‘Scaling Yourself’ is the new book by Praval Panwar. Photo: Amazon
Book Spotlight: Scaling Yourself
Designing a Personal Operating System for Career and Life
By Praval Panwar
High performers are taught to push harder as responsibilities grow.
But effort does not scale. Architecture does.
As careers advance, the same habits that once drove success begin to create overload, burnout, and diminishing impact. Decisions slow. Energy drops. Influence dilutes.
The problem isn’t capability, it’s operating at a new level with an outdated personal operating system.
Redesigning the Flow of Success
Scaling Yourself applies principles from engineering, systems design, and leadership to the human side of performance. Instead of productivity hacks or motivation, it shows how to redesign how your work, decisions, energy, and influence flow so growth becomes sustainable. (Bookshop, 2026)
Who Is This Book For?
This book is built specifically for:
Ambitious professionals navigating rapid career growth.
Engineers and technical minds who want to apply systems thinking to life.
Leaders whose success has increased complexity, not freedom.
This is not a book about doing more. It is a book about designing better.
Praval Panwar is a senior technology leader and systems thinker focused on the intersection of engineering, leadership, and long-term performance. Scaling Yourself distills his experience into a practical framework for redesigning how work, decisions, and energy flow so ambition can scale without burnout.
‘The Accidental Future of Dean Harris’ is the inspiring new book by Derek McFadden. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.
Book Review: The Accidental Future of Dean Harris by Derek McFadden
Part of Paste Creative Book Tours
Release Date: June 15, 2026. Available for pre-order.
The Story
Dean Harris is a struggling writer with cerebral palsy. His life’s dream has been to write a bestselling novel, a dream he shares with his father, Damon Harris. When his father calls him with the good news that he has finally landed a literary agent, Dean is happy for him. He really is, but his father doesn’t believe him.
When Damon’s agent, Dianne, finds out that Dean is also a writer, she offers him an unpaid internship as a second reader, a manuscript gatekeeper. He accepts the internship and spends his days reading manuscripts, some good, some not so good. Then, one day, he meets bestselling author Charles Corning.
Over the years, they develop a close working relationship and Charles becomes a mentor of sorts to Dean. He agrees to read Dean’s unpublished novel, What Lucas Learned From Life, which is about a young man dealing with life with cerebral palsy. He likes it and encourages Dean to never give up on his dreams of seeing it published.
Dean self-publishes the book, but then his biggest dream comes true: his next novel becomes a bestseller and a critical success.
Then he wakes up. His reality once again centers around unread pages and a dream that is constantly just beyond reach. When parts of his dreams start creeping into his waking world, Dean realizes that maybe the vision wasn’t simply an “accidental future”—maybe it was more like a map.
Now Dean must decide whether he should stop chasing the ghost of the man he wants to be and face the life he’s actually living: the family he’s overlooked and a relationship with his girlfriend, Claire, that’s unraveling under the weight of his ambition.
Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours
Review
Derek McFadden’s The Accidental Future of Dean Harris is a gripping, mind-bending exploration of ambition and reality. Dean Harris is stuck between being a “visionary” and a “fraud,” and it’s affecting his relationships with the people he loves.
Taking place between 2015 and 2021, the story blends reality and subconscious insight, creating a narrative that feels introspective and highly relatable. The nonlinear format adds incredible depth to the story, revealing how past choices, hidden desires, and personal blind spots shape our futures. It also contains a story within a story, with portions of What Lucas Learned From Life included to support Dean’s narrative, which is in the first person point of view.
McFadden gives readers a story that is less about literary fame and more about the ghosts we chase at the expense of our present. The prose is sharp, witty, and deeply empathetic, capturing the existential dread of the creative mind.
“Yet, on this early evening, with the sun sinking low and inviting darkness to settle over the city like a colorless comforter outside my window, life had changed.”
The characters are well-developed, especially Dean, and his struggles as a writer will resonate with would-be authors everywhere.
