Mr. Texas Audiobook By Lawrence Wright cover art

Mr. Texas

A Novel

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Mr. Texas

By: Lawrence Wright
Narrated by: Steven Weber, Lawrence Wright
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About this listen

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
Family Life Genre Fiction Political Southern United States World Literature Witty Funny
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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

What listeners say about Mr. Texas

Highly rated for:

The Audiobook Presents An Engaging Storyline That Delves Into The Intricate World Of Texas Politics, Exploring Themes Of Corruption, Power Struggles, And Ideological Divides. While The Narrative Is Praised For Its Compelling Characters, Intriguing Plot Twists, And Humorous Elements, Some Criticize The Exaggerated Stereotypes, Predictable Plot Points, And Weak Character Development. The Story Aims To Provide A Thought-provoking Commentary On The Current Political Landscape, But Some Find The Conclusions Unconvincing Or Lacking Nuance. Despite Its Flaws, The Audiobook Offers An Entertaining And Insightful Look Into The Complexities Of Texas Politics.
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A great listen, funny, insightful and well written. The reading was terrific and very comical. I really enjoyed the journey.

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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)!

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As a policy analyst - cheeky and accurate

This was an entertaining dip into life in the Texas capitol. I enjoyed the play on “Texan” tropes mixed with the tumultuous political landscape. I had fun guessing who each legislator represented IRL (even though I know it wasn’t really a 1:1 comparison). A good book for a book club to read.

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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.

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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!

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Mr Texas

Loved!!!
So on target! Described Texas geography to the T!
As a life long Texas I am so proud of this rendition of our GREAT STATE!

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The characters an who they represent.

Voices of the women were not different enough from the men or other women in the story.

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Great txLege fiction

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

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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.

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Just amazing

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

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