What doyouthink?
Rate this book
Tales of the Vegas: Or I Was There the Day They Invented Nachos
275 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2023
Ratings&Reviews
Friends&Following
Create a free accountto discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 22, 2024
I loved this autobiography, but I wonder how many readers under a certain age will believe it.
I moved to SE Arkansas farm country in 1969 at the age of 13. Until then I’d lived on military bases where everybody had their specialty and under NO circumstances did you venture outside your specialty. You called in the “expert” in what ever specialty you needed. The same guys who put nuclear bombs on missiles and fired them at the enemy weren’t expected (or allowed) to fix the plumbing or lights. The Nuke guys were expected to call in the “experts” if the toilet wouldn’t flush.
Then I moved to farm country. I was starting the 7th grade. It took me a while to understand that my class mates got out of school early to climb onto a tractor larger than an 18 wheeler. They pulled a complicated piece of equipment call a do-all to prepare the filed for planting. And if something broke, these 7th graders would fix it. And If they couldn’t get back to the shop (every farm had one) they’d walk back to the shop, load up what they needed in a pickup, and drive back to the field. They’d weld up the do-all, or wrench the engine of the tractor.
So, even with Mr. Reaser’s humorous allowance for “how he remembers things,” I have no doubt that most of what he’s writing about is factual. Many of his stories are things I watched my classmates do.
Dad raised a few goats, chickens, hogs, and a horse or two for the girls to ride. I eventually learned a lot of the self-sufficiency Mr. Reaser writes about. But not to the degree he lived it. I’d have been a proud farm hand for him.
I moved to SE Arkansas farm country in 1969 at the age of 13. Until then I’d lived on military bases where everybody had their specialty and under NO circumstances did you venture outside your specialty. You called in the “expert” in what ever specialty you needed. The same guys who put nuclear bombs on missiles and fired them at the enemy weren’t expected (or allowed) to fix the plumbing or lights. The Nuke guys were expected to call in the “experts” if the toilet wouldn’t flush.
Then I moved to farm country. I was starting the 7th grade. It took me a while to understand that my class mates got out of school early to climb onto a tractor larger than an 18 wheeler. They pulled a complicated piece of equipment call a do-all to prepare the filed for planting. And if something broke, these 7th graders would fix it. And If they couldn’t get back to the shop (every farm had one) they’d walk back to the shop, load up what they needed in a pickup, and drive back to the field. They’d weld up the do-all, or wrench the engine of the tractor.
So, even with Mr. Reaser’s humorous allowance for “how he remembers things,” I have no doubt that most of what he’s writing about is factual. Many of his stories are things I watched my classmates do.
Dad raised a few goats, chickens, hogs, and a horse or two for the girls to ride. I eventually learned a lot of the self-sufficiency Mr. Reaser writes about. But not to the degree he lived it. I’d have been a proud farm hand for him.
March 1, 2024
Right from the start of this book, it was clear I was on the brink of a deeply personal and unique adventure set in the core of South Texas. The story guides us through the challenges of taming the wild Corriente cattle, the meetings with the legendary Chupacabras, and battling harsh weather conditions and catastrophic floods. Beyond the action and adventure, the book delves into border disputes, providing an intimate perspective on the conflicts and cooperation that define life on the border.
The author's narrative is, in a word, fantastic. Reaser Jr. captivates us completely with his life experiences and the hurdles he has conquered, skillfully portrayed through his seamless prose. I think this book clearly shows how the human spirit perseveres in the face of difficulties. In summary, it's essential reading for those looking for inspiration, adventure, and a profound bond with the timeless essence of the American West.
The author's narrative is, in a word, fantastic. Reaser Jr. captivates us completely with his life experiences and the hurdles he has conquered, skillfully portrayed through his seamless prose. I think this book clearly shows how the human spirit perseveres in the face of difficulties. In summary, it's essential reading for those looking for inspiration, adventure, and a profound bond with the timeless essence of the American West.
January 12, 2024
First off, I just love the cover!
