Meanwhile, Here in Austin is a warm and vivid portrait of a life rebuilt in a new city, told through photographs, seasons, small moments, and quiet revelations. The book moves through a year in Austin and folds in memories of storms, wildlife, music, food, community, and family. Author Cetywa Powell shares snapshots that feel intimate and honest. Some pages linger on deer and wildflowers, others settle into the chaos of winter storms or the comfort of neighborhood rituals. The through line is a deep affection for a place that slowly becomes home.

I was pulled in by Powell’s writing style. It feels simple at first, almost gentle, yet underneath it sits a surprising emotional weight. Her images of deer in spring made me smile, and the chapters on thunderstorms made me sit up a little straighter. I felt her worry during Winter Storm Uri and her delight during summer afternoons at swimming holes. The voice feels like someone thinking out loud while watching the world drift by. I enjoyed that. It made the book feel personal. I wished the book had lingered longer on certain ideas, because some scenes flew by quickly, but maybe that fleeting quality is the whole point.

What stayed with me most was how the author tied her family’s everyday life to the bigger personality of Austin. The mix of humor, frustration, awe, and curiosity reminded me of what it feels like to fall into a city and let it shape you. Her thoughts on rising costs, constant change, and the churn of neighbors felt real. I felt her pride when she found slivers of beauty in chaos and her sadness when the bats did not appear one summer night. Some passages felt like private confessions. It is rare for a book of photography and short reflections to leave such a strong impression.

By the end, I felt like I had taken my own quiet tour of Austin, guided by someone who pays close attention to the world around her. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective writing, newcomers to Austin, longtime Austinites who want to see their city through fresh eyes, and anyone who loves stories built from ordinary days that somehow feel extraordinary. It is a heartfelt and thoughtful read, and a lovely companion for anyone who enjoys watching a place become home.

Pages: 100 | ISBN : 0998892378