Month: March 2025

The Fragility of Perception: ‘Your Steps on the Stairs’ Weaves Suspense and Unease

Prolific and celebrated author Antonio Muñoz Molina returns with ‘Your Steps on the Stairs.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble.

“Your Steps on the Stairs: A Novel” (Other Press Trade Paperback Original; On Sale 4/8/25) is a disquieting psychological thriller charting the unraveling of a couple’s new life in Lisbon.

Laureat of the Prix Médicis in France in 2020, shortlisted for the Man Booker International award in 2018, author of nearly 20 novels, a number of book-long essays, memoirs and a short story collection, Antonio Muñoz Molina’s deep well of experience comes to life on the page in this latest novel about solitude, expectation and memory. Always keeping in mind the stories by Henry James, which seem to straddle the ambiguous terrain between the ordinary and the mildly fantastic, memoirs of people subjected to rigorous isolation, as in Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s “Alone,” and Oliver Sacks’s essays about the vagaries of human perception of time, space and memory, here, Molina strove to grant a narrative, even poetic, sense of discovery. (Other Press, 2025)

“Your Steps on the Stairs” – A man travels to Lisbon ahead of his wife to prepare their newly purchased home, while she stays in New York to oversee a research project on the neuroscience of memory and fear. Leaving behind a phase of their relationship indelibly marked by 9/11, he revels in the Portuguese capital’s temperate weather and the neighborhood’s calm, meticulously planning the details of their future.

Yet beneath the peace and quiet of this routine, he feels a growing unease he can’t explain. Is it the similarity between the two cities, and the two apartments? A mysterious threat waiting in the wings?

A brilliant, deceptively simple novel of psychological suspense, perfect for fans of literary thrillers in translation and the introspective and unnerving work of writers like Clarice Lispector, “Your Steps on the Stairs” explores how our emotions and memories shape our perception of reality. With his subtle, masterful style, Antonio Muñoz Molina lays bare the fragility of the stories we so carefully craft about ourselves.

Antonio Muñoz Molina is the author of more than a dozen novels, among them “Sepharad, A Manuscript of Ashes,” and “In Her Absence” (Other Press). He has been awarded the Jerusalem Prize for the Freedom of the Individual in Society and the Prince of Asturias Award, among many others. Muñoz Molina lives in Madrid and New York City.

About the Translator: Curtis Bauer is a poet and translator of prose and poetry from Spanish. He is the recipient of a PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant and a Banff International Literary Translation Centre fellowship. His translation of Jeannette Clariond’s Image of Absence won the International Latino Book Award for Best Nonfiction Book Translation from Spanish to English. Bauer teaches creative writing and comparative literature at Texas Tech University.

Praise for Antonio Muñoz Molina (Your Steps on the Stairs):

“An American expat in Portugal obsessively prepares for his wife’s arrival in this disquieting psychological suspense novel from Muñoz Molina (To Walk Alone in the Crowd)…The narrative unfolds in a woozy flow of first-person musings and reminiscences, making it difficult to gauge time’s passing, but the more books the narrator reads and the more calls he dodges, the more questions arise surrounding Cecilia’s continued absence. Anxiety and dread mount steadily, while elegiac prose and eccentric supporting characters amplify the story’s surrealism straight through to the sucker-punch ending. It’s a stunning blend of mystery and literary fever dream.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

“Anticipating the arrival of his beloved, a man ruminates about intimacy, memory, and loss…Contrasting Bruno’s brooding, anguished interior landscape with the relative serenity of his old-town Lisbon surroundings, Muñoz Molina (To Walk Alone in the Crowd, 2021) emphasizes his narrator’s blind spots and the distortions of perception that follow heartbreak. Originally published in Spain in 2019, this psychologically informed exploration of loss may resonate even more with readers in our current tumultuous moment.”
—BOOKLIST

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Echoes of the Rio Grande: A Reflection on ‘The River Runs: Stories’

‘The River Runs: Stories’ by Thomas Ray Garcia. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Thomas Ray Garcia is the author of the award-winning short story collection “The River Runs: Stories” and the co-author of “El Curso de la Raza: The Education of Aurelio Manuel Montemayor.” At Princeton University, he received the Ward Mathis Short Story Prize for his fiction on the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. He is the founder and co-chair of College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (CSLAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that teaches college access classes and connects near-peer mentors to students in the Rio Grande Valley. (Thomas Ray Garcia, 2025)

