2005, Authorhouse. Amazon.
Selling Sea Power: Public Relations and the U.S. Navy, 1917-1941 by Ryan D. Wadle '05
The accepted narrative of the interwar U.S. Navy is one of transformation from a battle-centric force into a force that could fight on the “three planes” of war: in the skies, on the water, and under the waves. The political and cultural tumult that accompanied this transformation is another story. Ryan D. Wadle’s Selling Sea Power explores this little-known but critically important aspect of naval history. 2019, University of Oklahoma Press. Amazon.
Politician in Uniform: General Lew Wallace and the Civil War by Christopher R. Mortenson '07
Combining military biography, historical analysis and political insight, Politician in Uniform provides an expanded and balanced view of Wallace’s military career—and offers the reader a new understanding of the experience of a voluntary general like Lew Wallace. 2019, University of Oklahoma Press. Amazon.
The Bright Lights of Muleshoe by Alice Graves Liles '69
The Bright Lights of Muleshoe is a collection of stories about the history, influential citizens, eccentric characters, notable places and newsworthy events of this small West Texas town. Texas A&M is even mentioned in five stories. 2018, Authorhouse. Amazon.
Journey into Darkness: Genocide in Rwanda by Thomas Odom '76
In July 1994, Thomas P. Odom was part of the U.S. Embassy team that responded to the Goma refugee crisis. Now, in this vivid and unsettling new book, Odom offers the first insider look at these devastating events before, during, and after the genocide. 2015, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
Beyond Friday Nights: College Football Recruiting for Players and Parents by Ray Grasshoff '77
Every year, another new class of high school football players and their parents begin to ask questions about playing college football. Beyond Friday Nights: College Football Recruiting for Players and Parents answers these and other questions through an informative and highly readable look at the college football recruiting process. 2010, lulu.com. Amazon.
Heart of a Mother: A Gift and a Miracle by Kim Hawkins '00
In this powerful journey through their many challenges, you will experience one family’s incredible story of struggle and triumph to parenthood. 2018, independently published. Amazon.
Engaging and Transforming Global Communication through Cultural Discourse Analysis: A Tribute to Donal Carbaugh by Trudy Milburn '92
The contributors in this volume use Cultural Discourse Analysis to examine such practices, a theory and methodology developed by Donal Carbaugh over the past thirty years. 2018, Fairleigh Dickinson University Press. Amazon.
Harvey Hit Here by Mike Probst '81
A 200-plus page book filled with stories and color pictures about Hurricane Harvey, a powerful Category 4 storm, that hit Rockport-Fulton on August 25, 2017. 2018, CreateSpace. Amazon.
We've Never Had a King: Guests of the State by Charles C. Bradbury '46
We've Never Had a King embraces the courtship of Mary and Brad, their early married life, and their experiences in the Kingdom of Iraq during the 1950s when Brad was an advisor to the Government Oil Refineries Administration. 2010, Outskirts Press. Amazon.
The Man Who Thought like a Ship by Loren C. Steffy '86
J. Richard “Dick” Steffy stood inside the limestone hall of the Crusader castle in Cyprus and looked at the wood fragments arrayed before him. There were some 6,000 pieces in all, and Steffy’s job was to put them all back together in their original shape like some massive, ancient jigsaw puzzle. 2012, Texas A&M University Press. Amazon.
Resilience at Work: Practical Tools for Career Success by Kathryn Jackson '95
A guide to maintaining resilience in this ever-changing environment, whether you are working in a turbulent field, navigating the job market or trying to realize your career ambitions. 2018, Routledge. Amazon.
Also, Essential Questions to GROW Your Team: A Toolkit of Coaching Conversations for Managers & Leaders. 2017, Careerbalance Ltd. Amazon.
Day By Day in Ephesians by Don E. Atkinson '76
In Day by Day In Ephesians, the reader is supplied with ninety-six thought-provoking devotionals. All the entries deal sequentially with every verse in the epistle to the Ephesians. 2017, Living Parables of Central Florida, Inc. Amazon.
Wait Is a Four-Letter Word by Stephanie Arceneaux '93
Journey along with one believer as she struggles to wait on the Lord. Her ultimate goal is to have the desires of her heart, but God's ultimate goal is to have her whole heart. 2018, Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. Amazon.
Be Legendary; The Presence of Leadership - Strength & Vision by Sherri K. Baldwin '88
The enemy is often within our own operating environment. This book includes the keys to recognizing and working with others to achieve optimal impact and success. 2018, Pearhouse Press. LeadVantage.
Also, Joy Comes in the Morning - Overcoming Adversity. 2010, CreateSpace. Amazon.
Here's the Score: The Story of a Rural Colorado School's Rise to Basketball Fame by Ronald James Newton '72
This story, told through the eyes of 16th-born and triplet Ronald James Newton, recounts his struggles in the classroom and on the basketball court and portrays his striving toward development of meaningful and satisfying relationships with classmates, family, and friends. 2018, Xlibris US. Amazon.
Also, Light of Her Children. 2015, Xlibris US. Amazon.
Away from the Nest: More Than Just a Guide to a Successful College Career by Timothy M. Lucik '19
This book serves as the guide for any incoming freshman who wants college to be a fruitful time from the beginning. It contains the wisdom and practices of mentors, teachers, students, and parents who have gone before. 2017, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Amazon.
Also, Please, Don't Call On Me: A Collegial Guide to Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication. 2017, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Amazon.
Before Journalism Schools: How Gilded Aged Reporters Learned Rules by Randall S. Sumpter
Sumpter questions the dominant notion that reporters entering the field in the late 19th century relied on an informal apprenticeship system to learn the rules of journalism. Drawing from the experiences of more than 50 reporters, he argues that cub reporters could and did access multiple sources of instruction, including autobiographies and memoirs of journalists, fiction, guidebooks, and trade magazines. 2018, The University of Missouri Press. Upress.Missouri.edu.
Digital Resilience: Is Your Company Ready for the Next Cyber Threat by Ray A. Rothrock '77
The book opens with a review of the infamous 2013 Target attack, which compromised the credit card information of 40 million customers. This insightful guide provides the resilience-building your company needs to survive a cyberattack. 2018, Gilden Media. Amazon.
When Life Grabs you by the Baseballs: Finding Happiness in Life's Changeups by Jon Peters '94
Jon Peters had it all: record-breaking high school baseball pitcher, on the cover of Sports Illustrated, a beautiful girlfriend. He was going to play professional baseball. He was going to have everything he'd ever wanted. Until a shoulder injury and four surgeries changed his life. With dreams shattered, Jon struggled to find value and happiness. In the worst place of his life, he reached out and found help and hope. In When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs, Jon shares the secrets he’s learned to living a happy life. 2018, Author Academy Elite. Amazon.
The Baby in Mommy's Tummy by Michelle Cole '14
Expecting? Know someone who is? Help big brother or big sister learn about the unborn baby’s growth throughout the pregnancy, bond with their new sibling before the birth, and see God’s creating hand in this illustrated children’s book. 2017, ACTA Publications. Amazon.
Barbed Wire, Windmills, & Sixguins: A book of Trivia, Fact, And Folklore About Westerns & The American West by Donald K. Kirk '70
This illustrated Old West trivia book is a must-have reference for western writers, re-enactors, and diehard fans that love westerns and want to relax in their favorite chair and discover hundreds of interesting lists, fascinating stories, historical events, unusual people, and special places relating to the American West. This book will entertain and educate in the ways of the Wild West and in Hollywood’s interpretation of it. 2010, Sweetwater Stagelines. Lulu.com
Building Your Home: A Simple Guide to Making Good Decisions by Kristina Leigh Wiggins '01
In this smart and witty guide to building a home while keeping your sanity, architect Kristina Leigh Wiggins shares knowledge accumulated from years of experience as a project manager and explains how to stay organized when creating or remodeling your home. 2017, Brown Books Dallas Texas. Amazon.
Church of the Small Things: A Million Little Things That Make Up a Life by Melanie Shankle '93
Is my ordinary, everyday life actually significant? Is it okay to be fulfilled by the simple acts of raising kids, working in an office, and cooking chicken for dinner? Melanie Shankle, New York Times bestselling author and writer at The Big Mama Blog tackles these questions in her fourth book, Church of the Small Things. Easygoing and relatable, she speaks directly to the heart of women of all ages who are longing to find significance and meaning in the normal, sometimes mundane world of driving carpool to soccer practice, attending class on their college campus, cooking meals for their family, or taking care of a sick loved one. 2017, Harper Collins Publishers. Amazon.
Katie Earns Her Ears by Katie Hudson '17
In the book, this young alumna shows all parts of her internship with the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World, from the application to the job to the friendships that she formed. It is designed for people who are interested in doing the internship themselves or for anyone who would like an inside look on what it is like to work at Disney World. 2015, Theme Park Press. Amazon.
