I think people who read this novel that are not from Texas might think the satire is a bit over the top. It's not. If anything, it's a realistic representation of the state of Texas politics and the character of Texas politicians. No, really. Name any one character in this novel, and you will find a counterpart in the real/surreal world of Texas political history.
It was a hard read for me because the protagonist, Sonny Lamb, is a conservative Republican who stands by his principles, even when those come into conflict with the lunatic fringe majority of the Republican caucus (or the liberal friends he has made). So I kept wanting him to change his beliefs when it came to issues like choice or immigration, while at the same time cheering him for his stand on the environment and land stewardship.
Come for the satire, but stay for the description of the land. My favorite chapter relates a trip that Sonny and his staff make to Barton Springs (that great swimming hole in the middle of Austin). Also, Wright's description of the oil-ravaged land of West Texas (Sonny's district) is beautiful and heartbreaking.
You could do worse that reading this novel if you want to learn about contemporary Texas.

MR. TEXAS by Lawrence Wright, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, offers a penetrating look at Texas politics and at the compromises involved in a marriage. The main character is a rancher, Sonny Lamb, from West Texas who performs a heroic action that draws attention from L.D. Sparks, a cynical and wily political operative. In fact, "when the attorney general, a pious crook, was caught fixing up a girlfriend with a well-paying job with a real estate developer in exchange for settling and damaging lawsuit, L.D. not only managed to quash the whistleblower complaint, he got the AG's wife elected to the Texas Senate." Soon, Sonny is embroiled in this world, splitting his time between the state capital in Austin (where he has been elected to the legislature) and his ranch where he and wife Lola are trying to conceive their first child. Along the way, readers are treated to more of Wright's biting comments about political practice in the Lone Star State; take your pick:

"'Crazy ideas can turn into crazy public policy,' said Wanda [Sonny's aide]. 'History is one long struggle for sanity.'"

"A pro-choice bill has about as much chance in the Texas Legislature as a kangaroo in a hockey rink."

"'And a shitload of new voting restrictions,' said Gilbert. 'When are you guys gonna start believing in democracy?' 'Democracy is fine as long as the right people vote,' said Carl."

Sadly, many of Wright's references are reflected in the actual state politics like media influence: "A common affliction among billionaires is the belief that money equals wisdom. To share his abundant opinions, Mr. Peeples started his own radio station." Or regarding Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to limit local regulation, as also profiled in The Texas Tribune. One idea Wright missed? A chance to showcase the MAGA work from Mothers Against Greg Abbott – thought provoking and clever commercials from a grassroots group. Combining satire and humor with social justice themes, MR. TEXAS appears on The New York Times’ list of 34 Works of Fiction to Read this Fall.

Relevant Links:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/05/texas-fracking-billionaire-brothers-prageru-daily-wire
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/07/texas-republicans-cities-local-control/
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/30/texas-death-star-bill-unconstitutional/
https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/
https://mothersagainstgregabbott.com/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/04/books/new-fiction-fall.html

Sonny Lamb never expected to go into politics. A failing rancher, he is more often considered a punchline by the other residents of his Texas hometown and even his family. When his neighbor's farm catches fire, though, he saves a 10 year old and her horse from a burning burn -- and his actions are captured by the evening news. This prompts an Austin lobbyist to seek Sonny out and encourage him to run in the upcoming election for his district's seat in the state legislature. Although Sonny has never even voted, he decides he can't pass up this opportunity. Life in politics for Sonny is full of surprises, and pitfalls. As Sonny navigates his new life, he faces a series of choices about what kind of politician -- and man -- he wants to be.

This is an insightful examination of modern politics. A fish out of water in some ways and someone who fits right in in others, Sonny offers an interesting perspective to explore the ways that government works and whether it is possible to hold onto one's ideals, and decency, and still succeed.

Highly recommended!

I absolutely adored the opening of Mr. Texas. It was a phenomenal introduction to the main characters and a great setup for the novel. I was then a bit surprised that there was so little of the novel devoted to the campaign, as that section was also a great look at a newcomer enticed into the electoral process. The rest of the novel was solid, but for me it got a bit too much into the political wrangling and lost a bit of the personality in the telling. As a Texas bookseller, I anticipate that we'll definitely sell some copies of this (and the cover is great!).

Mr. Texas is a political satire that takes on Texas politics. At heart, it tackles the ethical dilemma of money = power and how each politician’s need for funds compromises them. “You’re taking an ax to the money tree. You just can’t do that. It’s political hari-kari.” When the book talks money, it’s serious. When it tackles the constant partisanship that’s a given at every level of current government, Wright allows a little humor to creep in. Although needless to say, it’s a very dark humor that always has the ring of truth.
The story focuses on Sonny Lamb, a rancher about to go under. Thanks to some heroics during a fire, a lobbyist sees him as the next state representative for his district. But neither gets what he bargained for.
Imagine Mr. Smith Goes to Austin in today’s political setting if Mr. Smith had a zipper problem. The book also gives us a look at other representatives, their back stories, their ambitions and their pet projects. There’s the Black, Gay Republican. The Hispanic woman fulfilling her mother’s dreams and trying to get a bill passed to fund Planned Parenthood. The House Leader who is bigger than life. In fact, satire often sacrifices character development, but I felt Wright’s characters all had sufficient depth and that ring of truth to them.
While most of the characters are fictional, Wright sneaks in a barb or two at Governor Abbott.
Wright is better known as a nonfiction writer, but he easily makes the transition to fiction. He manages to include a lot of facts without disrupting the storyline. I learned quite a few things, including the whole concept of Dominionism.
My favorite line of the book “History is one long struggle for sanity.”
Make sure to read the Author’s Note which outlines the history of this story and all its iterations.
My thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for an advance copy of this book.