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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Austin", sorted by average review score:

The Lord Is My Strength
Published in Paperback by Beacon Hill Press (March, 1995)
Author: Lynn N. Austin
Average review score:

On my third set . . .
I love this series so much that I have had to replace the entire set three times. I lend them out and they disappear!

These are by far the finest novels that Ms. Austin has written. I was drawn into the story, and I just couldn't put the books down. Ms. Austin provides Scriptural references so it is easy to see what she is basing her story on. After reading the Scriptures, elements in the story that are taken right out of the Bible are easily discerned from those that the writer may be taking an artist license with. It breathed life into these characters and made them very relevant to me.

I immediately began reading the remaining books in the series, and every one was a delight. I enthusiastically recommend the series.

Emotional, exciting--FANTASTIC!
This is one of the best Christian fiction novels I've ever read. I found it suspenseful, enlightening, and full of realistic, tension-creating emotion. I am very familiar with the Bible and have been a Christian all my life, and yet I learned a lot about Old Testament from reading this book. I've also spoken with the author and she is a truly wonderful person. You won't regret purchasing this book!

Vivid & enthralling
This is the best, the book brings the old testament to life, you can see, smell, and feel what it is like to be there in ancient times. I could not put this book down, and looked forward to each new addition to the series.


The Assertive Woman
Published in Paperback by Impact Publishers, Inc. (June, 1997)
Authors: Stanlee Phelps and Nancy Austin
Average review score:

The Assertive Woman Speaks!
As the sister of one of the author's I am sure anyone would expect me to give a positive review, and I do! Not just because Nancy is my sister but because I have been taught since I was a young girl how to be assertive by my sister and at the age of 44 I now see how vital that teaching has been for me over the years. Nancy and Stanlee have given their best in this book and I have to say that every reader with a sister needs to share this book with them. My personal sense of identity comes as a direct result of being taught by Nancy at the age of 10 that I don't have to allow myself to be intimidated for fear of alienating someone by telling them "no". I learned self respect at a young age because I didn't allow myself to be "labeled" as a young lady when I felt that was not a proper discription of who I was! I was a young woman, big difference! I also learned that I don't have to accept someone else's name in marriage just because society expects me to! I was given the gift of freedom by my sister and her teachings and now I have a manual to refer to when I get lost along the way. I am also a counselor and have found that assertivenss does not only apply to women! I have male clients that benefit from the techniques I have learned through the book! Way to go Nancy and Stanlee!

The Assertive Woman
Congratulations to Stanlee Phelps and Nancy Austin on the 4th edition of their book, "The Assertive Woman". They've been at it since 1974 (I've gotten each edition and referred them to my clients during my 30 years as a career and management consultant and coach.) This revised and updated edition continues to be a timely, relevant and reliable resource for women as they navigate the landmines on their assertiveness journeys. The book offers real-world examples, communication guidelines, self-awareness exercises and lessons learned in the authors' work with corporate and entrepreneurial women. (And I believe the solid advice and information is valid for all women of all ages regardless of their work status.... especially young women in high school and college who are just starting their assertiveness journeys.) I found the 14 page Resource Guide an especially helpful tool as it includes additional books, articles, newsletters, videos, websites, and professional associationsas available for any woman to find what she needs to support her in her assertiveness journey. I also loved the cover. Every photo has an interesting story behind it to convey that one size of assertiveness does not fit all! And it shows how far we've come.....

Standing up for yourself doesn't mean being nasty.
I read this book just around the time I started to build my own tax practice.

Why? Only because my first corporate client was Stanlee Phelps' Career Concerns. And it seemed wise to read my client's book.

What an eye-opener!

For someone starting out on their own (man or woman), it was THE best book I could have picked up.

Stanlee Phelps and Nancy Austin provided tangible information about how to get what you want or to make your point. They did it, though, by imparting a sense of grace and sanity, not present in the days of Women's Lib. (Don't worry, the Feminist feelings do run strong in the book.)

Their questions and exercises helped me learn so much about myself. It made it much easier to make the changes necessary to become a success in business. (And, inadvertantly, it helped me overcome my fear of public speaking. And how!)

One of the best lessons I took away from that book, (to paraphrase)

"Just because you CAN be assertive, doesn't mean you always should."

Holding my tongue, at times, has gotten me greater rewards than speaking up - just because I could.

If you're out there selling your products or services, making bids on contracts, working with contractors and staff...even if you're a man, pick this book up. It's a quick read

I've never told Stanlee quite what an effect this book had on me. But, really, it was remarkable. Thank you!


