For the fourth year in a row, Presbyterian Village North (PVN) Executive Director Dustin Allen is opening the pages to another season of conversation, curiosity and community with his much-anticipated Book Review series. Launching Volume Four, the first selection was Texas Loud, Proud, and Brash: How Ten Mavericks Created the Twentieth-Century Lone Star State by Rusty Williams, who also joined the community as the guest presenter for the kickoff discussion.
Published in 2023, the book explores the lives of ten influential men and women who helped shape modern Texas beginning in the late 1920s, a time when oil, ambition and confidence propelled the state onto the national stage. Known for his fast-paced, colorful storytelling, writer-historian Rusty Williams brings these mavericks to life, sharing the human stories behind the era that forged Texas’ proud, boisterous identity.
At PVN, the Executive Director Book Review series has become a beloved tradition, offering residents an engaging way to learn, reflect and connect. As year four begins, Dustin Allen once again invites the community to pull up a chair, turn the page and enjoy a lively exploration of history, culture and the stories that continue to shape who we are today.
Purchase Texas Loud, Proud, and Brash by Rusty Williams here.
Read more about Dustin’s Book Reviews.
2026 Book Reviews
April 2026: Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden by Bill O’Reilly
There’s something special about the way a good story brings people together and at Presbyterian Village North, that sense of connection is on full display during Executive Director Dustin Allen’s ever-popular book review series.
Last Friday, more than 100 residents filled the McGowan Auditorium, eager to hear Dustin’s latest take on Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden by Bill O’Reilly.
With his signature blend of insight, humor and relatability, Dustin walked residents through key moments and perspectives from the book, sparking curiosity and reflection along the way. His ability to break down complex historical narratives into engaging, conversational takeaways is exactly what keeps residents coming back month after month.
