All the Way from Yoakum: The Personal Journey of a Political Insider

By Marjorie Meyer Arsht

All the Way from Yoakum tells the story of the long, eventful life of a Jewish "good girl" from small-town Texas who became a remarkable woman of her time and a leading light in Houston and Texas politics. One of the founders of the modern Republican Party in Texas, Marjorie Meyer Arsht served as a state party committeewoman and was the first Jewish woman to run as a Republican for the state legislature. Becoming active in politics in the 1950s, she was closely involved in the early career of George H. W. Bush. A member of the prominent Texas family (Meyer, Cohen) that owned Foley Brothers department store and gave Cohen House to Rice University, she recalls the contentious mid-century division in the Jewish community over the issue of Zionism that split congregations and turned friends into bitter antagonists. Formerly president of the Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood, Arsht served as a national spokesperson for a major American anti-Zionist organization. When she turned seventy, Arsht was working as a speechwriter and high-level assistant in the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington while also serving as a regent of Texas Southern University, where she spearheaded a number of important reforms. In addition, she continued to run the small, independent energy development and investment company founded by her late husband. From her childhood as a member of one of the few Jewish families in small-town Yoakum, Texas, to her years of political activism and social involvement, she offers a moving account of an indomitable spirit, one that will provide both inspiration and an understanding of how the Republican Party came to be the dominant force in Texas politics.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585444766
• ISBN13: 9781585444762
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
• Length: 254 Pages
• Weight: 0.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Marvelous historical document

"All The Way From Yoakum" is a marvelous book about an extraordinary woman. It is an historical document as well--about Jewish life in small-town Texas, the rise of the Texas Republican Party and the evolution of race relations in the South. By any standard, Marjorie Arsht is an unforgettable person and this book brings her vividly alive. Allan Brownfeld

Up From Yokum

Being from Houston and knowing Marjorie, I read the book with great interest....it is a fascinating account of the life of an extremely intelligent, Jewish, Republican woman. I was particularly interested in the explanation of her anti-Zionist stance....and of the description of the influence and power of her very influential relatives. She's a wonderful writer...and I highly recommend the book.

Texas Style

Marjorie Arsht has great style. She tells the story of her adventuresome life with such frankness and wit that it leaves you wanting to know more. Her story from life in small town Yoakum to big city Houston to the politics of Washington, D.C. is both fascinating and touching. I loved this book.

My thoughts

I have thoroughly enjoyed Marjorie's book. I knew some of her life story but did not appreciate fully the richness of her experiences, the turmoil she endured and the wonder of all she has done. This book takes you from the beginnings in Yoakum to the White House - a truly remarkable journey and one related with wit and energy. Marjorie's style is easily read and keeps you turning the page to find out what new adventure she has had or mishap has befallen her. A good book to read for anyone.

A Valuable and Interesting History of a Living Legend

Marjorie Meyer Arsht has written one of the most valuable histories of a rare breed of Texan who is considered by a former President to be a true legend in her own time. Born in Yoakum, a small town in Texas with an unusual name, Marjorie, a tiny Jewish girl, set forth on a very uncommon path in life. As you read her fascinating story you will follow her childhood in Yoakum to Rice University where she was accepted as a fourteen year old student. Finishing her studies at Rice, she immediately set forth on grand adventure when she enrolled at the Sorbonne in France. Mrs. Arsht is a talented writer who makes the reader see and enjoy her climb from a rural community to the highest levels in this country. Outspoken, intelligent, funny, and with courage enough to make us all take notice, now in her nineties, she has written a jewel of a story. Read this book. Marjorie Meyer Arsht is a incredible wonder!