Nth Reader: Neglected Texas History Book

A frank, intricate, lovingly crafted criticism of "the sez-you state" by an expat historian who made his own "Alabama Getaway" to Atlanta, GA, to teach at Emory. Tullos weaves an opinionated yet fact-rich yarn on the political and economic stagnation in the state in the past century or so, incorporating many juicy details in a way that elbows you and says, "You won't believe what happened next."

A quick read this book is not. But, as an expat I found Alabama Getaway immensely helpful in reconciling the Alabama I grew up with and the Alabama that exists to the rest of the world. I would recommend it for folks who have the fortitude to read 300 pages about just how fucked up Alabama's political and economic situation truly is.

If nothing else, this book is a well-argued plea for constitutional reform and major changes to the tax structures for the state of Alabama. The slowly growing progressive movement in Alabama may find this book's analysis useful as a handbook of what NOT to do to make truly lasting change in a place that tries its best to stay the very same.