Book Review: ‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir – Life on the Moon & High-Stakes Heists

‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir is a sci-fi crime story set on the Moon. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir

Synopsis

Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara lives in humanity’s first lunar colony, Artemis. She never signed up to be a hero—she just wanted to get rich. Not crazy, eccentric-billionaire rich, like many of the visitors to Artemis, but rich enough to move out of her coffin-sized apartment and eat something better than flavored algae. Rich enough to pay off a debt she’s owed for a long time. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a chance at a lucrative heist presents itself, Jazz can’t say no. But engineering the perfect crime is just the start of her problems, because that little heist is about to land her in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens the future of Artemis itself.

Trapped between competing forces, pursued by a killer and the law alike, she’ll have to hatch a truly spectacular scheme to have a chance at staying alive and saving her city. Jazz is no hero, but she is a very good criminal.

Review

Artemis begins with Jazz reeling from failing her EVA exam, which she needs to join the EVA Guild. Members of the guild lead groups of tourists across the lunar surface and earn a significantly better living. She tries to talk her way into passing, but Bob Lewis, former US Marine and head trainer, doesn’t budge. He tells her to try again and focus on the quality of her equipment.

The story centers around Jazz, a clever, sarcastic porter and small-time smuggler who dreams of escaping poverty. She’s an engaging protagonist whose intelligence, resilience, and moral ambiguity make her both flawed and relatable. Unlike the idealistic heroes often found in science fiction, she survives through quick thinking, technical expertise, and sheer determination. Her growth from a self-serving opportunist to someone willing to risk everything for others forms the emotional core of the story.

“How dare you call me lazy? I’d come up with a scathing retort but, meh, I’m just not motivated.”

Weir once again showcases his talent for making complex engineering and scientific concepts accessible without slowing down the narrative pace. Themes of survival, greed, class inequality, and redemption are woven throughout the novel, highlighting the real-world challenges of building a human society beyond Earth.

Weir’s signature worldbuilding shines brightest here:

  • Lunar Economics: The realistic financial friction between tourists, workers, and corporations.
  • Life-Support Mechanics: Detailed systems keeping the dome breathable and safe.
  • Industrial Realism: Meticulously researched aluminum-smelting processes that anchor the plot.

The fast-paced plot keeps the tension high as Jazz relies on her sharp technical instincts and criminal ingenuity to pull off a spectacular multi-stage scheme.

However, Jazz’s dialogue and internal monologue can feel somewhat forced and juvenile at times, occasionally undermining the tension. While it doesn’t quite match the sheer survivalist charm of Mark Watney’s journey in The Martian, Artemis still delivers a fun, fast-moving sci-fi crime caper.

The Bottom Line

Artemis by Andy Weir is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that blends suspense, humor, and real-world science into an entertaining lunar adventure. If you enjoy hard science paired with high-stakes action, it is well worth the trip to the moon.

“People will trust a reliable criminal more readily than a shady businessman.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of Artemis today!

About the Author

Andy Weir built a career as a software engineer until the success of his first published novel, The Martian, allowed him to live out his dream of writing full-time. He is a lifelong space nerd and a devoted hobbyist of subjects such as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, and the history of manned spaceflight.

Bonus

If you enjoyed the fast-paced survival, witty problem-solving, and high-stakes criminal plots of Andy Weir’s Artemis, these sci-fi heist and mystery novels offer a similar blend of technical intrigue and fast-paced schemes.

High-Stakes Sci-Fi Heists

The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi features post-human master criminal Jean le Flambeur breaking out of prison to pull off an impossible heist across a high-tech moving city on Mars.
Chasm City by Alastair Reynolds follows a security operative hunting a ruthless killer through a bizarre, virus-corrupted sci-fi metropolis while navigating high-stakes crime networks.

Space-Bound Sci-Fi Mysteries

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty combines a locked-room murder mystery with cloning technology as a spaceship crew wakes up to find their previous bodies murdered and their recent memories wiped.
Leviathan Wakes by S.A. Corey pairs a hard-boiled detective on an asteroid belt with an ice-miner captain as they unravel a system-wide conspiracy triggered by a missing girl.

Which Should You Pick?

For an intricate, mind-bending criminal heist set in a futuristic solar system, go with The Quantum Thief.
For a claustrophobic, locked-room whodunit packed with survival tension, start with Six Wakes.
For a grounded space-noir investigation with vast geopolitical stakes, choose Leviathan Wakes.

