Lyal Strickland Releases ‘I’m Still Poor’ Ahead of Anticipated New Album ‘Shooter of Truth’

Lyal Strickland’s Shooter of Truth will be out October 16. Photo: Jym Wilson Photography, used with permission.

New Music: Lyal Strickland Returns with ‘I’m Still Poor’ Ahead of First Album in a Decade

“I’m Still Poor” is the third and final single from Lyal Strickland’s forthcoming album, Shooter of Truth. Following the success of the title track and the duet “Birds,” “I’m Still Poor” is out now on all streaming platforms. (Broken Jukebox Media, 2026)

Shooter of Truth marks Strickland’s first full-length album in ten years, arriving with the weight of a life fully lived in the years between. The album drops on October 16.

A Decade in the Making

After the death of his father and a string of hard miles on the road in 2016, Strickland went through an emotional breakdown that left him questioning his place in music alongside his ability to keep writing honestly.

In the decade that followed, life didn’t stand still:

  • He got married.
  • He became the father of two young daughters.
  • He stayed tied to the land and the cattle that have shaped his family’s story for generations.

Then, in one weekend, the songs returned.

“Those songs became the foundation of Shooter of Truth, an album that looks directly at alcohol, depression, old relationships, present love, failure, survival, and the strange grace of still being here.”

The breakthrough came during a Southwest Folk Alliance conference, where Strickland wrote a batch of songs with a new kind of clarity: brutally honest, unguarded, and unwilling to dress up the truth.

The Sound of the Ozarks

Across its ten tracks, Shooter of Truth moves between solo acoustic performances (“Another Place And Time” and “Hellbent On A Heartache”), an acoustic guitar and cello-backed duet (“Birds”), a couple of irreverent fast-paced tracks, and a collection of mid-tempo tunes rooted in country, folk, and Americana.

The record is earnest, raw, and unpolished, capturing a side of Lyal that hasn’t been fully captured on record before. The backing musicians all hail from the Ozarks, lending the project a sound deeply tied to place: unpretentious and lived-in. It’s music shaped by the same hills, highways, churches, barrooms, and back roads that run through Strickland’s writing.

The Singles

The album’s three singles trace its full emotional range:

  • “Shooter of Truth” — Sets the tone with a plainspoken reckoning and the hard edge of self-examination.
  • “Birds” (feat. Rachel Laven) — Explores the strain of life on the road and the temptation to push past your limits in search of something true. Not originally written as a duet, Laven was the first and obvious choice when the track called for a complementary voice, bringing out an understated tension in the lyrics.
  • “I’m Still Poor” — Brings Strickland’s hard-earned realism to the forefront—a song about the sacrifices artists make, the cost of chasing the work, and the long search for the people who understand why you keep doing it anyway.

Betting on the Music

To make the album happen, Strickland is making big changes on his farm by dwindling his cattle herd down to Herefords, the same breed raised by his grandfather and great-grandfather on his mother’s side. It’s both a sacrifice and a promise: Strickland is putting his heart into this release, letting go of one version of the farm to carry forward another while making room for the music that has never quite let him go.

On Shooter of Truth, Strickland sounds like an artist less interested in reinvention than reckoning. He returns as a husband, father, and farmer still marked by the road, singing with fewer illusions and more at stake. After ten years away, he has come back with songs that do what the title promises: aim straight for the truth without flinching.

About Lyal Strickland

Lyal Strickland is an Americana singer-songwriter, whose music is as authentic as the Ozark hills. With a background deeply embedded in the rural landscapes of Missouri, his lyrics resonate with the experiences of small-town life, weaving tales of struggle, resilience, and unyielding human spirit. (Lyal Strickland, 2026)

Strickland’s songs are a testament to his commitment to his roots and his versatility as an artist. His albums move through stages of life, showcasing his distinctive voice that brings his narratives to life. Each song is a window into Strickland’s world, inviting listeners to step into stories woven with candor and crushing humility.

Album Credits

  • Co-Produced by: Adam Dawson & Lyal Strickland
  • Recorded, Mixed, & Mastered by: Jeff Smith at Studio 2100
  • Songwriting: All songs written by Lyal Strickland (except “Hellbent On A Heartache”)

Musicians

  • Lyal Strickland – Vocals, Guitar
  • Molly Healey – Fiddle, Cello
  • Joe Terry – Organ, Keyboards
  • Oran Thornton – Electric Guitar
  • Kyle Vance – Bass
  • Nick Smith – Drums
  • Rachel Laven – Duet Vocals on “Birds”
  • Jeff Smith, Dillon Hasten, Damien Thousand – Background Vocals

Shooter of Truth tracklist:

  1. Shooter Of Truth – 4:35
  2. Birds – 3:44
  3. I’m Still Poor – 4:37
  4. Homewrecker – 2:48
  5. Before It’s Gone – 5:14
  6. Another Place And Time – 3:09
  7. Boosters – 3:25
  8. Church List – 2:56
  9. Gatherin’ Dust – 3:36
  10. Hell Bent On A Heartache – 2:59
    Full run time: 37min 5sec

Book Review: ‘Jigsaw’ by Jonathan Kellerman (Alex Delaware #41)

‘Jigsaw’ is the latest Alex Delaware novel by Jonathan Kellerman. Photo: Penguin Random House

Book Review: Jigsaw (An Alex Delaware Novel)

By Jonathan Kellerman

Format: Audiobook

The Story

After not hearing from him in over a month, LAPD Homicide Lieutenant Milo Sturgis shows up at psychologist Alex Delaware’s place looking worn out and overworked. He’s stuck on an “easy” case that suddenly turned into a mind-bending whodunit.