Scooter Reaser has led an interesting life. The structure of Tales of the Vegas, chronicling his time as a teenager spent running his family ranch in South Texas, is framed as stories to his 5 young grandchildren. They are constantly amazed and amused by his tales of raising cattle, his crop successes and failures, his derring-do, brushes with danger and disaster, all demonstrating his endless initiative and creativity in solving real life problems that they and also the reader can scarcely imagine. His experiences provided a practical education that no doubt contributed to his future success as a trial attorney and now as an author.
This is a fun read and a window on a particular, colorful time in Texas history. Congrats Scooter - you sure can spin a tale.
Scooter Reaser has led an interesting life. The structure of Tales of the Vegas, chronicling his time as a teenager spent running his family ranch in South Texas, is framed as stories to his 5 young grandchildren. They are constantly amazed and amused by his tales of raising cattle, his crop successes and failures, his derring-do, brushes with danger and disaster, all demonstrating his endless initiative and creativity in solving real life problems that they and also the reader can scarcely imagine. His experiences provided a practical education that no doubt contributed to his future success as a trial attorney and now as an author.
This is a fun read and a window on a particular, colorful time in Texas history. Congrats Scooter - you sure can spin a tale.
March 2, 2024
As I started reading Tales of the Vegas, I found myself transported to the rugged and untamed landscape of West Texas along the Texas-Mexico border in the late 1950s. Written with vivid detail and honesty, this book chronicles Scooter’s unexpected journey from the tranquil life of a South Texas teenager to the demanding role of managing his family's vast farms and ranches.
From the first pages, the narrative grips readers with its authenticity. The protagonist’s voice resonates with the innocence and naivety of youth thrust into an adult world filled with challenges and dangers he never could have anticipated. As he navigates the trials of working in this harsh environment, his resilience and determination shine through.
This is a riveting memoir that offers a glimpse into a world unknown for me and because of that I really enjoyed it.
From the first pages, the narrative grips readers with its authenticity. The protagonist’s voice resonates with the innocence and naivety of youth thrust into an adult world filled with challenges and dangers he never could have anticipated. As he navigates the trials of working in this harsh environment, his resilience and determination shine through.
This is a riveting memoir that offers a glimpse into a world unknown for me and because of that I really enjoyed it.
March 1, 2024
This engaging novel set in the late 1950s, West Texas, has one of the greatest adventures that I have ever read. It chronicles the journey of sixteen-year-old Scooter, who transitions from a typical teenager to managing his family's expansive ranches along the Rio Grande. I enjoyed this amazing narrative that captures the essence of ranch life, filled with challenges and navigating natural disasters. I loved a read that can immerse me in the plot and also in the environment it is set in. Its blending of historical events with the protagonist's personal growth journey make this a great read. Scooter's evolution from a young boy to the ranch's respected patron, amidst the backdrop of managing a diverse team and completing high school, forms the core of this story.
Read
March 5, 2024This book is a collection of funny and captivating stories that offer a unique perspective on the one-of-a-kind and much-talked-about city of Las Vegas. The particular note is the book's title story, "I was There the Day They Invented Nachos" which offers a humorous and imaginative look at the origins of this popular snack that has been cooked all around the world. Overall, the book offers an entertaining view of the excitement and eccentricity of not only the unique, fun and lively characters, but also the city of Las Vegas, which I personally find charming from its earliest settlements. I highly recommend this book; it is a must read for lovers of humorous memoirs and adventure stories.
March 20, 2024
What really struck me about "Tales of the Vegas" was how the author captured the essence of West Texas in the 1950s. The way the landscapes are described, Scooter's adventures, and his interactions with other characters made me feel like I was there, experiencing everything firsthand. Additionally, the touch of humor and nostalgia is delightful; I think it adds an extra layer of depth to the story and makes it even more enjoyable. Scooter himself is a fascinating protagonist; his bravery and determination in the face of challenges are admirable. It's a book that captured my imagination from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end, offering a truly unforgettable reading experience that I recommend to adventure enthusiasts!
March 21, 2024
A page-turning novel
Vernon Reaser Jr. wrote “Tales of the Vegas”. An interesting novel with a variety of anecdotes and stories of different but connected cultures.
When Scooter is transferred to West Texas, his quiet life as a teenager is no longer the same in that part of the country. His life turned into an adventure due to the million of things he had done since the day he and his family moved. I was glued to the pages while I was turning the pages.
