Description
Book SynopsisEver wonder about the origin of the De Leon, Texas, Watermelon Festival? Perhaps its birth had something to do with the original discovery of Texas in 1521. In The NTH Reader, the book that is nothing like your old history book, you'll find the answer to this query alongside many other witty twists Charles Chupp tells of Texas's tales from way back. He serves up a humorous history of the stories historians skipped by poking fun, telling tales, and gently restructuring the truth about the events that led to statehod and beyond.
Trade ReviewRarely does one get to read such a succinct distillation of Texas history. To have the pleasure of reading the truth of our collective history by an author who loves the language and manipulates it in such magnificent ways is truly a spectacular experience. -- Dr. Cecelia Boswell, educational consultant
Chupp is one of the great Texas writers. You wouldn't think it to look at him. He's skinny as a rail and has a zany look in his eyes. But he sees things most Texans don't. Then he gets out his Big Chief tablet and number two pencil and forms sentences that make you sit up and take notice. He strings words together like nobody else and tells stuff everybody talks about, but seldom puts in writing. Chupp's humor is first class. -- Tumbleweed Smith, Part owner of Texas
Charles Chupp, who is an expert watermelon thumper and cantaloupe sniffer, also works wonders with the English language. This book, The NTH Reader, perhaps should be entitled Texas History according to Chupp, as Charles has the wonderful talent of making a dull subject such as Texas history into entertainment. Any school board in the State of Texas would be lucky to have Charles Chupp as a Texas history professor, but I doubt if they would actually hire him for that position, as Texas history as taught by Professor Chupp would no longer be a dull subject. Read his book—you'll see what I mean. -- A. L. (Bud) Lindsey, editor, The Old Sorehead Gazette
Only Texas columnist Charles Chupp would have the chutzpah to challenge Texas history and give it the Chupp twist. If other historians would take their cue, our schools would be loaded with eager history buffs! -- Maggie Mitchell, Editor
Charles Chupp is like a big oak tree. He has been through some droughts, some storms, some wars and a rather mean Depression. Through it all, like the oak, he never strayed far from his roots, firmly anchored in good Texas soil. He doesn't know a lot about anything, but knows a while lot about nothing. Like me, he is still firmly convinced that John Wayne fought at the Alamo. -- Harry Marlin, Author of
Last Train to Blanket and Dirt Roads and Memories
What better way is there than to read history that gets to the point, is not stifled with useless details and is immersed in humor? Some ideas may require a second reading to savor the full meaning. I will admit to also being a historian and I faintly remember most of these happenings. Now I have them clearly in my mind with a much better understanding than when I first read them in Jack Patton's Texas History Movies in 1932. Charles Chuck Chupp, you have furnished us with entertaining continuing education on our great state of Texas. I owe you a bowl of red in appreciation! -- Bill Leftwich, Western Artist and Shade Tree Historian
Somehow we always knew that we weren't getting the full Texas history skinny back in the good old school days, but that omission has been fixed by Writer/Artist/Down-home Philosopher Charles Chupp. It's the little things that count-and Sir Charles has collected 'em and delivers 'em in high style. He shares a bounty of useful (and otherwise) knowledge, unleashing an avalanche of lore in this handy volume. You'll be wiser by far after digesting this humorous cornucopia of wee Texas facts of big and little importance. -- H. V. O'Brien, Publisher, Eastland County Newspapers
Charles Chupp doesn't have a politically correct bone in his body. His skeletal composition is also short on series bones as well. In his The NTH Reader, Charles revisits many of the famous and many of the not-so-famous episodes in Texas history, retelling them in his own unique style, simultaneously entertaining and informing the reader, and probably creating an interest in further reading on the subject at the same time. I heartily recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read. -- Jerry Morgan, Publisher, De Leon Free Press
Charles Chupp puts childhood recollections in short-story form. When you or I reminisce, our talk of bygone days probably is rambling, incomplete. Chupp ties his into neat little packages with a lot of rural Texas atmosphere, and, usually, a punch line. -- George Dolan, Late Columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
