That’s it for me. An editorial page that’s been wimpy since Bezo’s intrusion will now become worthless. I feel sorry for Shipley and beleaguered columnists, but I’m giving up on the billionaire’s house organ.

Mao swam the Yangtze at age 73. Can we expect a similar feat from our own Dear Leader — from the Keys to Cuba? Maybe from the Atlantic to the Pacific via the Panama Canal?

Is there any so-called newspaper more embarrassing than the Austin American-Statesman? One of the most dynamic cities in America has to tolerate a paper whose idea of a Sunday front page is basically a house ad for jeweler Kendra Scott.

Hi Robert,

And thanks. That would be an interesting pick! Dan Patrick might cancel his Chronicle subscription.

Joe

Hi Joe,

I think you’re right about “The Big Rich.” I see Bryan occasionally here in Austin. I need to tell how much I enjoyed his book.

Hi Ken. I need to go back and reread “The Gay Place,” see how well it holds up.

Thanks. I’m looking for newer writers like Steinke and Washington.

Lise, what’s the Steve Harrigan novel about the wife of an astronaut?

Hey Dwight, thanks. Do you know McMurtry’s “Moving On”? Since it’s set mainly in Houston, it’s a worthy alternative to the dusty tropes.

So my Houston Chronicle editorial-page assignment for next week is to list and discuss the 10 essential Texas books for Texans new or native. If that gets to be too daunting, I may switch to the 10 essential Houston books.

Book ideas? (For either category)