Splinter of the Mind's Eye (Star Wars)
Published in Paperback by Dark Horse Comics (January, 1997)
Authors: Terry Austin and Chris Sprouse
Average review score:

great star wars book
besides having a terrific plot, i liked how it dealt with a few issues that none of the movies and none of the star wars books i have read have touched on.

when luke accompanies leia on a diplomatic mission, leia runs into trouble with her y-wing and they are forced to crash land on a nearby planet. what they find from the beginning is nothing but trouble. for among other things a legendary crystal that amplifies the force leads to a race to find it to give the bearer
unimaginative power.

the action is nonstop from beginning to end, and it is obvious that this book was written after the first star wars movie but it gives a fresh outlook on a story that started almost 30 years ago. it gives some interesting ideals on princess leia that has not ever been brought up that i find quite refreshing which makes her seem more human and approachable then the first 2 movies made her. this is a book that all star wars fans should definitely read.

The Best "other than movie" Star Wars book
The book captivated me from start to finish. Terry Austin is faithful to the Star Wars universe and to the characters. If you are looking for stories beyond the movies, this is the only one to read.

Excellent comic adaptation of Foster's novel
This comic is an excellent adaptation of Foster's good Star Wars novel. It remains true to the story and dialogue of the book, while at the same time fleshing things out a little and making it easier to place in the timeline, as well as giving the fans a few little goodies such as an appearance from then-still-Captain Piett.

The script is good, as is the artwork, to a point. My only complaint in this area is in the first issue, the contrast is pretty bad, with a bunch of dull browns and greens and the pure black shirts. However, it is refreshing to see Leia wearing something other than that pure white for once, and the character representations are pretty good, though Luke's features are occasionally overdone.

The fights and lightsaber duels are fun, especially Leia's sparring with Vader, and the bickering between Luke and Leia is interesting, and reminds us how close they were before they learned about their common heritage.

This is a fun, colorful, and faithful adaptation recommended to everyone.


The Complete History of America
Published in Paperback by Broadway Play Pub (July, 1999)
Authors: Adam Long, Austin Tichenor, and Reed Martin
Average review score:

History is boring....the RSC are FUNNY!!
I have seen the Reduced Shakespeare Company perform this play and these guys are absolutely hysterical! This book provides a very funny overview of the History of America. Even if you find history boring like I do, they make all of the events easily accessible and extremely entertaining. They make merry on every topic - whether it be how America was REALLY discovered to what really happened with JFK, Lincoln, and Lucille Ball! These guys are truly clever, quick and funny and I can recommend this and their other books highly.

Well worth reading
This script is really very funny. It has made me laugh out load on many occasions. Many of the scenes are funny just to think about. Whilst it is not to be taken seriously, it does give a broad, and very funny, overview of American History. However this is a script, not a novel, and i would highly recommend that if you buy the script, in order to make the most out of it and understand it completely, that you also see the play performed, if you can, because it brings the script alive. It is a measure of just how good this book is, when you think its funny even without having seen it performed.

Who needs World History 101?
I stumbled onto this play, looking for other things- my teacher had lost my homework and I was checking her desk for it. Sadly, the homework never turned up, but, I did find this incredibly funny play. Adam, Reed, and Austin will keep you laughing through all 92 pages of the play (and even after). There witty-take on American history left me laughing for a good three weeks. Now, everytime I see the book I have to pick it up and read a few scenes. What I really enjoyed about this book is the way they can look back on any point in history and make it funny. I recommend this book to all people who want a good laugh- there is every kind of humor in this play- so anyone can find something they will enjoy in this book.


Fateful Days
Published in Paperback by Infinity Publishing.com (30 July, 2001)
Author: Gwen Austin
Average review score:

It must be fate.
Though I am not pictured in any way in this book, I did have a hand in getting the thing written. I think anyone reading it will come away with an understanding of how fate works. The characters become friends and though losing someone is difficult, life does go on and new friends with it. Fate and Faith go together and we just go with it.

A great read
What can I say? This story is the way a story should be writte

Gwen's done it again!
From her reservoir of experience and her talent with the written word comes a great story of romantic bonding, greed, a good dose of Walter Mitty fantacizing, just a touch of mystery and most of all, she uses real people as models for her fictional characters which not only makes her descriptions colorful, they seem to be real in the mind of the readers. Her story line takes the reader through the full range of emotions, so be prepared for that. -- You'll love it!


The Great God Pan
Published in Paperback by Creation Pub Group (January, 1995)
Authors: Arthur Machen and Austin Spare
Average review score:

The power of suggestion....
The REAL grandeur of this little gothic gem lies in the power of suggestion. Machen, much like a Nicholas Roeg film or the Lovecraft mythology, only hints at the unspeakable horrors in "Great God Pan" and therein lies the novel's strength, short and negligable as it may seem. It's up to the reader to "fill in the blanks", and make the right connections as to which abominations lurks beneath the sinister series of seemingly unconnected events, that are displayed in "Great God Pan."

