HALL WAYS REVIEW: Oh,
the things you learn when you read one of Tui Snider’s books! Sure, readers go
in expecting to learn about the topic at hand, and reading 6 Feet Under
Texas is no exception. Talk about things that make you go “hmmmmmmm.” Readers
are regaled with the stories and backstories and even the urban legends
associated with grave sites found all around the state of Texas. But one of the
delightful aspects of Tui’s books is the unexpected random tidbits one learns. For
example, I learned the correct spelling of “Wookiee” (and I call myself a fan)
as I discovered that the original actor who played Chewbacca is buried in North
Texas. And I learned the word “taphophile,” which, though not recognized in the
dictionary, is a necessary word that defines many people as interested in
cemeteries, funerals, and gravestones. Surely
Merriam-Webster has a synonym…I digress, but I also make a point that even the
smallest mentions in any of Tui’s books can lead readers to want to learn more
and dive in deeper to the topics. And believe me: with Tui’s writing style and bubbly
personality that shines through each tale, your curiosity will be piqued (and
you’ll want to have coffee with Tui).
6 Feet Under Texas is
your guide to being a tombstone tourist. Whether you’re traveling only via Tui’s rich
descriptions, you decide to take a side-trip when out and about, or you plan a
road trip to include any or all of her fifty destinations, the result is going
to be enrichment, pure and simple. Tui carefully researches and enlightens
readers with snapshots in history that put the graves and their occupants in historical
context. What seems odd to the modern eye was the norm, or at least acceptable,
in days of old. (I direct your attention to several aspects of the truly
bizarre story of Anderson McCraw.) Tui digs, she uncovers, and sometimes even
solves mysteries, as was the case for the occupant of the grave marked only “Rope
Walker.” (Side note: included are graves of a rope walker (a one-legged one at
that), a circus clown, and a person crushed by a circus elephant. Lesson? Stay away
from anything circus-related.)
While it may seem that a
book dedicated to visiting graves could be macabre, 6 Feet Under Texas
really isn’t. Of course, some of the stories behind what is resting in those
graves can be macabre, but the book is entertaining and often humorous. I got a
chuckle out of the marker that includes a 4-foot granite replica of a TI-30 calculator
that displays “hELLO” on the screen. It took me right back to junior high when I
learned the trick of typing .07734, and flipping my calculator around to read
that message. I wanted to do it again but alas, all the real calculators we
have in our house are…deceased.
While I absolutely adore
having a print copy of the book, I really wanted to be able to see the fine details
in the photographs. With the photos in black and white (and more likely to blame,
my poor eyesight), I just wasn’t satisfied. I totally get not having full-color
paperbacks; the printing costs would be extraordinary, and those would be
passed on to the consumer, and I wouldn’t want to pay what it would cost.
Happily, the eBook version IS full-color, and it is totally worth buying a
supplemental copy (it’s about the cost of a grande cuppa or free if you
subscribe to KU) to see those photos on the big screen of an iPad or laptop – and
to have the portability of having the whole book on your phone as you go on an
excursion.
Readers are left knowing
that 6 Feet Under Texas is just the first installment in the Cemetery
Tales series. While the current plague has limited the author’s ability to
physically explore, she is happy for readers to send suggestions for fascinating
grave sites to explore and include in round two.
Thank you to the author and
Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing a print copy in exchange for my honest
opinion – the only kind I give.
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9/29/20 |
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Thank you so much for the blog feature and thoughtful review!!! :)
ReplyDeleteRe: Color photos - I know what you mean! I wish I could include more photos, and in color, for the print version, but it would hike up the book price considerably. However, when people purchase the paperback on Amazon, they can also download the ebook for free. (A Kindle reader isn't required to view the ebook.)
You are most welcome. And that's great to know about getting the eBook free with the purchase of a print copy!
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