Mockingbird Moments by Sharon Brown Keith '85
On Oct. 20, 1992, life for one East Texas family changed forever. Following the devastating sudden death of her father, Sharon Brown Keith embarked on a journey of grief and healing, of acceptance and personal growth and transformation. In this memoir about love, loss and letting go, Keith shares her recollections about growing up and coming of age under the tender and steadfast guidance of her father and her hero. 2017, Dor Ear Publishing Company. Amazon.
The SIMPLE Guide to Public Speaking by Terry Fossum '86
This widely-acclaimed book is PERFECT for those too afraid to stand up in front of three people to professional speakers who want to hone their skills and speak in front of thousands. Not your normal boring how-to book, Terry’s style will keep you engaged and having fun. Great examples throughout show you exactly how to get over your fear, structure your speech and visual aides, and finish with a standing ovation! TerryLFossum.com.
Passion to Move Mountains - the Oxcart Technique by Terry Fossum '86
In this book I try to write just like I would talk if I were sitting right next to you, and give many examples to help you truly implement this in your life. This technique has literally helped me earn millions of dollars, have a successful military career, stay physically fit, and even compete in a TV Reality Show. Once you've mastered the basics, you can apply it to nearly every aspect of your life. I don't want you to just read this and say 'Hey, that was a good book.' I want you to take action that's going to change your life forever. TerryLFossum.com.
Secrets of a Network Marketing Millionaire by Terry Fossum '86
Network Marketing done right can be a dream come true. Having the right information from someone who has experienced both and made over a million dollars in MLM can mean the difference for you. ‘Secrets’ is written as a story that will make you laugh, inspire you, and propel you to success. TerryLFossum.com.
Aggie Spirit 101: Greater Love by Barry W. Bauerschlag '70 (with cover art by Benjamin Knox '90)
"If you have ever visited Aggieland you may have fallen in love with the Aggie Spirit, the unique traditions which promote it, and the Aggie family which embodies it. You might want to better understand the role of their somewhat strange rituals, and access the blessings of their devotion. Aggie Spirit 101: Greater Love is a contribution to this dialogue. In reading, reflection, and discussion discover a clearer path in this pilgrimage toward spiritual maturity and significant service. Develop the deeper joys of shared encouragement, and the blessings of a leadership of integrity and excellence, compassion and accountability, hospitality and hard work, courage and cooperation, loyalty and greater love!" 2016, Xlibris. Amazon.
Unlock Your Ukulele: The Keys to Better Playing and More Fun by Mark S. Wellington (Mark W. Swarthout '80)
"I joined the wonderful world of ukuleles with very little musical knowledge. My new book, Unlock Your Ukulele, provides the keys to the secrets I wish I had at the beginning of my journey. This collection of terms, techniques, and information comes from dozens of workshops I’ve attended and the resources I’ve discovered over the past seven years. Get ready to jump start your own ukulele adventure!" 2016, self-published. The Ukelele Dude.
The Eighth Wonder of the World: The Life of Houston's Iconic Astrodome by Robert C. Trumpbour and Kenneth Womack '90.
This book "tears back the facade and details the Astrodome’s role in transforming Houston as a city while also chronicling the building’s pivotal fifty years in existence and the ongoing debate about its preservation." Co-author Womack is an A&M graduate and also the grandson of Kenneth Zimmerman '34, the structural engineer behind the Astrodome. 2016, University of Nebraska Press.
Innovating Lean Six Sigma by Kristine Nissen Bradley '91
Coauthors Kimberly Watson-Hemphill and Kristine Nissen Bradley '91 draw on two decades of Lean Six Sigma deployments to share strategic tools and success stories. 2016, McGraw Hill. More info at innovatingleansixsigma.com.
Babes in Christ: A Handbook for Motivational Enlightenment by Kimberly Burgess-Taylor '15
A personal account of the author’s experiences from becoming a Christian through her life as she faced searching for a church home, marriage, childbirth, and general life experiences. The chapters reflect her deep, personal experiences and the areas of life which are fundamental for learning and growth. 2007, Red Lead Press. Amazon.
Tree of Justice? by Carroll M. Sinclair '59
Tree of Justice? is a true-to-life story of everyday rural life in 1919 Leon County, Texas; at least until resentment, murder and vengeance intervenes. Travel with the author’s ancestors as the Dorsett family embarks on a week-long wagon trip from Blue Lake in Cherokee County to Leon County as migrant cotton pickers. Meet the Authors cousin, Jim Sinclair, before he is murdered from ambush. Watch the racial tensions surface. 2014, Early Sundown Studio. TreeofJustice.com.
Building Your Home: A Simple Guide to Making Good Decisions by Kristina Leigh Wiggins '01
Architect Kristina Leigh Wiggins shares knowledge accumulated from years of experience as a project manager and explains how to stay organized when creating or remodeling your home. 2017, Brown Books Publishing Group. SimplyKristinaLeigh.com.
Lawyer X: A True Story by Jake Banks '95
True story. A bright, young Texas lawyer determined to make it on his own leaves the DA's Office to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney. Just months later, he finds himself at the center of an international Ecstasy drug trafficking ring. 2016, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Amazon.
Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go?: A Preschooler’s Guide to Losing a Loved One by Lauren Flake '06
This "book gently leads little ones and their parents into meaningful conversations about death, grief, and eternal love. Activities and resources in the included Parents’ Guide reinforce the book’s comforting message of legacy and hope." 2016. Also, Where Did My Sweet Grandpa Go?: A Preschooler's Guide to Losing a Loved One. 2017 For the Love of Dixie LLC.
B!RTHF!T eBook: The Real Deal by Jake Banks '95
BIRTHFIT's first ever eBook, The Real Deal, gets you started on your journey toward becoming BIRTHFIT by introducing you to the four pillars of optimum health to bring a baby into this world, as well as the research behind the BIRTHFIT program. 2015. Birthfit.com
The Old School Advantage by J.N. Whiddon '82
"In his book, J. N. Whiddon teaches readers how to use 15 power words for success to leave a favorable impression and optimize interaction among peers, employees, and everyone in the workplace. He also developed the TOSA curriculum designed for college students ready to embark upon their first careers." Brown Books Publishing Group, http://www.theoldschooladvantage.com
It's Not Your House: How to Simplify Your Own Design-From-Scratch Dream House by Tad G.I. Vaughn '76
"...unless you birth it from a mental mustard seed and follow it throughout realization; this reading might just be the kick start your engine needs to make you free of the rat race and finally fully enjoy paradise at home." 2015, TGIV. Amazon.
Maneuver and Battle in the Mexican Revolution: Rise of the Praetorians by Joe Lee Janssens '86
"The only monograph that holistically addresses military tactics operations, logistics, and strategy during the Mexican Revolution, this book is the first in a series of three." 2015, Self-published. CreateSpace.com.
"No marriage is perfect and many will find defeat and hardships at some point in life... readers will learn how selfishness is the main issue in a relationship and how Jesus Christ is the solution." 2015, WestBowPress. Amazon.
Swinging Faster: Lessons on Love, Communication and Success by Tommy L. Haydon Jr. '02
This autobiography tells how the author overcame his debilitating stroke. "It has lessons on how to use situations to your advantage in business and how you can communicate on a personal level for a stronger friendship or marriage." 2015, Amazon.
Seeds of Empire: Cotton, Slavery, and the Transformation of the Texas Borderlands, 1800-1850 by Andrew J. Torget '00
"The remarkable story of how the cotton revolution of the early 19th century transformed northeastern Mexico into the western edge of the United States, and how the rise and spectacular collapse of the Republic of Texas...proved to be a blueprint for the Confederacy of the 1860s." The University of North Carolina Press. 2015. uncpress.unc.edu
Forks in the Trail: A Conservationist's Trek to the Pinnacles of Natural Resource Leadership by Jack Ward Thomas '57
"When Jack Ward Thomas was named chief of the U.S. Forest Service in 1993, only 12 men had ever known the staggering responsibility, political pressure—and extraordinary opportunities to influence the future of America’s natural resources—that came with the job." Also: Wilderness Journals and Hunting Around the World. Trilogy available at boone-crockett.org.
Communicating User Experience: Applying Local Strategies Research to Digital Media Design by Trudy Milburn '92
"Communicating User Experience includes seven case studies that illustrate the ways in which Local Strategies Research (LSR) can help us better understand diverse user experiences with digital media." Lexington Press, 2015. Amazon.
Stand Up! Speak Out!: The Social Action Curriculum for Building 21st Century Skills by David Sebek '93 (along with Troy Drayton and Joe Bernhart)
This book "is a guide to developing social consciousness in students by blending literary thematic explorations, historical investigations, and 21st-century research and evaluation skills." Prufrock Press. 2015. Amazon.com.
30 Years Through the News/Lens by Mike Probst '81
"Mike Probst has been the editor and publisher of The Rockport Pilot newspaper since 1984...With this book, he captures the highlights of 30 years at the helm. " Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. 2014. Amazon.com.
