The memoir is a gritty, often hilarious look at a childhood in a dysfunctional family in a small Texas town. The narrative follows the author's experiences growing up in the 1960s in a family rife with alcoholism, mental illness, and violence. It is a story of resilience and survival, as the author navigates her chaotic home life, the sexual abuse she suffered, and her mother's mental instability, eventually finding solace in literature and writing. Despite the harsh realities it depicts, the book is filled with humor and love, offering a poignant exploration of the bonds of family and the power of storytelling.

"The Path to Power" is a detailed biography of a U.S. president, tracing his life from his birth and upbringing in a poor rural community, through his college years, and onto his early political career. The book explores his personal and professional struggles, his ruthless ambition, and his relentless drive for power. It provides a deep insight into his character, his accomplishments, and the controversial methods he used to achieve his goals.

"North Toward Home" is a memoir that explores the author's journey from his childhood in the South during the 1940s, through his college years in Texas, and finally his time in New York City as a young writer in the 1960s. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the South's racial tensions and the author's struggles with the cultural differences in the North. The author's longing for his Southern roots while grappling with the stark realities of racism and social change forms the central theme of the book.

"The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson" by Robert Caro is the fourth volume in his acclaimed biography of the 36th President of the United States. This book covers the years from 1958 to 1964, including Johnson's ascent to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Caro explores Johnson's struggles to pass civil rights legislation, his relationship with Kennedy's family, and his efforts to establish his own presidential legacy. The book also delves into Johnson's personal life, including his marriage to Lady Bird Johnson and his health issues. Overall, "The Passage of Power" provides a comprehensive and insightful look into one of the most complex and consequential figures in American political history.

"Lit: A Memoir" is a moving and often humorous account of the author's journey through alcoholism, a failed marriage, and a struggle with faith. The author details her descent into alcoholism, her tumultuous relationship with her husband, and her eventual recovery with the help of a spiritual awakening. Throughout the narrative, the author's love for her son and her desire to give him a better life serve as a powerful motivation for her to overcome her struggles and find redemption.

"Travels with Lizbeth" is a memoir that recounts the author's experiences of homelessness alongside his dog, Lizbeth, over a three-year period. The narrative provides a poignant and insightful look into the day-to-day realities and challenges faced by those living on the streets, from scavenging for food to finding safe places to sleep. The author's deep bond with his dog offers a source of comfort and companionship throughout their journey, highlighting themes of loyalty and survival against the backdrop of extreme hardship. The book also critiques societal attitudes towards the homeless, offering a powerful and personal perspective on poverty and disenfranchisement in America.

The book follows the 1988 season of the Permian High School Panthers, a football team in Odessa, Texas. It explores the town's obsession with high school football, the players' experiences and struggles, and the socio-economic, racial, and educational issues that intersect with the sport. The author delves into the pressures and expectations placed on these young athletes by their community and the impact it has on their lives.

"Isaac's Storm" is a gripping narrative that chronicles the devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane, the deadliest natural disaster in American history, through the eyes of Isaac Cline, a senior meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau. The book delves into Cline's personal and professional life, exploring his initial underestimation of the storm's severity and the tragic consequences that followed. It combines meticulous research with vivid storytelling to capture the human drama and the meteorological turmoil of the event, highlighting the limitations of early 20th-century weather forecasting and the impact of human error and hubris on disaster response and preparedness.

"Castaways" is a historical narrative that recounts the experiences of an early Spanish explorer who, along with his crew, shipwrecks off the coast of Florida. Stranded in unknown territory, the survivors must learn to adapt to the harsh environment, interacting with native tribes and navigating through unfamiliar landscapes. The story is a testament to human resilience and the profound impact of cross-cultural encounters during the age of exploration.

"Grant" is a comprehensive biography of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, the book explores Grant's early life, military career, presidency, and post-presidential years. Chernow portrays Grant as a complex and often misunderstood figure, highlighting his military genius and leadership during the Civil War, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and financial ruin later in life. The book also delves into Grant's relationships with his wife, Julia, and political figures such as Abraham Lincoln and William Tecumseh Sherman. Overall, "Grant" offers a detailed and nuanced portrait of one of America's most significant historical figures.

"The Line Becomes a River" is a memoir that delves into the complex and often harsh realities of the U.S.-Mexico border, as experienced by a former Border Patrol agent. The author recounts his personal journey, from his initial idealistic desire to understand border issues to the moral conflicts he faces witnessing the suffering of migrants. Through vivid narratives that blend his own experiences with those of the people he encounters—migrants striving for a better life, and fellow agents caught in the system—the book offers a poignant exploration of the physical and psychological borders that define both the landscape and the human lives involved.

"On Juneteenth" is a memoir by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed that explores the history and significance of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Gordon-Reed reflects on her own experiences growing up in Texas and the ways in which Juneteenth has been celebrated and politicized over time. She also delves into the complex legacy of slavery and racism in America, offering a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of this important holiday and its ongoing relevance.

"Make Your Bed" is a motivational self-help book that emphasizes the importance of small tasks and habits in achieving success. Drawing from his experiences as a Navy SEAL, the author shares valuable lessons on discipline, resilience, and determination. Through practical advice and inspiring anecdotes, the book encourages readers to start their day by making their bed, symbolizing the completion of a task and setting the tone for a productive day ahead. It serves as a reminder that even the simplest actions can have a profound impact on one's life.

"The Raven" is a historical biography that focuses on the life of Sam Houston, a key figure in the history of Texas. The book provides a comprehensive account of Houston's life, from his childhood spent with the Cherokee Indians, his military career, his time as governor of Tennessee, his significant role in the Texas Revolution, to his tenure as the President of the Republic of Texas. The narrative is enriched with personal anecdotes, political intrigue, and detailed descriptions of historical events, offering readers an in-depth understanding of this influential character and the era he lived in.