Renowned poet and Montgomery County resident Dave M. Parsons, the 2011 Texas State Poet Laureate, has unveiled his latest work, Austin Relativity. This heartfelt memoir explores his coming-of-age journey in 1960s Austin, blending personal stories, humor, and poetry.
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Dave M. Parsons, the 2011 Texas State Poet Laureate and a resident of Montgomery County, has unveiled his latest work, Austin Relativity, a memoir that contemplates his experiences in 1960s Austin. Published by TCU Press, the memoir presents a striking depiction of Austin prior to its transformation into a booming city in the 21st century.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed commended Parsons’ memoir, characterizing it as "a graceful and deeply honest portrait of growing up in late 20th-century Austin." Neal Spelce, an award-winning journalist, praised Parsons’ storytelling, highlighting how his poetry enhances his prose in narrating tales of “antics, adventures, tragedies, and triumphs.”
Parsons, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and an adjunct professor at Lone Star College-Montgomery, is the founder of the M.C. Literary Arts Council and the Writers In Performance Series. His earlier works feature celebrated poetry collections like Editing Sky, Color of Mourning, and Reaching for Longer Water.
In honor of the memoir’s release, Parsons has organized a series of launch events. The initial event is scheduled at BookPeople in Austin on February 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be further signings at Barnes & Noble in Conroe on February 22 from 12 to 4 p.m., and at The Woodlands on March 8 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Parsons’ Austin Relativity intricately explores themes of friendships, family, love, and the challenges of life, providing a nostalgic yet sincere glimpse into Austin’s history. This memoir is essential for admirers of Parsons’ work and enthusiasts of Austin’s history.