Chamberology: The Art of Running a Chamber of Commerce by Diane Probst '82
"In Chamberology, an all-in-one guide to maximizing your own and your chamber’s potential, Probst taps into this deep well of enthusiasm to share her insights into the unique functioning and challenges of a chamber of commerce, discussing fifteen key elements for success." Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. 2014. Amazon.com.
Cyber Warfare: A Reference Handbook by Paul J. Springer '97
"This work, like Military Robots and Drones, is designed to provide an overview and introduction to a key form of inter-state conflict in the twenty first century, cyber warfare." Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO. 2015. Amazon.com. Also: America's Captives: Treatment of POWs from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror, Transforming Civil War Prisons: Lincoln, Lieber, and the Politics of Captivity, and Military Robots and Drones: A Reference Handbook.
Squirrely Over Nuts by Angela T. Baron (Angela T. Leone ’94)
A children’s fiction about a squirrel with a peanut allergy? "Find out what she does in this delightful story to help children deal with food allergies." Self published. 2010. Amazon.com. Also: A Tale of Two Squirrels.
My Prayer Chair by Carla McDougal (Carla Ann Williams McDougal '85)
"A living, walking, breathing relationship with Jesus. Encourages the leader to engage in ongoing conversations with God - 7 days, 24 hours per day." RLM Publishing. 2013, Amazon.com . Also: Reflecting Him.
Moroni and the Swastika by David Conley Nelson '00
How some 14,000 Mormons not only survived but thrived in Nazi Germany is a story little known, rarely told, and occasionally rewritten within the confines of the Church’s history." University of Oklahoma Press. 2015, oupress.com.
Three Witnesses: A Painter, A Prisoner, A Peasant by George Custodi '71
"Newly translated Italian war diaries and memoirs; word-for-word accounts presented to the reader in two languages – English and Italian. This is not a history book presentation. It is real life at war." The Design Group Press. ThreeWitnessesBook.com.
God's Workmanship...the new creation in Christ... by Frank E. Lasater, Jr. '74
"Bible based daily devotions, thoughts and meditations on the absolute sovereignty of God - in all things, over all things, and in every aspect of life." WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. 2014. Amazon.com.
The Kerr Construction Company by Larry Lee Farmer '70
"Dalhart McIlhenny is restless after finishing college. With old school values from his rural upbringing in Texas and a chip on his shoulder from being a Marine during the Age of Aquarius, he sets off on a quest." 2014. Wild Rose Press. Also: I Will Be The One. "Following his stint as a Marine during the Vietnam war, James needs something beyond the mundane conformity of his life in Vicksburg, Mississippi." 2015. Wild Rose Press. larryfarmerwrites.com.
Disaster Man-Made by David White '82 & Anton Riecher
"On an October afternoon in 1989, industrial fire expert David White was conducting a safety presentation at a plant in Pasadena, Texas. That presentation was cut short by a tremendous explosion. One mile away, a mushroom cloud rose from a neighboring chemical complex that, moments before, had been responsible for one-third of the world's polyethylene production. The Pasadena explosion is only one of 30 such incidents explored in Disasters Man-Made." Fire World Review, 2011.
Langley Field Tested Tackle by Colby Sorrells '79
"The most extensive work on Langley Corporation fishing tackle ever produced...With over 300 full color, high quality photographs, a rarity and value scale and more, this is the definitive work on the subject." 2014, When available, find at ebay.com. Also: Flyfisher's Guide to the Texas Gulf Coast. "Fishing guide to the Texas Gulf Coast including both flyfishing and light tackle. Detail information covering tackle, locations, places to eat, motels, maps, seasons and hundreds of photographs." Wilderness Adventures Press, Amazon.
Entrepreneurship for Millennials (Vol. 1): Conversations That Take You Beyond the Business Plan by Tamara Bell '86
Are you prepared to profit when the entrepreneurial idea strikes? There’s a lot that goes into being an entrepreneur. Tamara Bell, Ph.D., speaks with seasoned experts who bring their unique knowledge to topics that you need to consider before starting, or in the early stages of, your venture. Two Bells Media, 2014. Amazon.com.
A Raid Too Far: Operation Lam Son 719 and Vietnamization in Laos by James H. Willbanks '69
In February 1971, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam launched an incursion into Laos in an attempt to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and destroy North Vietnamese Army base areas along the border. This book is an in-depth study of the planning, execution, and aftermath of that operation. TAMU Press, 2014. Amazon.
Crowded in the Middle of Nowhere by Dr. Bo Brock '88
"Together, these quick, grin-worthy writings promise a smile a day for months to come. Whether learning to rope a sick calf or learning the ropes at a fancy French restaurant, each essay goes down easy, while also reminding us all how great common life can be." #5 on the Amazon Best Selling Humor List. 2014, Rare Bird Publishing, Amazon.
Bright Side Christmas by Chris Boleman '96
"Bright side Christmas is about feeling great! ... The premise is that people seem to be so happy around Christmas. There is a message of hope and energy in homes all around the world... My point is why not have that type of hope and energy twelve months out of the year?" 2013, Boleman Publishing.
Riding Shotgun: Empowering Students To Lead Change by Sarah Ambrus '08 and Christine Simpson
"Profoundly inspired by students' efforts for change on their own campus, Ambrus and Simpson offer collaborative models, practical tools, and firsthand accounts from students, parents, and teachers." 2012, lulu.com, Amazon.
Stolen Valor : How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of Its Heroes and Its History by Glenna J. Whitley '78 and B. G. Burkett
"The authors expose phony heroes who have become the object of award winning documentaries on national television, liars and fabricators who have become best-selling authors, and others who have based their careers on non-existent Vietnam service." 1998, Verity PR, Amazon.
There's a Bug in my Blossom by J.C. (John C.) Donaho '71
"There’s a Bug in My Blossom is a delightful children’s book about the world’s most overlooked critters—the bugs lurking just beneath our noses." 2014, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Amazon.
Oil and Water: Media Lessons from Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon Disaster by Andrea Miller '90, Shearon Roberts, Victoria LaPoe
"Oil and Water analyzes and compares the media experiences of Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill–two tragedies to hit the Gulf Coast just five years apart. Surveys, content analysis, in-depth interviews are all included." University Press of Mississippi.
Prepare to Defend Yourself... How to Navigate the Healthcare System and Escape with Your Life by Matthew Minson, M.D., (professor at the Health Science Center)
"Dr. Minson explains the healthcare system, especially for patients who may not be nearly as knowledgeable of the ins and outs of medical care. The book covers medical professionals, ambulances, hospital admissions, drugs, the business of medicine, and other topics." 2014, Amazon.
How to Screw Up Your Kids (Blended Families, Blendered Style) by Pamela Fagan Hutchins '89
"Married couples with children divorce 40 percent of the time...The single most explosive and divisive issue in those marriages? Stepparenting." SkipJack Publishing, 2013. Amazon .
Also: What Kind of Loser Indie Publishes, and How Can I Be One, Too? Amazon. Finding Harmony, Amazon. Leaving Annalise, Amazon. Saving Grace, Amazon.
WordPress For Web Developers by Stephanie Leary '00
"Technical guides to building websites with the WordPress software." Apress, 2013. Author's website.
Also: Beginning WordPress. Author's website.
The Antelope in the Living Room: The Real Story of Two People Sharing One Life by Melanie Marino Shankle '93
"In The Antelope in the Living Room, New York Times best-selling author and blogger Melanie Shankle does for marriage what Sparkly Green Earrings did for motherhood—makes us laugh out loud and smile through tears as she shares the holy and the hilarity of that magical and mysterious union called marriage." Tyndale House Publishing, 2014. Amazon.
Pile Driving by Pile Buck by Don C. Warrington '77
"Nearly six years in the making, Pile Driving by Pile Buck is a comprehensive reference book on the history of pile driving and driven piles, the various types of piles, the equipment used to install them, the design of driven pile foundations, the installation of driven piles and the capacity verification of driven piles." Pile Buck International, 2013. Lulu.
Also: Sheet Pile Design By Pile Buck, written by Washington and Harry A. Lindahl. Lulu. The Ten Weeks, Amazon. Soils in Construction, 5th edition, Amazon.
I. Love. You by Drew Chambers IV '13
"What does love mean? Learn what it is and how to experience it like never before!" Chambers publishing, 2014. Website.
The Gospel According to Saint John, an Illuminated Manuscript by James Pepper '88
"James Pepper has made, by hand, an illuminated manuscript of the Gospels, a separate and complete New Testament and several books of the Old Testament." Bowden Group, LLC, 2013. Amazon.
The Story of My Thinking: Expository Writing Activities for 13 Teaching Situations by Dottie Hall (Dorothy Hall Nunnelly '80)
"The Story of My Thinking helps teachers take kids through the various stages of the writing process in a way that breaks down the barrier between "academic" and "creative" writing and helps kids produce vibrant nonfiction with voice and conviction." Heinemann.
