Texas Standard for Nov. 29, 2024: Books to curl up with this winter

There’s just something about finding that perfect read that can be so satisfying.

By Texas StandardNovember 29, 2024 9:00 am,

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard.

Need to buy holiday gifts? Texas booksellers have recommendations for you

Today officially kicks off the holiday shopping season – and for many, buying gifts means stopping in at a bookstore or browsing titles online to find the perfect fit for your loved ones.

The Standard’s Sarah Asch checked in with some Texas booksellers on their top picks.

‘Chasing the Panther’ is a memoir from a Hollywood trailblazer

“Chasing the Panther: Adventures and Misadventures of a Cinematic Life” is a real-life coming-of-age story of the tomboy who became a powerful Hollywood executive.

Autobiographer Carolyn Pfeiffer joined the Standard with more in March.

New research on motivating young people from UT Austin

Getting through to young people has long been a challenge, but new research from UT Austin offers insights on motivation.

David Yeager, a psychology professor at UT Austin, spearheaded this research and has compiled the findings in his new book, “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.” He joined Texas Standard last month to share tips for reaching younger generations effectively.

‘The House on Mango Street’ will be republished in esteemed classics collection

The story of a young Mexican-American girl in Chicago, “The House on Mango Street” draws on author Sandra Cisenros’ childhood. Since it was published, Cisneros has become one of North America’s most influential and beloved writers.

Now her book is being republished in a collection of classics. Cisneros joined the Standard in February to tell us more.

A tribute to Nanci Griffith: ‘Love at the Five and Dime’

Since Nanci Griffith’s passing in 2021, the Seguin-born singer-songwriter has been celebrated by artists and fans alike. Last year’s tribute album “More Than a Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith” drew attention, and now a new book continues the homage. “Love at the Five and Dime” blends tribute, biography and reflection on her career.

Author Brian T. Atkinson joined Texas Standard in October to discuss how Griffith’s legacy has continued to inspire musicians across the globe.

Author Alejandro Puyana on family, Venezuela and ‘Freedom is a Feast’

From the bustling barrios of Caracas to the lush jungles along the coast, Alejandro Puyana’s debut novel “Freedom is a Feast” spans decades of a Venezuelan family’s trials and triumphs.

A Venezuela native now living in Austin, Puyana is a graduate of UT’s Michener Center for Writers. He joined the Standard in September.

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