Literature

Q&A With Author Elizabeth McCracken: “Austin Is a City of Books As Much As Music”

The award-winning writer and UT professor talks about her new novel, 'Bowlaway,' and how teaching and Texas have affected her work.

By Julie Wernersbach

The First Resident of Belken County

When the National Book Critics Circle gave the Austin writer Rolando Hinojosa its lifetime achievement award, it was simply taking note of what many of us had known for years.

By Dagoberto Gilb

Cormac Relief

Will Cormac McCarthy’s films tarnish his literary reputation?

By Christopher Kelly

“Cormac McCarthy” Twitter Account Debunked in Record Time

But “@cormaccmccarthy” still has more than 3,200 followers.

By Jason Cohen

Which Books Have Texas ISDs Banned?

The ACLU's annual report says there are fewer than ever, but such authors as Twain, Hemingway and Salinger still get "challenged" in some ISDs.

By Jason Cohen

Fightin’ Words: Larry McMurtry v. the People of Marfa

The grumpy Texas literary legend rips the Texas art and music mecca in his review of a new book about Elizabeth Taylor, calling Marfa "as bleak a place as you'll find in America." 

By Jason Cohen

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Next Cormac McCarthy

Meet El Paso novelist James Carlos Blake, who writes critically acclaimed literary westerns with lots of violence but few female characters. Sound familiar?

By Jan Reid

Cotton Tale

Long before Lonesome Dove and other cattle-culture classics defined Texas for the world, Hold Autumn in Your Hand—a novel that wasn’t about cowboys or Longhorns—won critical acclaim. With good reason.

By Don Graham

Pup Culture

Thanks to his penchant for classic literature, Wishbone is the new top dog in kids’ entertainment.

By Spike Gillespie

Mercy!

The latest star pupil of the so-called Houston school.

By Mimi Swartz

Basking in It

If the literary novel is dead, then why is Baskerville Publishers in Dallas flourishing?

By Jan Reid

Moving Pictures

By Randy Franklin