Book Spotlight: ‘Resilient in Business’ by Jad Atwe – The Ultimate Founder’s Guide

‘Resilient in Business’ by Jad Atwe. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚Book Spotlight: Resilient in Business: The Founder’s Roadmap to Lead Through Uncertainty and Win the Long-Term Game

By Jad Atwe

In today’s economy, founders are under relentless pressure. The stakes are high, the path forward isn’t always obvious, uncertainty is debilitating, and outcomes are unpredictable. All of this takes a huge toll on the single quality that will actually see a founder through to success: resilience. (Amazon, 2026)

In this timely and practical book, entrepreneur and business coach Jad Atwe delivers a decisive framework for building the capacity to navigate competing demands and boost your entrepreneurial resilience.

Based on his proprietary Resilient in Business Operating System™, the book guides you through a transformative process to position your business for the success you know is possible—all by developing the capacity to:

  • Rise above the chaos
  • Move beyond survival mode
  • Step into sustainable business leadership

If you’re a founder carrying too much, feeling the cracks forming beneath your feet, and refusing to let pressure dictate your future, this book is for you. It’s time to discover the edge that will help you win the long game.

Ready to Read?

Resilient in Business is available now. If you’re looking to transform how you lead under pressure, grab your copy today and start building your roadmap to long-term success.

About the Author

Jad Atwe was once on the verge of losing everything. After leaping into a general contracting business that leveraged his engineering background, sudden policy and economic shifts forced him into uncertainty, nearly turning his aspirations to dust.

Determined to deconstruct what it truly takes to navigate volatility and “make it” in entrepreneurship, Jad spent years studying founder psychology, operational excellence, and the patterns that differentiate those who merely endure from those who thrive.

Having walked through storms that break most founders, he emerged with a clear understanding of entrepreneurial resilience—the inner operating system that allows leaders to build, lead, and scale under uncertainty.

Today, Jad speaks on entrepreneurial resilience and guides founders to lead through uncertainty, build reliable operations, and scale their companies without losing themselves in the process. He is the originator of the Resilient in Business Operating System™, designed to help founders move past what’s holding them back and break free from survival mode.

DJ Qualls Battles the Undead in Lionsgate’s New Horror Thriller ‘Turning Point’

Turning Point will be available On Demand and Digital on August 25. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Movie Premiere: DJ Qualls Stars in the High-Stakes Horror Thriller Turning Point

If you’re looking for a horror movie that refuses to play by the rules, Turning Point deserves an immediate spot on your watchlist. Fusing the nail-biting suspense of a home invasion thriller with the relentless chaos of a zombie outbreak, it delivers edge-of-your-seat tension from start to finish.

Every knock at the door and every shadow could spell disaster, creating a gripping atmosphere that never lets up. Packed with intense action, unexpected twists, and high-stakes survival, Turning Point offers horror fans a fresh, adrenaline-fueled experience that stands out in a crowded genre.

A Simple Heist Becomes an Absolute Nightmare

Directed and written by Joshua Wagner, Turning Point is a claustrophobic, high-tension thriller coming directly to Digital and On Demand courtesy of Lionsgate. (EG PR, 2026)

The story follows two thieves trapped inside a house with a mutating victim. To stay alive, they must rely on a bizarre neighbor in a race against time before they become the monster’s next meal.

“There is danger in the night, but the true terror is inside the house.”

Official Synopsis

Margot and her partner-in-crime break into a home, only to find themselves locked inside with the owner, who is in the middle of transitioning into a zombie. They must find a way out before they become the ghoul’s first victims. Their only hope for survival is a bizarre neighbor with expert knowledge of the undead and the lingering flicker of humanity in their mutating stalker.

Cast & Crew

  • DJ Qualls as “Casper” (Road Trip, Hustle & Flow, The Man in the High Castle)
  • Jillian Lee Garner
  • Mike Apple
  • Shane Brady (Ballers, Synchronic, Doctor Sleep)
  • Lydia Hearst (The Haunting of Sharon Tate, Z Nation, Slayers)
  • Sanchita Malik (Happy Anniversary, Love, Escape the Night)

Film Specifications

DetailInformation
TitleTurning Point
Street DateAugust 25, 2026
Release FormatVideo on Demand / Electronic Sell-Through (Lionsgate)
GenreThriller / Zombie Horror
RatingR (Violent content, gore, language, and some drug use)
Running Time87 minutes
Director & WriterJoshua Wagner
Turning Point still. Photo: Lionsgate