It's very engaging the way the events are told, it was as if I were inside the plot and witnessing everything. The fusion of cultures is seen along the pages making it an absorbing novel. Its protagonist is a dynamic character who has a bunch of varied tales from the West to share. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
Vernon Reaser Jr. wrote “Tales of the Vegas”. An interesting novel with a variety of anecdotes and stories of different but connected cultures.
When Scooter is transferred to West Texas, his quiet life as a teenager is no longer the same in that part of the country. His life turned into an adventure due to the million of things he had done since the day he and his family moved. I was glued to the pages while I was turning the pages.
It's very engaging the way the events are told, it was as if I were inside the plot and witnessing everything. The fusion of cultures is seen along the pages making it an absorbing novel. Its protagonist is a dynamic character who has a bunch of varied tales from the West to share. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
March 22, 2024
THis book is an amazing work of literature. On every page, I enjoyed the story of sixteen-year-old Scooter and his life story. As I read, I could see the blend of genres and the literary changes in the narrative. This captivating mixture of adventure, humor, and nostalgia kept me reading for hours. The plot centers on the protagonist's life and experiences. This boy is in charge of managing farms and ranches in West Texas. I like the fact that I was immersed into the life of the protagonist and the challenges he encounters. The author has a unique way of describing characters and events, and that made me feel part of the story. I found the book to be quite interesting and will recommend it for sure.
March 1, 2024
Vernon Reaser wrote a book called Tales of the Vegas. I love when authors write about their adventures. This book was something I enjoyed reading. As I looked at the table of contents I was intrigued when I read all the titles. Because of this I wanted to read further. From the start to the end there was talk about adventures as a cowboy, nachos and goats. It's great to hear something simple in his story, specifically nachos. Many people can relate to nachos. Overall, this was a simple story to read with ups and downs to his adventure. I hope people can find something interesting in this body of work.
March 1, 2024
This book is the story of a journey, from the calm South Texas to the wild of West Texas, where the readers will follow Scooter, a young teen who is forced to move and with that, trouble awaits. From mystical creatures that join Scooter along the way, like the Chupacabra or stepping into dangerous borders, this is an adventure story that takes Scooter from a young boy into a better man. I had a lot of fun reading this book! Vernon Reaser, the author, creates beautiful scenery and vivid descriptions where I felt immersed in the desert or felt just like the character! His writing goes above and beyond and I highly recommend it!
March 1, 2024
I loved to read adventure books, and in this book, I found a great journey through the life of Scooter, a teenager managing his family's ranches in West Texas during the late 1950s. The best thing for me is that the book is rich with historical and cultural insights, which immersed me in the challenges of ranch life, from dealing with Corriente cattle to encounters with the Chupacabra. I think this book has a vivid storytelling and detailed depiction of the era and location that transported me to the heart of the Texas-Mexico borderlands. I recognize in this book themes of resilience, leadership, and cultural appreciation, which made me have a deeper connection with the story.
March 15, 2024
Tales of Vegas by Vernon Reaser Jr. is set in the 1950s in Texas, where a young man named Scooter has to get used to a completely new life managing a vast ranch. Detailing his remarkable, sometimes funny and sometimes touching adventures and experiences, this is a feel-good read with dashes of humor. The narrative voice shines clearly throughout the book, giving it a feel of genuineness and immediacy. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy memoir-style writing, slice of life stories and tales about the so-called “Wild West”. I am giving this entertaining book a well-deserved five out of five stars. I hope the author writes more like this.
March 16, 2024
There are stories that you tell, and other that you don´t. That's not the case with Vernon Reaser Jr., who shares his amazing journey from a regular town to the middle of nowhere in times internet and communication where unthinkable.
I like these kind of stories, they remind me how special and different life is for everyone. Vernon's life was not an easy one, being responsible since an early age, definitely a characteristic of the men and women those days.
Overall, a great book destined for the reader who finds amusing family & farm stories, told from a very personal angle. Some are funny and pleasant, other complicated or even traumatic, but that's the point, in my opinion.
I like these kind of stories, they remind me how special and different life is for everyone. Vernon's life was not an easy one, being responsible since an early age, definitely a characteristic of the men and women those days.
Overall, a great book destined for the reader who finds amusing family & farm stories, told from a very personal angle. Some are funny and pleasant, other complicated or even traumatic, but that's the point, in my opinion.
