7 Books that Take Place in the Lone Star State

Here at Night Heron Media, we’re all about Texas pride, so it's no surprise that we love reading books that are based on the place we call home!

Want to immerse yourself in some good ole' Texas lit? Check out these 7 books that take place in Texas!

1. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
Bestselling author and king of southern lit, Cormac McCarthy, weaves a beautiful coming-of-age story about a teenager set out for the border between Texas and Mexico. A mix of funny and fantasy, All the Pretty Horses will appeal to readers of all genres. Can’t get enough Cormac McCarthy? Check out Blood Meridian, which also takes place in Texas.

2. How to Walk Away: A Novel by Katherine Center
A bold novel about heartbreak and romance in the wake of unthinkable tragedy. Maggie survives a horrific accident, and must confront the changing nature of her relationships with her family and fiance. Katherine Center’s How to Walk Away will have you smiling through the tears.

3. Rainwater by Sandra Brown
The perfect mix of romance and historical fiction, Rainwater will sweep readers off their feet. Ella Baron, the story’s headstrong protagonist, runs a boarding house in Dust Bowl Texas until an unexpected guest changes everything. Follow Ella as she navigates these new circumstances in Sandra Brown’s epic novel.

4. News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Historical fiction at its best. Paulette Jiles captures readers with her irresistible prose as she tells the tale of a Civil War soldier and a girl raised by the Kiowa tribe. Captain Kidd must decide whether to return the girl to her unloving aunt and uncle or raise her himself.

Soon to be a major motion picture (starring Tom Hanks)!

5. That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx
A masterpiece set in Texas ranchland, follow the lost Bob Dollar as he learns the nuances of ranch life and the incredible tenacity of its inhabitants. Annie Proulx explores the dynamism of the American West and brings to life a truly unforgettable protagonist.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award!

6. The Gates of the Alamo by Stephen Harrigan
Want to learn more about the most famous event in Texas history? This stunning example of historical fiction will both educate and entertain readers as they witness the siege and fall of the Alamo. Immerse yourself in this iconic piece of history and fall in love with some characters along the way.

7. The Liar’s Club: A Memoir by Mary Karr
Mary Karr invites readers into her quirky and dark childhood in a Texas oil town. At times comic and others unflinchingly blunt, readers will laugh and cry as they encounter the shadowy figures of Karr’s tumultuous upbringing.

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By Sydney Meve, Intern