Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Lone Star Book Blog Tours - The Grand Duke From Boys Ranch by Bill Sarpalius












THE GRAND DUKE FROM BOYS RANCH
EUGENIA AND HUGH M. STEWART '26 SERIES
by
BILL SARPALIUS
foreword by Bill Hobby

  Genre: Memoir / Texana / Politics / Eastern European History
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
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Date of Publication: April 16, 2018
Number of Pages: 336 pages w/50 B&W photos

As a boy in Houston, Bill Sarpalius, his brothers, and their mother lived an itinerant life. Bill dug food out of trashcans, and he and his brothers moved from one school to the next. They squatted in a vacant home while their mother, affectionately called “Honey,” battled alcoholism and suicidal tendencies. In an act of desperation, she handed her three sons over to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch north of Amarillo.

At the time, Bill was thirteen years old and could not read. Life at Boys Ranch had its own set of harrowing challenges, however. He found himself living in fear of some staff and older boys. He became involved in Future Farmers of America and discovered a talent for public speaking. When he graduated, he had a hundred dollars and no place to go. He worked hard, earned a scholarship from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and obtained a college degree. After a brief career as a teacher and in agribusiness, he won a seat in the Texas Senate. Driven by the memory of his suffering mother, he launched the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in an effort to help people struggling with addiction.

Sarpalius later served in the United States Congress. As a Lithuanian American, he took a special interest in that nation’s fight for independence from the Soviet Union. For his efforts, Sarpalius received the highest honor possible to a non-Lithuanian citizen and was named a “Grand Duke.”

The Grand Duke from Boys Ranch is a unique political memoir—the story of a life full of unlikely paths that is at once heartbreaking and inspirational.

PRAISE FOR THE GRAND DUKE FROM BOYS RANCH: 

“The autobiography of Bill Sarpalius reads like a 20 -century version of the American dream – equal parts heartbreak and inspiration, culminating in an unlikely political career capped by three terms in the U.S. Congress.” -- University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs


“The Grand Duke from Boys Ranch is an inspiring tale of perseverance and personal courage.” -- Si Dunn, Lone Star Literary Life

CLICK TO PURCHASE




Bill Sarpalius talks about being a Rodeo Houston Scholar.





BILL SARPALIUS represented the Texas 13th Congressional District from 1989 to 1995, and from 1981 to 1989 he served in the Texas State Senate. He currently is a motivational speaker and serves as CEO of Advantage Associates International. He divides his time between Maryland and Houston, Texas.


MEET THE AUTHOR! 
BARNES & NOBLE, #2665
2:00 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
2415 Soncy Road
Amarillo, TX 79124




CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
8/21/18
Notable Quotable
8/22/18
Review
8/23/18
Excerpt
8/24/18
Video Interview, Part 1
8/25/18
Review
8/26/18
Excerpt
8/27/18
Scrapbook Page
8/28/18
Review
8/29/18
Video Interview, Part 2
8/30/18
Review



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Blue Unicorn Book Review by Sherry Fundin







There’s no place like home…OSM means awesome.He is supposed to be their savior. But how can that be possible? He has no magic.He feels an outsider, he just doesn’t fit in. Does anyone feel a touch of Rudolph in this?The fun, colorful, imaginative illustrations are wonderful, filled with fantastical creatures, both good and bad.Each creature is unique, individual, just like in real life.Is there such a thing as a fish unicorn? If so, imagine the possibilities.Set your imagination free.The Blue Unicorn…reads like old time fairy tales…where life and death choices are made…And …maybe, you will learn why you never see a unicorn.This magical fantasy filled with fun and humor, sadness and happiness, and lessons learned. We are not alone.

Get the book at Amazon.


Unicorn Book Feature - The Third Wish by Deby Adair

Unicorn Book Feature


The Third Wish: Dream's Honor

By Deby Adair

The Third Wish: Dream's Honour (The Unicorns of Wish #3)

An ancient feud and a race for power… who will have the final victory? And what of the unicorns… which destiny will they be keeping?

Can the mighty unicorns conquer the arch enemy who has stalked them throughout time? And is it even possible for Rielle to find her dream?

How will the trusty troupe that Rielle has come to cherish learn to use everything in its power to keep evil from destroying the ultimate prize? Can the brave, loyal band safeguard the secret hidden within the walls of an unyielding icon… and if so, what will be the price to pay for doing so?

In this powerful, touching and thought-provoking book, the fate of each character unwinds to reveal the gripping destiny of Rielle and the company of fascinating characters that become entangled in her adventure!