Scattered around in the book are twisted images of the many abominable faces that the Great God Pan may take, drawn by the esoteric occultist Austin Osman Spare.

A terrifying and unique Supernatural story
This novel has a wonderfully unique premise. The themes of the darker aspects of Greek Myth, sinister woods and what lurks within them, unreality right beneath our world, make for a delightfull story. While the plot is a bit mundane towards the center of the book, overall this is compensated for. If you've ever let your mind wander into the origins of ancient myths, and have been a bit shocked by what you imagine this is the book for you. The sexual aspect of the supernatural events is key, and overall adds to the one's attraction and repulsion to the concepts beneath the surface of this book. Machen was akcknowledged by HP Lovecraft as a major influence, and one sees this here. Also, Spare's illustrations, while not done for the book, are quite appropriate to convey its themes. Highly reccomended.

Dark Pagan Horror
I came to know about Arthur Machen and his work through the brilliant mastermind of H.P.Lovecraft; his references, both in fiction ("The Dunwich Horror" makes a very clear statement about Machen's influence in his body of work) and non-fiction ("Supernatural Horror in Literature"), ultimately inspired me to go search something about this author. Needless to say, I found virtually nothing in any bookstore. It was during a trip to Madrid, Spain, where I finally found a book by Machen containing "The Great God Pan" and many others. I was shocked.

"The Great God Pan" was the first story I read by Arthur Machen, and I only had to read the first few pages to know I was going to like it. Indeed, I did, although it was a little short for my taste.

The ideas Machen makes you travel through are some of the finest in horror literature, and the Cosmic view of Pan, is very near the likes of Lovecraft. One can easily see where the influence Machen exerted over Lovecraft is. The only difference is that Machen did believe in some supernatural force existing within the Universe, whereas Lovecraft was the complete opposite.

Dark Pagan Horror is what Machen delivers, and he does so with such a style, elegance (at least the Castilian translation, I still have to read the originals in English, but I am assuming the originals are much better) and wit, you just can't help but to stay with it until you are done.


Knight's Modern Seamanship
Published in Hardcover by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company (September, 1983)
Authors: John V. Noel, Austin Melvin Knight, and Frank E. Bassett
Average review score:

A heavyweight champion past its prime
Knight's is indeed the professional standard omnibus for seamanship. It is an excellent comprehensive text for any mariner. That said, it is desperately in need of updating. The electronic navigation section lists systems no longer in use (Omega, LORAN), and treats GPS as a "future" system (although the editors do prophetically write that GPS receivers will drop in price until they are affordable by the average mariner).
Additionally,there are a disconcerting number of typographical errors present. I can only hope the editors are progressing on a 19th Edition.

Essential Reference
This book is in the pilothouse of every ship in the US Navy. 'Nuff said.

I find it useful as a basic reference, for vocabulary, and for filling the gaps that Bowditch leaves.

The chapters are well laid out, the information is well indexed, and topics proceed logically. The illustrations are clear and useful.

Excellent! Best single text book for Master's Exam.
Best overview of professional seamanship. This book goes leagues beyond novice publications such as "Chapmans" and "Annapolis". The book begins with simple principles and builds the basic vocabulary as it progresses. It's easy to understand with good photos and illustrations. Great study text for the masters exam. Electronics section obviously outdated.


Lilies: A Guide for Growers and Collectors
Published in Hardcover by Timber Pr (April, 1998)
Authors: Edward A. McRae, Edward Austin-Mcrae, and Edward MacRae
Average review score:

Very good
This book is a very good resource for everybody who wants to get informed about lilies in general. It's biggest advantage is it's very accessible language, even beginners won't have a problem to understand. It covers all important topics and is richly illustrated, though it sometimes suffers a bit of the "coffee-tablebook-syndrome".

It is a perfect work for beginners and advanced hobbyists who want to be well informed, but don't intend to use much too advanced techniques. For all those it is quite usable and a very valuable source of information. Only experienced collectors and hobbyists might sometimes feel a bit unsatisfied.

A reference work
This guide answers almost all questions one can develop on this beautiful plants. From a basic introduction into the genus along propagation and cultivation up to a comprehensive taxonomic guide on species (almost complete) and hybrids and finally professional topics as exhibitions, hybridizing and commercial production, this book covers it all. And what I liked most: though it has more than 100 pictures, it doesn't suffer of the "coffee-table"-syndrome (large, non-detailed pictures) as so many plant books regrettably do.

Absolutely recommended. It's an exceptional work and it will last long for you to reach a point where this book can't be of use anymore.

The lily hybridizer's Bible
This book is an incredible resource for those wishing to try their hand at lily hybridization. A word of warning though, it really is not written for the layperson. While you do not have to have a Ph.d. in botany to understand the contents, those with a fair amount of horticultural experience will benefit the most. The book is clearly and concisely written, and is also organized nicely. The photos are beautiful and the line drawings are very helpful. It is the most in-depth discussion of lilies I have ever encountered, written by one of the world's experts in the field. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.