When a young woman is found dead at her kitchen table, the initial evidence points directly to an ex-boyfriend with a criminal record. But Milo knows better than to trust an obvious answer, so he turns to Alex, his best friend and long-term consultant on “those cases,” the ones that are different, to help unravel an investigation that refuses to fit together.

Then comes a second grisly discovery: an elderly woman found frozen and mutilated inside a deep freeze. When Milo learns her identity, he’s stunned because she’s someone from his past. Complicating matters further, her home is an extreme hoarder’s den, virtually impassable due to years of accumulated trash and seemingly meaningless objects. Except for the envelopes of cash stashed among the garbage.

As Alex and Milo dig deeper into the seemingly unrelated crimes, they discover shocking links between the victims, unraveling a complex, multi-layered mystery that tests both Milo’s investigative acumen and Alex’s psychological insight.

About Alex Delaware

Alex Delaware made his debut in Jonathan Kellerman’s 1985 detective novel When the Bough Breaks. A forensic psychologist who originally worked in pediatric psychology, Alex frequently consults for the LAPD alongside his close friend, Lt. Milo Sturgis, who appears in every installment of the series.

  • Series Context: Jigsaw marks book 41 in the long-running mystery series.
  • Fun Fact: The series inspired an upcoming streaming adaptation on Prime Video, which is currently in development.

Get your copy of Jigsaw today!

Review

I like the Alex Delaware novels because they involve psychological themes and the author is a psychologist specializing in the treatment of children, just like Alex. This gives them an authentic voice that I find intriguing. With Jigsaw, Jonathan Kellerman delivers another gripping psychological mystery that takes what looks like an open-and-shut homicide and twists it into something far more intricate.

Milo and Alex remain the beating heart of the narrative. Their long-standing friendship gives their professional partnership genuine warmth and authenticity, while their contrasting investigative styles keep the pacing sharp and engaging.

Character Analysis

  • Dr. Alex Delaware: The analytical anchor of the story. Relying on keen psychological insight rather than brute force, Alex’s primary role is decoding the hidden motives behind irrational behavior—from a calculating killer leaving subtle clues to the complex profile of a severe hoarder. His calm, observant demeanor balances the darker, more visceral aspects of the crimes.
  • Lieutenant Milo Sturgis: Driven, cynical, yet fiercely loyal, Milo brings grit and procedural muscle to the duo. Because this case hits exceptionally close to home, the personal connection introduces a rare layer of emotional vulnerability to his hardened LAPD persona, significantly raising the emotional stakes.

Core Themes

  • Deception vs. Hidden Reality: The narrative repeatedly contrasts surface appearances with deeper truths. A seemingly straightforward domestic homicide unravels into a layered mystery, reminding us how easily initial evidence can mask darker realities.
  • Psychological Decay and Hoarding: Beyond serving as a physical obstacle, the hoarder’s den acts as a powerful metaphor for hidden trauma, obsession, and emotional isolation. The physical clutter directly mirrors the tangled mental state of the victim and the labyrinthine nature of the crime itself.
  • The Interconnectedness of Disparate Lives: Kellerman explores the hidden webs connecting seemingly unrelated individuals, illustrating how past relationships, secret transactions, and forgotten histories cross paths—reinforcing the idea that no crime occurs in a vacuum.

Final Verdict

Jigsaw is a fast-paced thriller that expertly fits every piece together for a shocking final reveal. Set against a vivid, noir-infused Los Angeles backdrop, Kellerman captures the city’s unique ambience with sharp, haunting detail. Delaware’s nuanced behavioral analysis balances Sturgis’s street-smart instincts, delivering the exact cerebral punch long-time fans crave.

It’s a deeply satisfying read for anyone who enjoys psychological depth paired with classic detective work, proving once again why the Delaware-Sturgis dynamic remains a gold standard in crime fiction.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

About the Author

Jonathan Kellerman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than three dozen crime novels, including the Alex Delaware series, The Butcher’s Theater, Billy Straight, The Conspiracy Club, Twisted, True Detectives, and The Murderer’s Daughter.

He co-authored Double Homicide and Capital Crimes with his wife, bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman, and The Golem of Hollywood and The Golem of Paris with his son, bestselling novelist Jesse Kellerman. He is also the author of two children’s books and several nonfiction works, including Savage Spawn: Reflections on Violent Children and With Strings Attached: The Art and Beauty of Vintage Guitars. He has won the Goldwyn, Edgar, and Anthony awards.

