As the capital of Texas, Austin offers a lot to be experienced. As the location for the annual SXSW Music and Film Festival, it is a city that is labeled the “Live Music Capital of the World.” While you’re listening to your favorite band, you may work up an appetite. But don’t fret, since Austin is also home to some scrumptious Tex-Mex and barbeque. And to keep you moving, the nature is breathtaking and provides some memorable hiking trails.
If you can’t make it to Austin in the near future, the next best thing is to dive into this edition of Bookstr’s tour of America through literature. In this listicle, we will be exploring Austin, Texas through the eyes of these authors. Read along to learn more about this exciting city!
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
Penny Lee is not leaving much behind in her hometown when she begins college a few hours away in Austin. Instead, Penny looks toward the future, dreaming of becoming a writer. Sam also has big dreams — he wants to become a famous movie director. Unfortunately, he is going nowhere, stuck in a dead-end job. However, things start to get interesting when Penny and Sam meet and find out more about each other.
Small Steps by Louis Sachar
Continuing in the footsteps of his beloved novel Holes, Sachar follows the adventures of Armpit, as he returns home to Austin. Even though Armpit has had a rocky past, he is trying to lead a better life, despite what others around him think. The only person who seems to believe in him is his neighbor, 10-year-old Ginny. But when Armpit’s buddy and ex-camp member, X-Ray, returns to the picture, Armpit might not be able to stay out of trouble.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
In this chilling mystery, Hannah Hall’s husband, Owen Michaels, disappears. The only trace left is a note he left Hannah with a cryptic message stating: “Protect her.” Hannah knows the note is referring to Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Unfortunately, Bailey wants nothing to do with her stepmother. Desperate to find clues about Owen’s vanishing and not receiving any information from authorities, Bailey becomes Hannah’s only hope for answers.
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
After being uprooted from his community and moving to Austin, Black French Canadian Norris Kaplan attempts to maneuver through the different cliques within his new high school. But after settling in, Norris discovers new friendships. This is a heartwarming story that reveals the highs and lows of fitting into a new environment.
How Not to Be Popular by Jennifer Ziegler
As part of a family of vagabond hippies, Maggie Dempsey is used to uprooting and moving through the country. When she was a child, this process was new and fun. But now that she has grown into a teenager, leaving everything behind and starting over is getting old. Now, her parents have settled in Austin, Texas. Maggie already assumes that she is not going to make friends and waste time. But little does she know, this is not going to be the case.
Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge
After leaving their beloved tea shop in San Francisco due to their father’s poor decisions, Jane and Celia Woodward pick up everything, including their younger sister, Margot, and move to Austin, Texas, where they plan to rebuild their tea business. Sadly, drama brews in Austin between the sisters, and tensions grow stronger when Jane becomes romantically involved with a musician named Sean Willis. This novel serves as a modern take on Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility.
Reunited by Hilary Weisman Graham
Some friendships part while going through high school. Such is the case with Alice, Summer, and Tiernan, who were best friends in middle school. Their passion for their favorite band, Level3, is what brought them together. But when the band split, so did their friendships. Fast forward to their senior year, and the band has reunited, along with their friendship. Can they mend the years apart through a road trip to see their favorite band one more time?
Before you book that trip to Austin, these seven books will help you better understand the city. Nestled in the heart of Texas, Austin is a bustling and vibrant city with so much to offer its visitors. Make sure to add it to your travel wish list!
Read our article: Reading Around The World: How Books Shape Cultures And Lives.
Check out our bookshelf: American Tour Series: Authors and Novels From Each Region of the US.
