We love pop culture, don’t you? Especially cool new tomes. Austin-based photographer George Brainard is celebrating the release of his new book, All Tore Up. We love the way his photos capture this particularly stylish aspect of Texas' personality, as reflected in the people who live to boast the best in creative car culture.

When Brainard started photographing The Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round Up, one of America’s premier car shows, he became captivated by the uniquely American scene and the souped-up hot rods it celebrates. Originally shooting on behalf of the show's hosts, The Kontinentals Car Club, he soon found himself interested as much in the crowd and the culture as in the cars, so he began taking portraits of the people at the car show.

This visually captivating tome would make an edgy addition to your coffee table, or a great gift for the car lover in your life. And for a real-life taste of the custom car culture, check out the book release party this weekend for a rollicking good time with hot rods, cool music and cold beer at C-Boy's Heart and Soul, an Austin music institution on South Congress Avenue.

Click here for more information on All Tore Up. Photos courtesy of University of Texas Press.