Austin Reviews

I've been an RSC fan since their early renfaire days, & their work is as timeless as the Bard's. This is Shakespeare thru the eyes of American pop culture with references to everything from Casablanca to Dr. Ruth to rap music. But it's not Shakespeare for dummies -- the RSC lads know the real texts inside & out. They show Shakespeare's greatness thru their humor -- & they remind us how funny Shakespeare really is. The RSC would be an excellent introduction to Shakespeare for students or anyone who thinks the Bard is stuffy & boring.

As the child of a teacher of English, I'd been introducted to many of Shakespeare's plays at a very early age. This has lead to two things - a twisted sense of humour and an appreciation of the same. The Reduced Shakespeare Company fits the bill perfectly. Silly, witty, and intelligent, the RSC puts life back into the bard. If you're looking for a serious scholarly thesis on Shakespeare, look elsewhere. If you're looking for somthing that will make you laugh until you cry, the RSC is for you! And hey, you never know - you might learn something too.

A whimsical mixture of slapstick humor and witty parody. Somewhat sophmoric at times, but generally insightful.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company knows their stuff, and are very creative about their presentation.

Finally, someone has written a book that provides detailed directions on how to hold training & development departments fiscally accountable. Michael Austin dispels the myth that training departments cannot document return on investment objectively. To me as an Accounting Manager with more than 20 years experience, this is welcomed news. My past experience includes involvement with many financial and software conversion projects that undoubtedly would have been far more accountable had many of the concepts presented in this book been adopted by my employer.

If you have budgetary responsibilities, Results-Based Development is a book you will want to buy for your training manager with one caveat, read it first! Austin doesn't pull any punches. He presents a comprehensive strategy for developing employees that define responsibilities for everyone in the organization.

The book is an easy read, but it is deceptively complex. The best part of every chapter is the case study at the end. It is clear that Austin has the experience to back up what he says.

Mark Baumgarten
Accounting Manager
GPX, Inc.

As a small business owner, I have searched long and hard for books that will help me set up a development program for my employees. My search has turned up everything from academic gobbledygook written without any clear relation to the real world, all the way to bromide filled nonsense written in such a simplistic manner that there is no clear relation to the real world. The one thing they all seem to have in common is that they present development models that only work under perfect conditions. What I like about Results-Based Development is that it describes an approach that fits in with the imperfect and dynamic landscape of real world organizations. The case studies at the end of each chapter are recognizable for any organization, large or small; and the skills are transferable. Also, the monthly newsletter that I signed up for at the website listed in the book has the makings of a great tool to aid in skill transference.

The writing is reminiscent of Blanchard's "One Minute" books with the emphasis given to collaboration, goal setting, evaluation, and most importantly, pacing. Also, performance-based training fans will feel at home with the emphasis on performance as a primary measure of effectiveness. Michael Austin may well have given us the next gold standard by which to measure all organizational development initiatives.

Michael Austin compares his results-Based Training Development strategies to running four legs of a relay race. He uses entertaining analogies, stimulating diagrams, and straightforward common sense to guide you through this process. Not only will you learn how to run, but also when to pass the baton. From large corporations to small businesses, these step by step instructions will provide personnel at all levels the necessary tools and insights to ensure your company can gain the competitive edge by operating at full efficiency.

This book can be described in one word, AWESOME! Beard approaches history as a science and that is the way it should be talked about. Today we think history is simple; that is only because we simplify it. It gets complicated when we try to analyze it and make bold statements about it from opinions of the time and the general thought of the people of that time. Beard is a genius and a truly great writer of history. I am a high school student that is in love with American History and I am sure that any lover of history will enjoy this book as much as I am enjoying it this very moment. I admit, the price tag is a little hefty, but if you have the money, then spend it on this book!