Space Nutrition by Lisa Neasbitt (Lisa Ann Stockton '83)
"Food and nutrition are of particular interest, given the obvious commonality with those of us remaining on earth...Beyond food itself, understanding the nutritional requirements for spaceflight presents another challenge." NASA, 2012. NASA.
NSTA Guide to Planning School Science Facilities by Sandra West Moody '90, LaMoine L. Motz, James T. Biehle
"Science-learning spaces are different from general-purpose classrooms. It’s the definitive resource for every K-12 school that seeks safe, effective science space without costly, time-consuming mistakes." National Science Teachers Association, 2007. Website.
War Front to Store Front: Americans Rebuilding Trust And Hope In Nations Under Fire by Paul A. Brinkley '90 & '91
"As the top-ranking official at the U.S. Department of Defense in charge of economic rebuilding, Brinkley and his organization of hundreds of business volunteers struggled against bureaucratic policies to revolutionize foreign aid by leveraging America's strength—its private sector." Book events were held at the Bush Foundation in College Station on Feb. 18, and in Houston on Feb. 19. Two more events will be held in Dallas on Feb. 24-25. Wiley, 2014. Website.
The Cattlemen by Winfield R. “Russ” McAfee '64
"The story of two Davis Mountain cattlemen - Wade and Roy Reid." Davis Mountain Press/Texas Tech University Press, 1989. Website.
Plugger: A History of Wade Fishing the Gulf Coast by Rudy Grigar and Winfield R. “Russ” McAfee '64
"From a pioneer in catch-and-release and a legend in saltwater wade-fishing.Rudy Grigar, one of America’s most notorious characters of saltwater wade-fishing, lends the inimitable voice of experience to these yester yarns of the coastal waters of Texas and Louisiana." Texas Tech University Press, 1997. Amazon.
A Practitioner's Guide To Business Analytics by Randy Barlett '90 & '93
"A Practitioner’s Guide To Business Analytics, is the foremost reference on how to compete on analytics. This book leverages first-hand experience from quants, decision makers, and directors of analytics in the field." McGraw-Hill, 2013. Amazon.
Blessed Adventure, The Beatitudes and the Journey toward God by Dean Duncan '57
"The Beatitudes from Jesus' sermon Mount are built on the basis of living God's way. IUniverse, Inc., Bloomington, 2011. Website.
Windows Azure and ASP.NET MVC Migration by Benjamin Perkins '95
"Discusses different aspects of performance and scalability such as pipeline optimization, process model configuration, caching, minification, and bundling." Wrox E-book , 2013.
Also: Working with NHibernate 3.0, Wrox E-book.
Author of Sound-Rage by Judith T. Krauthamer '84
"The book describes a little known disorder called “misophonia” or hatred of sounds. The book provides compelling evidence that “misophonia” is a developmental, neurological disorder, and presents detailed information on the brain regions implicated in the disorder, particularly the insular cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex." Chalcedony Press, 2013.
New Fun for Old Favorites by Wayne Jacobs '94
"These are games which have all been played or watched since youth. Most of the rules are familiar and easy to share with others. But, when teaching a sport to groups, it is essential to teach the fundamental skills needed for the sport." Lambert Publishing, 2012. Amazon.
Marketing Scales Handbook: A Compilation of Multi-Item Measures (Volume 1) by Gordon Bruner '76
"These are not simplistic survey questions but rather sophisticated scaled measures created by academics and used by all sorts of market researchers (faculty, students, and practitioners)." American Marketing Association, 1992. Amazon.
Also: Marketing Scales Handbook: A Compilation of Multi-Item Measures has volumes from one to seven. Find other volumes at Amazon.
Flying Alligators and Silver Spurs by Chuck Oualline '61
"The dangers, tragedies, and comradeship of the Vietnam War, in a helicopter pilot's own words." Self-published in 2004. Website.
Something from Nothing - Joe B. Foster and the People Who Built Newfield Exploration Company by Joe B. Foster '56
"Inspired by the drive and determination of Joe B. Foster and guided by a bedrock of straightforward business principles, the independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company has grown from a $9 million." Bright Sky Press, 2011. Amazon.
Also: Built From Scratch - The Energy Companies of Tenneco, a Memoir By Some Who Were There. Amazon.
Living Through The Pain by Cathy A. Kurtz '80
"Memoir of Spiritual and Emotional Pain and Empowers Women to Find Solace through Sharing Stories." Healing Heart Publishing, 2014. Author's website.
Giraffes of Technology: The Making of the 21st Century Leader by Hubert Glover '82, Ph.D. and John Curry, MFA
"A CEO-turned-professor’s debut business book advocates a leadership style for the social media age." Creative Space, 2013. Amazon.
Manual of Equine Dentistry by Tom Allen '69
Muleicorn Press, 2003. Capps Manufacturing.
Sea of Mud: The Retreat of the Mexican Army after San Jacinto, an Archeological Investigation by Gregg Dimmick '74
"The history and archeology of the Mexican Army after the battle of San Jacinto." Marketed by Texas A&M University Press; Winner 2007 Publications Award; Winner 2005 Catherine Munson Foster Memorial Award for Literature. Texas State Historical Association, 2006. Texas State Historical Association.
Taylor's Gift by Tara '91 and Todd '91 Storch
"In March 2010, thirteen-year-old Taylor Storch's life was tragically cut short by a skiing accident. With only a few minutes to consider their options, her grieving family made a life-changing decision to donate her organs." #1 on Nook 2014 Finalist for the Books for A Better Life Award. Revell, 2013. Author's website.
Investigating Employee Conduct by Will Hartsfield '73
"The underlying theme of Investigating Employee Conduct is balancing respect for the personal dignity of an employee with the employer's need to investigate employee conduct." West Group, 1988. Legal Solutions.
Scanning the Skies: A History of Tornado Forecasting by Marlene Bradford '98
"Traces the history of today’s tornado warning system, a unique program that integrates federal, state, and local governments." University of Oklahoma Press, 2013. Author page on Amazon .
Also: Texas Tornadoes: The Lone Star State's Deadliest Twisters: "Details Texas tornadoes that have claimed more than ten lives or are historically significant such as achieving a rare F5 rating." Amazon e-book, 2011
PR Writer's Toolbox: Blueprints for Success by Randy Hines '90 and Joe Basso
"The book is both a textbook for college students and a handy resource for PR practitioners." Kendall Hunt, 2013. Website.
Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory: Fifty Years of Monitoring the Atmosphere by Forrest M. Mims III '66
University of Hawaii Press, 2012. Mims, "the Country Scientist," has written more than 60 books, mostly technical tomes on electronics, some in various editions and in two or more languages, with total sales exceeding 7 million copies. That makes him the top-selling Aggie author, as far as we know. He is working on a new memoir. A full list of his books is on his website.
The OSS in Burma: Jungle War Against the Japanese by Dr. Troy J. Sacquety '08
"OSS in Burma analyzes how Detachment 101 of the WWII Office of Strategic Forces evolved from an small organization undertaking minor sabotage operations in 1943 to one capable of leading battalions of guerrillas against the Japanese in Burma by 1945. Detachment 101 was considered by the OSS, the forerunner to the CIA, to be its 'most effective combat tactical force.'" University Press of Kansas, 2013.
Once Upon a War, The Diary of a Waiting Wife by Joan Diehl
Diehl is the wife of Glen L. Diehl '68. "Once Upon a War: The Diary of a Waiting Wife is a heartfelt memoir that relates how the author's family and many others survived separation from loved ones during the Vietnam War. Together, they awaited their husbands' return in Schilling Manor, a residence designated especially for the families, located in Salina, Kansas." Hell Gate Press, 2013.
America's Weather Warriors, 1814-1985 by Dr. Charles C. Bates '53 and John F. Fuller
"America's military weather forecasters have played a crucial role in the success or failure of military operations, such as the Normandy invasion of World War II and the aborted Iranian hostage rescue mission of April, 1980. Here is the story of America's weather warriors and their contribution to military meteorology, as well as to strategy and tactics." Bates served on General Eisenhower's staff in WWII and played a role in making the famous weather forecast that delayed D-Day by 24 hours. TAMU Press, 1986.
"Adventures in the Discomfort Zone" by Tami Cannizzaro '80
"Changing jobs or careers–either due to layoff or on our own–forces us to be uncomfortable. Yes, it’s painful and sometimes unpleasant. The good news is it’s only temporary, and if we press through the 'Discomfort Zone,' we will usually come out just fine on the other side." 2013 ebook. Author's website.
Also by Cannizzaro: Tales of the Terminated, A Humorous Look at Life After a Layoff, Pink Dog Press, 2012.