The Verdict
The Accidental Future of Dean Harrisis a thought-provoking and poignant read for anyone who has ever looked at their life and wondered if they are waking up to the wrong reality. Beyond its exploration of artistic ambition, the novel offers a powerful look at relationships, whether they be familial or friendships. These emotional threads ground the story and give it genuine heart.
Insightful and ultimately hopeful, it’s a gentle reminder of the importance of finding meaning not in the future we imagine, but in the life unfolding right before us.
“Rejection will, for all time, stand as the most personal, most painful verdict that can be delivered in all of human experience.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
About the Author
Derek McFadden is an author, a poet, a podcast presenter, a radio enthusiast, an unapologetic fan of the Seattle Mariners, and a former March of Dimes ambassador. He lives with a mild version of cerebral palsy, and his eyes are not great at being eyes.
Other Books by Derek McFadden:
What Death Taught Terrence – His debut novel was a Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist (2021) and the Best Adult Fiction Winner at The Wishing Shelf Awards (2021). The audiobook version, read by the acclaimed BJ Harrison, was a Best Adult Audio Book Finalist at The Wishing Shelf Awards (2021).
The Santa Claus Agreement – His second novel, and a Wishing Shelf Awards “red ribbon” winner.
All Systems Snow – A collection of short stories published in 2023.
Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours
**Thank you to Stephanie Caruso, Paste Creative Book Tours, and Derek McFadden for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Idris Elba, Kristen Wiig, Tom Wilton, Nicholas Galitzine, and Camila Mendes star in He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, now in theaters. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
By the Power of Grayskull! Masters of the Universe Hits the Big Screen This Month
I grew up watching the He-Man animated series. For more than four decades, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has remained a beloved staple of pop culture.
Debuting in 1983, the original animated series captivated audiences with its colorful characters, epic battles, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. Fans were drawn to Prince Adam’s transformation into He-Man—the heroic defender of Eternia—and to deeply memorable villains like Skeletor. The show’s core themes of courage, friendship, and responsibility continue to resonate with viewers of all ages, while pure nostalgia has helped introduce the franchise to entire new generations.
Photo: IMDb
Now, He-Man returns to the big screen in the live-action Masters of the Universe, arriving in theaters this month! Directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, the film promises an action-packed adventure that brings the legendary world of Eternia to life for a new era of fans.
It’s now playing in theaters everywhere!
🎬 New Movie Release: Masters of the Universe
Masters of the Universe is an epic sword-and-sorcery film based on the iconic media franchise by Mattel. Mark your calendars, because this marks the second live-action film adaptation since the cult-classic 1987 film.
Quick Facts:
Director: Travis Knight
Writers: Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and David Callaham
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes
🎭 The Star-Studded Cast
The new film brings together an incredible ensemble cast to bring Eternia to life:
Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam / He-Man
Camila Mendes * Jared Leto * Alison Brie * James Purefoy * Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson * Charlotte Riley * Kristen Wiig * Morena Baccarin * Idris Elba
📜 Official Synopsis
In the furthest regions of space, the kingdom of Eternia is threatened by the villainous Skeletor and his mischievous armies of darkness. To save his father’s kingdom and protect the lives of those he holds dear, young Prince Adam must retrieve a mythical sword and become the fabled warrior known only as “He-Man.” (IMDb, 2026)
Are you planning to see it? Whether you’re a die-hard fan from the ’83 cartoon era or brand new to Eternia, let me know your thoughts on the new live-action look in the comments below!
Tenfold Rooftop is having specialty cocktails all month to benefit SA Pride Center. Photo: Kimpton Santo San Antonio-Riverwalk, used with permission.
🌈 Celebrate Pride Month: Standout Spots to Sip, Snack, and Support in San Antonio
With Pride Month kicking off this June, several standout spots around town are celebrating with delicious drinks supporting local organizations, rainbow treats, and high-energy events. (Bakery Lorraine, Gunter Hotel, Kimpton Santo San Antonio-Riverwalk, Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk, 2026)
Whether you are looking for the perfect rainbow donut or a rooftop party with a view, here is your ultimate guide to celebrating Pride in style.