Exploring 400 Years of Tejano History: Inside the Briscoe’s Landmark New Exhibition

Tejano Legacy, the Briscoe’s largest exhibition yet, kicks off with a free community event. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Discover Tejano Legacy: A Landmark New Exhibition at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX — The story of the American West didn’t begin with the cowboy. It began centuries earlier through the people, cultures, and traditions that shaped the region long before the United States was established. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)

Beginning July 24, the Briscoe Western Art Museum invites visitors to experience that story through Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story, a landmark bilingual exhibition exploring nearly 400 years of Tejano history, culture, and identity through exceptional works of art and rare artifacts. The exhibition will remain on view through January 18, 2027.

Expanding the Story of the American West

Tejano Legacy brings together more than 100 paintings, sculptures, saddles, maps, weapons, and historical objects from private collectors and museums throughout the United States and Mexico.

Developed by the Briscoe in collaboration with scholars, collectors, and lending institutions, the exhibition expands the traditional narrative of the American West by exploring generations of Tejanos whose influence endures today in:

  • Ranching & Horsemanship
  • Language & Vocabulary
  • Music & Culinary Traditions
  • Everyday Life Across Texas & Beyond

“Tejano Legacy is more than an exhibition. It is an invitation to experience a richer, more complete understanding of the American West…”

— Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum

What Makes This Exhibition Special?

  • Unprecedented Access: Several works considered part of Mexico’s cultural heritage are being displayed in the U.S. for the very first time.
  • Multimedia Storytelling: Features an original documentary by National Geographic filmmaker Jeremy Zipple.
  • Bilingual Catalog: A comprehensive companion text offering multi-perspective historical context.
  • Milestone Event: Marks the museum’s most ambitious curatorial project since opening in 2013.

Experience Tejano Legacy Beyond the Gallery: Programs & Events

The Briscoe is hosting a full schedule of hands-on learning, music, lectures, and family activities. Programs are included with museum admission unless otherwise noted.

🥂 Opening Weekend & Special Events

  • Exhibition Preview Party
    • When: Thursday, July 23 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Tickets: $35 Members | $55 Non-members (Free for Supporter level $125+)
    • Details: Enjoy light bites, drinks, and an exclusive first look alongside guest curator Gabriela Gámez and CEO Liz Jackson. Also celebrates photographer John Dyer’s companion exhibition Selena Forever / Siempre Selena.
  • National Day of the Cowboy Honors the Vaquero (Free Admission!)
    • When: Saturday, July 25 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Details: Renamed Día Nacional del Vaquero, this free family-friendly event explores how Spanish and Mexican horsemen established the foundational ranching and horsemanship traditions of the American cowboy. (Online pre-registration recommended).

🏛️ Guided Tours & Masterclasses

  • Curator Gallery Tours with Gabriela Gámez
    • When: Thursdays — July 30, Aug. 27, & Sept. 24 @ 2:00 PM
    • Details: Free with admission. Gain behind-the-scenes insights into featured works and collection curation.
  • Painting Masterclass with Gladys Roldán-de-Moras
    • When: Saturday, August 22 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Tickets: $100 Members | $135 Non-members

🌙 Thursday Evenings at the Briscoe

Enjoy extended evening programming exploring culture, history, and music (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM):

  • July 30: Tracing Your Roots (Genealogy workshop | Free with admission)
  • August 6: Exploring Tejano Heritage (Free with admission)
  • August 27: Celebrating Selena (Free community concert with 512 Degrees Band)

🎨 Family Adventures & Locals Days

San Antonio and Bexar County residents enjoy Free Admission on the first Sunday of each month!

  • Sunday, Aug. 2:
    • Full STEAM Ahead: Talavera Tiles (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
    • Scout the Briscoe: (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
  • Sunday, Sept. 6:
    • Full STEAM Ahead: Spanish Missions (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
    • Scout the Briscoe: (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Companion Exhibition: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena

Illustrating the enduring impact of Tejanas, this companion exhibition features iconic, monumental photographs by San Antonio photographer John Dyer, capturing Selena Quintanilla-Pérez during her rise to international stardom between 1992 and 1994.

🎬 Siempre Tejano Summer Film Series

Included with general admission; shown on the third Sunday of August. Tickets include complimentary movie snacks and beer provided by Ranger Creek.

Plan Your Visit

Located on the historic River Walk near La Villita in downtown San Antonio, the Briscoe Western Art Museum preserves and presents the art, history, and culture of the American West.

