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

Texas A&M University Press
Amazon    

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.

WEBSITE   INSTAGRAM    TWITTER

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	Hall Ways Blog
8/22/18	Review	Missus Gonzo
8/23/18	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
8/24/18	Video Interview, Part 1	The Clueless Gent
8/25/18	Review	Max Knight
8/26/18	Excerpt	Texas Book Lover
8/27/18	Scrapbook Page	Reading by Moonlight
8/28/18	Review	Forgotten Winds
8/29/18	Video Interview, Part 2	The Love of a Bibliophile
8/30/18	Review	Kelly Well Read

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Blue Unicorn Book Review by Sherry Fundin

starsA magical fantasy

By Sherry Fundin 

Format: Kindle Edition

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!

Uncaged Book Review - Eclipse of the Beginning by J. L. Hendricks

Uncaged Book Review

Eclipse of the Beginning by J.L. Hendricks

Uncaged Books is a great place to read some good science fiction and fantasy book reviews.  This clean young adult urban fantasy review was written by Cyrene who runs the emag.

You can buy the book at Amazon.

Blue Unicorn Book Review by Elf2060

4.0 out of 5 starsA tale of the metal-horned unicorns

By  Elf2060 

Format: Kindle Edition

“The Blue Unicorn’s Journey to Osm” written by Sybrina Durant and illustrated by Dasguptarts is a lovely children’s story that blends fantasy and a bit of science fiction in a sweet tale. The gentle reminders of the importance of acceptance and maintaining a sense of self worth are artfully woven into this fun adventure tale. The brightly colored illustrations underscore the fantastical creatures that populate the tale while elements of science are slipped in through descriptions of the types of metal horns utilized by various unicorns and fun words such as didgeridoo are woven into the story. The story can be read on multiple levels, from very simple for a young child to an older individual who can appreciate the nuances and inside jokes such as where the ice cubes originate. Those who enjoy the story should make sure to pay attention to the author’s notes at the end which detail accessory items including a coloring book as well as provide an illustration of a unicorn’s parts and a fun activity.

Get the book at Amazon.

Book Discovery - Year 1988 - The DragonBone Chair by Tad Williams

Book Announcement

The Dragon Bone Chair by Tad Williams

I stumbled upon this book in The Fantasy Book Club on Facebook and followed the links to see what I could learn about it.  One of them brought me to a Wikipedia page for the book which has a lot of interesting information.  Check it out.

The Dragonbone Chair is a fantasy novel (written in 1988) by American writer Tad Williams, the first in his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy. The saga follows a young man named Simon as he is caught up in an epic adventure. You can get it at Amazon.

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store - Unicorn Wrist Band

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

Where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns!  Visit now.

Unicorn Wrist Band

What Old Books Are Worth Reading?

Although my love of books mainly spans science fiction and fantasy which were written from the time of Jules Verne (around 1860) on, that doesn't mean I don't have a great appreciation for everything that came before.  In fact, many books today were inspired by legends and fables and even old historic tomes.

Brian Feinblum of Book Marketing Buzz blog has written a fine article presenting the question, "Which Old Books Are Worth Reading?"  I think this article is very much worth reading. It certainly makes you think.

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store - Enamel Unicorn Necklace

Enamel Unicorn Necklace

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

Where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.

  Brought to you by Journey To Osm

 

If you like this post and others on this blog, scroll all the way down to the bottom left of this page and click the FOLLOW button to receive more from Sybrina's Book Blog.

Daily Science Fiction Magazine - Dispell by Preston E. Dennett

Do you like your science Fiction and Fantasy short and sweet?  Subscribe to The Daily Science Fiction Magazine to get a daily story via email.  Here's a sample of fantasy/magic-and-wizardry:

Short Fantasy Story by 

Preston E. Dennett

Dispell

"You need what?" I asked, unsure I'd heard her correctly. I'd done love spells more times than I'd care to say, but a hate spell? A stunningly attractive woman stood before me. She had a rather plain look, but there was something indefinably gorgeous about her.

Finish Reading at 

Visit Preston E. Dennett's Amazon Author Page for more information about his books.

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store - Unicorn Beanie Hat

Unicorn Beanie Hat

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

Where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.

Brought to you by Journey To Osm

If you like this post and others on this blog, scroll all the way down to the bottom left of this page and click the FOLLOW button to receive more from Sybrina's Book Blog.

The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow: Can You Really Dig a Hole to China?

