In 'Christmas In Austin,' Family Struggles Are A Gift To Readers

Take it from someone who's lived in the capital of Texas for 15 years: There are worse places to spend Christmas than Austin. You don't have to worry about getting snowed in; there's never too much distance between you and a bar; and you can always amuse yourself by playing games like "Is that guy walking down Guadalupe Street dressed like an elf because it's Christmas or just because this is Austin?"

For the four grown Essinger children, whom Benjamin Markovits follows in his excellent new, the city's a bit of a mixed bag. They're returning to their hometown for the holidays, and they're not quite sure how to feel about it — or they are, but they're afraid to put it into words. Markovits' book is a perceptive look at how families function in times of stress, and it's also a loving look at a city in a permanent state of flux.