  • Location: 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX (River Walk)
  • Exhibition Dates: July 24, 2026 – January 18, 2027
  • Tickets & Event Info: Visit the museum website for complete calendar details, parking, and admission info.
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

‘The Secret of Secrets’ Book Review: Dan Brown’s Most Ambitious Novel Yet

‘The Secret of Secrets’ by Dan Brown. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: Dan Brown’s ‘Origin’ Review: Where Science Meets Faith

📚 Book Review: The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

  • Author: Dan Brown
  • Genre: Thriller / Mystery / Speculative Fiction
  • Pacing: Fast & Cinematic
  • Audiobook Length: ~23 Hours (Hardcover: ~700 Pages)

📖 Synopsis

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon, a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a romantic relationship. She’s getting ready to publish a breakthrough book that contains explosive scientific discoveries about the nature of human consciousness, revelations that threaten to disrupt centuries of established belief. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, Katherine suddenly goes missing and her manuscript disappears. Desperate to find the woman he loves, Langdon embarks on a thrilling race through the mystical landscape of Prague, ruthlessly hunted by a powerful organization and a chilling assailant sprung from the city’s ancient mythology.

As the action expands to London and New York, Langdon plunges into the dual worlds of futuristic science and historical lore, navigating a labyrinth of codes and symbols, and finally uncovering a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

📝 The Review

Dan Brown returns with another intellectually charged thriller in The Secret of Secrets, a breathless, high-stakes story that seamlessly combines ancient lore with cutting-edge science. Set against the atmospheric backdrops of Prague, London, and New York, it delivers the classic, fast-paced puzzle-solving fans expect while raising provocative questions about human potential.

🔍 Character Dynamics

The story centers around Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, whose usual intellectual detachment is challenged by personal dangers. His romance with Katherine Solomon grounds the narrative, significantly raising the emotional tension. Langdon remains a compelling protagonist, balancing academic brilliance with humility and determination, and his personal tie to Katherine adds welcome depth to his character.

Katherine is equally engaging, portrayed as an intelligent and courageous scientist whose research into human consciousness challenges long-held religious and philosophical beliefs. She is far more than a simple damsel in distress; their partnership creates a refreshing dynamic, with both characters contributing equally to the unfolding mystery.

🧠 Core Themes

  • Science vs. Belief: The narrative continuously pits revolutionary neuroscience against rigid, established dogmas.
  • The Nature of Human Consciousness: Solomon’s findings explore whether the human mind holds untapped power capable of altering reality itself.
  • Mythology as Historical Truth: The story weaves Prague’s rich lore—including dark mythological guardians like the Golem—into modern technological secrets, suggesting that ancient myths often mask advanced truths.

“Brown has written a thought-provoking ride that will leave readers questioning the untapped boundaries of their own minds.”

As expected, Brown fills the narrative with cryptic symbols, historical references, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked. While some plot developments stretch credibility, the intricate puzzles and cinematic pacing make them easy to forgive. With relentless momentum and a haunting antagonist, it’s a deeply compelling read.

🎧 Final Thoughts

Overall, The Secret of Secrets is an entertaining blend of history, philosophy, and speculative science that will satisfy longtime Dan Brown fans while offering newcomers an exciting introduction to Robert Langdon’s world.

At almost 700 pages (or nearly 23 hours on audiobook), it’s one of Brown’s longest books to date. The experience of reading the physical tome versus listening to the immersive narration will likely feel vastly different, but either way, it’s an adventure worth taking.

“Religions had learned long ago that a human mind facing the terrifying prospect of eternal nothingness would believe almost anything. Timor mortis est pater religionis, Langdon mused, recalling the ancient saying made famous by Upton Sinclair. Fear of death is the father of religion.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of The Secret of Secrets today!

📚 The Robert Langdon Series (In Order)

  1. Angels & Demons
  2. The Da Vinci Code
  3. The Lost Symbol
  4. Inferno
  5. Origin
  6. The Secret of Secrets

✍️ About the Author

DAN BROWN is the author of several #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, one of the bestselling books of all time, as well as Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, and Angels & Demons. His thrillers have captivated readers worldwide and sparked global intellectual debate. He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book Wild Symphony. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages internationally, with over 250 million copies in print.

Milwaukee Trio Snag Is One of Modern DIY Hardcore’s Most Unique Voices

Snag shares music video for new LP album opener ‘Unarrest Me.’ Photo: Samer Ghani, used with permission.

