Smoke Paperback - 2016

From the publisher

Brazos has frequently and consistently failed in his efforts to take life seriously. Since resigning from his 30 year stint at Texas A&M he has completely given up on that ill-conceived objective. Smoke is his latest effort consistent with the described failure. These stories reflect a self-depreciating brand of humor that highlights his ability to generate or become involved in unique situations. The reader will understand he really had no choice in the brand of humor adopted.

Forest Park is a post-puberty analysis of the hazards of adolescent courtship. In Support of Prohibition illustrates the difficulty of predicting the result of man-versus-woman drinking contests. The First Native American, clearly a landmark scientific effort, proves conclusively the existence of Bigfoot and his uncanny similarities to some elements of humankind.

The title story, Smoke, relates the Confederate side of the battle of Williamsburg and the participation of Brazos' great grandfather in 23 engagements involving Longstreet's Corps under Robert E. Lee. Chivalry and Hello are insights into Louisiana's Cajun cultural events and Texas Hill Country musicians. Laguna Madre is the true story of a self-induced, life-threatening event improbably survived by a stalwart group of fishermen.

The remaining stories are succinctly described by a line from that 60s coffee house staple, "A Horse Named Bill." They involve events that are simply "too fierce to mention."