LITERATURE + LECTURES

Brazos Bookstore is pleased to welcome author Henry L. Roubicek on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at 4:00 PM where he will discuss and sign his book, So, What’s Your Story? Discovering the Story in You.

Unlike the metamorphosis that occurs to a butterfly or a frog, telling a story will probably not dramatically alter your character, physical structure, or even circumstances. However, as a storyteller, you can imagine you did.

So, What’s Your Story: discovering the story in you is designed to be used as a text or for personal interest. Dr. Roubicek weaves theory and practice and takes the reader on countless fanciful journeys that are peppered between the beautiful vintage photographs used to introduce each chapter. As a special treat, the book consists of video clips of students telling a variety of stories, as well as some past programs from Story Time, where some of the best storytellers in Houston are enjoyed.

In the book, Hank begins by asserting that we are all natural storytellers and gets you hooked immediately. And he never lets you go.

A reader’s testimonial perhaps says it best: “While reading this book, there were times when I actually laughed a loud. At another point, I heard a ‘plunk’ when tears fell from my eyes onto the heartwarming page in which I was immersed. It is hard to think of this as a textbook, as it reads so easily while inspiring the storyteller in all of us.” The reader will find ways to discover stories of all kinds, and carve them into spoken art worthy of any audience. He manages to do all this while telling a story on almost every page. Dr. Roubicek makes it clear that each of us have stories to tell.

About the author: Dr. Henry “Hank” Roubicek is a professor of communication studies at the University of Houston Downtown. He is an award-winning educator and recognized nationally for his innovative teaching, video narratives, and commitment to community engagement.

He is the host of Story Time, on KPFT’s Open Journal, a docent at the Holocaust Museum Houston, and President of the Houston Storyteller’s Guild. He was exposed to the magic of storytelling by his grandmother---an animated and witty Holocaust survivor, whose relentless energy and love for life made her the consummate storyteller.

As Hank explains, “Her stories could take a stranger on the most memorable journey of his life. “ If you ask Hank about his formula for success, he will tell you “I have the skills and I hope I’m smart. But what I do best, is do everything with heart.” Know him for a moment and you’ll know it’s true.