The Thorny Rose of Texas: An Intimate Portrait of Governor Ann Richards

In this enthusiastic, casual, not-so-intimate biography of Democratic Texas governor Richards, Texas journalist Shropshire and novelist Schaeffer ( Pandora Man ) tell the life story of the gutsy, tart-tongued former junior high school teacher who first won national acclaim at the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta for her caustic comments on George Bush (``Poor George, He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth''). The authors trace the growth of feminist Richards's heterogeneous, loyal following and the honing of the campaign style which won her elections in 1976 as County Commissioner of Travis County and in 1982 as State Treasurer. These were professional outlets for the then wife and mother of four, with her ``enormous energy as an overachiever.'' But Richards is also tritely characterized here as ``a woman on edge,'' who was ``rescued'' from alcoholism by family, friends and counselors in the 1970s. Despite her hardships as a divorced, recovering alcoholic, she won the governorship in 1990. This breezy, mid-career look at her rise offers no revelations and standard journalese. But Richards's fans will enjoy the rah-rahing of the authors, especially since the governor is up for reelection in 1994. Photos not seen by PW. (Sept.)