Out of the Box and Into His Presence by Charles A. Kalkomey '74
"An inspirational collection of devotionals and poetry by Pastor Charles A. Kalkomey penned with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This easy-reading collection will stir your thoughts about who you are in God’s eyes." Website.
Change Agents by Mark Rafail '05 and Brian Tracy
"I started my insurance agency in 2009 and now have one of the top agencies in the country. I was asked to co-author a book about business and insurance with Brian Tracy. It can be found on Amazon and is a 'best seller' as of last year." CelebrityPress, 2013.
A Soldier's General: The Civil War Letters of Major General Lafayette McLaws, edited by John C. Oeffinger '75
"A Soldier's General gathers ninety-five letters written by McLaws to his family between 1858 and 1865. The letters, painstakingly transcribed from McLaws's notoriously poor handwriting, contain a wealth of opinion and information about life and morale in the Confederate army, Civil War-era politics, the Southern press, and the impact of war on the Confederate home front. UNC Press, 2002.
Hip-Hop in Houston: The Origin and Legacy by Maco L. Faniel '02
"He uses personal interviews, vintage images, dynamic lyrics and fresh research to explore Houston’s hip-hop scene." History Press, 2013. Author's website.
Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
Gates is president emeritus of Texas A&M University. His memoir recounts his tenure as Secretary of Defense for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, from the wars abroad to his political battles at home. Random House, 2014. Available from all major booksellers.
1001 Things Everyone Should Know About WWII by Frank E. Vandiver
Vandiver (now deceased) is another former president of Texas A&M. His Amazon author page shows 14 books of military history.
Through the Grief—A Mother’s Journey by Dayton Williams '91
The story of her oldest son’s return from his third tour in Iraq, only to be killed in a hit-and-run accident 83 days later. Half the proceeds go to Marines Helping Marines. Website.
Stephen F. Austin by Gregg Cantrell '79
The definitive bio on one of our state’s founding fathers. Yale University Press, 2001. Amazon.
Passion, Art, Community: Denton, Texas in Word and Image by Karla K. Morton ’86
The 2013 North Texas Book Festival Award winner in the category of adult non-fiction. Morton was the 2010 Texas Poet Laureate. Website.
The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill '99
Moving between late 1990s small-town Texas to pre-World War II Japan and occupied Tokyo, an emotionally engaging literary debut about a grandmother and granddaughter who connect over a beloved lost place and the secrets they both carry. HarperCollins.
Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace by Tracey D. Buchanan '82
A quirky widow, imagined (or real?) ghosts, and a precocious six-year-old boy make unlikely partners in this debut fiction Publisher’s Weekly calls a "…folksy story of a curmudgeonly woman in 1950s Paducah, Ky....Along with the brisk pacing and knotty protagonist, Buchanan adds plenty of homespun details (nasty weather visits Paducah ‘like a disagreeable aunt’). This slice of life is one to savor." Amazon.
The Promise by Katrina M. Gray '04
Love, loss, betrayal, grief, growth. The collection of poetry contained in “The Promise” covers the spectrum of emotion that embodies the human experience. By engaging in the collective conversation, she sets the intention that her words and perspective will bring some small solace and comfort to the reader, create space to heal, and to uncover what it means to be bold in truth. This is the promise Katrina made and kept to her 12-year-old self. Amazon.
Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace by Tracey D. Buchanan '82
A quirky widow, imagined (or real?) ghosts, and a precocious six-year-old boy make unlikely partners in this debut fiction Publisher’s Weekly calls a "…folksy story of a curmudgeonly woman in 1950s Paducah, Ky....Along with the brisk pacing and knotty protagonist, Buchanan adds plenty of homespun details (nasty weather visits Paducah ‘like a disagreeable aunt’). This slice of life is one to savor." Amazon.
Waiting 'Round To Die by Chris Grant ’97
Waiting 'Round To Die is an unflinching look at the ravages of time and the quest for meaning in an otherwise inconsequential existence. A sometime travelogue, mixtape, and recipe book, Waiting 'Round To Die is, at its core, a “coming-of-middle-age” story, which takes readers to the very brink of an existential crisis where all bets are off and the future is no longer guaranteed. Amazon.
The Last Drop by Dan Morgan '73
A water crisis boils in America and New York City is on the brink of anarchy. Governors and Senators rub the President’s nose in the dirt every day for his inadequacies while The Big Guy is more concerned with trying to wriggle his way out of a Chinese noose. The Last Drop is part wry critique of Presidential inadequacy, part political detective story, and part quiet warning for the real shortage of water facing America far sooner than most people in America realize. A looming water crisis and a fight for the last drop of available water could well be the next American Civil War. The leadership challenge might be a little harder to fix. Amazon.
Note: "The Last Drop" was penned in 2015, long before the current water crisis in America and the political crisis with China.
Cloudlands & Darklands by Chip Hill '70
Book # 4 in the CLOUDLAND series. A massive lightning strike has the kids, including Neely’s sister Imani this time, headed to Cloudland. But the trip blows up at the start. They get separated, including to other worlds they didn’t know existed, and face new creatures and the most danger yet in trying to stop the madman behind the lightning. Amazon.
Pogo's Journey for Joy by Mary Bierds '06
Move over Elf on the Shelf, Santa's got some new helpers this year. The first book in the Pigeon Pals series, Pogo's Journey for Joy, follows the adventures of a pigeon pal who has lost his Christmas spirit. Join his friends as they travel around the United States visiting locations in Texas (of course), Florida and even Hawaii to show their friend Pogo how important their jobs are and the significance of the naughty and nice list. Bierd's Publishing.
Downfall by Caleb Ward '22
In a world divided between mercy and judgment; a stone believed to hold the power of creation is discovered by an outcast named Dedecus. Dedecus uses the power to get revenge on Fides village, killing hundreds of people. Then he disappears. Now, it's up to his two friends, Joshua and Namid, to take charge to rebuild what he destroyed. Can a settlement so divided and destroyed ever come back together again? Will the actual God of justice and mercy show his true self and save them? Amazon.
the Chasm by Rebecca Anne Perry '96
The Chasm is a book of poetry about overcoming betrayals. The poetry navigates a process of accepting what happened, processing hurt, finding grace to forgive, learning to trust again and gleaning wisdom from experience. Betrayal doesn't care how much money, influence or confidence you have. Betrayal assaults us all. There's no vaccine that can protect us from it. There’s only one thing to do - face it and move through it. That’s where victory lives. Barnes and Noble
jugular: words of warfare by Rebecca Anne Perry '96
A book about spiritual warfare including battling unforgiveness, bitterness and the temptation to see people as our enemies. This book includes testimonies, teachings and inspiring Bible verses to encourage every believer to continue fighting the good fight. It’s not easy to persevere, but it’s worth it in the end to receive a crown of glory from the One who is All Glorious. Barnes and Noble
Embargo on Hope by Justin Doyle '08
Darynn Mark, an orphan boy who struggles to survive in the slums of the planet Vastire, goes on a journey with clairvoyant crush Fyra Solia and soldierly alien Kaylaa Reesae to discover what caused his heroic father to go mad and start an ill-fated revolution. What they find are secrets that will shake him, and his entire society, to its core. Even gods have secrets. Amazon.
The Ghosts of Fort Loudon by Keith R. Hairell '76
Connie and Bob St. Charles had retired very early thanks to Bob's engineering discoveries. They thought they had built their dream home across the small country road from a lovely pastoral setting. As they slept one night, they were awakened by a blood-curdling scream. Bob dashed outside to find out the cause, and Connie desperately followed. As she ran onto the front porch, however, she saw Bob lying dead in the yard. When the coroner couldn't find a cause of death, but Connie was determined to discover what had really happened in that field across the road, the site of the Cane Creek Massacre in 1760. Barnes & Noble.
Goodbye, Lark Lovejoy by Kris Clink
Newly widowed Lark returns to her hometown and ponders a winemaking career. The last thing she expects is to fall in love with Wyatt Gifford, an injured Army vet with a past of his own to conquer. Coming home may not be the reset she imagined, but it takes her on a journey filled with humor and reconciliation- one that prepares her for a courageous comeback. Note: The author of this novel did not graduate from Texas A&M University, but a character in this novel is a former Corps of Cadets member. Barnes & Noble.
Heart of Gold by Bill King '71
A prominent Houstonian is brutally murdered one night in a manner similar to others recently committed throughout northern Mexico. FBI Special Agent Pete Cortez and HPD homicide detective Jessica Kohoutek are tasked with looking into places a local police homicide investigation probably would not. What they uncover is a conspiracy so sinister it defies belief, even for hardened law enforcement officers like Cortez and Kohoutek. Amazon.
Behind the Mask of COVID-19 for Kids by Aimee Carroll '90
This 27-page illustrated children’s book provides a simple and easy-to-understand explanation of COVID-19. Written in rhyme, children learn practical steps to protect themselves and others from the virus. The book ends on a positive note, thanking doctors and nurses. Amazon.
