I'll be honest...I bought this book because a friend of mine wrote it. I don't usually buy sports books. I think the only other one I've read is "Seabiscuit". Granted, "Seabsiscuit" was a terrific book. It's just that I tend towards fiction most of the time. That said, this was a really fun book to read. I grew up 20 miles from the UT campus and have never lived more than 90 miles from UT or A&M. Kip's done a great job capturing the spirit of both schools and explaining just why people get so rabid about a football game. There are also some very moving descriptions of the '99 Bonfire disaster and the amazing red, white and blue-out of Kyle Field the first game following 9/11.

If you are a native Texan, buy this book because you'll love reading about all the familiar sights and sounds. If you're not a native Texan, buy this book...maybe you'll understand why we love this place so much. (By the way, the author was born an Okie, but seems to really know what Texas is all about).

I won't be sharing this copy. I'm giving it to my brother who's a sports information director for a local college. But I probably will buy another copy to share. ( )