“The River Runs: Stories” is his debut short story collection that presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation. It won the Américo Paredes Literary Arts Prize for Fiction sponsored by FlowerSong Press from McAllen, Texas, and Prickly Pear Publishing from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Stories include:
Seventh Man
Prosperers
Watcher in The Sky
La Lomita
The Curandera on Alameda Street
Burn The Sun
Sunset Station
After The Wall
I Know I Will Be Leaving Here
A South Texas September
Scholarship Boy

Thomas Ray Garcia’s short stories explore the deep, often turbulent connections between people and the communities that shape their lives. Set in the borderlands where the Rio Grande river is both a life-giving force and a dividing line, Garcia’s narratives illuminate the struggles, hopes, and identities of those living alongside it.

Each story is a poignant reflection on themes of survival, migration, heritage, and resilience. Garcia’s prose is lyrical yet grounded, capturing the stark realities of his characters with authenticity and emotional depth. “The pain behind every word was not like the rush of deoxygenated blood rushing to and from the brain, but the exertion of reaching a finish line obscured by hand and shouts and incense.” The river, more than just a setting, becomes a symbol of change, separation, and continuity—shaping destinies in ways that are both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The highlight is its diversity of voices, from immigrants seeking a better future to those who feel trapped by their circumstances. Garcia doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, but he also highlights moments of tenderness and connection. As someone who grew up along the border, these stories resonate with me as they reflect a commonality not usually present in modern literature.

Overall, “The River Runs” is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. It appeals to readers who appreciate literature that examines cultural identity, the human condition, and endurance. With its rich storytelling and evocative imagery, it explores the themes of family, coming of age, and friendship. Garcia’s work is a powerful testament to the lives shaped by the ever-flowing, ever-changing river.

“The Rio Grande was the only river I knew at the time, although I had only seen it once. I remember it made a lasting impression on me because Mom said something about rivers changing all the time. Every time you looked into it, it wouldn’t be the same river and you wouldn’t be the same person either.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.
@thomasraygarcia

Do I have favorite stories from The River Runs? Three of these stories speak to me for very different reasons. —– The River Runs: Stories presents revitalized insights into the Texas-Mexico border region by centering the Rio Grande as a site of belonging and becoming. These 11 stories feature characters facing the realities of living alongside a river running through their countries, communities, and cultures. Winner of the Bronze Award at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards for “Best Short Story Collection (English)” The River Runs is available at South Texas bookstores and online retailers like TikTok Shop, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. Click the link in my bio. #booktok #readersoftiktok #956rgv #riograndevalley #pharrtx #rgvauthors #texasauthors

♬ original sound – Thomas Ray Garcia

Two to One: The New Comedy Hitting UK Theaters This May

Sandra Hüller stars in the heist comedy Two to One. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Heist comedies blend the thrill of elaborate adventures with sharp humor, making them a favorite among movie lovers. These films captivate audiences with clever schemes and unexpected twists, all wrapped in a lighthearted tone. The balance between tension and comedy—watching a team of misfits outwit authorities or rival thieves keeps viewers engaged while delivering laughs. Classics like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job showcase stylish execution, witty banter, and satisfying payoffs. The genre’s mix of high stakes and humor makes for endlessly entertaining, feel-good storytelling that invites audiences to root for the underdogs.

London, UK: Tull Stories is delighted to announce that Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One (Zwei zu eins) will be hitting UK cinemas from May 2nd after its UK Premiere at Glasgow Film Festival. (Strike Media, 2025)

A light-hearted ensemble comedy about friendship, community, love, and capitalism, Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One is set in the long, hot East German summer of 1990.

Maren, Robert and Volker have known and loved each other since childhood. In the final weeks before reunification and with Germany about to change forever, the trio stumble across a fortune in soon-to-be-worthless East German currency, left to rot in Government storage.

With just days to work out what to do with this unexpected windfall before it becomes useless, the three assemble the friends and neighbours living in their crumbling apartment block and together hatch an elaborate plan to exchange the cash for goods – outwitting the incoming Westerners and their capitalism before time runs out.

But can a community previously living under strict socialist values handle this sudden wealth…?

Two To One had its World Premiere opening Munich Film Festival, where Screen Daily said it was a “comedy with heart.” It features stand-out performances from Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest, Toni Erdmann), Max Riemelt (Berlin Syndrome, Sense8,) and Ronald Zehrfeld (Phoenix, Barbara).