Fall at the Briscoe Museum: Kathy Sosa Exhibition, Tejano Legacy, and Events Guide

Kathy Sosa: Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico opens to the public on October 15 at the Briscoe. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Unsung Heroes: Kathy Sosa’s ‘Revolutionary Women’ Comes to the Briscoe Western Art Museum

SAN ANTONIO, TX — The women who shaped Texas and Mexico were never just passive witnesses to history. They were active participants, survivors, cultural transmitters, laborers, activists, mothers, revolutionaries, and community leaders. Their resilience and determination forged the vibrant cultural landscape that connects Mexico, Texas, and the American West. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)

This fall, their stories take center stage.

Opening October 15 at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, Kathy Sosa: Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico brings these incredible narratives to life through more than 30 powerful works by San Antonio artist Kathy Sosa. On view through June 14, 2027, the exhibition serves as a striking contemporary artistic continuation of the history explored in the Briscoe’s landmark exhibition, Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story.

A Grand Reopening for the Women of the West Gallery

Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico marks the highly anticipated reopening of the Briscoe’s Women of the West Gallery, which has been temporarily closed as part of the museum’s ongoing renovations.

The refreshed gallery will reopen just in time to welcome Sosa’s exhibition, providing a dedicated, expanded space to honor the women who built and shaped the American West.

Revolutionary Women: History Through a Contemporary Lens

San Antonio artist Kathy Sosa is a self-taught creator whose work explores mestizaje – the distinctive cultural identity of the Texas-Mexico borderlands. While historically referring to racial and ethnic mixing between Indigenous peoples and Europeans, the term has evolved to describe a broader cultural process: the convergence of traditions, languages, ideas, and ways of life.

That exploration takes on a deeply human dimension in this exhibition, which draws inspiration from Sosa’s acclaimed book, Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico: Portraits of Soldaderas, Saints and Subversives. The collection features paintings, mixed media, and sculpture highlighting women whose lives challenge conventional ideas about who built the history of the region.

About the Artist: Kathy Sosa is the author of Mestizaje: The Feminist Art of Kathy Sosa, co-editor and illustrator of Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico, and co-producer of the documentary series Children of the Revolución. Her work has been exhibited nationwide and featured across major media platforms.

A Contemporary Companion to 400 Years of Tejano History

The theme of mestizaje bridges Sosa’s work directly with Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story, the largest and most ambitious exhibition in the Briscoe’s history.

On view through January 18, 2027, Tejano Legacy explores nearly 400 years of Tejano history, culture, and identity through more than 100 artworks and artifacts. It examines the migrations, conflicts, faith, and traditions that created a vibrant borderlands culture that continues to thrive today.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage & Fall at the Briscoe

With Tejano Legacy, Selena Forever | Siempre Selena, a robust fall calendar, and the arrival of Revolutionary Women, the Briscoe offers incredible opportunities to immerse yourself in Tejano and Mexican American history and culture.

🌟 Featured Companion Exhibition

  • Selena Forever | Siempre Selena (On view through Jan. 4, 2027): Features photographer John Dyer’s intimate images of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla captured between 1992 and 1994. Large-scale portraits, boutique photography, and magazine covers celebrate her enduring legacy.

🎶 Fall Events Beyond the Galleries

  • Oct. 22 | Llamativa Free Concert (6–8 p.m.): Experience the living rhythms of cumbia with San Antonio’s all-female cumbia group, Llamativa. This all-ages outdoor/gallery performance is completely free and open to the public.
  • Nov. 7 | Los Tejanos Film Screening & Conversation (1–4 p.m.): Join a special screening of the documentary Los Tejanos, followed by an audience Q&A with acclaimed author John Phillip Santos, producer Jeri Wachter, and Emmy-winning director Joseph C. Stillman. Free with advance registration.
  • Nov. 19 | Truly Texas Mexican Film Screening (6–8 p.m.): Explore how food traditions carry history and cultural memory across generations during this special documentary screening. Free with museum admission.

Plan Your Visit

  • Location: Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio River Walk, 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX ( housed in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building).
  • Stay Updated: Programs and details are subject to change. Visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum online for the latest ticketing information, hours, and event registrations.

About the Briscoe Western Art Museum: Dedicated to preserving and presenting the art, history, and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage.

The Future of Work: A Review of ‘The Remote Leadership Playbook’

‘The Remote Leadership Playbook’ is the new business management book by Désirée Cubadda. Photo: Désirée Cubadda, used with permission.

Book Review: The Remote Leadership Playbook

How to Build Trust, Manage Virtual Teams, and Drive Lasting Performance in a Hybrid World

By Désirée Cubadda

Synopsis

It’s undeniable: the workplace has changed, and leadership has had to change with it. Remote and hybrid work are no longer temporary arrangements, they are part of how modern teams operate. Yet, many leaders still rely on management practices designed for a world where people shared an office, communication happened face-to-face, and performance was easy to see. (Amazon, 2026)

At a distance, those practices break down:

  • Messages get misread.
  • Workloads become invisible.
  • Quiet team members become hard to read.