I did not realize how slanted most of our texts on social subjects, history, and the like had become until I read again this masterpiece that was used 50 years ago to teach American History in my high school. For example, the authors endeavor to ferret out the causes of the Civil War and make clear the number of socioeconomic factors that were involved in the two entirely different ways of life in the North and South. They assign slavery its proper place, but point out that the slave trade had been outlawed and give figures on the number who were being freed. They tell what was known then about mechanized means of picking cotton that in a few more years would have eliminated slavery completely without the loss of more than 600,000 American lives. In this bright light of truth, Lincoln comes through as something less than the hero he is regarded as today.

At the least these two volumes will present facts that have not received balanced treatment for more than 30 years and stimulate your thinking...

This classic account of the the rise of american civilization has long been out of print. For any serious student of history, however, it is one that should be on every bookshelf. Beard takes an objective unvarnished approach to history, that is both refreshing and scholarly. Outstanding!

Gregg Cantrell has tackled a sacred cow and come out unscathed. His new book, Stephen F. Austin, Empresario of Texas is a meticulously researched and carefully written profile of a man we only thought we knew.

Our knowledge of Stephen Fuller Austin, is gleaned largely from the work of Eugene C. Barker. His 1925 tome, Life of Stephen F. Austin, painted this renowned figure as "The Father of Texas"...and rightly so. However, the Austin we see in Barker's work is a flat two-dimensional character lacking much of the humanity needed to explain the heroism behind the hero.

Though technically accurate, Barker provided little to help us understand the motivations behind Austin the man or of the dynamic forces that led to the making of a republic.

In Stephen F. Austin, Empresario of Texas. Gregg Cantrell brings to life the real Stephen F. Austin with all of his strengths and foibles. We learn in some depth how Austin was destined for greatness, a direct product of his father's influence. His father, Moses Austin, at one point was quite wealthy and wielded a powerful hand in creating his son in his own image. He wanted him to be a gentleman living in the world of high finance. Who Stephen F. Austin was and the way he thought all bear the mark of Moses Austin's influence.

When the younger Austin grew into manhood, his father put him in charge of various business ventures within the Austin empire. Stephen's training paid off as he showed himself to be adroit at business. Unfortunately, an economic depression and several bad business dealings (mostly initiated by the elder Austin), left the family buried in overwhelming debt.

By 1820, Moses Austin saw a possible way to get his head above financial water. He became the first Anglo to get permission to colonize Spanish Texas. Unfortunately, he died before realizing his goal. His deathbed request was that Stephen bring the colony to fruition. Under a sense of instilled familial loyalty very characteristic of the young Austin, he reluctantly abandoned his own course to obey his father's wishes.

When Mexican independence became a reality, Stephen F. Austin skillfully navigated through the waters of the diplomatic intricacies to which he had been thrust. He began to see that building his colony was a way to repay the enormous debts the family had accumulated and to restore a measure of honor to his father's name. He would make his fortune through land. He threw himself wholeheartedly into the work of colonizing Texas and it soon became clear that it was not just another business venture but a mission. This mission would eventually be to create an independent Texas by any means.

Austin earned the title "Father of Texas" by overseeing every aspect of the colony and the lives of those under his care. He became a fierce advocate for the rights of his colonists and worked tirelessly for many years (many times to his own detriment) to ensure the success of the colony.

His was not an easy task. The central government in Mexico was in a constant state of turmoil. Cantrell shows us that one of Austin's biggest strengths was his ability to forge alliances with the powers at the heart of Mexico and the Tejano elite of Texas. Men like Don Erasmo Seguín and Lorenzo de Zavala had the deepest respect for Stephen F. Austin and shared his vision of Texas. He even earned the respect of those who opposed him.

Throughout the book, Cantrell discusses Austin's struggle with his personal demons. All through his life, Austin was plagued with self-doubt and self-pity. He also experienced bouts of deep depression. His physical stature was not great and sometimes even frail due to chronic illness. What set Stephen F. Austin apart was that he pushed himself to the limits of human endurance and set his own interests aside many times for the good of others. Therein lies his heroism. He persisted when lesser men would have quit.