Songwriting For Dummies(r)
Published in Paperback by For Dummies (August, 2002)
Authors: Jim Peterik, Dave Austin, and Mary Ellen Bickford
Average review score:

Songwriting For Dummies.
I learned some good things from this book, but I could have learned more if the book had been proof-read. The authors let a lot of obvious mistakes make it into the final version of the book which makes it hard to follow some of their examples. For instance they may go to great troubles in the text to explain what an ABABC rhyme scheme is; and then for an example of an ABABC rhyme scheme, they show you a lyric that is really in AABBC rhyme scheme. The examples are where most of the errors occur. The actual written text is pretty accurate; but when they magnify and pictorially break down song lyrics, a lot of times, their example fits another form than what they've been describing to you in the text which can confuse a new learner. No one seemed to realize this before the book was published either.

For the New Kid on the Block to Seasoned Music Professional
As an independent artist doing the music convention circuit and tackling a grass roots approach to the business as a new comer, I found "Songwriting for Dummies" refreshingly full of useful information. Additionally, much of the material gave inspiration and comfort to those with a penchant for the art of making music.

I have repeatedly heard the same 3 or 4 book titles mentioned as a "must have book" for anyone in the buiness. In my opinion "Songwriting for Dummies" blows the others away by simplifing many of the industry's mysterious and confusing terms while not striking fear into the heart of the rookie artist that is trying to grasp the many issues that are involved within the music business.

I read much of "Songwriting for Dummies" on my airplane ride home from a music conference I attended on the west coast. By the time the plane touched down I had a read much of the book and had written a new song for my next compilation that had come to me during that same flight. The song was written spontaneously on the 2 white, paper bags that were conveniently stored in the seat pocket in front of me, compliments of the airlines. This was a suggestion I followed from the authors on how to manage times when inspiration hits and one is without paper.

Later that month, I received an offer from a highly reputable company that required me to have some knowledge of what to ask in negotiating a contract as well as typical compensation. Luckily, I had my "Songwriting for Dummies" handy and was able to compare the information in the book to my offer to determine if it was fair and whether the typical legalities were addressed in the contract. Not only did I get a fair deal, I came across in a confident manner that enhance the contract relationship on both sides.

I suspect that future music conventions will be adding this fresh-to-the-market book to the top of the list of must-haves.....both for new comers and veterans in the biz.

Valerie Nager
EquinoxxMusic Producer

you too can be a "dummie"
I thought this book was outstanding...great insight as to the whole process and everything involved with songwriting. It has also given me a finer appreciation for the truly great songs that stand out above the pack and some understanding as to what really makes those songs so great!


Eye of the Storm: The Power of the Undisturbed Mind
Published in Hardcover by Torchlight Publishing (June, 2001)
Author: Austin Gordon
Average review score:

Promises, promises
This book provides no instruction as to how to achieve an "undisturbed mind" other than directing the reader to explore eastern religion and meditation.

The work is very carefully worded as not to offend "Western" (Christian values) sensibilities. It stands as an indirect promise the a pursuit of the eastern mindsets will provide one with an undisturbed mind.

However, the seeker will undoubtable find that the Eastern mindset is remarkable in terms of selfishness and unconcern for others.

"It is easy enough to convince the self that one is God, but it is a different matter to prove it to others." - Lawrence R. Barnes, (1965 to Present)

An elegant, simple, accessible little book
In The Eye Of The Storm: The Power Of The Undisturbed Mind, Austin Gordon draws upon his years of travel throughout India and the Far East where he exhaustively studied. He shares what he learned in order to reveal three main forces that disrupt natural human tranquility and clarity of thought. Each of these forces are carefully analyzed as he introduces measures that can be taken to reduce their pernicious influence in daily modern life. Enthusiastically recommended for anyone trying to deal with the stresses, strains, irritations, demands, disappointments, and distractions afflicting their lives, The Eye Of The Storm is an elegant, simple, accessible little book that can easily accompany and accommodate the busy reader with hectic agendas.

Help in understanding the raging mind
Perhaps the first of its kind, this little volume explains in clear and simple terminology the reasons why our minds are so fickle and out of control; why we get depressed; why we get angry; why we feel envious or jealous. And then Gordon draws on the wisdom of the East to tell us how to deal with these ups and downs, indeed, how we can become like the eye of the storm, calm while all else around us rages. This is a very valuable book for anyone seeking peace of mind (that includes most of us, I am sure). I can't recommend it enough. And it's only a little over a hundred pages, easy to read in one sitting. Well worth the time and lots cheaper than Prozac!


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