Joe Holley, a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, will present his latest compilation of short stories, Native Texan, at the Jeff Davis County Library on Saturday, December 14. This free event, sponsored by Friends of the Library, promises to engage attendees with stories told in a witty, conversational style that echoes the late Lonn Taylor but covers a broader range of subjects.
Native Texan is cleverly divided into five parts, beginning with “Texans Who Dropped Out of the History Books (or Were Never There to Begin With).” This section brings to life intriguing figures such as Bigfoot Wallace, Bass Reeves, and Seminole Scouts. The subsequent chapters continue to captivate with titles like “Feuding, Mayhem and Madness,” which includes tales such as “E.E. Townsend, the Young Man in the Big Bend Who Came to No Good End,” “A Brush with Bonnie and Clyde’s Getaway Drivers,” and “Pig Wars,” an account of the perennial struggles with javelinas.
The collection also highlights notable Texan women, such as Mary Austin Holley and “Thorny Rose,” and concludes with a celebration of unique Texas locales. Each chapter, spanning roughly four pages, is designed to be colorful, fast-paced, and both entertaining and educational.
The presentation starts at 11 a.m., and Joe Holley will be available to sign copies of his book, which can be purchased at the event. Light refreshments will be provided. For more details, interested individuals can contact the Jeff Davis County Library at (432) 426-3802. This event offers a perfect weekend activity for anyone eager to dive deeper into the lesser-known tales of Texas’ rich history.