When: Available for in-store purchase from Monday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 30.
Where: All Bakery Lorraine locations.
Photo: Bakery Lorraine
🍸 The Gunter Hotel (Keystone Club)
Stop by the Keystone Club to sip on the “Pride Rush” cocktail ($16). This festive drink features Tito’s Vodka, St. Germain, lemon juice, simple syrup, lychee syrup, and muddled raspberries. To top it off, it’s served with a Rainbow Sour Strip and edible iridescent glitter.
When: Available Monday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 30.
Hours: Walk-ins are welcome daily between 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Get ready for Tenfold Dayclub: Pride Takeover, a high-energy rooftop experience featuring live DJs by FREEQUENCY, sounds powered by CDJsessions, vibrant cocktails, skyline views, giveaways, and more.
The Event: Sunday, June 7 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Must be 21+ to enter).
Admission: $30 General Admission, with a portion of ticket proceeds going to the Thrive Youth Center.
The Drinks: Enjoy a specialty cocktail menu curated by Tito’s. These cocktails will be available all month long, with a portion of proceeds supporting the SA Pride Center.
Reservations: Strongly encouraged through OpenTable.
Texans looking for a vibrant weekend getaway can head to the heart of the city. Ideally situated along the iconic River Walk and just steps from the city’s Pride festivities, the Thompson San Antonio offers the perfect home base to celebrate in style.
On Saturday, June 27, guests can enjoy easy access to San Antonio’s Pride parade before keeping the party going at the hotel’s signature venues:
The Moon’s Daughters: Sip on a curated selection of $15 rosé wines available all day and night while taking in sweeping skyline views from the rooftop lounge.
Cenote Pool Deck: The open-air celebration features $15 Drink Pouches (including Strawberry Infused Cosmos), specialty cocktails, and poolside beverages.
Live Music: A live DJ set from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will bring the energy to the pool deck, creating the ultimate festive atmosphere.
Blending elevated accommodations, vibrant nightlife, and a prime location, it’s an unforgettable Pride weekend escape for both locals and travelers from across Texas.
‘The Girl on the Beach’ is the new suspenseful thriller by Carol Snow. Photo: Penguin Random House
Book Review: The Girl on the Beach by Carol Snow
Release Date: June 23, 2026, available for pre-order.
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Suspense
Synopsis
On the surface, Sonia and Graham Starr are a glamorous couple: Sonia is the sleek entrepreneur behind a successful lifestyle brand and Graham is a handsome painter with an irrepressible zest for life. They had everything money could buy and the one thing it couldn’t, a precious, precocious four-year-old named Roxie. But when Roxie disappears into the Pacific Ocean on a perfect August afternoon, their world crumbles around them.
Months after the tragedy, the Starrs are divorcing, and Sonia has hired real estate agent Jan Murray to sell their expensive beach house. One Sunday afternoon, Jan waits for Colleen, Roxie’s twenty-one-year-old former nanny, to arrive at the home.
Still haunted by unanswered questions and overwhelming guilt, Colleen returns to the Starrs’ house on the “American Riviera”—the rarefied stretch of land around Santa Barbara where the mountains meet the sea—hoping the environment will trigger buried memories.
Her first night back, she gazes out at the sand and sees a child who bears a striking resemblance to Roxie. When she calls out, the child runs away. Colleen never believed that Roxie, who was deeply afraid of the surf, would run into the ocean on her own. A desperate hunt for the truth begins, forcing Colleen to face her greatest fears.
Review
The Girl on the Beach immerses readers into the devastating aftermath of a family’s worst nightmare. Set against the sun-drenched, wealthy backdrop of Santa Barbara, the story masterfully follows the unraveling of a family unit broken by grief.
A Gripping, Non-Linear Narrative
The heart of the book is Colleen’s journey. Told through her first-person perspective, the story unfolds using alternating BEFORE and AFTER chapters. These flashbacks carefully piece together the timeline surrounding Roxie’s disappearance.
