“The Big Thicket Guidebook: Exploring the Backroads and History of Southeast Texas” by Lorraine G. Bonney, 2011
The sheer number of pages suggests its comprehensive interior. Just reading the first half inch taught me that each of the many melting North American glaciers brought a different soil type. Also included are some Civil War stories of harsh winter weather from diaries. Many facets of history, including oil, are touched upon. The book features a long story of Native Americans in the Lower Neches trail.
One reviewer called this three books in one: general history, history of most towns and a roadside description of 15 adventure road tours. I haven’t taken the tours yet, and some things may have changed. However, the vast history explanations are bound to fascinate whether you drive the routes or just read. I’m going to read, then drive and read again while looking at the discussion. The book also has folklore of untrue stories that were too good not to publish. It is not a traditional coffee table book with large photographs, but a sofa book, one you are pleased in a quiet minute to sit down and open on nearly any page and spend 10 minutes or half a day even if only on the road from Honey Island to Rye!
Buy it and drive it and learn about Southeast Texas with the kids.
The Big Thicket Guidebook is 850 pages and costs $29 (cheaper if you shop around)
Review by DJ Kava, ISSUE contributor