Leaders often struggle with how much to check in, how much autonomy to give, and how to track performance without slipping into micromanagement. The challenge isn’t just managing work remotely; it’s learning how to lead effectively when physical presence can no longer substitute for trust, clarity, and accountability.

The Remote Leadership Playbook is a practical, evidence-based guide to doing just that. At its center is the Future-Ready Leadership™ Model, built around three essential pillars: Trust, Autonomy, and Agility. It addresses the real friction of leading at a distance: misread communication, uneven visibility, weakened connection, and the tension between freedom and accountability.

📖Get your copy of The Remote Leadership Playbook today!

Review

The Remote Leadership Playbook tackles one of the biggest challenges facing today’s workplace: how to lead effectively when your team isn’t sitting in the same room. It provides actionable tools to navigate the delicate trust-control paradox without resorting to digital surveillance, while giving employees the freedom to do their best work.

Key Themes and Topics

  • Sustainable Performance: Shifting the focus from tracking hours to managing team energy to prevent burnout.
  • Structured Freedom: Giving employees real autonomy while establishing the structural clarity needed to stay on track.
  • Distributed Accountability: Strengthening performance and ownership without relying on constant, invasive oversight.
  • Global Collaboration: Maintaining engagement, connection, and growth across hybrid and globally dispersed teams through intentional feedback and coaching.

Book Structure & Contents

The book is organized into three core parts, each concluding with an actionable “Playbook” section featuring real-life scenarios and checklists:

  • Part I: Trust – The Relational Foundation
    • Chapter 1: Trust First: Leading Without the Safety of Visibility
    • Chapter 2: The Trust-Control Paradox: Leading Without Overreach or Absence
    • Chapter 3: Clarity as a Signal: Communicating the Why at Distance
    • Chapter 4: Human at a Distance: Empathy, Presence, and Psychological Safety
  • Part II: Autonomy – The Structural Foundation
    • Chapter 5: Structure Creates Freedom: Defining Roles, Goals, and Rhythm
    • Chapter 6: Growth Without Oversight: Feedback and Coaching for Autonomous Teams
    • Chapter 7: From Monitoring to Meaning: Using Control Systems the Right Way
  • Part III: Agility – The Learning Foundation
    • Chapter 8: Leading Across Difference: Culture, Bias, and Adaptive Thinking
    • Chapter 9: The New Stability: Empowerment and Continuous Learning
    • Chapter 10: Sustaining Performance: Designing Work That Lasts

Standout Highlights

  • Chapter 3 (Clarity & Communication): Explains how leaders can use communication to make trust visible. As the book notes:

“The goal is to help you design communication so that people know where they stand, why decisions are made, and how they can contribute without having to guess.”

  • Chapter 4 (The Human Side): Emphasizes empathy and presence. Without in-person cues, assumptions spread faster, making emotional intelligence critical to keeping teams connected.
  • Chapter 8 (Culture & Bias): Examines how workplace bias influences leadership. It notes that the most dominant communication style often sets the tone, not because it’s more effective, but because it’s the most visible.

Readability and Format

The language is clear and free of complicated business jargon. Each chapter ends with a Key Takeaways summary section with bullet points for easy reading, making it a convenient reference guide you can return to frequently.

Final Verdict

Cubadda emphasizes managing energy rather than simply tracking time, recognizing that preventing burnout is essential to long-term productivity. The Remote Leadership Playbook makes a compelling case that physical presence was never the point of great leadership; performance and clarity were.

For anyone navigating the evolving world of remote or hybrid work, this is a sharp and practical guide to leading with confidence, no matter where your team logs on.

“In virtual environments, teams rarely expect leaders to have all the answers. They expect steadiness. When leadership behaviour remains recognisable in both calm and crisis, trust deepens.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

** Thank you to Désirée Cubadda for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Désirée Cubadda is an MBA graduate, leadership researcher, and international business leader with more than 15 years of experience leading diverse teams across industries and cultures.

Combining academic research with real-world leadership experience, she developed the Future-Ready Leadership™ Model to help leaders build trust, create clarity, and sustain high performance across distance.

What Is a Conversation Architect? The Critical New Role in the Age of AI

‘Garbage In, Faster’ is a companion to ‘Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes.’ Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: Garbage In, Faster: Why AI Needs Conversation Architects

By Claude Hanhart

Synopsis: The Alignment Paradox

“AI doesn’t remove the need for human alignment. It amplifies it.”

From the co-author of the #1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes comes a provocative companion: a book exploring why AI makes human conversation skills more essential than ever. (Amazon, 2026)

Across industries, organizations rushed to lay off Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches, only to immediately adopt AI. They eliminated the very people responsible for creating organizational alignment and bought a technology that makes alignment more critical than ever.

The result? Garbage in, faster.

