Lady Bird Johnson book being reviewed

Lady Bird Johnson will be the topic of discussion during the Wharton Book Review Club meeting Monday, Nov. 12 at the Wharton County Historical Museum, 3615 N. Richmond Rd. The review by Sylvia Thompson on "Lady Bird, a Biography of Mrs. Johnson" written by Jan Jarboe Russell will begin at 10 a.m.

The biography offers new respect for the former first lady.

"We remember Lady Bird each time we see roadsides covered with bluebonnets and Thompson hopes we will come to appreciate Lady Bird as a model of an accomplished woman who succeeded in business, politics, beautification projects and family," said member Sammy Lou Franks.

Thompson, who lives in Houston, received her bachelor of arts degree in history and English from Baylor University and taught American history for a number of years at Memorial High School. She has more than 20 years experience as a book reviewer, historical trip narrator and lecturer on Texas and Southern history.

She is a frequent banquet and event speaker and has lectured for Baylor University's women's forum, the University of Texas' Elder Hostel and UT's Winedale Symposium. She is the author of "In Praise of Painted Churches," written for the Texas State Historical Society's heritage magazine. Her first book, "A Tribute to Early Texas," was co-authored with Anita Higman and published by Republic of Texas Press in October 2001.

She has served on the boards of the Texas Association of Museums, Baylor University Women's Association and as chairwoman of both the accessions committee and the guild of the heritage society.

Season memberships are $25. Guests and individual reviews are $5. For more information call Dorothy Hensley, 979-543-5837; Sally Soderquist, 979-532-4936; or Sammy Lou Franks, 979-532-4615.