The Last Karankawas

The Last Karankawas is a collection of loosely-linked short stories, all set in Texas, most in Galveston. The characters are both longtime Texas residents (if you recognize the Galveston status, BOI, then this is probably a book you will like), some claiming a Karankawa heritage, and recent immigrants. There are old characters and young. Many of the characters are bilingual: some Spanish-speaking and some Tagalog. The characters look back at their pasts and reflect upon the present day of the story, September of 2008, with Hurricane Ike in the Gulf of Mexico.

I enjoyed hearing all the details of this story—UTMB, Bishop's Palace, Broadway Street, the oleanders, live oaks, and more—some of which I was listening to while I was driving past UTMB, past Bishop's Palace, on Broadway Street, seeing oleanders and the newly-planted live oaks to replace those Ike's deluge of salty water killed. I am disappointed I haven't heard more about this book. It's beautifully written.

It was recommended to me by my writing teacher, a Galveston resident, and I thank her for the recommendation.