Distributed By: Tull Stories
Theatrical Release: May 2nd 2025
Short Synopsis: As German reunification looms in the summer of 1990 three close friends in Socialist East Germany hatch an elaborate plan to make a fortune when they find a bunker full of soon-to-be-worthless currency. With the help of their friends and neighbours they tackle progress and capitalism head-on.
Directed By: Natja Brunckhorst
Cast: Sandra Hüller, Max Riemelt, Ronald Zehrfeld, Ursula Werner, Peter Kurth, Martin Brambach and Kathrin Wehlisch
Run Time: 116 minutes

Empowering Women Through Art: The Magic of Flourish and Femme

Hotel Contessa to host Flourish and Femme Art Fair on March 30, 2025. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa is excited to host Flourish and Femme, a community art fair and immersive installation celebrating over a dozen local female artists of all generations. On Sunday, March 30 from 11:30a.m. to 3p.m., the public is invited to step into a colorful world of creativity right on the Riverwalk, where art, flowers and femme energy will come together and established artists will mentor emerging talent. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

More than just an intergenerational art showcase, the art fair will feature a number of artisans who inject fun and flavor into every moment. This event is a celebration of female artistry, craftsmanship and community that is free and open to the public, benefiting local nonprofit Magdalena House, which empowers families to eliminate cycles of abuse and neglect in the community.

The Sunday art fair will unveil an extraordinary exhibition with a collective of local female artists, transforming the hotel’s spaces into a vibrant canvas of creativity. Through the theme of flowers, artists Kathy Sosa, Stephanie Pena Frost, Mary Carmen Sessions, Geri Garcia, and Ludi Smith will present a stunning installation that weaves together personal narratives and artistic expression. Launching on March 30, this immersive exhibit will extend through June 2025, with select guest rooms becoming intimate galleries that demonstrate the artists’ flower-themed works, inviting visitors to experience art that blooms through each individual’s storytelling.

Guests are encouraged to sip, savor and celebrate the impressive stories of a group of talented female artists and other prominent local women, many of whom are mentoring the next generation of artists in San Antonio. The creative space will also include culinary components with a special touch from Mijenta, a female-owned tequila distillery, where samples of their award-winning spirit will be available for tastings. Attendees can indulge in chocolate hand crafted by local female chocolatier Chef Alessia Benavides of CHOCOLATL. Additionally, Ambler will be open and serving their menu of creative plates and craft cocktails during the event.

This immersive experience celebrates the incredible works of over a dozen local female artists and artisans, including:

San Antonio–based artist Kathy Sosa, whose colorful works have been displayed across North America and is behind the famous Contessa painting at Hotel Contessa. Kathy will also do a book signing for her latest book, “Mestizaje: The Feminist Art of Kathy Sosa.” Kathy’s Contessa painting will be a muse/inspiration for the attending students.

Renowned San Antonio artists Stephanie Pena Frost, Geri Garcia, Mary Carmen Sessions, and Ludi Smith. Featured room artists will host mini-exhibitions spotlighting their broader portfolios and promote their work in the guest rooms.

Eight student artists from CAST School will be mentored by the featured professional artists. Students and artists will be paired up on March 30 for students to create and display their works at the Sunday Art Fair on April 27.

Chef Alessia Benavides of San Antonio’s celebrated female chocolatier, CHOCOLATL. Awarded Best Pastry Chef of 2024 by the Texas Culinary Association, Alessia Benavides is a passionate pastry chef and chocolatier dedicated to the art of baking and chocolate-making.

Mijenta Tequila, female-owned distiller based in Texas. Known for bridging eco-friendly tequila-making with female empowerment.

Proceeds from the art fair sales will be donated to Magdalena House, a neighborhood of transitional homes in San Antonio that serves mothers and their children who have fled danger and abuse. Utilizing a dual-generation approach, they provide safe shelter, basic needs, educational programming and therapeutic services. Hotel Contessa’s Flourish and Femme initiative partners with established artists and the CAST School to foster community mentorship and support, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to enhancing San Antonio’s local cultural landscape.

Hotel Contessa
306 W. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

An intimate, all-suite retreat set directly on San Antonio’s beloved River Walk, Hotel Contessa delights arriving guests with stylish suites that take their design cues from the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Discover stylish suites and unwind at our spa, complemented by Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serving up agave cocktails and authentic Texas fare.