Fascinatingly, Garbage In, Faster was written in collaboration with Anthropic’s Claude AI, with the entire manuscript generated in under 60 seconds. However, those 60 seconds only worked because of the hours of structured conversation that preceded them and the twenty years of expertise behind those conversations. In short: the process of writing this book proved its thesis.

What You’ll Learn

  • The Diagnosis: Why “agile is dead” is the wrong conclusion, and what actually failed.
  • Communication Debt: The invisible liability quietly destroying your organization.
  • The AI Multiplier: Why AI multiplies clarity and confusion equally and how you choose which one wins.
  • Syntax & Infrastructure: How VERB + NOUN syntax creates infrastructure for both humans and AI.
  • Context Engineering: Why “context engineering” is just Structured Conversations by another name.
  • The Unautomatable: The five conversations AI can never have for you.
  • The New Role: How to become a Conversation Architect, the role organizations need most right now.
  • Actionable Steps: Five conversations you can have on Monday morning using no new tools.

Who This Book Is For

  • Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches wondering what comes next in their careers.
  • Product Managers whose AI tools produce beautiful, meaningless artifacts.
  • Executives who invested in AI but aren’t seeing the promised results.
  • Anyone who suspects that better conversations might actually be the answer.

Note: This is a companion to Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes: Harnessing Structured Conversations for Customer-Driven Value Delivery. While that book provides the complete toolkit, this one is the vital argument for why that toolkit is now existential.

Structure the Conversation. Deliver the Outcome.

About the Author

Claude Hanhart is a Product Strategist and Agile Coach with over 10 years of leadership experience driving groundbreaking product strategies and agile transformations. His approach centers on fostering innovation rooted in business objectives, customer experience, and market leadership using tools like Generative AI, OKRs, and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD).

Claude brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective to modern product challenges, holding an MA in Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology and Languages from the University of Berne in Switzerland and an MA in Geography from the University of Minnesota. Multilingual in German, Swiss German, and French, he thrives in international collaborations.

Structured Conversations represents Claude’s commitment to bridging strategic thinking with practical implementation. Currently based in New Jersey with his wife, Claude finds that their three energetic dogs serve as daily reminders of the importance of clear communication and patient guidance, principles that translate beautifully into his professional coaching work.

Are you leveraging AI to speed up your work, or are you just accelerating the chaos?

Colleen Hoover’s ‘Verity’ Comes to the Big Screen

Verity is now playing in theaters nationwide. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book lovers, the wait is finally over! Colleen Hoover’s bestselling psychological thriller Verity has officially made its way to the big screen, and fans of the book are sure to have plenty to talk about.

With Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, Anne Hathaway as the mysterious Verity Crawford, and Josh Hartnett as Jeremy, the adaptation brings Hoover’s dark, unsettling story to life. As Lowen begins ghostwriting Verity’s books, she uncovers a chilling manuscript that reveals shocking secrets about the Crawford family. Twisty, suspenseful, and deliciously disturbing, Verity is one book-to-movie adaptation readers have been eagerly waiting to see.

Now the big question: will the movie leave us just as stunned as the book?

Verity is now playing in theaters nationwide.

Quick Movie Details

AttributeDetail
GenrePsychological Thriller, Crime, Drama, Mystery
RatingRated R (sexual content, nudity, language, violence, and bloody images)
Runtime1 hour 57 minutes

Book Synopsis

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read, page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of the night her family was forever altered. Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words.

After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.

About the Author

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of twenty-five novels and novellas. Her work spans across New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance as well as psychological thrillers. Colleen is also a scriptwriter, producer, and co-founder of the production company HeartBones Entertainment. (Colleen Hoover, 2026)

Photo: IMDb

‘The Vanishing Family’ Review: Robert Kolker’s Powerful Story of FTD and Hope

‘The Vanishing Family’ by Robert Kolker is a moving look at genetics, dementia, and identity. Photo: Penguin Random House

Book Review: The Vanishing Family: Love, Fate, and the Quest to End Dementia

Author: Robert Kolker

Genre: Nonfiction / Narrative Journalism / Science

The Story

The narrative opens with a tense prologue: after years of delaying testing, 41-year-old Barb receives a lab letter that will confirm whether she carries a devastating genetic mutation. She’s currently the same age her mother, Jean, was when symptoms first emerged.

Oliver and Jean lived in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, raising nine children: Kathy, Christy, Sue, Dutch, Mary, Peggy, Scott, Jenny, and Barb. As the older siblings moved out to start their adult lives, Barb remained at home to witness their vibrant mother fall under a dark, gothic spell, transforming into someone withdrawn, neglectful, and entirely unrecognizable.

A Cruel Genetic Mutation

The family carries a rare genetic mutation (V337M) that causes frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with a cruel twist. Striking early, often in a person’s early forties, it causes formerly devoted parents and high-achieving executives to:

  • Lose their jobs unexpectedly
  • Have reckless affairs and take up heavy drinking
  • Shed all social inhibitions and moral responsibility
  • Experience total personality loss, leaving families with strangers

With a 50/50 chance of inheritance, the children face the constant terror of an impending genetic fate.