Heavy Emo with a Purpose: Milwaukee’s Snag Returns with All The Cages Holding Us Will One Day Turn To Dust

Since their formation in 2016, Milwaukee trio Snag has quietly carved out their own unique space in the DIY underground. They have quickly become a favorite of listeners hungry for emotional hardcore that delivers far more than just aimless chaos. (another side, 2026)

On All The Cages Holding Us Will One Day Turn To Dust—the band’s third LP and first for Deathwish Inc.—Snag continues to develop their signature brand of heavy emo, expanding melodically and texturally without losing an ounce of their edge.

Turning Inward: Personal Struggles and Physical Cages

While Snag’s lyrical approach has historically focused on broader, universal themes like climate anxiety and apocalyptic dread, All the Cages… shows the band looking inward. Many of the tracks draw heavily on the members’ personal experiences with chronic illness and mental health obstacles.

The central motif of cages weaves its way throughout the record. On the album opener, “Unarrest Me,” the cage is literal: a physical jail cell.

“The song is a POV of a wrongful arrest—the confusion, the panic, and the sheer inhuman reaction from the arrester. This song musically tells an eerie story within itself. It sets off on a journey and ends abruptly at its peak.”

— Samm Szymborski (Guitarist/Vocalist)

Bassist and vocalist Peter Murphy emphasizes the visual and thematic story behind the track’s music video:

“The concept for the video is ‘collective liberation through mutual aid.’ The symbols of zip ties and blindfolds against flashlights and sprints put a finer point on the idea that every free person can help free another person.”

Music as an Action Plan

From the very beginning, acting on their message has been central to Snag’s ethos. Their lyrics aren’t just art, they are invitations to active involvement.

  • The Self-Titled LP: Came packaged with a lyric sheet, a book of matches, and an envelope of seeds encouraging listeners to grow habitats for pollinators.
  • All the Cages…: Features a partnership with the Florida-based organization Wire of Hope. The record includes individually labeled envelopes addressed to inmates, inviting listeners to become prison pen pals.

“The logic that says a corporation can destroy the planet to extract profit from it systematically is the same basic logic that says humans can be systematically caged for profit,” Murphy explains.

“It’s probably safe to say every person who hears this album is a lot closer to being incarcerated than to being one of the billionaires that seek ever more control. We thought we could make that connection much more explicit with a homework assignment in the record insert—and hopefully foster friendship and connection as well.”

Expanding the Sonic Palette

The intentionality behind the band’s message extends directly into the music. Snag has always been far more than a mere throwback band, consciously pushing boundaries in a subgenre that often struggles to move past the influence of its forebearers.

All the Cages… recalls the dynamic, progressive energy of acts like Majority Rule, Welcome the Plague Year, and Kidcrash, while forging its own distinct path.

“We made a decision a long time ago to simply make the music that we like and to not try to fit into genre conventions. That decision gave us permission to try different instrumentation and stylistic approaches to songs, which resulted in a few unusual moments on this album.”

— Peter Murphy

A Decade of DIY Resilience

A decade into their existence, Snag remains one of the most unique and vital voices in modern DIY hardcore. The band members’ commitment is deeply personal, they need the music just as much as the music needs them. At its core, they simply haven’t grown bored with the artform that captured their imaginations as kids.

“When we started the band we were in some of the most depressive periods of our lives, and it offered an outlet, camaraderie, and hope. It hasn’t stopped since.”

— Wysocki

All The Cages Holding Us Will One Day Turn To Dust track list:

  1. Unarrest Me
  2. Debilitated
  3. Pray for Peace
  4. Suburn
  5. Juneberry
  6. Whisper
  7. Shelf Life
  8. Paris, WI
  9. Foam Cup, Pt 3
  10. Cages
  11. Cages (Reprise)

Book Review: ‘Famous Men’ by Julie Buntin – A Compelling Tale of Ambition and Power

‘Famous Men’ is the new literary fiction novel by Julie Buntin. Photo: Penguin Random House.

Book Review: Famous Men by Julie Buntin

From the acclaimed author of Marlena comes a “magnificent” (The New York Times) novel about a young woman looking for a father and finding herself. (Penguin Random House, 2026)

“The right book at the right time can change your life.”