Our tendency with heroes is to deify them and negate their humanity. Cantrell pulls no punches in revealing the full human nature of Stephen F. Austin. It was surprising to this reader to learn Austin's attitudes toward blacks and toward Catholics. Though in theory, Austin opposed the institution of slavery, he himself owned slaves. He fought diligently for his colonists to keep their slaves and not to free slaves already living in Texas. He feared that if blacks were freed, their number would increase. His vision was for a Texas populated predominately by whites.

He looked upon Catholicism as gross 12th century ignorance, a yoke of oppression that retarded Mexico's progress into the 19th century. Austin seldom voiced these feelings except to a few close friends. It would not have faired well in his diplomatic relations.

Stephen F. Austin was indeed human. He wasn't perfect. He made mistakes; but until his death at age 43, he never faltered in his devotion to Texas.

Stephen F. Austin, Empresario of Texas brings a clear understanding of the events that led to the Texas Revolution. If you have ever wondered why there was an Alamo, Goliad or San Jacinto, then you should read this book.

The narrative is clear and well written and it held my attention from page one. I highly recommend this book.

Comments about the personal development of historical figures are sometimes ignored in favor a list of achievements. Cantrell includes details of how Moses Austin encouraged his son to be a big thinker. The Austin family's "can do" attitude is certainly reflected in in Stephen's life.

This biography is written so well, and the story so interesting, it could be a novel from James Michener. If you are interested in Texas history, Southwest history, Mexican history, or Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny, this book is a must read. I'll be VERY suprised if you don't like it.

Fern Michaels continues her journey deep in the heart of Texas with this second novel in the Coleman family saga. Though we still follow Billie Ames Coleman Kingsley from time to time, this novel is more focused on Billie's eldest daughter, the headstrong and passionate Maggie. Now the mistress of the family spread Sunbridge, Maggie has her hands full with an ungrateful son at odds with his Amerasian cousin, her struggle to overcome her demons and attempting to re-establish some sort of connection with her daughter, Sawyer, whom she abandoned to Billie when Sawyer was an infant. Add to the mix a forbidden love for Maggie, a shocking accusation that places the Colemans against the law and loads of good old-fashioned family conflict and you have a wonderful second novel for Michaels' TEXAS series. Readers will not be disappointed!

Vegas Heat was just wonderful. Fern Michaels writes another great one. Loved it & couldn't put it down once I started it. What a wonderful way to spend a day. Just great!

Fern Michaels outdid herself on the Texas series of books. They are all so great. Have read the whole series & they were so great that I kept them all to reread again someday. The books are a must read for everyone. I can't say enough about them. If you want to sit down & fall in love with a whole family than get these books.

I think the first word that comes to mind when reading Austin's Underworld series is the poet's driving ambition. These are ambitious poems written in the grand manner of Hart Crane, David Jones and other heroic first and second generation modernists. I applaud this aspect of Austin's work. He attempts to give us a complete vision of the violence and depravity of the city--and sometimes its glimpses of beauty and human courage. Austin is at his best in this first volume, I believe. The Inferno Section pages 39--50 is a remarkable tour de force and should earn this poet his rightful place in the Norton Anthologies of the 21st century. The other volumes, to my mind, continue the theme, but much as an echo of the original thunderclap (although still worth a read for the sharp eye and language). All in all, William J. Austin is an exceptional talent, and a rare one, in these days when p.c. sentiments, simple-minded writing, fizzling fragments, and/or studied obscurantisms can earn one a position as "poet in residence" at XYZ U.

They say I got a thousand words to get out what I will about William James Austin, but I only need one: Reality. Gritty, grimy, gallant and golden, I love William James Austin. I came upon this man after seeing him at a reading when I was in New York on layover for a flight, and I decided to go out and buy Underworld 1 & 2. It didn't let me down. I don't read much poetry, but if I did, it'd be more Austin. It's the best Under___ since Dostoevsky. Does anyone know any other writers out there like him? I'd like to get it. I'll write again when I'm done with Underworld 3 & 4. Let's hope Austin kept it up.