Alongside this human tragedy, Kolker documents the high-stakes scientific race against neurodegenerative disease. Decades of research into this single family’s rare FTD mutation may ultimately provide the key to preventing and treating all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Pick up your copy of ‘The Vanishing Family!’

Review

The Vanishing Family unfolds like a heartbreaking psychological thriller as the siblings watch the illness strike one by one: first Christy, then Mary, and beyond. Kolker captures the agonizing tension between love and fear, forcing the family to confront profound questions about predetermined fate, obligation, and identity.

Key Themes Explored

  • Identity and Disintegration: The erosion of character when the brain’s frontal lobe declines.
  • Family Resilience and Devotion: How siblings step up to care for one another despite emotional devastation.
  • Medical Discovery and Hope: The scientific journey to turn a family curse into a cure for millions.

The Science Behind the Story

Beyond the personal narrative, Kolker guides readers through the history of neuroscience:

  • Historical Milestones: From the famous 19th-century case of Phineas Gage, whose altered personality after a brain injury proved that specific brain regions govern behavior, to early diagnostic breakthroughs that established dementia as an organic physical disease rather than a mental defect.
  • The Clinical Battle: A clear overview of genetics, clinical trials, and the decades of frustrating dead ends that have challenged medical researchers.

Chapter Highlights

  • Chapter 10: Barb has been caring for Christy, the first sibling to display symptoms, when Mary arrives unexpectedly. Seeing the exact same behavioral shifts in Mary, Barb realizes with horror that the disease is genetic and that every sibling is at risk.
  • Chapter 11: A deep dive into neuroscience for readers who want the exact mechanics of FTD, Alzheimer’s, and brain pathology.
  • Chapter 20: A crucial breakdown comparing Alzheimer’s and FTD. While Alzheimer’s primarily destroys memory and cognition, FTD attacks emotional processing. Patients lose the ability to recognize their own physiological responses to emotion, causing drastic changes in personality without self-awareness or shame.

“It’s a conclusion with relevance beyond dementia. We most profoundly lose ourselves, it seems, when we can no longer see, feel, or touch the minds and hearts of others.”

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Vanishing Family is a compelling look at family genetics that balances intimate human drama and medical detective work. It’s deeply tragic without ever feeling hopeless, showing how severe illness can reshape a family while highlighting extraordinary resilience.

Kolker never lets complex science obscure the real people at the center of the narrative. For readers who enjoy family sagas, medical mysteries, or popular science, this is an unforgettable read. It serves as a powerful reminder of how much of our identity is tied to memory, personality, and the people who love us, and how hope remains a force even against inherited fate.

“The tragedy is that because some elements of the person are still detectable, the sense of loss is ongoing – like witnessing a living death.”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

About The Author

Robert Kolker is a contributing writer at The New York Times Magazine and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Hidden Valley Road, named an Oprah’s Book Club Pick, a New York Times Book Review Top 10 book of the year, a GQ Best Book of Literary Journalism of the 21st Century, and a Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of the Century. His first book was Lost Girls, named a New York Times Notable Book and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2013.

** Thank you to Michael Goldsmith and Penguin Random House for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Celebrate World Space Week 2026: Smithsonian Starstruck Experience at Rivercenter

Smithsonian Starstruck invites communities worldwide to explore the universe together this World Space Week. Photo: Smithsonian Starstruck, used with permission.

Celebrate World Space Week in San Antonio with Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience

This World Space Week, Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is inviting audiences around the globe to explore the universe together during Family Space Week – a special celebration taking place October 4–10. (Smithsonian Starstruck, 2026)

Across participating Starstruck venues in Washington D.C., San Antonio, Denver, Chicago, London, Melbourne, São Paulo, and Lisbon, guests are invited to journey deep into the cosmos through immersive exploration, STEM-inspired content, and special giveaways.

Kicking Off With Free Family Sunday at Starstruck

At the heart of the celebration is Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, where guests travel through galaxies, encounter extreme exoplanets, and witness the life cycle of stars through real astronomical data brought to life.

Free tickets will be made available on Sunday, October 4 with Free Family Sunday, a special kickoff event offering free admission to Smithsonian Starstruck for one day only.

Important Note: Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will no longer be available once fully claimed.

From young explorers to grown-up stargazers, Free Family Sunday is designed to turn curiosity into discovery. Families can explore the science behind the stars and take home space-inspired goodies.

Event Details & Visitor Information

  • Opening Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
  • Location: The Shops at Rivercenter, Lower Level (San Antonio, TX)
  • Duration: ~40 minutes
  • Recommended Age: 10+

Accessibility Features

Developed in close collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, Starstruck incorporates accessible features to ensure a welcoming experience for all:

  • Closed captions & visual descriptions
  • Wheelchair-optimized viewing
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Complimentary companion access
  • Fully accessible venues and trained staff

What to Expect: A Walkable, Interactive Cosmos

Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive, and walkable universe.