The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow: Can You Really Dig a Hole to China?: Bubba says he can dig a hole to China, but his big sister, Squirt, doesn’t believe it. Bubba digs with a special shovel, and they're b...

Unicorn Books on Pinterest

Unicorn Books On Pinterest

If you love unicorns books, you will find them here!  This board has over 200 Unicorn book pins and it is growing.  Check it out!

Book Announcement - Dragonclaw Dare by Brian Ference and Chris Turner

Book Announcement

Dragonclaw Dare

By Brian Ference and Chris Turner

Sea Dragons. Pirates. Sea Serpents. Wizards.

The Black Claw and Red Claw Island clans are on the brink of war. 

A young islander named Darek risks everything to prove his worth as a sailor. 

Adventure awaits...and the ride of his life.

But there are far deadlier things than pirates on the open sea. Can Darek learn 

to harness the growing power within himself in time?

Dive into this epic fantasy adventure filled with magic, hope, and peril. 

Smell the salt on the wind as dragon and serpent dive below the crystal blue 

waters in this exciting prequel to the Dragon Sea Chronicles…

This is a book I think you'll enjoy and you can read the first 3 chapters for free at Booktrak. 

Enjoy!

You can buy the book at Amazon.

Book Review - The Slaughter Sisters by Greg Alldredge

Sybrina's Review of

The Slaughter Sisters

By Greg Alldredge

Great Story With Lots of Twists and Turns. . .

Author Greg Alldredge kept me guessing throughout his turn-of-the-century supernatural American novel. This story of the three monster-slaying Slaughter Sisters from Yonkers was so well crafted that I sped through it at lightening speed. It definitely left me wanting to read more so I am glad that there are other Brandywine Adventure books to choose from. Count me in as a new fan. Get the book at Amazon.

Book Announcement - The Great Escape From Fairyland by Viktoria Faust

Book Announcement

The Great Escape From Fairyland

By Viktoria Faust

I love fairytale stories.  This one is a fairytale within a fairytale told by the amazing Viktoria Faust.  I say "told" because as I was reading this magical tale, I felt as if someone (maybe a fairy cat) was actually telling me the story of Matilda from Oblivion.  I loved it and I think you will, too.  

There are many books (mainly dark fantasies) by this author available on Amazon but this one is not.  

This is not a dark fantasy.  It is full of light.  You can read the entire story, which was written and translated from Croation by Viktoria, at Fantasist online magazine.  

Blue Unicorn Book Review By L. S. Reading

5 starsI recommend it to readers of fantasy fiction and those who appreciate deeper meaning in the stories they read.

By Laura S Reading 

Format: Kindle Edition

Having an interest both in fanciful creatures having adventures and the search for better lives, I thought this book called to me. It is written on a middle grade level, with some words needing a bit more work to figure out, mainly the very creative names given to the characters. The author does a wonderful job of world building.It is a story of good vs evil, about how circumstances can change the direction of our lives.Not everything is as it seems and many things take their own time to show their true colors.It is a story about ethics and loyalty, about facing fears and making tough choices.Unlike a famous reindeer with a different sort of nose than his herd, Blue's tribe accepts his difference and includes him. Blue, however, chooses to make his difference hold him back, limit his inclusion. In other ways, he is more open to friendships among people not of his breed than are the other unicorns. The story is very good but this book has messages on additional levels.I recommend it to readers of fantasy fiction and those who appreciate deeper meaning in the stories they read.

Blue Unicorn Book Review By Mimi

4.0 out of 5 starsfascinating storyline

By Mimi Jazman 

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

The Blue Unicorns Journey to Osm by Sybrina Durant is a fantasy story intended for reader age 12 to 18. The story revolves around a blue unicorn that is destined to save his tribe but he himself has neither metal horn nor magic. The story is mostly about his journey fulfilling his prophecy, saving his tribe from Magh.The story moves forward very quickly and I like that, the author obviously doesnt waste any time in getting to the point and for Blue to start his journey. The fantasy world that the author created is believable and I like that the author describes MarBryn very thoroughly. The illustration in the book also helps the reader to imagine how the scene portrays and most of the illustrations actually shows what is going to happen in the chapter which I really like. It is kind of a teaser and you cant stop reading once you see the illustrations of the next chapter because you will be wondering what it means.At some point, the book gets too cramped with too many characters but once you get the hang of it, the characters involvement flows much better.I would say that this book is very good for the young teenagers as it has a lot of good moral values in it. On the other hand, the book itself is just simply amazing with the fascinating storyline and quick-witted characters.