Colleen is a particularly engaging protagonist whose determination and vulnerability make her incredibly easy to root for. Driven by intense guilt, she constantly blames herself for not watching Roxie, even though it was her day off. Snow handles Colleen’s struggles with anxiety, grief, and an unhelpful therapist with remarkable empathy and realism.
Atmospheric and Tense
Snow excels at creating an atmosphere of unease and paranoia, skillfully revealing secrets while forcing the reader to question who is actually telling the truth. The beautiful scenery comes alive through poetic, highly descriptive prose:
“Our feet crunch on gravel. Insects buzz. The scent of wild roses and sage hangs heavy in the air.”
This gorgeous, idyllic setting creates a tense, gripping juxtaposition against the dark, suffocating grief of the Starr family.
The Verdict
The Girl on the Beach is a riveting thriller that beautifully combines family tragedy, suspense, and emotional depth. It uses themes of grief, identity, and the fragility of memory to explore the human condition under extreme stress.
Fans of psychological suspense will appreciate the intricate plotting and emotional complexity. Best of all? The genuinely jaw-dropping finale completely resets everything you thought you knew. It is easily this year’s top summer beach read.
“The sky is white and soggy. The air has a bite. It is winter, after all; some days it even feels like it. And yet, the sea calls to me.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the Author
Carol Snow holds a BA in psychology from Brown University and an MA in teaching English from Boston College. She is the author of ten novels.
Called “an author to watch” by Booklist, recognition for Snow’s previous titles includes a Target Bookmarked Breakout Selection, Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Books of the Month, and a Readers’ Crown Award Finalist.
**Thank you to Fauzia Burke of FSB Associates for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
The genre-defining 1977 album: Boone Creek’s self-titled debut returns. Photo: Craft Recordings, used with permission.
Lost Bluegrass Treasure Unearthed: Boone Creek’s Legendary 1977 Debut Returns with Unreleased Tracks
The wait is finally over for bluegrass purists and progressive roots fans alike. Craft Recordings and HighTone Records have announced the long-awaited return of Boone Creek, the self-titled 1977 debut from the boundary-pushing supergroup. (Craft Recordings, 2026)
Featuring future bluegrass luminaries Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Wes Golding, and Terry Baucom, this landmark album is stepping out of the vault and into the modern era.
A Historic Reissue Across All Formats
Long out of print and previously unavailable outside its original release, Boone Creek is making a massive comeback on June 26.
First Vinyl Pressing in nearly five decades.
Debut Releases on CD and all streaming platforms (including hi-res digital).
To celebrate the announcement, you can stream or download Boone Creek’s soul-stirring take on the Flatt & Scruggs classic, “I’m Gonna Settle Down,” right now. The track perfectly showcases the dazzling musicianship and fiery chemistry of these four masters.
50 Years in the Making: The Mystery of the Lost Tapes
In 1976, fresh off their tenure with J.D. Crowe & the New South, Ricky Skaggs (mandolin, fiddle, guitar, vocals) and Jerry Douglas (Dobro, vocals) joined forces with songwriter Wes Golding (guitar) and Terry Baucom (banjo). Together, they created a daring new sound that honored bluegrass tradition while boldly expanding its possibilities with elements of jam-band looseness, timeless pop, and 1970s soft-rock.
But for decades, a piece of that history was missing.
“When it came time to collect the tapes, it was found that the engineer had absconded with them.” — Jerry Douglas
Nearly five decades later, the tapes were finally tracked down, but they were moldy and badly damaged. Following an intense restoration effort, four previously unreleased session recordings were rescued. These bonus tracks reveal an even bolder, more experimental side of Boone Creek, including the freewheeling “Hitchhiking to California” and the horn-laced, subtly psychedelic “Dream Song.” One of the recovered tracks, “Misty Wind,” even features harmony vocals from country legend Vince Gill, who briefly played bass for the band.