First introduced to Austin's work through Underworld 3 & 4, I thought I'd give his first book a try. Wow! Underworld 1 & 2 is every bit as disturbing as its follow-up, if not more so. This is one hell of a trip through one man's nightmares. One of the two long poems in the book, "inferno," tracks a junkie's search for a fix through the city's underbelly. The margin notes loosely connect the action to Dante's own journey through the nine levels of hell. It seems that our protagonist is hunting for a piece of heaven not only for himself, but also for his girlfriend who is an amputee. Rough trade here, but brilliantly constructed. The imagery alone is unbelievably rich. This is New York poetry at its best. The back cover tells us that Austin was nominated for the Pushcart Prize by Richard Kostelanetz. Can work this distrubing win prizes? Well, Austin did win an Allen Ginsberg Prize. Watch out, Austin--with the recent flap over the Brooklyn Museum of Art's "Sensation" exhibit, the goon squad may be coming for you next.

Dave Austin has led a rich and varied life. He's traveled, been a recording artist, performed as a professional athlete, and owned several small businesses. Along the way, he learned about automatic writing, and after years of internal struggles, began "writing" what his spiritual guides and teachers dictated to him.

He says that "during one of these writings, Jesus said, 'Hello, I am here.'" Eventually he came to accept that he was "writing with Jesus," and showed his words to family and friends. He's now sharing them with the world, in The Unfinished Cross: Listen to the Voice Within.

Austin says he now believes that he has a special relationship with Jesus, "but it is a relationship that anyone can have if they are willing to and choose to." All they have to do ask God for the answers to their questions and be open to listening to their inner selves.

He choose to ask questions about specific books of the Bible, including Genesis, John, and Matthew. The responses emphasized that God has unconditional love for all humans and that we all have free will.

Austin also asked general questions about life today, and received answers advising people to live with love: "love of life, love of God, and love of yourself." People also need to start appreciating nature and the beauty that surrounds them, and to make time each day to spend a few minutes alone with God.

As Austin's commitment to publish the messages he'd received grew, he began sharing the writing with others. The last section of the book includes some of the responses he received from family and friends, negative and positive.

The Unfinished Cross refers to the fact that the work of God is never done, and that it's up to us, as people of the cross, to keep doing that work. Austin says "what I sincerely hope is that you receive from these writings something positive, something that you can use while going forward in your everyday life . . .. I truly believe that we are here to work together by helping each other, and most importantly, by loving one another." The Unfinished Cross provides readers with inspiration and encouragement from Jesus to complete their own life's work.

I wanted to just say how MUCH "The Unfinished Cross" has touched me. Seriously, I just cannot say enough about how much I felt as I read it. With me being a Christian, I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first, thinking on more conservative Christian terms. I am a very open minded person. I like to learn about different beliefs and interests to broaden my horizons as a person to expand my spirit as I learn with all of life's experiences, so I was compelled to read it. As I read, I went through many different stages and feelings on wheather it was really words from Jesus or if that even mattered. I felt so happy because it touched base with all of my instinctual thoughts and feelings on my religion. It seems that your inspiration writings from Jesus have filled so many gaps and questions that I had always wondered and felt weary about. With each chapter I read, I really imagined these words being straight from Jesus. With that it felt as though it had strengthened our relationship. It helped me grasp a more earthly, tangible perception of Jesus, which put me on a more personal level with Him. You see, I always had a hard time seeing Him clearly because I had always thought of Him as something that "was" not "is". These insprational writings, have REALLY helped me understand, believe, and know that Jesus is still and always was right by my side. I realize that He is up to date with life as it is now, not just with the way life was in the times of when the Bible was written. Like I said before, this amazing new world for me opened up and this new "updated word" from Him aided me with my relationship with Jesus so much.

I couldn't put this book down. It confirms everything that I know to be true in my own heart. It brings more meaning and value to me in my everyday life, and has prompted me to really explore the Bible. I've always felt, deep down inside, that I knew God. But now I have a truer, deeper relationship with God. It is so simple, when you take away the clutter and get down to the simples messages that Jesus brought to us. We are here to share love with one another, and in doing so we create a deeper fullfillment within our own lives and the lives of others. This book can't help but bring you to a closer relationship with your family and friends. It will give you a great sense of peace and comfort.