Why Character Still Matters: A Review of Robert L. Dilenschneider’s ‘Character’

‘Character’ is Robert L. Dilenschneider’s latest motivational book. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Robert L. Dilenschneider is founder of The Dilenschneider Group, a firm that provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media.

Dilenschneider has been called the “Dean of American Public Relations Executives” and is widely published, having authored 14 books, including “A Briefing for Leaders,” “On Power,” “The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life,” and “Power and Influence: The Rules Have Changed.” His new book “Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership” addresses the need for character as a vital dimension in public and private life, based on iconic historical figures who embodied such qualities of character. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

In “Character,” Robert L. Dilenschneider explores what it means to possess and foster strong moral character. Through the lens of noted historical figures—ranging from Stephen Hawking to Mother Teresa—he illustrates how integrity, resilience, and ethical leadership have shaped both personal legacies and societal progress.

Dilenschneider contends that character is not merely a trait but a fundamental necessity in our daily lives, especially in today’s complex and often morally ambiguous world. By combining historical narratives with modern-day reflections, he makes a strong case for why individuals, particularly those in leadership positions, must prioritize character over personal gain.

He begins by defining character as exhibiting traits such as honesty, integrity, and loyalty while inspiring others around you. The goal of this book is provide examples of character and how it can drive people to achieve their dreams and how to recognize it and nurture it in others, especially those with leadership positions.

Each chapter profiles a different group of people who were known for a specific trait, such as Innovation (Steve Jobs, Walt Disney), Courage (Winston Churchill, Arthur Ashe), and Loyalty (Eleanor Roosevelt, John McCain). At the end of each, he includes a list of lessons learned.

Chapters include:
Chapter 1 – What is Character?
Chapter 2 – Leadership
Chapter 3 – Innovation
Chapter 4 – Resilience
Chapter 5 – Breaking Barriers
Chapter 6 – Courage
Chapter 7 – Loyalty
Chapter 8 – Integrity
Chapter 9 – Transparency
Chapter 10 – Transcendence
Chapter 11 – Lessons

Highlights:
Chapter 4: Resilience – when we are tested, resilience is what allows us to keep fighting. Nelson Mandela was a vocal opponent of apartheid: “Never give up when your cause is just.”

Chapter 5: Breaking Barriers – profiles of people who broke barriers when they refused to be held down because of their sex, color, or political beliefs. Margaret Chase Smith stood up against McCarthyism in the 40s and 50s: “Speaking your mind may not always be popular but it will win you respect.”

Informative and inspiring, it offers valuable lessons on courage, humility, and perseverance. Dilenschneider’s writing is engaging, and his selection of historical figures ensures a broad perspective on how character manifests in different circumstances.

Overall, “Character” serves as an insightful guide for those seeking to understand the enduring power of virtue in shaping history and how we, too, can attempt to embody these qualities in our own lives. It is recommended for readers who enjoy biographies and leadership/motivational books.

“Learning is a classic way to overcome barriers, by equipping yourself with knowledge that nobody can take away.”

*The author of this blog received a copy in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

There’s A Whole World Out There: Arm’s Length’s Journey Through Love and Loss

Arm’s Length announces the release of their sophomore album There’s A Whole World Out There. Photo: Pure Noise Records

March 12, 2025 – Arm’s Length’s highly anticipated sophomore album There’s A Whole World Out There will be released on May 16 via Pure Noise Records and is available for pre-order here. The first single and music video for “Funny Face” is out now. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

The band has announced a special headline run of album release shows taking place in major cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, Philadelphia, and New York City. Tickets are available online. Shows will kick off on June 8 and support comes from Charmer and Wakelee.

The album release shows will follow the band’s spring headline tour taking place in May which feature support from Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! and Bike Routes.

