Mr. Texas

A Novel

By: Lawrence Wright

Narrated by: Steven Weber, Lawrence Wright

AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • From the Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author, a hilarious, sharply drawn send-up of local politics • A novel about a dark-horse candidate who risks his personal happiness for a career in the Texas House of Representatives • "Required reading in these politically turbulent times.”—Susan Orlean, author of On Animals

“A rollicking satire . . ."— Paul Begala, The New York Times Book Review

Sonny Lamb is an affable, if floundering, rancher with the unfortunate habit of becoming a punchline in his Texas hometown. Most recently, to everyone’s headshaking amusement, he bought his own bull at an auction. But when a fire breaks out at a neighbor’s farm, Sonny makes headlines in another way: not waiting for help, he bolts to the farm where his heroic actions make the evening news.

Almost immediately, and seemingly out of nowhere, a handsomely dressed lobbyist from Austin arrives at his ranch door and asks if he’d like to run for his West Texas district’s seat in the state legislature. Though Sonny has zero experience and doesn’t consider himself political at all, the fate of his ranch—and perhaps his marriage to the lovely “cowgirl” Lola—hangs in the balance. With seemingly no other choice, Sonny decides to throw his hat in the ring.

As he navigates life in politics—from running a campaign to negotiating in the capitol—Sonny must learn the ropes, weighing his own ethics and environmental concerns against the pressures of veteran politicians, savvy lobbyists, and his own party. In tracing Sonny’s attempt to balance his marriage and morality with an increasingly volatile professional life, Lawrence Wright has crafted an irresistibly funny and clever roller-coaster ride about one man’s pursuit of goodness in the Lonestar State.

©2023 Lawrence Wright (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A rollicking satire . . . A fiery sample of the chili of Texas politics: equal parts tragedy, comedy and farce . . . The reader has to hold onto the rigging because this bronco spins, bucks, kicks and bites . . . I actually had to put the book down. I was laughing so hard my dog Gus was worried about me . . . As with all good Texas tales, there’s a showdown, but in Wright’s version the lines are as muddy and winding as the Brazos River. In fact, this is not really a morality tale. It’s a character study, cleverly hidden within a raucous, fast-paced, hilarious sendup.”—Paul Begala, The New York Times Book Review

“Hilariously captures the unbridled absurdity that is a session of the Texas Legislature . . . Wright has a perfect feel for Texas landscapes and characters, for dialects and foibles . . . Mr. Texas is billed as a comic novel, and it is undoubtedly funny. But there’s a wistfulness about it, too. Wright leaves open the possibility that a group of politicians—guided by nothing more than good faith and their love of the Lone Star State—might find a way past partisan rancor and cynicism.”—Shawna Seed, Dallas Morning News

“Original and funny . . . Tapping into his prodigious knowledge of and affection for the state of Texas, Wright gives us a novel about politics and people . . . Wonderful characters, Texas-sized helpings of wit and insight, and, believe it or not, a vision of post-partisan redemption.”—Kirkus

Content/storyline

A great listen, funny, insightful and well written. The reading was terrific and very comical. I really enjoyed the journey.

I really wanted to like it

The first half is great - a cynical look at getting elected and a fish out of water. Just know going in it gets preachy after that.

I didn’t expect it to be even-handed, but if you stick with it you will get a lecture on LGBT issues, abortion, guns, and the evils of Dan Patrick. All of the Dems are fun-loving, wise fighters for the little guy, and the Rs are cartoon characters ranging from moronic to corrupt. Legendary author and I am glad he finally got this to print, but he wrote this for his tribe. He had a chance to stay on the path of an equal opportunity send-up of Texas politics and electeds. He just couldn’t help himself.

Anyone in Txlege should read it though. It is like a longer version of the Loco and Dissent calendar, full of inside baseball. Look for Ms. T, Bullock, and some mashup characters. I think Carl is Leach, so that will be fun to debate.

Five gold bars!

Every Texas voter would get a big Kick out of Mr. Texas. The audio version includes the musical numbers at the end. It is my hearty recommendation!

Fabulous Story

I took a chance and bought the audiobook without waiting to read the reviews. I’d seen the author on a show and the book sounded good. The story was absolutely addicting. Perfect narrator pick. There was so much truth in this about how politics really works. I was ready to know. Loved the main character. I guess when that happens it’s a winner.

Great txLege fiction

I would listen to this again. I really enjoy the Texas legislature theme. I wish there were more books like this.

Eye opening

First, the narration was wonderful, especially Big Bob. Then the story - the horse trading, the dirty dealing, the special interests versus the public interest. All tied up with just a few personalities that that you can't help but like. The author's afterword gives a fascinating insight into how this story came to be.

Just amazing

I would love to read more about Sonny, this story can be a great series

Fun listen and a great story

I grew up in Texas and moved away in my 40’s. I was there when Texas was a big Blue state and Ann Richards was Governor. I’ve watched it move from a very centrist (leaning liberal) state that pretty much followed the will of its citizens, to one run by lobbyists, bigots, corporate money, and power hungry greed - turning bright red. This story makes me wistful and hopeful that one day soon government will again start listening to the majority of its citizens and work together for the good of all of them (or at least most)!

Delightful

Wonderful satire. Hope we see more of Sonny. Mr Weber did a fine job, overall, but women’s voices should be done by women.

Funny and Informative

Mr. Texas mixes real and fictional characters to paint a picture of the current Texas legislature. Many laugh out loud moments, while also giving a realistic view into the inner workings of the TX House. Sonny Lamb is the imperfectly perfect candidate, and it’s so easy to root for him even when he’s being a complete dumbass. Cannot recommend enough!