Reading Recommendations: Books, Larry McMurtry

In a prolific life of singular literary achievement, Larry McMurtry has succeeded in a variety of genres: in coming of age novels like The Last Picture Show, in collections of essays like In a Narrow Grave, and in the reinvention of the western on a grand scale in his Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Lonesome Dove. Now, in Books: A Memoir, McMurtry writes about his endless passion for books; as a boy growing up in a largely "bookless" world/ as a young man devouring the vastness of literature with astonishing energy; as a fledging writer and family man; and above all as one of America's most prominent bookmen. He takes us on his journey to becoming an astute, adventurous book scout and collector who would eventually open stores of rare and collectible editions in Georgetown, Houston, and finally, in his previously "bookless" hometown of Archer City, Texas.

In this work of extraordinary charm, grace, and good humor, McMurtry recounts his life as both a reader and a writer, how the countless books he has read worked to form his literary tastes, while giving us a lively look at the eccentrics who collect, sell, and simply lust after rare books. Book: A Memoir is like the best kind of diary, full of McMurtry's wonderful anecdotes, amazing characters, engaging gossip, and shrewd observations about authors, book people, literature, and the author himself. At once chatty, revealing, and deeply satisfying, Book is, like McMurtry erudite, life loving and filled with excellent stories. It is a book to be savored and enjoyed again and again.

And, To The Swift, Classic Triple Crown Horses and Their Race For Glory, Edited by Joe Drape

Horse Racing's Triple Crown is one of the most sought after, demanding and elusive brass rings in all of sport. Since 1919, when Sir Barton became the first three year old to capture the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes in a single year, only ten other horses have duplicated the feat, and not a one since Affirmed in 1978. Its not surprising, then, that the names of the Triple Crown winners have an almost mythical ring to them: Gallant Fox, Whirlaway, War Admiral, Assault, Citation, Count Fleet, Secretariat. But memorable, too, are many of those that fell short, as did Spectacular Bid, Sunday Silence, Alysheba and two recent upstarts who won the hearts of fans everywhere, Funny Cide and Smarty Jones. There have been horses that seemed destined to wear the Triple Crown but didn't, such as Native Dancer, whose late charge in the Kentucky Derby wasn't quite enough, and Barbaro, whose tragic misstep at the Preakness turned into a heartrending drama of courage and hope.

Now, for the first time, the story of the Triple Crown is told in the words of some of horse racing's greatest writers. With classic photos and complete lists of the winners, it is a must-have for racing fans everywhere.

And, you pet lovers out there! Vet Confidential An Insiders Guide to Protecting Your Pet's Health, Louise Murray, D.V.M. - Foreward by Mehmet C. Oz M.D.

Vet Confidential is an honest and vital source that will help pet owners make sure that their cherished pet will live a long, happy and healthy life.

Plus: Tell Me Where It Hurts - A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in my Life as an Animal Surgeon, Dr. Nick Trout.

See you at Rylander!