Add some Houston pride and love to the bookshelves, coffee tables and reading lists of your favorite people with these 10 great books celebrating Houston’s parks, food, sports, ingenuity, history and entertainment.
We pulled together some of our favorite books about Houston, published in the last decade, which reveal both the history of the city and some of the best that it has to offer today.
10 Books to Add to Your Houston Bookshelf
- The Houstorian Dictionary by James Glassman – The definitive reference book to the Bayou City features an alphabetized list of Houston landmarks, legends, icons, destinations, tastemakers, history and other items that shaped our city. The author founded Houstorian, a group committed to telling the story of Houston, while preserving its cultural and architectural history. Published 2015.
- Cordúa: Foods of the Americas from the Legendary Texas Restaurant Family by Michael Cordúa and David Cordúa with John DeMers – Learn the story of one of Houston’s favorite modern restaurant families as they share signature recipes from Churrascos, Américas, Artista, Amazón Grill, and their own family kitchens. Published 2013.
- 100 Things to Do in Houston Before You Die by A.J. Mistretta – Part of Reedy Press’ 100 Things to Do Before You Die series, this book features a list of Houston activities curated by the city’s own and very much in-the-know Mistretta, senior public relations manager at the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Published 2015.
- Houston’s Hermann Park: A Century of Community by
- Houston, Texas: A Photographic Portrait by Eric Pohl – Photographer Pohl reveals unique perspectives on Houston’s grandeur, historic architecture, entertainment venues, landmarks, and cultural celebrations in the shadow of Houston’s soaring skyline. The most recently published Houston coffee table book, this tome has the most up-to-date depictions of our rapidly evolving skylines and city. Published 2014.
- Goodnight Houston by Jennifer and Kyle Solak – Introduce your youngest set to Houston’s landmarks in this children’s book modeled on the famous Goodnight Moon series. It’s illustrated with vividly glowing illustrations of places the Downtown skyline behind the aquarium ferris wheel, the Rice Hotel, the Children’s Museum of Houston, Minute Maid Park, Houston Zoo and more. Published 2011.
- Houston Astros: Deep in the Heart by Bill Brown – Trace the Astros from the from baseball’s sandlot days, through the birth of the indoor sport at the Astrodome, to the modern state-of-the art experience at Minute Maid Park. Published 2013.
- Houston Small Plates & Sips by Erin Hicks – Prepare room-pleasing appetizers, hors d’oeuvres and small plates designed by Houston’s favorite chefs. The latest entry in Hicks’ Houston Classic Series, the sharp-looking hardcover cookbook features recipes from Houston mainstays like Brasserie 19, Uchi, The Tasting Room, Brooklyn Athletic Club, Liberty Kitchen, Killen’s Steakhouse, Hugo’s and more. Published 2013.
- Houston. It’s Worth It. from Ttweak Design Firm – Compiled before Houston started showing up on lists of top places to live and visit, this thick coffee table book remains a compelling love letter to the city. It’s filled with photos and quotes that celebrate Houston’s grit and glamour and the mix of people that ensure that we remain a city of contrasts. Houston may have more star power now, but the messages still resonate today. Published 2007.
- The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Houston, Third Edition by Teresa Byrne-Dodge and the editors at My Table Magazine – The experts from My Table give the low-down on their favorite Houston restaurants, bakeries, butchers, markets, wine bars, pubs, ice houses, tea shops and more. This latest edition is a few years old, but is still packed with intel on Houston standbys, mainstays and favorites. Published 2013.