Arm’s Length Live Dates

Spring headliner
with Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! and Bike Routes

May 2 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs
May 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe at Old National Centre
May 4 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium
May 6 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
May 7 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
May 8 – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room
May 10 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
May 11 – San Antonio, TX – Stable Hall
May 12 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
May 14 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
May 15 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
May 16 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
May 17 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry
May 18 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
May 21 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
May 22 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony
May 23 – Amityville, NY – Amityville Music Hall
May 24 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
May 25 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City

Album Release Show Dates
w/Charmer and Wakelee

June 9 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
June 10 – Cleveland, OH – The Roxy
June 11 – Toronto, ON – AXIS
June 13 – Philadelphia, PA – Ukie Club
June 14 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

Building on the emotional rawness and introspection of their debut, Never Before Seen, Never Again Found, There’s A Whole World Out There finds the band pushing their boundaries, offering a deeper exploration of personal trauma, love, loss, and the resilience that emerges from navigating life’s darkest moments. Their debut album marked them as an indie band to watch, conjuring praise from writers at SPIN, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, Exclaim!, and Loudwire, among others.

Produced once again by Anton DeLost, who worked with the band on their previous releases, There’s A Whole World Out There marks a significant evolution for Arm’s Length. While Steinberg wrote the bulk of the material solo, the full band—guitarist Jeremy White, bassist Ben Greenblatt, and drummer Jeff White—helped bring these songs to life in the studio, with additional contributions from Bonnie Brooksbank (strings) and Alex Scalzo-Brown (piano).

Steinberg’s personal struggles, which he openly addressed in his songwriting, are central to the album’s creation. He confesses that during the period leading up to the writing of this record, he was “the most mentally ill” he had ever been. Yet, it was precisely through confronting these intense experiences that the album came to life with such urgency and honesty. “The songs aren’t written for anyone else at all,” he says, emphasizing the raw, unfiltered emotion that drives the record’s sound and lyrics.

There’s A Whole World Out There tracklist:

  1. The World
  2. Fatal Flaw
  3. Funny Face
  4. The Weight
  5. Palinopsia
  6. The Wound
  7. You Ominously End
  8. Early Onset
  9. Genetic Lottery
  10. Attic
  11. Halley
  12. Morning Person

Arm’s Length pull no punches on There’s A Whole World Out There. From the moment “The World” starts proceedings, the album unfolds with the dual torment and exhilaration of what it means to be alive—but with the knowledge and understanding that everything is also always lost.

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A Celebration of the American West: The Briscoe Museum’s 2025 Night of Artists

2025 Night of Artists celebrates the best in contemporary Western art. Opening weekend is this March 28-29. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum proudly presents the 2025 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale, a premier celebration of the American West and one of the nation’s leading Western art events. Taking place Friday and Saturday, March 28-29, this year’s event showcases over 270 exceptional works by more than 85 of today’s top contemporary Western artists, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and artists from across the country. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

The two-day celebration includes exclusive collector experiences, artist demonstrations, a live auction and the highly anticipated Luck of the Draw sale. A public exhibition of the works follows, running March 30 – May 11. Limited tickets remain for Saturday, March 29. Art lovers are encouraged to secure their spots now. Can’t attend? Register to set-up absentee purchases.

“Night of Artists is always our most anticipated event of the year. But the overwhelming interest in this year’s event is a testament to the deep love of the American West – and the appreciation of the fantastic art that highlights the stories and traditions of our Western heritage and culture. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and showcase the body of work presented by this year’s artists. The exhibition is stunning, and we have no doubt that art enthusiasts will find works that compliment, or even kick-off, their collections.” – Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum

For the first time, the Briscoe is featuring a Small Works Sale, offering collectors and art enthusiasts the chance to acquire smaller-scale pieces from renowned contemporary Western artists. These intimate, high-quality works will be available during the evening celebration on Friday, March 28, and buyers will be able to take their purchases home immediately. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, this sale provides a rare opportunity to own an original piece of Western art in an accessible format.

One of the most anticipated events of the weekend, the Luck of the Draw Sale, takes place Saturday, March 29 during the Grand Exhibition Opening. This exciting sale format ensures all buyers have an equal chance to acquire their preferred piece, as names are drawn at random to determine the order in which collectors may purchase artworks. This process creates a thrilling atmosphere and makes collecting more accessible to all attendees.

New this year, collectors can guarantee their purchase of select artworks through the addition of green “Guarantee to Purchase” ballots in the sale process. By submitting a “Guarantee to Purchase” ballot, buyers indicate their commitment to purchasing a specific piece, ensuring they secure their desired work without the uncertainty of the option period. This exciting new option provides greater confidence and flexibility for collectors looking to expand their collections with exceptional contemporary Western art.