Quick Details

  • Title: Famous Men
  • Author: Julie Buntin
  • Genre: Literary Fiction / Coming-of-Age
  • Themes: Ambition, Identity, Power Dynamics, Mentorship

Synopsis

Will Miles is trapped in the suffocatingly tiny town of Greening, Michigan, having never known who her father is. Haunted by a toxic rumor that turned her into a social exile, the teenage Will yearns for escape. At fourteen, she discovers the poetry of literary giant Nathaniel Fellow, a man four decades her senior who shares her hometown. A passing comment from her mother only adds to Will’s fascination: Is Nathaniel the father she’s never known? She becomes convinced that he may hold the answers to her literary aspirations and her family history.

Her obsession drives her to New York City, drawing her into Nathaniel’s orbit and sparking a deeply complex, years-long entanglement that offers a seductive doorway to intellectual life, mentorship, and security, at a devastatingly ambiguous cost. When information about his past threatens not just her life with Nathaniel, but the story she tells herself about him, Will is faced with a choice that will change everything.

Review

Famous Men is an emotionally rich novel that explores identity, ambition, and the complicated power dynamics between young women and influential men.

Buntin challenges typical coming-of-age narratives, refusing easy moral clarity or simplified stories of victimhood. Will’s journey from small-town outsider to New York’s literary circles is both inspiring and unsettling, revealing how easily dreams can become entangled with manipulation and self-deception. Her relationship with Nathaniel begins as admiration, but eventually evolves into a complicated bond that forces her to question the true cost of chasing success and validation.

Through a first-person narrative, Buntin captures:

  • The desperate craving to be seen by our idols.
  • The quiet concessions women make to build a life.
  • The painful reckoning when the truth about a mentor finally surfaces.

Buntin writes with empathy and passion, making Will’s search for belonging feel authentic and deeply relatable. The beautiful, razor-precise prose draws readers directly into Will’s complicated life:

“Watery sunlight fell across the spines, landing in a warmish puddle on the floor where I sat, cross-legged, to begin at the beginning.”

Ultimately, Julie Buntin delivers a beautifully written novel filled with emotionally layered characters, sharp observations about fame and influence, and an honest exploration of how women often bear the consequences of men’s mistakes. The story balances literary depth with emotional tension, making it difficult to put down.

Final Thoughts

Famous Men is a compelling exploration of ambition and the intoxicating danger of artistic idolatry.

Recommended for:

  • Readers who enjoy character-driven literary fiction and stories of self-discovery.
  • Fans of introspective fiction, literary intrigue, and emotionally complex relationships.

“New York wasn’t an island of skyscrapers, tethered by bridges, its heart the gentle hills of Central Park-it was a million  tiny rooms and the people inside, their desire mixing with the wishes of everyone who had once passed through. I could have stood there with my head outside the window forever, just watching.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of ‘Famous Men’ today!

About the author

Julie Buntin‘s debut novel, Marlena, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Prize, released in ten territories worldwide, and named a best book of the year by over a dozen outlets, including The Washington Post, NPR, and Kirkus Reviews. 

She is the co-editor of Notes to New Mothers, a collection of dispatches from postpartum life by sixty writers and artists. Previously, Buntin was an editor and director of writing programs at Catapult. Now, she writes and teaches in Ann Arbor, where she is an assistant professor at the University of Michigan.

**Thank you to Sarah Jean Grimm and Broadside PR for my gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

San Antonio Food & Drink Specials: Celebrate Tequila and Wine & Cheese Day

Corinne San Antonio at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa. Photo: Plaza San Antonio & Spa, used with permission.

Sip & Savor: The Ultimate San Antonio Guide to National Tequila Day and Wine & Cheese Day

Get ready for a weekend dedicated to finely curated food and drinks! Two fantastic food holidays are right around the corner, and San Antonio is turning up the flavor. (The Gunter Hotel, Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2026)

Whether you’re in the mood for a smoky agave cocktail or a perfectly paired charcuterie board, here is everything you need to know to celebrate National Tequila Day (Friday, July 24) and National Wine & Cheese Day (Saturday, July 25) in style.

🍹 What Are We Celebrating?

National Tequila Day | Friday, July 24

Celebrated nationwide with vibrant tasting events, cocktail specials, and promotional deals at Mexican restaurants and bars, this is the ultimate day to raise a glass to Mexico’s most famous spirit.

National Wine & Cheese Day | Saturday, July 25

Created by freelance writer and wine enthusiast Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, this holiday honors one of the world’s most classic culinary duos. Falling on a Saturday, it’s the perfect excuse to visit local vineyards, attend tasting events, or host an at-home pairing party featuring artisanal cheeses and meats.

