A Rock between Two Rivers: The Fracturing of a Texas Family Ranch

A Rock between Two Rivers is a story about a man coming to terms with the environmental legacy of his family's ranch in Dimmitt County, Texas, and reckoning with the birthright he will leave for the generations who follow. It explores how our attitudes toward water have changed alongside our relationship to the places we call home, and how each pursuit requires more and gives back less.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Trinity University Press,U.S.

A Rock between Two Rivers is a captivating tale that delves into the profound environmental legacy of a family's ranch in Dimmitt County, Texas. It explores the intricate web of relationships between man, land, and the generations that follow. Hugh Fitzsimons, the protagonist, embarked on a mission to expose the local ecological hazards posed by hydraulic fracking, but his journey quickly evolved into a lifelong quest to understand the intricate tapestry of how his family shaped the land inherited from his grandfather, and, more importantly, how the land, in turn, irrevocably transformed the family.

Water serves as the focal point through which Fitzsimons weaves his story. While the discovery of oil in this region fueled its growth, water holds the ultimate power, shaping the very contours of human existence and livelihoods. Agriculture, ranching, oil drilling, and now fracking all rely on water, yet each pursuit demands an ever-increasing supply while offering diminishing returns to the communities they have enriched.

In A Rock between Two Rivers, Fitzsimons grapples with the inheritance he desires for his own children, one that encompasses a deep consideration of the future consequences of our actions towards the land we are born to and the broader threats to our natural resources that loom on the horizon. Through the interweaving of a family narrative rooted in the U.S.-Mexico border and the history of European colonization, Fitzsimons uncovers how our attitudes towards this precious resource have evolved alongside our profound connections to the places we call home.

This book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between human needs and the preservation of our planet's resources. It sheds light on the complex interplay between cultural, historical, and environmental factors that have shaped our relationship with the land and its inhabitants. It serves as a poignant reminder that our actions today have the potential to impact the world for generations to come.

A Rock between Two Rivers is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the intricate connections between humanity, nature, and the legacy we leave behind. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of introspection in navigating the challenges of our time.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 129 x 208 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781595342669