Return to Cloudland by Chip Hill '70
A brother and sister journey to Cloudland to save its residents from an evil person who has seized power. Alone in this fantasy land, the duo encounters unexpected dangers and fight the malevolent enemy. Hill explores the complex themes of becoming self-empowered, overcoming obstacles, and believing in dreams with perception and understanding. With its bighearted heroes and larger-than-life adventures, readers will find a gratifying mix of traditional fantasy tropes and fresh material. Amazon.
Beyond Cloudland by Chip Hill '70
In this Cloudland installment, Uncle Josh is missing and Robbie and his friend Neely are summoned by the king to help restore order in neighboring Darkland. In this mysterious land of perpetual half-light, they face many dangers lurking in the shadows to rescue Josh and restore order. Young readers will identify with the kids in the book and will find comfort in familiar archetypes, including misunderstood magical creatures. Michael Kelley’s drawings are an absolute delight. Amazon.
Cloudland by Chip Hill '70
Hill’s charming modern-day fairy tale features a pair of twin snowflake brothers and other endearing mythical creatures in a fantasy land called Cloudland. Hill has a charming way of portraying his characters’ dilemma, and his storytelling has both the comic charm and psychological intensity of a traditional fairy tale. The books offer magic and mayhem for older kids and excellent bedtime stories for younger children, making for a fantastic fantasy read. Amazon.
The Venezuelan by Bill King '71
In a daring nighttime raid, a notorious Venezuelan terrorist is broken out of a remote prison compound deep in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. In the months following his escape, strange things begin to happen in Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana...and the United States. Amazon.
Trouble the Water by Rebecca Dwight Bruff '79
Trouble the Water reveals the little-known real-life story of Robert Smalls. Born enslaved before the Civil War, Smalls witnesses great privilege and immense suffering alongside his owner's daughter and the dangerous son of a firebrand secessionist. When he's only twelve, he's put to work in Charleston, where he loads ships and learns to pilot a cotton steamer. When the war erupts and his cotton steamer becomes a confederate warship, Robert attempts a harrowing escape to freedom for himself and the people he loves. Amazon.
Chief of Station: A Cold War Spy Novel by J.D. Narramore '15
Moscow, 1983. An aging CIA officer, a KGB Major on the run and a woman living a double life must work to stop a deadly conspiracy. Amazon.
Lady Colombia by Stacy Christopher Zaghloul '95
Laidy is a young woman living outside Bogota, Colombia. She becomes estranged from her sister, leading her to investigate unanswered questions about her past. To resolve these doubts, she must traverse the world of narco-traffickers, a task she is loath to do. Along the way, she travels to parts of Colombia she has never seen and learns that her family history is much more complicated than she ever imagined. Amazon.
Rowdy: Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen by Chris Mullen '96
An orphaned teenage boy’s fight for survival leads him down the Mississippi and across the old west confronting life and death decisions that force him to stand, regardless of the cost. Fighting for what was right is his code. Living life for others becomes his way. Staring danger in the face is what Rowdy must do if he is truly Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen. Amazon.
The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey '02
Duffy, an old curmudgeon who lives in an assisted living home meets a desperate young woman, Josie, when she climbs through his window. Together, they're going to learn it's never too late- or too early- to change your ways. The Big Finish was named one of Goodreads Top 25 Feel-Good and Escapist Books to Read in Quarantine as seen in USA Today. Amazon.
Rancho Buena Fortuna (Pete Cortez Thrillers) by Bill King '71
Rancho Buena Fortuna is the first book in Bill King’s mystery/thriller series about a fifth-generation Texan whose sense of right and wrong often brings him into conflict with the leadership of his chosen profession. 2019, Bill King. Amazon.
Stepping Off by R.B. Miller '92
Stepping Off recounts 25 years of Middle Eastern wars through the journals of former college sweethearts who became U.S. Marines. 2019, Sydmor Press. Amazon.
Murder Once Removed by S.C. Perkins '93
S.C. Perkins' Murder Once Removed is the captivating first mystery in the Ancestry Detective series, in which Texas genealogist Lucy Lancaster uses her skills to solve murders in both the past and present. 2019, Minotaur Books. Amazon.
A Borrowed Man by Gene Wolfe '53
"E.A. Smithe is a borrowed person. He is a clone who lives on a third-tier shelf in a public library, and his personality is an uploaded recording of a deceased mystery writer." Before his passing in April 2019, Wolfe wrote more than 50 novels and hundreds of short stories. In 1996, he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Fantasy Convention, and in 2007 he was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. See all of Wolfe's books on Amazon.
Spillway by Deborah Jentsch '81
SpillWay is the story of one family’s journey with God in the world of a traumatic brain injury. Along with offering experiences following their son’s brain injury, this true story also offers encouragement to trust God in whatever stormy circumstances the reader finds themselves. 2016, WestBowPress. Amazon.
Angel Thieves by Kathi Appelt '79
In a masterful feat, National Book Award Honoree Kathi Appelt weaves together stories across time, connected by the bayou, an angel, and the universal desire to be free. Appelt has written more than 40 books for children and young adults and won a Newbery Honor Medal, the PEN USA Award and other honors. 2019, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books. Amazon.
Hit the Ground Running by Jeston Texeira '17
Jesse Granger grew up fighting to protect the lives of innocent animals. Someone’s been working tirelessly to destroy Jesse’s wildlife refuge and ruin his good name. Will Jesse be able to overcome this menace and take back his life? 2018, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Amazon.
Starstruck by Brenda Hiatt '81
Nerdy astronomy geek Marsha, M to her few friends, has never been anybody special. M's dream of someday escaping tiny Jewel, Indiana seems impossibly distant until new quarterback Rigel befriends her. Starstruck is the first of many in the "Starstruck" book series. 2013, Dolphin Star Press. Amazon.
Barnabas The Bad-Mannered Bulldog by Chris Gray '09, Cindy Gray '75, and Patrick Gray '14
Barnabas loves helping his family. His "help" comes in the form of barking, tooting, and drooling. Barnabas' family; however, has had enough of his bad manners. 2018, Three Wise Dogs Press. Amazon.
All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells '86
A murderous android discovers itself in All Systems Red, a tense science fiction adventure by Martha Wells that interrogates the roots of consciousness through Artificial Intelligence. Martha Wells ‘86 won the Hugo Award for Best Novella for her work on “All Systems Red”. The Hugo Award the most prestigious award in science fiction and Wells is the first Aggie author to have won a Hugo. 2017, Tor.com. Amazon.
No Motive in Murdoch by Jan Zuehlke '98 and Lara Zuehlke '97
After a sudden rise to the limelight with her bestselling novel, acclaimed New York writer Julia Jarvis just as quickly finds herself in the middle of a mid-life crisis. Now Julia wonders if she can piece together what really happened in Murdoch, Mississippi, the hometown of her late husband, Seth Dixon, decades ago to write her next book—and save her own life. J.L. Bass Books, 2018. Amazon.
The Echo Killing: A Mystery by Christi Daugherty '87
When a murder echoing a fifteen-year-old cold case rocks the Southern town of Savannah, crime reporter Harper McClain risks everything to find the identity of this calculated killer in Christi Daugherty's new novel The Echo Killing, her first adult novel. 2018, Minotour Books. Amazon.
THE LAST SUPPERS by Mandy Mikulencak '88
Set in 1950s Louisiana, Mandy Mikulencak’s novel evokes both "The Help" and "Dead Man Walking" with the story of an unforgettable woman whose quest to provide meaningful meals for death row prisoners leads her into the secrets of her own past. Although it takes place decades ago, THE LAST SUPPERS raises issues that are all-too timely — racism, poverty, capital punishment and prisoners’ rights. 2017, Kensington Publishing Corp. Amazon.
The General and Monaville, Texas by Joe G. Bax '01 (Pen name Keith Hazlewood)
While the strife of the Civil War is over, the conflict in Monaville, Texas, is just beginning--and John Ross Wilhite seems to be in the middle of it all. The General and Monaville, Texas, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Western Fiction. 2009, River Grove Books. Amazon.
Hole in the Day: A Novel by Steven A. Carr '72
Follow the story of two Vietnam veterans, searching for a treasure of epic proportions hidden in the wilderness of Minnesota. The treasure, a fortune in US gold Liberty coins, has been missing since 1868, and rightfully belongs to an Ojibwa tribe, and many have tried to find it over the years. But of those who have tried, all have disappeared. 2016, Outskirts Press. Amazon.com.
Exit Strategy by Lauren Allbright '03
EXIT STRATEGY is the story of a 12-year-old boy trying to discover the formula for being funny in an attempt get his new classmates to like him. 2017, Simon & Schuster. LaurenAllbright.com.