📍 Where to Celebrate in San Antonio

Several premier hotel spots around San Antonio are rolling out craftsman-quality agave expressions, tequila flights, and curated wine pairings to help you mark the occasions.

1. The Gunter Hotel

Artisan Boards & Wine Specials at Jots

  • When: Saturday, July 25
  • Where: Jots (205 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205)
  • Reservations: Reserve a table here.

Jots inside The Gunter Hotel is celebrating National Wine & Cheese Day with the ultimate pairing: guests who purchase one of their artisan charcuterie boards can enjoy half-priced select bottles of wine. Set in the heart of downtown, Jots offers a seamless blend of historic charm and relaxed sophistication.

2. Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk

Premier Tequila Selections at Tenfold Rooftop

  • When: Friday, July 24
  • Where: Tenfold Rooftop (431 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205)
  • Reservations: Reserve a table here.

Home to a premier collection of Clase Azul expressions and cocktails thoughtfully crafted to complement its expansive tequila program, Tenfold Rooftop is the place to be for National Tequila Day. Guests can choose from four distinct agave-based flights for a fully immersive tasting experience.

Oaxacan Old Fashioned at Dean’s Steak & Seafood

For a smoky twist on a classic, Dean’s Steak & Seafood is spotlighting the Oaxacan Old Fashioned ($15)—crafted with premium mezcal, reposado tequila, and finished with smoke to enhance its bold flavors. Enjoy it in an upscale atmosphere alongside a curated collection of over 50 agave spirits.

3. Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

A Taste of Tequila at Corinne San Antonio

  • When: Friday, July 24
  • Where: Corinne San Antonio (555 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205)
  • Reservations: Reserve a table here.

Tequila enthusiasts and curious novices alike can enjoy an $18 Tequila Flight at Corinne. Featuring Humano Tequila’s blanco, reposado, and añejo spirits, it pairs effortlessly with light bites like their Navajo Fry Bread ($10), whipped with brown butter and spiced with agave.

Tip for Readers: Table reservations fill up fast for weekend holiday specials—be sure to secure your spot ahead of time using the links above!

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Book Spotlight: ‘Uncommon Sense’ by Mel Blackwell

‘Uncommon Sense’ by Mel Blackwell features battle-tested culture secrets from a former EOS Integrator. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: Uncommon Sense: The Fight to Fix Your Workplace Culture in the Wild West of Business

By Mel Blackwell

Does your business look successful on the outside but feel chaotic on the inside?

Are you stuck in constant firefighting, watching the same problems repeat while people dodge responsibility and culture slowly erodes? Is your culture just dysfunctional enough that everyone’s comfortably miserable, too afraid of the change that actually removes the root obstacles? (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

You don’t need another trendy leadership theory. You need something that actually works. Fix your culture, and all metrics improve immeasurably.

The Synopsis

After more than 35 years leading startups, turnarounds, and large organizations, former EOS Integrator Mel Blackwell has seen what really breaks businesses, and what actually fixes them. He’s led from the shop floor to the C-suite, rebuilt broken teams, and helped leaders move from chaos to clarity when pressure was real and payroll was due.

Uncommon Sense: The Fight to Fix Your Workplace Culture in the Wild West of Business is built on battle-tested leadership, not buzzwords. Through gritty stories, plainspoken wisdom, and practical tools, Mel shows you how to build a culture that can take a hit, solve problems fast, and keep moving forward.

This book doesn’t sell theory. It gives you a roadmap.

What You’ll Learn inside:

  • Problem-Solving over Complaining: How to build a solution-oriented culture.
  • Leverage & Traction: How to build winning momentum directly into your company culture.
  • Structure First: Why structure must come before people, and how to get it right.
  • True Accountability: How to lead with ownership, not excuses.
  • The Toxicity Antidote: A system for eliminating toxic behavior that attracts, empowers, and develops good people.
  • The Best Pledge™: How to get the absolute best from your team (because people at their worst self will never deliver best practices).
  • Alignment & Execution: How to align your team around a unified vision and stellar execution.
  • The Two Visions: Why every organization needs two visions—and exactly how to use them.
  • Courageous Leadership: How to lead with courage and win when pressure hits.

Plus, you’ll discover why most leaders are “worshipping problems” instead of solving them, why not everyone belongs in every role, and how real leadership shows up when things get tough.