What the Legends Are Saying
“It’s been over 50 years since Boone Creek made these recordings and it’s great to hear them remastered. They sound better than ever, and I never thought the previously unreleased cuts would see the light of day. A big thanks to my bandmate, brother Jerry Douglas, for assisting in the remastering process—great job!” — Ricky Skaggs
Where Are They Now? The Boone Creek Legacy
Boone Creek only put out one more album (One Way Track in 1978) before disbanding, but its members went on to shape the face of American roots music:
Ricky Skaggs: Just 23 during Boone Creek, he went on to join Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band and forged a legendary career, earning 15 GRAMMY Awards.
Jerry Douglas: Recognized as one of the most influential Dobro players in history, Douglas has garnered 16 GRAMMY Awards and is a featured member of Alison Krauss and Union Station.
Wes Golding: Later performed with the beloved Shenandoah Cut-Ups and co-founded Wes Golding & Sure Fire.
Terry Baucom: A founding member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and IIIrd Tyme Out, Baucom passed away in 2023, receiving a Distinguished Achievement Award at that year’s IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards.
A Snapshot of Bluegrass History
Today, Boone Creek stands as both a time capsule and a revelation: a snapshot of four extraordinary musicians at the start of their journeys, unafraid to test the limits of their craft.
Are you excited to spin this progressive bluegrass classic on vinyl? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to pre-order your copy today!
Selena Forever/Siempre Selena opens on June 4, 2026. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Briscoe: New Selena Exhibition & Summer Film Series
The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio is set to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Queen of Tejano music with Selena Forever / Siempre Selena, a special photographic exhibition opening June 4, 2026, in the museum’s Kate Marmion Gallery. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)
Featuring photographs by acclaimed San Antonio photographer John Dyer, the exhibition captures Selena at a pivotal moment in her rise to international stardom. It offers an intimate look at an artist whose talent, charisma, and determination transformed Tejano music and helped redefine representation for Mexican American women in popular culture.
📸 The Exhibition: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena
Photographed by Dyer on multiple occasions between 1992 and 1994, this showcase brings together some of the most recognizable and widely published images of Selena’s career. It is considered the most complete and comprehensive exhibition of large-scale Selena portraits ever presented.
Visitors can expect:
Monumental Portraits: Iconic large-scale images from her rise to stardom.
Historical Ephemera: Magazine covers and memorabilia offering an expansive look at her life and artistry.
On Display: June 4, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027
Carrying the Spirit of the West
“Selena was a trailblazing Tejana whose influence reached far beyond music,” says Liz Jackson. “She embodied the independence, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that have long defined the American West, while proudly carrying her culture and community with her every step of the way.”
At a time when Tejano music was largely dominated by men, Selena broke barriers with confidence and authenticity. Much like generations of Tejanos who helped shape Texas through perseverance and innovation, Selena forged her own path while carrying the traditions of her community forward.
About the Photographer: John Dyer
John Dyer is a Texas-based photographer renowned for documenting the people, culture, and spirit of the American Southwest. His work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions nationwide, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the McNay Art Museum. Dyer’s work documenting Selena remains some of the most iconic imagery associated with the beloved cultural icon.
🎬 Briscoe Summer Film Series: “Siempre Tejano”
To complement the exhibition, the Briscoe’s annual Summer Film Series will present Siempre Tejano, celebrating Selena, Tejano music, and the cultural legacy shaping Texas today.
The Details:
When: The third Sunday of June, July, and August at 2:00 PM.
Perks: Included with general admission. Tickets include complimentary beer provided by Ranger Creek and classic movie snacks. (Pro-tip: Purchase tickets in advance online)
A Netflix documentary tracing the band’s rise from local South Texas gigs to international fame, featuring rare archival footage from the Quintanilla family archive.
The beloved feature film starring Jennifer Lopez charting Selena’s extraordinary journey. Inducted into the National Film Registry, it famously features San Antonio’s own River Walk.
An acclaimed documentary exploring the influence of legendary TV host Johnny Canales, whose variety show helped launch the careers of countless Tejano artists.
