Teten's collection of essays is like a love story in 57 acts. In writing that is often hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, and almost always bravely sentimental, Teten sets out his love of family, of place, of history, of sports, of the English language itself. It's the unusual memoirist who can seamlessly jump from a 46-year-old exchange of Milk Duds and popcorn to a searing account of a beloved cousin's suicide to a serpentine tribute to the black star of his otherwise all-white high school basketball team. Teten's story-telling may best be appreciated by long-time Austinites, but those who came late to the party won't regret giving him a listen.
A letter from home is the dearest form of communication, so they say. Tudey has written us all personal and newsy notes, lengthy letters and even mesmerizing triabes in this printed pile of memoirs. It is as if he wants us all, family, friends and latecomers to our part of Texas, to hear the important underlying stories of our village, the countryside we share, the community we are making in this city and famous pieces from this state where we live. He wants us not to forget the fascinating personalities that made Austin and his childhood as well as "our" big family so memorable and to remind us that humor, history and sentiment are alive and well in our very large 'hood - Texas. It is as if we are all his children and in case he doesn't get the news all in before he's done, there's a record of his best stuff to pass on to the kids and grandkids, and all the other Texans to be and wannabe. Tudey is not only a unique name but also a unique fellow, full of sweet nostalgia, literary energy and an insight into the world we live in, zip code and county, maiden name and married pedigree, those died and those big on living. We all need to hear from "home" those things that make us happy, reminiscent and to remain close to the many generations of Texas. Like the thrill of getting a letter from home, Tudey is personal in his news of the day, the chatter on the curbs, the lives of the loved ones around us and reporting on things near and most dear to us. From a time when stamps were 2 cents to the 39 cent present, this is a bundle of good letters from home to read and re-read. Very truly yours, he is Tudey.
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