March 20, 2024
When I saw that this book was the number one best seller, I decided to check it out; I am thankful I followed my intuition as it is a real gem from start to finish.
Page after page, the reader can follow a memoir with a lot of authentic experiences, emotions and engaging anecdotes.
Vernon Reaser Jr. is the talented author who literally transported me to each of the story's scenarios because of his storytelling power. The details with which he narrates and describes things made me feel part of the action throughout the reading and I learned more about the late 1950s than I have ever read before.
“Tales of the Vegas” is an exquisite title that I totally enjoyed.
Page after page, the reader can follow a memoir with a lot of authentic experiences, emotions and engaging anecdotes.
Vernon Reaser Jr. is the talented author who literally transported me to each of the story's scenarios because of his storytelling power. The details with which he narrates and describes things made me feel part of the action throughout the reading and I learned more about the late 1950s than I have ever read before.
“Tales of the Vegas” is an exquisite title that I totally enjoyed.
March 21, 2024
Vernon Reaser, Jr is the author and protagonist of this great tale. He includes a picture of himself at the very beginning, which helps us empathize even more with a story written from the bottom of his heart.
The author employs an entertaining writing style, something which is sometimes difficult to achieve when one is telling his or her own life story.
This is the kind of memoir grandparents can read to their grandsons and granddaughters since it is full of adventurous actions, some humorous instances and a final touch of reminiscence or nostalgia and because it allows readers to create pictures in their minds about how life must have been in those days.
The author employs an entertaining writing style, something which is sometimes difficult to achieve when one is telling his or her own life story.
This is the kind of memoir grandparents can read to their grandsons and granddaughters since it is full of adventurous actions, some humorous instances and a final touch of reminiscence or nostalgia and because it allows readers to create pictures in their minds about how life must have been in those days.
March 21, 2024
This book thoroughly entertained my very core. The book is hilarious. The author wrote that you are listening to your grandpa over a bowl of nachos or at a marshmallow campfire. Scooter is a delightful character. He is someone you would like to manage your ranch if you ever have one, and he is respectful, capable, and responsible. The plot is fascinating, and the author wrote striking descriptions of every scene in the book, which made me feel like I was in every conversation he had with all the characters in the book. I have also learned a lot from this book, such as planting crops and raising cattle. I felt like the author has indirectly educated the readers about ranch and farm life.
March 1, 2024
This is the kind of book to read on vacation or weekends because it will take you on a very pleasant journey and adventures. ''Tales of the Vegas'' is a very interesting book, which tells the memories of Scooter, a teenager who has to move to a remote place in the Texas countryside. This book will take you to feel the adventure of living in the countryside, with surprising landscapes and intrepid experiences that will make you feel nostalgic for those times. This is a fresh read, with a very nice description of the spaces that allow you to connect with the story.
March 2, 2024
A great tale that follows Scooter, a boy from South Texas and all the work he does taking care of his family’s ranches in the Texas-Mexico area in the 1950s. What I found interesting was the description of the place and the area and how well the author describes through Scooter experiences, all the challenges he faces and all the lessons he learns in the process.
I also found quite entertaining the fantasy part of the book and the creature he had to deal with. Overall, the book is really entertaining and the author also added a bit of humor; it is a great combination.
I also found quite entertaining the fantasy part of the book and the creature he had to deal with. Overall, the book is really entertaining and the author also added a bit of humor; it is a great combination.
March 18, 2024
I recommend reading this book because it was engaging from beginning to end. The author ahs a way of writing that captivated me from the very first pages.
I think this book has a lot to offer and to teach. The narrative is light, making the reader read without any problems and also making it a quick read.
All in all, this is a book I suggest reading to adults. I liked it.
I think this book has a lot to offer and to teach. The narrative is light, making the reader read without any problems and also making it a quick read.
All in all, this is a book I suggest reading to adults. I liked it.
March 21, 2024
This was a great quick read! We have Scooter recalling his life whenever he's encountered a connection in the today world. We see Scooter essentially grow up through out the novel. I enjoyed reading about how he cares for his workers and his animals. He's lived an adventurous life and that's what he always wanted and recommends to do! I would definitely recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews