The Reunion at Herb's Cafe Paperback – 30 Jan. 2021

I’ve had 40+ years of enjoyment reading Dan’s books and have never been disappointed. I was fortunate enough to have had dinner with he and his beloved June about 15 years ago and he was everything I thought he would be: whip smart, sharp witted, gracious and a lovable smart ass. When I heard of his passing I was terribly saddened that a glorious era had ended. However, my spirits were soon lifted when his daughter Sally revealed in a touching tribute that her daddy had just finished a one more novel before he drew his last breath. The Reunion at Herb’s Cafe didn’t disappoint either! It brought together most all of the important characters in his novels where Herb’s was a mainstay in the setting and narrative, most notably from his early efforts Semi-Tough, Life It’s Ownself, and Baja Oklahoma. The likes of Billy Clyde Puckett, Shake Tiller, T. J. Lambert, Barbara Jane Bookman, Big Ed and Big Barb Bookman, Jaunita Hutchins, Jim Tom Pinch, and all them others showed up to celebrate the reopening of their beloved old haunt Herb’s, which was rescued by Tommy Earl Bruner. After Herb’s death, his widow sold the place to a couple of “rainbows” who tried to open up a trendy joint with food you couldn’t identify or pronounce and it disastrous failure in good ole Fort Worth. Luckily, Tommy Earl had recently “taken rich” when oil was discovered on his land and he used some of the money to buy the place back and bring it back to it’s former glory. You get an update on the more mature lives of the characters and you get introduced to a few new ones. As Dan always managed to do, he gave a surprising ending that is hilarious. It is vintage Dan Jenkins and nostalgic to the end. Sadly, it is the end of an era but at least we were treated with one more terrific read. RIP Dan. You will always be a Texas treasure.

All of Dan's great characters get back together for a Reunion, that is both humorous and nostalgic. It will remind you of all the hilarious episodes in Semi-Tough, Life Its Ownself and Baja Oklahoma. Dan Jenkins is an institution. Be sure to read this one - you will not be disappointed.

Dan Jenkins was a great writer with a Southern touch and wording that is going to missed in this world.

A final assemblage of all the characters that frequented Herb’s Cafe. The book was published after Dan Jenkins had passed and, while it lacked the irreverent bite of his earlier works, it was still vintage. So long, Dan. Thank you for countless hours of reading enjoyment.

Classic Jenkins, it is great to reconnect with Billy Clyde and the gang!!