Built from real astronomical data, Starstruck is far more than an exhibition—it is a cosmic journey allowing guests to activate their senses as they touch, hear, and navigate the wonders of the universe like never before.

Highlight Features:

  • Travel Alongside Space Telescopes: Journey aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
  • Explore Deep Space: Encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the birth and death of stars, and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes.
  • Humanity’s Place in Science: Gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe through smart, transportive entertainment.

A Full Week of Cosmic Discovery

Family Space Week continues beyond the Sunday kickoff event with:

  • Special Ticket Offers: A limited-time promotion offering 20% off admission throughout World Space Week.
  • Giveaways & Partnerships: Local radio giveaways, STEM-inspired social content, and community partnerships across participating cities.

“World Space Week is about celebrating the curiosity that space sparks in all of us. We created Starstruck to inspire young people to ask big questions, get excited about science, and see themselves as part of the future of discovery.”

— Randall Smith, Astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

About Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience

Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a 3D interactive, virtual reality experience that begins at Earth’s observatories and launches visitors into the universe. Translating real data from SAO, NASA, and ESA, Starstruck brings Smithsonian science and storytelling into a transportive format, extending the Institution’s mission of sharing knowledge far beyond its physical museums.

Starstruck is part of Fever’s growing portfolio of original immersive experiences, designed to make extraordinary scientific discoveries accessible and tangible for everyone through a seamless blend of education, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology.

Deux Visages Announces Debut Album ‘Call It Goodbye’ & Releases New Single ‘Automatic’

Deux Visages will be on tour this fall with The Linda Lindas. Photo: Enoch Chuang, used with permission.

Rising Rock Trio Deux Visages Announces Debut Album Call It Goodbye & Shares` New Single ‘Automatic’

Promising rock trio Deux Visages, comprising vocalist Daphney Hanono, guitarist Jack Chiu, and bassist Tony Jouvin, is stepping into a major new era. (another side, 2026)

Their emergence has been a whirlwind. Founded over a thread of DMs in high school, they quickly signed to Atlantic Records once word of their rampant and immersive live shows hit. Fast-forward through a series of breakthrough singles, an EP, support tours alongside Mannequin P*ssy, julie, and Wunderhorse, plus an uprooting from Miami to Philadelphia: the three have now perfected their chemistry and eclectic, earnest dream-pop rock that is singularly Deux Visages.

Call It Goodbye: A Visceral Coming-of-Age Story

The trio recently announced their debut full-length, and first with Pure Noise Records, titled Call It Goodbye. It will be out November 6. Pre-Order/Pre-Save here.

It’s Deux Visages’ coming-of-age story: a sophisticated yet visceral examination of the conflict between the past and the future. Each invigorating and powerful track bristles with the tension and emotions that come with youth and new experiences. On Call It Goodbye, the trio looks back at what’s been, while also confidently leaving that past behind.

Listen to ‘Automatic’

On their new single ‘Automatic,’ available now alongside an accompanying music video, Hanono reflects on an internal monologue of feeling “less than” and “predictable.”

“A lot of this track has to do with things crashing down around us with our first record deal. It was our early days as a band and touring, and we weren’t feeling worthy or ready to handle all of these major changes.”

— Daphney Hanono

Crafting the Sound

Deux Visages recorded Call It Goodbye in Miami with longtime friend Arquimides ‘Arkii’ Cala, who also recorded all of the band’s early material, including their very first single “Cheetah.”

Cala masterfully captures Deux Visages’ dreamy, soaring, feedback-soaked sound across the entire record:

  • “Always You” – The album’s euphoric leading single.
  • “Behind” – An immediate, hard-hitting track balancing vulnerability with explosive guitars and dynamic shifts.
  • “Call It Goodbye” – The title track closing out the record with a sense of frustration and urgency, confronting the inevitability of time slipping away.

Together, these songs depict the instability, uncertainty, and growing pains of youth while ultimately embracing change. Call It Goodbye is a record about asserting yourself amid uncertainty, and discovering that, with enough determination and self-belief, you can leave the past behind and move confidently toward whatever comes at you next.

On the Road

Deux Visages just wrapped up a North American run supporting Sweet Pill. Next month, they join The Linda Lindas as special guests on their East Coast run, performing in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and more.

See below for the full list of tour dates, and grab your tickets and details here.

Deux Visages Live Dates:

Oct 02: Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre ~
Oct 04: Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts ~
Oct 06: Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club ~
Oct 07: New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place ~
Oct 08: Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel ~

~ w/ The Linda Lindas

Call It Goodbye tracklist:

  1. Disengage
  2. Always You
  3. Behind
  4. Missed Calls
  5. Automatic
  6. Afterthought
  7. Fleeting Wishes
  8. Silhouette
  9. Paint Myself Blue
  10. Pixelate
  11. Call It Goodbye
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Magik Theatre Kicks Off 2026–27 Season with ‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’

‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’ opens Oct. 3 at Magik Theatre. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Magik Theatre Kicks Off 2026–27 Season with If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

SAN ANTONIO, TX — Magik Theatre is opening its new season with a beloved treat that will have audiences of all ages laughing, smiling, and demanding more silliness. (Magik Theatre, 2026)

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie marks the official start of Magik’s 2026–27 season. The production opens on Saturday, October 3, with a sweet kickoff party and runs through October 25. Guests can savor Magik’s remarkable renovations, completed just this summer, while enjoying brand-new season ticket options that make it easy to save room for a full slate of acclaimed productions featuring “fun, fantastical friends.”