Willful, sassy Rebecca Huntington had grown up in frontier Forts and was anxious to return "home" to her father after six years with her Aunt Belle and her cousin Alicia Evans.
During her six years she has learned the delightful pastime of flirting and the thrill of a "casual" kiss.

After meeting Lieutenant Clark Forrester, she found it hard to forget his "casual" kiss. But she wouldn't see him again, right?
Rebecca talked her aunt into joining the army supply train to make the final leg to her father's fort.
Finding Lieutenant Forrester leading the supply train, she became fascinated in watching him shave every morning. And wasn't deterred by the threat of indians

While Lieutenant Forrester found that a woman who could ride astride, beat him at chess and unnerve him just by deepening her dimples was a fascinating pastime, wooing the boss's daughter and a court-martial could go hand in hand.

You will find this story fascinating and I highly recommend it.
A wonderful frontier characterization and great characters.

Cassandra Austin writes another best seller! This book describes a woman who is every bit as sassy as everyone has dared to dream! This book combines wit, charm, historical points, and a definite sex appeal! This one will be on the keeper shelf for years to come!

The best Austin so far! Sweet, strong, sexy! This writer is at the top of her game with this intensely romantic, witty tale of love in the Old West. Not only does she know the human heart, Austin's research skills are obvious as I learned as well as thrilled to her tale. Not to be missed!

The man's name is Willie Kocurek. If you have never met him, then you have missed out on an opportunity to know a true "Austin Icon". Of his many mantras, "Where there's a Willie, there's a way", speaks volumes of his success. This book is an entertaining glimpse into what has made the man what he is today. I know Willie - and thanks to this book, I now know the way!

A piece of Willie Kocurek's lovable stories to take home with you! I have heard Willie speak and his book comes to life with his wonderful stories! I could actually see him as a child stomping the sauerkraut!

Thanks, Willie, for sharing your life and your wisdom with us. We should all strive to be like you!

The people at the bookstore are probably still talking about the nut who danced around the featured books table last night. I couldn't help it... I was completely caught off guard by the title staring at me: "The Wit and Wisdom of Willie Kocurek."

My little celebration dance concluded, I snatched up the book and ran to the counter, never bothering to look at the price. It wouldn't have mattered.

Too excited to drive home, I read the first several chapters in the parking lot, then drove home and finished it. I'll probably reread it every year or two from now on. In my humble opinion, no library is complete without one of these little beauties in it. Everyone needs to know Willie Kocurek.

The story of the morning that I met Willie by accident has become the favorite chapter of many readers of my own New York Times bestseller, Secret Formulas of The Wizard of Ads. (Chapter 75: A Bright Red Bow Tie)

Willie Kocurek is one of those rare people that you should go out of your way to get to know. Buy this book and you'll carry the pearls of Willie's humor, audacity, wit and wisdom in your heart for the rest of your life... a bargain at any price.

When my ex-boyfriend and i separated, i frantically hit the library. I was hoping to discover a book that would help me understand what had happened in my relationship, what was the cause of its failure. Among the many books that i digested during that infamous, awful summer, i stumbled upon this one, by far the best one. Ellen Gilchrist's essay, "Meditations on Divorce", has the largest percentage of truths per square inch of page that i have ever seen. This piece alone is reason enough to purchase the book, in my opinion. Susan Spano's essay is the one that touched me the most, because her comments on the concept of morality put the finger right on the wound for me. Morality, a topic that made her friends (and mine) cringe, but that was at the very core of her problems. My third favorite essay is Anne Roiphe's, a revision of a divorce that never was but that should have been (her own parents'). All in all, this is a fantastic collection that helped me immensely, and that i will always cherish as one of the greatest books of essays i've ever read.

brillaint writing, key insights, truly a bedside companion for any woman (1 in 2) whose marriage has gone awry. wonderful......

From the first story to the last you will be able gain strength and find answers that have eluded you in the process of divorce. Every woman will find a bit of herself in this book.