As close as Larry McMurtry (author of “Lonesome Dove” and “The Last Picture Show”) is probably going to come to an autobiography.

A long essay that starts from pondering German literary critic Walter Benjamin’s essay on storytelling, being read at the Archer City, Texas, Dairy Queen, and spinning out to include his early life on a small Texas ranch, the realities of pioneer and cowboy life; and including along the way McMurty’s beginnings as a reader, book collector, bookseller, and writer. Food for thought for the voracious reader and/or book collector. Recommended.