A Zany, Cause-and-Effect Adventure

Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie has been charming generations since the picture book’s release in 1985. Adapted by Jodi Davidson, Magik’s version recounts the simple tale of a boy whose peaceful afternoon of cookies and comics is interrupted by a mouse whose simple request snowballs into a zany, physical comedy adventure.

“This production is fun, silly, and full of slapstick humor.”

— Pam Ramirez, Director

A professional clown whose resume includes Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, and studies at the world-renowned Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre, Ramirez was the perfect choice to lead this production.

“I’m especially thrilled that our production will be filled with physical comedy… The endless funny bits brilliantly executed by Michael Roberts (Mouse) and Christopher Deuter (Boy) will make you giggle for 50 minutes straight.”

— Collin Pittmann, Artistic Director

While the story is famed for its repetition and circularity, Magik’s hour-long production is anything but boring. Ramirez and the company have created a comic book story-within-a-story packed with excitement, suspense, and non-stop energy.

Rejuvenating Magik, All Year Long

Guests who didn’t get a glimpse of Magik’s major renovation over the summer will find even more to love about the theatre. The multimillion-dollar effort includes:

  • Enhanced Accessibility & Safety: Quadrupled ADA-accessible seating, improved entry points, and upgraded security, electrical, and plumbing systems.
  • Modern Comforts: Brand-new theater seats, carpet, and HVAC systems.
  • Fresh New Look: Brightly painted upper and lower lobbies, with main exterior doors wrapped in colorful signage marking where the outside world ends and Magik begins.

What’s Next in the 2026–27 Lineup?

Joining Mouse and Boy later this season are the Grinch, Frog and Toad, Pinocchio, Charlotte the Spider, the Cat in the Hat, and many more beloved characters.

  • Musical Lovers Subscription: Enjoy all four season musicals: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Year with Frog and Toad, Pinocchio (a collaboration with OPERA San Antonio), and Seussical the Musical.
  • Full Season Pass: Secure seats to all four musicals plus If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Charlotte’s Web in Magik’s biggest season yet.
  • School & Educational Groups: Curriculum-connected student matinee performances run October 1–23. Contact the theatre directly to reserve your school’s spot.

Special Events & Add-On Experiences

🎈 Opening Night “Party in the Park”

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 3 | Party at 3:30 p.m. • Show at 5:00 p.m.
  • Where: Hemisfair Park
  • Details: Celebrate the first performance with a free, cookie-filled party in partnership with Hemisfair. Enjoy a live DJ set, themed crafts, and special treats. Concessions will feature specially wrapped celebration cookies available for purchase throughout the run.

(Note: The party is free to the public; show admission requires a ticket.)

🎟️️ Backstage Experience Add-On

  • Cost: $20 per person (Available after every performance, excluding special event nights)
  • Includes:
    • Onstage meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with the cast.
    • A 15-minute guided behind-the-scenes tour of the set, props, and rehearsal space led by Magik Theatre staff.
    • A sweet treat to cap off the experience.

🎂 Birthday Parties at Magik

  • Cost: $160
  • Includes: Main stage show admission, a complimentary birthday ticket, ribbon, lobby signage, a merch gift, a specialty drink or popcorn, and a personal cast shoutout during the post-show Q&A. Email theatre to book.

Special Access Performances

  • Educator Appreciation Day: Sunday, Oct. 4 at 3:00 p.m. – Educators and school administrators receive one free ticket with valid I.D., plus 20% off additional tickets for family and friends.
  • Pay-What-You-Wish: Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3:00 p.m. – Donation-based performance supporting theatre accessibility for all. Tickets are available at the door on show day.
  • Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10:00 a.m. – Designed for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities. Features a relaxed, judgment-free environment with adjusted lighting and sound.
  • ASL-Interpreted Performance: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2:00 p.m. – Features Robert Cardoza, San Antonio’s primary American Sign Language theatre interpreter.

Plan Your Visit

Located in the heart of Hemisfair Park, families can catch a show, explore Yanaguana Garden, grab a bite at nearby restaurants, and make unforgettable memories.

  • Box Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: 420 S Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Phone: (210) 227-2751
  • Ticketing: Single tickets, flex passes, and season subscriptions are available online, by phone, or at the door. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more.

(Note: Children under 2 occupying a seat or car/booster seat require a general admission ticket.)

About Magik Theatre

Established in 1994, Magik Theatre is a professional theatre for young audiences. Its mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.

Photo: Magik Theatre