Lone Star Lore and Untold Grit: The Which Way Tree Named July Book of the Month

CAMERON, TX — As summer temperatures climb across Milam County, readers seeking a compelling escape don't need to look any further than the rugged, brush-covered hills of 1860s Texas. For July, The Cameron Community Voice highlights Elizabeth Crook’s acclaimed novel, The Which Way Tree, as our Page-Turners Selection of the Month.

Equal parts frontier adventure and quiet character study, Crook’s story captures the fierce spirit, humor, and hardship of Civil War–era Texas through a distinctly local lens.

A Tale of Vengeance across the Hill Country

The narrative centers on young Benjamin Shine and his fierce, ten-year-old half-sister, Samantha. Following a brutal attack by a legendary panther that leaves Samantha scarred and claims their mother's life, Samantha becomes consumed by a single-minded goal: tracking down the beast that destroyed her family.

Rather than a typical western trope, the journey unfolds entirely through Benjamin’s written testimony, penned years later in a series of letters to a judge. What follows is a trek across the Hill Country featuring an unforgettable cast of companions—a former Confederate soldier turned preacher, a skilled Tejano tracker named Pacheco, and a resilient hound named Dos.

"It is a story about the boundaries of devotion—how love for family can push someone to the edge of survival."

Why It Belongs on Your Summer Reading List

What sets The Which Way Tree apart is Crook’s commitment to authentic Texan dialogue and historical accuracy. The landscape itself becomes a central character—from the sun-bleached riverbeds to the dense thickets where every shadow seems to hold a story.

It moves at a swift pace suitable for a weekend read, yet it leaves readers with lingering questions about grief, justice, and the lengths we go to protect those we love.

Join the Conversation

Whether you read on the porch or listen on your daily drive, we invite local readers and community book groups to dive into this month's selection.

• Where to Find It: Copies are available through regional library networks, local booksellers, and digital audiobook platforms.
• This Month's Question: Samantha’s pursuit of the panther is fueled by grief, while Benjamin’s drive comes from loyalty to his sister. When does devotion to a cause cross the line into obsession?

Have thoughts on this month's pick or a recommendation for August? Send your book reviews and letters to the editor at The Cameron Community Voice.