🏛️ More to Experience at the Briscoe This Summer
Located right on the River Walk near La Villita in downtown San Antonio, the Briscoe preserves the art, history, and culture of the American West. Beyond Selena, visitors can experience massive programming updates this summer:
Opening July 24, 2026 (running through Jan. 18, 2027), this is the most ambitious exhibition in the Briscoe’s history.
Features more than 100 rare artworks and artifacts.
Includes pieces loaned from Mexican institutions—considered national historical heritage—on display in the U.S. for the very first time.
Don’t Miss: The museum’s annual National Day of the Vaquero / Día Nacional del Vaquero celebration on July 25.
Tejano Legacy National Tour Dates
Can’t make it to San Antonio? The landmark exhibition will be hitting the road to introduce audiences across the country to the story of Tejano identity:
March 4 – September 5, 2027: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (Scottsdale, AZ)
October 30, 2027 – February 13, 2028: Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin, TX)
🎟️ Admission Deals & Discounts
The Briscoe is offering several free and reduced admission opportunities throughout the summer:
Kids 12 and under: Always FREE.
Active-Duty Military Families: FREE via Blue Star Museums through Labor Day.
Bexar County Residents: Monthly free “Locals Days”.
Community Programs: Proud participant in Museums for All and Museums on Us.
Plan your summer visit to the Briscoe and immerse yourself in the vibrant history, art, and music that define Texas,
Edmond Kirsch is a billionaire philanthropist, computer scientist, futurist, and outspoken atheist. He sets up a meeting at the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Catalonia (Spain) with Roman Catholic Bishop Antonio Valdespino, Jewish Rabbi Yehuda Köves, and Muslim Imam Syed al-Fadl—all members of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Kirsch informs them that he has made a revolutionary discovery that he plans to release to the public in a month.
This discovery would severely undermine the public’s religious beliefs. Despite his hatred of organized religion, which he blames for his mother’s death, Kirsch wanted to inform them out of respect. However, the three religious leaders soon learn that Kirsch actually intends to make his discovery public in just three days, prompting Valdespino to urge him to reconsider. Kirsch proceeds with his plan, hosting a lavish event at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to reveal his findings. Among those in attendance are:
Robert Langdon: Kirsch’s former teacher and brilliant Harvard symbologist.
Ambra Vidal: The Guggenheim’s curator and fiancée to Prince Julián, the future King of Spain.
All guests receive a customized headset to communicate with Winston, a highly sophisticated, seemingly all-knowing artificial intelligence developed by Kirsch. During the presentation, Kirsch admits he fears he has put himself in grave danger due to the religious controversy surrounding his announcement. Suddenly, the carefully planned event erupts into chaos. With Kirsch’s precious discovery on the verge of being lost forever and facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced to flee along with Ambra Vidal. Together, they travel to Barcelona on a dangerous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret.
Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and Vidal must evade an enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace. They uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.
Review
Origin is a fast-paced thriller that combines cutting-edge science, art, religion, and mystery into an engaging adventure. Langdon and Vidal’s search for the cryptic password leads them through iconic landmarks, hidden histories, and powerful religious and political forces determined to suppress the truth.
Brown has always been an expert at creating suspense; the novel’s short chapters and constant twists keep the reader hooked. The vivid descriptions of Spain’s architecture and culture add incredible richness to the story, while the exploration of science versus faith gives the narrative real intellectual depth.
Character Dynamics
Robert Langdon: The brilliant Harvard symbologist remains the steady, intellectual anchor of the series.
Edmond Kirsch: The true standout character. As a charismatic futurist and billionaire, his hubris and genius drive the entire plot, acting as the spark for a fierce debate on existence.
Ambra Vidal: Brings strong emotional stakes and a sharp mind to their journey through Barcelona’s historic architecture.
Literary Themes
Brown weaves compelling, thought-provoking themes that focus squarely on the collision between faith and reason. By asking two fundamental human questions—“Where did we come from?” and “Where are we going?”—the book contrasts traditional religious dogmatism with the rapid, unchecked advancement of artificial intelligence and science.
