5638. The Cherokee Strip A Tale of an Oklahoma Boyhood, by Marquis James (read 8 Jul 2019) This book was published in 1945 and republished in 1993 with a new foreword. On 24 Jan 1999 I read the author's Pulitzer-prize-winning biography of Sam Houston with much appreciation and since I have a weakness for 'coming-of-age' books decided to read this account of the author's early life. The author was born 29 Aug 1891. His father was a lawyer and participated in the 1893 Run when the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma was opened to settlers. His father gained land near what became Enid (an Oklahoma town known to all crossword folk).. The book tells of the author's life and school times in Enid. When in high school he became obsessed with newspapering and worked for Enid newspapers. I found the book of much interest although the account of some of his experience with writing for newspapers did not interest me as much as it might a journalist. One is surprised at the number of newspapers Enid had--its population in 1900 was 3,444 and in 1910 13,799. The book ends when in his early 20's James leaves Enid. ( )

James' autobiography showing a section of Oklahoma, 1890s to 1910s. Sometimes funny, always interesting, James' book is full of details about life on the high plains and in a small town that grows quickly after the 1890s land rush. Yet it is also challenging because of James' occasional racist language and perceptions of Blacks and Native Americans. None of this surprises, given where he grew up, but it still disappoints. James twice won the Pulitzer for biography. ( )

dfj