We are sharing a list of fiction and nonfiction books set in Texas.
Are you interested in learning more about the state of Texas? This list of books set in Texas will help you learn more about the state and the people that live there.
We are continuing our journey through the U.S by reading through the states. So far, we have covered books set in Oklahoma and California. Today’s list is all about the great state of Texas.
Texas is a big state with many books based on or about it. It is the second-largest state in the U.S. The only state larger land mass-wise is Alaska.
There are so many books set in and about Texas that it was hard to narrow it down. Our list contains some of our recent reads about the people, places, history, and weather of Texas.
Several of these books are well known ones, but we like to keep things different and share books that you might not know about. Some of the books one this list are ones you probably won’t see on other lists.
If we missed a book that you think should be added to the list, please leave a comment letting us know. We love finding new books.
Books Set In Texas.
As always these books are all books that we have read and enjoyed.
News of the World by Paulette Jiles. This is a post Civil War Western book set in Texas. It is an interesting, heart warming read that I enjoyed. It took a serious subject and time and drew you into the characters.
The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines is a nonfiction memoir book.
A list of books about Texas and the people who live there doesn’t seem complete without a book about Chip and Joanna Gaines. They have created a hugely popular business based in Waco, Texas.
In many ways, they have changed Waco and people’s perceptions of that part of Texas. The Magnolia Story is a book all about Chip and Joanna Gaines, but it also incorporates much of the life and culture of Waco, Texas, and the surrounding area.
When the Men Were Gone by Majorie Herrera Lewis is a novel, but is based on a true story of a Texas football team during WWII.
If you know anything about Texas than you know that they love their football. This book shares an inspirational story about a small town in Texas during the war and how they kept their love of football alive. I loved this book and have recommended it many times since I read it.
The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill is a historical fiction book with a dual timeline. It is set in 1940s Japan and 1999 Texas.
This is a historical fiction book based on the history of the author’s family. It is about family, tragedy, lost love, friendships, the hardships of leaving everything you know, and so much more.
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center was a recent read for me. A Rom-Com is not my typical read, but I enjoyed this one. It was a fun, clean, romance read. I needed a quick and easy read and this one was perfect.
It is also set in Texas.
Hannah is a professional bodyguard. Jack, a movie star, is back in Texas to spend time with his sick mom. Due to a stalker, Jack needs a bodyguard. Hannah’s company takes the job, and she has to pretend to be his girlfriend in order to protect him.
This book is set in Texas. A good portion of it is set on Jack’s family ranch, so it definitely has a Texas feel.
The author states in the author’s notes that she based the ranch setting on her grandparent’s cattle ranch.
Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson is a nonfiction book that takes you back to the 1900s when over 6,000 people lost their lives when a hurricane hit Galveston, Texas.
Erik Larson takes you on a journey of what led up to the storm, the storm and the people who lived through it, and the devastation that took years to overcome.
The Storm of the Century by Al Roker is an excellent read for anyone interested in science and weather. This book is about the same storm as Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson and honestly I think that Erik Larson did a better job. However, Al Roker’s version is shorter and is a little easier of a read.
I think it would be a great non-fiction book for teens or those who want a little easier of a nonfiction read.
Waco by David Thibodeau. This is another nonfiction book set in Texas.
Do you remember what happened in Waco, Texas in the early 1990s? If you are over forty, you probably do, but if you are under forty, you may have missed this event that dominated the news for weeks.
In April of 1993, the FBI staged a deadly raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. This is the story as told by a survivor. It is a fascinating look into people and what makes them follow someone like David Koresh.
Six Years with the Texas Rangers by James B Gilletts is another great nonfiction book about Texas and the Texas Rangers after they were reorganized years after the Civil War.
If you are a Texan or love Texan history, check this book out because it is well worth reading.
Friday Night Lights by N.G. Bissinger is an interesting nonfiction book that provides a lot of insight into the culture of Texas and football. If you enjoy football and football life, this is a book you will probably enjoy.
A Texas Ranger by N.A. Jennings is a fun memoir about being a Texas Ranger. I think teens would also really enjoy this great book.
Swept Away by Mary Connealy. Need a fun, mindless, clean fiction romance read?
Mary Conneally has a series based in Texas that both Grace and I have read. Book one is Swept Away. Book two is Fired Up. And book three is Stuck Together. These books are predictable and some what cheesy, but are good clean romance type of books.
Catch’em Alive Jack by John Abernathy. John Abernathy had a very interesting life that is definitely worth learning about.
John was a true Western man who was born and raised in Teas. He loved the land and loved to hunt. He even hunted with Theodore Roosevelt on several occasions. Catch ‘Em Alive Jack is Abernathy’s vivid account of his life.
Tickery by Mim Swartz. Did you know that the history of the artificial heart and other medical advancements regarding the heart happened in Texas?
Gracelyn and I haven’t read the book Ticker, but my husband has and he loved it. I don’t think very many people know how influential Texas and Texans were when it comes to the heart and heart surgeries. If you love science and medicine type books, or know someone that does, this is a great book.
Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson. No Texas book list would be complete with The Hank the Cowdog series. These books are for kids, but my teens still read and love them.
Hank the Cowdog has a busy life from fending off coyotes from his ranch, disturbing the cat, and keeping his owners pleased. The first Hank the Cowdog book introduces the reader to Hank and his eventful life on a ranch in Texas. The book creates a goofy picture of ranch life that kids love.
Shadow Riders by Louis L’amour. My father in-law had a huge collection of Louis L’amour books that he gave Gracelyn several years ago. She loves the Louis L’amour collection and this is one of her favorites.
Louis L’amour is able to pack so much into his books. This story is set in Texas and the characters in it are great. It is nothing like the movie that has Tom Selleck in it. The book is better.
The Lone Star Ranger by Zane Grey is another Western book set in the state of Texas. Gracelyn loved this book. The storyline is fascinating. She doesn’t love all Zane Grey books, but this one she really enjoyed this.
Have a book about Texas that you love? Leave a comment letting us know what it is. We would love to hear your favorites.