Lies, Art, and Chocolate: Texas Style by Kimberly Burgess-Taylor '15
Hard-working and independent Piper Bates craves three things: being in love, art, and gourmet chocolate. Lies, Art, and Chocolate reveals how the best of intentions can sometimes go awry. The story begins as a conversation over a lunch and chocolate at a café on Austin’s trendy West Sixth Street. Along the way, you will find out that though born and raised city girls, they can both “country with the best of them” even when they visit a honky tonk in Giddings, Texas. 2010, Red Lead Press. Amazon.
Time After Time: Tales of Temporal Dichotomy by Kimberly Burgess-Taylor '15
In her third novel, Kimberly Burgess-Taylor transports you through time and space to remote galaxies where big trouble is brewing. Our heroes Mica and Kix are soldiers with the Coalition of Planets and experience space battles, hand-to-hand combat, collapsing wormholes, and the rise of a destructive race of aliens. With their minds the demolish starships, merely by channeling energy. Their weapons are the cutting edge technology and training which includes: telekinesis, genetic channeling, and divination. 2011, Red Lead Press. Amazon.
Miss Terri of the Roller Derby by Mark S. Wellington (Mark W. Swarthout '80)
"When some skaters are put out of commission by an unknown cause, an acquaintance asks Mike to use his sleuthing skills to resolve the incident and put everyone's minds to rest. He's pulled into the whirling circle of roller derby as he works through the possibilities before finding the answer to the mystery." 2014, self-published. Amazon.
Mystery on Woodward: Dream Cruise Weekend by Mark S. Wellington (Mark W. Swarthout '80)
"Woodward Avenue is a central thoroughfare cutting through the suburbs connecting Detroit with Pontiac. Dream Cruise weekend is a time to revel in the classic cars and hot rods. But Mike's enjoyment of the weekend is interrupted by a puzzling mystery in this novella. Includes a brief description and history of Woodward Avenue." 2012, self-published. Amazon.
The Email Murder by Mark S. Wellington (Mark W. Swarthout '80)
"When a classmate from law school ends up on the wrong side of a murder investigation, Mike and his partners go to work to help find out what really happened. Mike Blackwood lives and works in the Detroit Metropolitan area at some point in the near future. He makes his primary living working disaster recovery for computer technology. He is also a lawyer and a licensed Private Investigator and gets drawn into various mysteries on a regular basis. Set into real locations in Detroit and its suburbs." 2012, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Amazon.
The Soul Mender, Book One of The Soul Mender Trilogy by R.S. Dabney (Robyn S. Dabney Gold '10)
"To avoid becoming the next victim of the Rocky Mountain Murderer, 22-year-old Riley Dale finds herself flung into a parallel universe where good and evil seem to have switched places." 2016, Red Pen Warriors Publishing. Amazon.
Zella: Curses and Conquerorsby Deborah Hall '14
Joseph Daniels stepfather has died and left him over 500 acres of private Colorado mountain property. "Only to find a young girl living on the land, along with hauntings, spirited creatures and love he didn’t know he was searching for." 2016, Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.. Amazon.
Tails of the Apocalypse by Chris Pourteau (James C. Pourteau '89)
"The Walking Dead meets The Incredible Journey in 14 incredible tales of nobility, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love as told by today’s most talented independent authors." $1 from every book sold benefits Pets for Vets . 2015, Hip Phoenix, Auspicious Apparatus Press. Amazon.
Enoch's Vision by Jimmy J. Huffman '64
"Novel depicting Enoch's life and experiences as he travels throughout the universe. In it he explains his book that he wrote before Noah's Flood and how it related to the history of Christianity." 2014, Amazon. Also author of "The Heinrich Prophecy."
Caught in PRISM's Web: A James Alan Spy Thriller by Derek A. Leist '12
"When a young college graduate is swept up in a vast money-laundering ring that reaches from the corridors of Wall Street to the highest levels of the US government, there are few he can trust–and fewer still who want to see him make it out alive." #1 in Financial Thrillers and #2 in Political Thrillers during a Kindle Free Promotion giveaway. 2015, Amazon.
The Sleepy Bear Club by Jennifer Grantham '03
"How to take a nap! Look no further for the perfect bedside companion." 2003, Self published. Lulu.com.
Hearts and Spades: A Madison Rush and Frank Stone Adventure by Mark O. Keen (Jose de Jesus Marroquin '93)
"Set in the Interbellum and with the clouds of WW2 looming on the horizon, Hearts and Spades is an adventure romance that whisks the reader from the lecture halls of Texas A&M on a grand adventure to Berlin, the South Pacific, the Far East, and the impenetrable jungles of the Congo..." Evamaya Publishing House, 2015. Amazon.
The Accidental Texan by Sandra L. Pirtle
"In this first novel, we meet Alexis Archie, who is growing up in a small East Texas town...We follow the story of the Archie family while they try to continue on with their lives... The second book will be published in 2016 and will follow Alexis as she becomes a cadet at Texas A&M." Author, Pirtle, graduated as one of the first women in the U.S. to be licensed as a Merchant Marine Officer. 2015. Amazon.
Leap of Faith: Book One, La Flor Seriesby ML Rodriguez (Maribel L. "Mari" (Perez) Rodriguez '09)
"My forever lasted six years, nine months, and five days. At twenty-five, I was left a widow and pregnant... That is, until the day at the stoplight, when a pair of violet eyes stared back at me. In that moment, lightning hit, changing my world once again." Self-published, 2015. Amazon.
Penny the Palomino Quarter Horse and Her New Shoes by Gary Scogin '01
"Shoes for horses! Why would horses need shoes? What kind of shoes would they be? These are the questions galloping through the mind of Penny the Palomino Quarter Horse." Sarah Book Publishing, 2015. Amazon.
Is Lena Pretty? by Liza Dora (Liza B Crozier '07)
What if our girls formed their personal identities around characteristics like intelligence, bravery, and kindness-instead of around a word like pretty?" Self-published. 2015. Amazon.com.
Roll Over Play Dead by Dan Milton '60
"A physically challenged young man flees his small rural village... they struggle across Siberia and the North Pacific attempting to reach a small Alaskan village on Lake Iliamna. But fate, waiting just around the bend, interrupts their journey." 2015. Self published. Amazon.
The Grimsah Forest by K.L. Beckman (Kerri Allred '15)
"The planet has been decimated. Nations have fallen. Technology has been eradicated. Those who survived have begun rebuilding, but all will be destroyed if evil forces, led by Leibus, win. One girl, unaware of her own power, may determine the fate of the planet and of humanity." The Next Chapter Publishing. 2015, Amazon.com.
I Became A Shadow by Joe Shine '02
"Fourteen-year-old Ren Sharpe’s life ended when she was plucked to become a Shadow: the unstoppable guardian of a F.I.P. (Future Important Person). Posing as a freshman at Texas A&M University four years later, with her F.I.P. under attack, Ren suspects the secret all-foreseeing organization that kidnapped her might have secrets of its own." 2014, Soho Teen.
The Peanut Butter Theory by Maureen Maillet '90
The Peanut Butter Theory gives the reader a peek into the workings of a law firm and the sacrifices these flawed and damaged individuals make for what they perceive to be success. Black Rose Writing. 2014. Amazon.com.
The Long Return by M.S. Renfro (Matthew S. Renfro '15)
The story of a young man, recently returned from being a POW, and his struggle to fit in to society, and find true love again. As he struggles with losing a close friend, he also is heartbroken at finding out his fiance is now married to someone else. Self-published, 2014. Amazon.
Waiting Hearts by Beth Ann (Patalik) Stifflemire '04
"Living with a rare heart condition, Kayla Parker, a 26-year old elementary school teacher, chooses to keep things simple, never yearning for love or the drama that inevitably comes with it...until the charismatic, easy-on-the eyes musician Gabe Sanderson falls into her life." 2014, Waldorf Press, Barnes and Noble.
#hashtagged by Kimberly H. Hix Trant '85
"#hashtagged is a #chilling new #scifi novel about a daughter's journey through her father's past and into a #frighteningfuture." 2014, Tate Publishing, Amazon , Barnes and Noble , www.kimberlyhixtrant.com.
The Adventure of Abby The Androsian Tabby by Sherrie Bain '04
Abby, tabby and her barnyard friends are leading carefree lives on the island of Androsia. All of this changes... They end up embarking on an amazing adventure through the mangrove swamps of Androsia." 2014, self-published via CreateSpace, Amazon.
Camelot Fallen, Book One: Rise by Joshua Darwin '05
"While drawing on classic aspects and influences throughout the Arthurian canon, CAMELOT FALLEN returns the tale to its medieval Christian legacy, full of theology and allegory, telling an epic story of love, faith, despair, and redemption." 2014, Self published. Amazon.
Tracks by K. M. Tolan (married to Victoria Tolan '80)
"Vincent's sister is swept away by a steam locomotive riding rails that vanish along with her. Ten years later he rediscovers those tracks, and heads down them to bring them back." Burst Books, 2014. Amazon.