The Ideal Reader
This book is a perfect match for readers who love:
Fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers.
Art history, architecture, and cryptology.
Philosophical debates regarding how technology might shape the future of human spirituality.
Final Thoughts
Origin by Dan Brown is an entertaining and intelligent novel. While some readers may find the ultimate philosophical resolution more thought-provoking than genuinely surprising, the shocking final twist makes it well worth the ride. Fans of Robert Langdon and readers who enjoy mysteries built around big ideas will find plenty to enjoy here.
“Historically, the most dangerous men on earth were men of God… especially when their gods became threatened.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
About The Author
Dan Brown is the author of nine #1 bestselling novels including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the bestselling books of all time. His Robert Langdon thrillers, including The Lost Symbol, Angels & Demons, Inferno, Origin, and The Secret of Secrets, have captivated readers world wide and continue to spark intellectual debate, dialogue, and conjecture. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages around the world with over 250 million copies in print.
Steep traces an odyssey from a gritty Boston neighborhood to a neurosurgical practice in Middle America. It’s more about the price of success than the weight of bigotry – a story of resilience and self-discovery that will resonate with anyone who has wrestled with their past as they chased the American Dream. (PR by the Book, 2026)
The word “steep” has two meanings: the adjective that conjures a precipitous climb—or descent—but also the verb that connotes a ripening or maturing over time. Both definitions are evident in Yorke’s story, one that will resonate with anyone who’s run from their past, and anyone whose world feels too small.
“Written with the deftness of a brain surgeon and the ear of a concert violinist, Steep is the unforgettably moving story of one man’s life and times. But it is also a wise and courageous commentary on our time.”
— Cyrus Console-Soican, Ph.D., Professor of Liberal Arts, Kansas City Art Institute
About the Author
Dr. Craig Yorke was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He received a BA from Harvard College in 1970 and an MD from Harvard Medical School in 1974. His parental directive insisted he avenge centuries of bigotry with a life of infinite success.
After a neurosurgical residency at the University of California at San Francisco, he and his wife Mary found their way to an unlikely destination. He practiced in Topeka, Kansas, for 25 years, wrestling with his history and the armored identity it had imposed.
He’s a credible violinist, having played the Bruch G Minor concerto with the Boston Pops at age 17, and hits tennis balls with passion. Steep is his first book.
“She escaped the monster she knew… only to face the truth she feared.”
If you love a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last frame, mark your calendars. Coming to theaters and digital platforms this June 2, 2026, is Fathers, a gripping new dramatic mystery-thriller that proves blood isn’t always thicker than water. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)
🎬 The Premise
After years held in captivity, Natalie finally escapes the man she believed was her father. But the nightmare doesn’t end there. As her true father steps in to bring her home, Natalie’s loyalty, fear, and confusion spiral into a web of violence. Trapped in a maze where every clue leads to another lie, she must figure out what is real before everything explodes, forcing both father and daughter to confront a devastating truth about her past.
🎭 Cast & Crew
Directed and written by Harley Wallen and distributed by One Tree Entertainment, Fathers boasts a stellar indie cast, including an award-winning lead performance.
Writer/Director: Harley Wallen
Starring:
Kaiti Wallen (Finding Nicole, Beneath Us All, Ash and Bone) – Winner of Best Actress honors at the Top Indie Film Awards for this role!
Harley Wallen (Ash and Bone, Finding Nicole)
Leslie Mechigian (Chasing Hope, Final Recovery)
Richard Tyson
Vida Ghaffari
Dennis Marin
📅 Release Date & How to Watch
Fathers hits theaters and digital platforms across the U.S. and Canada on June 2, 2026. Ready to dive into the mystery? You will be able to rent or buy the film on the following streaming platforms:
Prime Video
Fandango at Home / Vudu
Netflix
What are your thoughts? Will Natalie find peace, or is her real father hiding secrets of his own? Let me know in the comments below if you’ll be adding Fathers to your summer watchlist.
SA Examiner 