Why This Book is Different

This book doesn’t read like a consultant talking at you. It’s written by a mentor walking beside you, telling the truth, sharing the scars, and showing you what works in the trenches.

When you apply what’s inside, leadership gets clearer. Problems get smaller. Teams get stronger. You gain leverage, and your business becomes something that can survive storms instead of being wrecked by them.

If you’re tired of drifting, guessing, and putting out fires, it is time to lead with clarity, courage, and confidence.

👉 Buy Uncommon Sense Today and Start Building a Culture That Actually Works!

About the Author

Mel Blackwell

Senior Executive Mel Blackwell is a visionary renowned for driving extraordinary results and fostering high-performing cultures using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). With over three decades of unparalleled expertise in operations, sales, and marketing, Mel’s diverse experience spans industries from forestry and wood products to global trade shows, 3D agency marketing, telecom, and software, leading organizations from startups to billion-dollar enterprises.

Holding a BS in Marketing from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business and an MA in Management from The University of Alabama’s Manderson Graduate School of Business, he masterfully combines academic rigor with real-world mastery.

As a dynamic public speaker, storyteller, and thought leader, Mel captivates audiences with his sharp insights, infectious energy, vivid metaphors, and plain-spoken humor. Attendees leave his talks not only entertained, but equipped with actionable tools to drive success in their organizations.

‘The Descent: Part 2’ Finally Gets a 4K Steelbook Release in the U.S.

The Descent: Part 2 will be available on 4K for the first time in the U.S. Photo: Lionsgate Limited, used with permission.

For physical media collectors and horror enthusiasts alike, the depths are calling once again.

Lionsgate has officially announced that The Descent: Part 2 is making its way to 4K Ultra HD for the very first time in the United States. This claustrophobic 2009 sequel is getting a gorgeous, limited-edition Steelbook release on August 11, 2026. Featuring terrifyingly vibrant custom artwork designed by the talented Matt Ryan Tobin, this is a must-have addition to your horror shelf. (EG PR, 2026)

Return to the Cave: The Story

Picking up immediately where the bone-chilling events of the first film left off, The Descent: Part 2 follows Sarah Carter (Shauna Macdonald). Dazed, covered in blood, and completely speechless, she emerges alone from the Appalachian cave system.

When authorities force her back underground to help a rescue team search for her missing friends, Sarah’s fractured memories begin to resurface—and with them, the realization of what truly lurks in the pitch black. Worse yet, the team is about to encounter a new, even more viciously feral tribe of deformed “crawlers.”

Release Details & Technical Specs

This limited release is packed with premium technical details, bringing the movie’s dark, atmospheric dread to life with gorgeous Dolby Vision HDR and crushing 5.1 surround sound.

FeatureSpecification
U.S. Release DateAugust 11, 2026
Format16×9 (2.35:1) Dolby Vision Presentation
AudioEnglish 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio™
SubtitlesEnglish SDH
Run Time94 minutes
RatingR (Strong bloody horror violence, grisly images, terror, and language)

The Cast & Crew

  • Directed by: Jon Harris
  • Written by: James McCarthy, J Blakeson, James Watkins
  • Produced by: Christian Colson, Ivana Mackinnon
  • Starring: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Douglas Hodge, Krysten Cummings, Gavan O’Herlihy, Josh Dallas, and Anna Skellern

Special Features Guide

The 4K + Blu-ray + Digital combo pack comes loaded with both brand-new exclusive content and classic legacy special features that take you deeper into the filmmaking process.

🎬 Lionsgate Limited New Extras

  • Flashback on The Descent: Part 2 – Shauna Macdonald: An exclusive retrospective interview with the lead actress.
  • Flashback on The Descent: Part 2 – Krysten Cummings: A brand-new look back with co-star Krysten Cummings.

💀 Legacy Special Features

  • Audio Commentary: Featuring Director Jon Harris alongside actors Shauna Macdonald, Krysten Cummings, and Anna Skellern.
  • The Making of The Descent: Part 2: Deeper & Darker
  • The Genesis (Behind-the-scenes featurette)
  • Deleted Scenes: Complete with optional director commentary.
  • EPK B-Roll & Interview Clips
  • Production Design & Storyboard Galleries
  • U.S. & International Trailers

Note on regional playback: The 4K UHD disc is entirely region-free and plays worldwide, while the included standard Blu-ray disc is locked to Region A (North America).

The Descent: Part 2 4K Steelbook is available for pre-order now. Will you be descending back into the darkness this August?

Photo: Lionsgate Limited