Round Rock Reads! : Tweed Scott

Why Great-Grandpa Went to Texas

Linda Sappenfield — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:18:00 GMT

Any discussion of what makes Texans Texans should include David Crockett. Perishing at the Alamo just a few weeks after his arrival, this newcomer martyred himself for Texas independence. However--loyalty and sacrifice aside--Crockett's actions upon leaving Tennessee already signaled his suitability for Texan-hood. Having lost re-election for Congress, Crockett reportedly declared, "You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas."

I don't mean to suggest that contentiousness is the defining Texan characteristic (some would argue), but the desire for re-invention probably is. Many of Tweed Scott's interviews in Texas in Her Own Words note the allure of the second chance. Mike Harris observes, "Even Davy Crockett was looking for a new start" (pg. 15). Paul Andrew Hutton agrees that one of Texas' greatest charms is that "you have the possibility of becoming something new" (pg. 10).

Many of us claim Texas ancestors who required fresh starts--and right away, too--following illegal duels, horse-trading incidents with fatal outcomes, or other such events occurring in more settled areas of the nation. These hurried transplants, along with others chasing adventure or prosperity, would likely have supported Vonceia Reece's judgment that "To be a native Texan means you are adaptable" (pg. 52).

In April, Round Rock Reads! will sponsor three events: a film, a panel discussion/ice cream social, and a book discussion. These features were chosen to portray the history of the Texan identity. Come join us in an exploration of the past, the personalities of the Lone Star State, and a bit of modern controversy. You'll see why the late Marge Mueller, mayor Luckenbach, reflected, "I agree that with opportunity comes the struggle. This is Texas" (pg. 152).

I Confess...

Linda Sappenfield — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:24:00 GMT

...that when up-and-coming Round Rock Public Library staffer Eric T. nominated Texas in Her Own Words for this year's Round Rock Reads! ballot, I joined in the chorus of committee approval, all the while asserting confidently, "Of course, it'll never win." Oh, but I wanted it to! A fourth-generation native Texan, I was obliged to live in other states for many years due to my husband's career. He was the only person who regretted that development more than I. A fifth-generation native, he describes himself as "a Texan of American descent". And now, nearly three years after finally achieving Texas repatriation, we still can't view a bluebonnet or the capitol dome without getting misty.

We claim zero objectivity where Texas is concerned.This was the issue-the assumption that recently transplanted Round Rock folks who cherish their own loyalties wouldn't choose to read a book apparently tailor-made for people like us. As it happens, I was wrong twice. Area residents voted decisively for Texas in Her Own Words, and the book has much to offer anyone who has noticed (and who hasn't?) that Texas is a unique sociological and political phenomenon. Author Tweed Scott collected more than sixty interviews attesting to Texas' vivid, romantic past and continuing influence. We hope you'll pick up a copy at the bookstore-or check out one from the library-and join us in (these words are Kinky Friedman's) "searching for the soul of Texas".

And The Winner Is....

Sarah Samson — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:48:00 GMT

You'll find out if you come to the Round Rock Reads kickoff celebration this Tuesday night at the library! At 7 PM, City Council Member Carlos Salinas will announce the book that we will read as a community in the coming months. Author Tweed Scott will talk to us about what a real Texan is, we'll have yummy snacks, and Barnes & Noble will be there selling all all six of the nominated books. And, we'll give away raffle prizes of the winning book to three lucky people.

See ya there!