Return to Middleton Wood: Katherine's Redemption by Keith R. Hairell '76
"Dr. Alan Cramer’s special investigation of the haunted Middleton Wood would end in tragedy. Katherine, possessed by the house, died in a car accident. Decades later, students from Texas A&M continue the original project." 2013, Amazon.
Space in the Heart by Rodney Walther '83
"Former astronaut (and Aggie grad) Garrison Sterling still struggles to deal with the long-ago senseless murder of his wife, while trying to protect the only thing important to him: his wheelchair-bound teenage daughter." Publishers Weekly called it “sweetly uplifting". Redstone Ranch Press, 2013. Amazon.
A Mike Blackwood Mystery (series) by Mark S. Wellington (Mark W. Swarthout '80)
"Dream Cruise weekend is a time to revel in the classic cars and hot rods. But Mike's enjoyment of the weekend is interrupted by a puzzling mystery in this novella." CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012. Amazon.
Miracle Road by Emily March (Geralyn Dawson Williams '79)
"After tragedy strikes his team, college basketball coach Lucca Romano arrives in the haven of Eternity Springs to reassess his life." #13 on the New York Times mass market paperback list in December 2013. Random House, 2013. Website.
Also: Dreamweaver Trail.
Unchained Melody by Rusty Etheredge (Robert Sherrill Etheredge '75)
"A love story between a man and woman (and) a love story between that man and the country that nurtured his family in Texas for 5 generations." Amazon.
Also: Keep It Precious, Amazon.
She Cries by Alexandra Allred '91
"When Kali Jorgenson is left to raise her three daughters alone after her husband is killed in the war in Afghanistan, she moves to Horse Canyon, Utah with the intent of escaping unbearable memories." TWCS PublishingHouse, 2014. Author's website.
Also: Anniversary Killer, Sweetbreath, Roadkill, and six other books. To find a complete list of Allred's books, visit the author's website.
Ransomed Earth: An Eco-Thriller by Lester Coalson '70
"Environmental activists unleash a plan to kidnap prominent Americans and force governments of China, Ecuador and the United States to protect natural resources." Amaris Publishing, 2012. Author's website.
Also: Color of Blood and Sever the Darkness, Author's website.
Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning (Gwendolyn Brown Lucas '91)
The first book in the Texas Nights series. Genre: Fiction – Romantic Comedy, Contemporary.
Carina Press, 2013. Amazon.
Also: Running the Red Light, the second book in the series. Amazon.
Debits and Credits by Lyn (Adlyn) Fraser '73
"The main character, Grace Edna Edge, has a lot of business savvy, but her personal life is a mess. She gets involved in murder when the body of her aunt's best friend is found face down in the stacks of the Austin Public Library." Mainly Murder Press, 2014. Amazon.
Cerveza, Texas by Steve Banister '71
Latest installment of the Tuck Tucker murder series, which takes place in Austin. This installment follows the crew to Willie Nelson's old ranch. Darkstar Books, 2012. Amazon.
Also: The Devil's Due, the first book in the series. Virtual Bookworm, 1999. Amazon. The Saint Charles House, second book in the series, Virtual Bookworm, 2010. Amazon.
The Rise of Aredor by Claire Banschbach '14
Lost in a foreign land and separated from his family, Corin does his best to survive as a slave in the household of a Calorin lord. Tate Publishing and Enterprises, 2013.
Sharing Hailey by Samantha Ann King (Julie Anderson '82)
"Nominated for RT Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award and has been translated into Italian and Hungarian." Carina Press, 2012. Author's website. Book 2 in the series, Waiting for Ty, was released in 2013, and Book 3, Tempting Meredith, comes out in 2014.
Broken Laces by Rodney Walther '83
"Jack 'The Cannon' Kennedy thinks he's living the American Dream. In one horrific instant, he loses his wife. Then his job. Then his hope. And that just leaves Kellen, the young son Jack hardly knows or understands. Desperate to reach Kellen, he turns to baseball, the game he once loved. With Jack, a win-at-all-costs former star pitcher, coaching his son's Little League team, what could possibly go wrong?" Redstone Ranch Press, 2010. Amazon.
Recognition by Marc Moore '88
"The worst possibilities faced by western civilization have come to pass. In the midst of chaos, who will govern, by what rules of law, and to what ends? Civilization requires some state control, but where must the goal of improving the human condition yield to individual rights?" Black Shards Press, 2011
Scandalous Virtue by Brenda Hiatt (Brenda Barber ’81)
Recently premiered at #4 on the New York Times Bestseller combined fiction list (#2 for ebooks in that category) and #12 on the USA Today list as one of four books in Scandalous Brides, a collaborative effort between four veteran romance novelists. Springleaf, 2014. Author's website.
Also: Starstruck, young adult fantasy.
Uninvited by Sophie Jordan (Sharie Kohler '99)
Jordan writes young adult fiction and romance novels. She is a New York Times bestseller, USA Today bestseller and international bestseller. She’s been translated into over 25 languages with a film option in the works. She has written 24 books since 2006 and has four books releasing this year. Jordan is also a published urban fantasy novelist under her real name. Website.
Eurostorm by Payne Harrison '71
Harrison served with the U.S. Army in Europe and is a former newspaper reporter. He has written four previous techno-thrillers as well. Variance Publishing, 2010. Author page on Amazon.
Octiblast by Jacques Carrié '68
"A massive cinematic post-Pynchon’s Gravity’s Rainbow, post-DeLillo’s Underworld type of “literary fantasy” (released as Book 1 of The Octidamned Trilogy) that satirizes Western culture—from politically correct fiction writing to politically correct capitalism to politically correct organized religion to politically correct time travel to politically correct Occupy Wall Street and more." Also by Carrié: Papelitos, The Bridge of Movie Producer Louis King (1981) and Intrepid Visions (1985). Amazon.
The Last of the Warriors: A Rude Awakening by Brawnlyn Blueitt ’13
A fantasy novel of three teens looking to save their world by finding a magical crystal to grant them the power over the evil bent on plunging the world into darkness. outskirtspress.com.
Sadie's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo (Kathleen Miller Y'Barbo-Turner '80)
Via Harvest House Publishers, Book 3 in the The Secret Life of Will Tucker series. "Historical romantic suspense" with "a dash of steampunk." At 52 books and counting, Y'Barbo is the most prolific Aggie fiction author we know of. And at about 1.6 million copies sold, she is tops in number of fiction books sold.
Also by Y'Barbo: ongoing series with Harlequin’s Love Inspired imprint called the Starting Over series. Aggie characters feature prominently in all three of these books: an Aggie veterinarian in Daddy’s Little Matchmakers, an Aggie fireman in Her Holiday Fireman and an Aggie event planner in Their Unexpected Love . Author's website.
The Morrigan's Brood series by Heather Poinsett Dunbar '95 and Christopher Dunbar
Vampires in the mid sixth century. Triscelle Publishing, 2011. Amazon.
Blessing by Deborah (Pigg) Bedford '80
Romance; one of 14 books she has written or co-written that are available on Amazon.
Saving Grace by Pamela Fagan (Hutchins) '89
This novel Won the Writer’s League of Texas Manuscript Competition in the category of romance, and was voted top ghost story by the Houston Writers Guild. SkipJack Publishing, 2012. Amazon.
Hot Texas Son by MRichardson (Mark W. Richardson '84)
Action and adventure written by an Aggie anesthesiologist.
Also by Richardson: Cold Texas Rain. Reckless Marks Publishing, 2010. Amazon.
Reboot by Amy Tintera ’05
“Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas.” HarperTeen, 2013. Amazon. She reports film rights were optioned by Fox and it has sold in eight countries so far.
Impulse by Steven Gould '77
Tor Books, 2013. Gould is best known for Jumper, which was made into a film starring Samuel L. Jackson. Impulse is the third novel in the Jumper series. Jumper, his first novel, won second place in the Locus Poll for best first novel of 1992. It was also on the American Library Association Best Book List and the International Teacher's Association's Recommended Reading List. On his website, Gould proudly notes it was also on the American Library Association's list of most banned books in America for 1990 to 1999. "And considering that it wasn't published until the latter half of 1992, it had to work extra hard," he writes. Amazon.
Emilie and the Sky World by Martha Wells ’86
Forthcoming fantasy from Strange Chemistry Books. She has published 16 novels, by our count, and is probably best known for The Element of Fire and The Death of the Necromancer.
Mind Trace by Holly McCaghren ’08
Sci-fi: “What would you do to possess unlimited knowledge and power?” Createspace, 2012. Amazon.
A Texas Destiny, the Saga Begins by Joe Bax ’01
Winner of the 2013 International Book Award for the category of historical fiction. The prequel to The General and Monaville, Texas, which won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Western Fiction. River Grove Books, 2012. Amazon.
Let It Be by Chad Gayle ’91
A coming of age novel that that explores the human state of loneliness; inspired by the music of the Beatles. Bracket Books, 2013. Amazon.
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