Book Review: Texas Jack by Bart Hopkins

Rating:

Perfect Balance between Realism and Romance

In the grand tradition of Gustave Flaubert, author Bart Hopkins gives his readers Texas Jack, the story of Jack Leonard. Born and raised Texan, Jack grew up in a small town in East Texas then moved to the big city of Houston during his teen years. We follow Jack from his career as a football player in high school, to his years at Texas A&M and then as a responsible adult married to his college sweetheart who bore him a son Jake.

And in one weekend in Houston, Jack’s love for his father and his son collided. From there, we see Jack’s anguish as one could have felt for having the 1980s and the 1990s as their formative years. Author Bart Hopkins, in his lyrical prose captured our hearts, and perhaps, also his own generation with his portrayal of Jack Leonard.

First, I have to disclose that I am from Texas. So, reading this book, I already have an insight on where the author was going. I understood the comments about football, about the farm roads, or little towns that you have never heard of do exist in Texas.

But, I am not originally from Texas. So, like most readers, Bart Hopkins’ little tidbits of information about growing up in the Lone Star State is a delight.

That said, Bart Hopkins gave his readers a perfect balance between realism and romance. Romance – as seen in his description of the back roads in Texas as an example. For realism – the agony and feelings of ambivalence in growing up with an alcholic father.

A great book to read that will make you laugh and even turn philosophical at times. If you are going to read only one book this summer, then it should be TEXAS JACK

This book is rated PG 15 due to situational drama and portrayal of alcoholism. There are no sex scenes in this book.