An immaculate blanket of snowfall, the blessing of an unexpected gift, the miracle of a Heavenly Child-surprises are ingrained into the very nature of the Christmas tradition. Yet, when the overwhelming spirit of the holiday season collides with the chance conflicts of everyday life, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep the true meaning of Christmas in sight. A Dog in the Manger and Other Christmas Stories is a collection of tales that capture the chaos of the yuletide while also portraying the power of Christmas to shepherd souls of all kinds-young, old, hopeful, lost, content, confused-to confront and redefine faith in the face of spiritual adversity. Sure to inspire reflection and retelling, these stories celebrate the miracles of everyday life, showing that strangers can become angels, foes can become good Samaritans, and neighborhoods can become communities of faith. Even the most chaotic incidents bring people closer to themselves, their families, their communities, and to God during the Christmas season.

Jim Simons presents a stirring vision of radical politics and movement law in Austin beginning in the late sixties. We see how historic cases played out within the context of complex personal issues which engender healing and celebration.
Susan Bright, poet, author of 18 books including Breathing Under Water, The Layers of Our Seeing and House of the Mother.
It's a wonderful read, a great outing for the imagination and an invigorating trip back into yesteryear. I took inspiration and frequently experienced deep gratitude for the author's setting all this down so fully and bravely. I laughed. I cried. As they say. But the book's not a downer; it's inspiring, a clear-eyed, tough-minded account, full of life and determination to prevail.
Greg Olds, former editor, The Texas Observer; publisher, the Westlake Picayune; and contributor to countless publications in Texas and elsewhere.