For those unable to attend in person, absentee options are available for all Night of Artists sales, including the Live Auction, Small Works Sale and Luck of the Draw Sale. This allows collectors worldwide to participate and acquire stunning works of Western art. Absentee purchasing registration closes at noon, Thursday, March 27. Everyone can tune into the live auction through a link on the Night of Artists website, while the live auction gallery is available for viewing now.

The 2025 Night of Artists welcomes an extraordinary lineup of returning favorites and exciting new voices in Western art. New artists include Thomas Blackshear II, Sean Michael Chavez, Scott Christensen, Quang Ho, Josh Elliott, Dean Mitchell, T. Allen Lawson, Sally Maxwell, Kyle Ma, Matt Smith, Daniel Sprick, Dustin Payne and Vic Payne. 

Artists returning to the celebrated exhibition and sale include Martin Grelle, John Coleman, Greg Beecham, Eric Bowman, G. Russell Case, Bonnie Marris, Teresa Elliott, William Haskell, Jeremy Lipking, Ed Natiya, Don Oelze, Howard Post, Grant Redden, Gladys Roldán-de-Moras, Billy Schenck, Jim Vogel, Morgan Weistling and Jeremy Winborg.

Following the opening weekend, the Night of Artists public exhibition and sale will remain on view through May 11, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate the breathtaking collection of contemporary Western art. This extended exhibition offers an opportunity for those unable to attend the sale events to see the remarkable talent shaping today’s Western art scene and purchase any remaining works. The exhibition is included in museum admission. Works not sold during opening weekend will be available for purchase both in-person and online.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
211 W Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 299-4499

From Paris to Tel Aviv: The Global Intrigue of ‘Lovers of Franz K.’ by Burhan Sönmez

‘Lovers of Franz K’ is the new novel by Burhan Sönmez. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Burhan Sönmez is the author of six novels, which have been published in more than thirty languages. He was born in Turkey and grew up speaking Turkish and Kurdish. He worked as a lawyer in Istanbul before going into political exile in Britain. Sönmez’s writing has appeared in such publications as The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and La Repubblica. His previous novels include “Labyrinth” and “Stone and Shadow.” He was elected president of PEN International in 2021.

His new novel “Lovers of Franz K.: A Novel” is an inventive literary obituary for Kafka, perfect for both Kafka fans and lovers of historical literary page turners in the vein of Anne Berest’s “The Postcard” and Colm Toibin’s “The Magician.” Translated by Samî Hêzil, it will be released on April 1, 2025 and is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)

About the Translator: Samî Hêzil is a writer and translator from northern Kurdistan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, and has been translating literary and scientific works from English into Kurdish since 2000. His short stories and scholarly articles in Kurdish have been published by a variety of literary publications. He teaches Kurdish literature at Kurdî-Der (The Kurdish Language Association) in Van, Turkey.

“Lovers of Franz K: A Novel” – This thriller of love and revenge brings the Cold War to life, from Paris and Istanbul to West Berlin and Tel Aviv.

Amid the student protests in 1960s Europe, Kafka’s best friend Max Brod becomes a target of their ire. Against the dying writer’s wishes, he had published texts that never should have been part of his legacy. After Brod is injured in an attempted assassination, assailant Ferdy Kaplan is captured and questioned by Commissioner Müller at the West Berlin police station.

As his interrogation progresses through dialogues in the police station, the courtroom, and prison, Kaplan’s background is revealed piece by piece. From the love story between him and his childhood friend Amalya, to their shared passion for Kafka, it leads them to join a radical group. But when a shocking discovery is made about the person who ultimately set Brod’s attempted murder in motion, Kaplan and Müller agree to work together to expose the truth.

In this gripping, thought-provoking tribute to Kafka, Burhan Sönmez vividly recreates a key period of history when the Berlin Wall divided Europe and women were fighting for freedom and against tradition, adopting Jean Seberg’s iconic short haircut from Breathless. More than a typical mystery, “Lovers of Franz K” is a brilliant exploration of the value of books, and the issues of anti-Semitism, immigration, and violence that recur in Kafka’s life and writings.

“PEN International president Sönmez (Stone and Shadow) wrestles with fraught questions of loyalty and legacy in this contemplative literary thriller…Sönmez’s sharp thematic layering and concise worldbuilding impress. This is a good bet for mystery readers seeking something off the beaten path.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“A gripping tale of youthful single-mindedness and institutionalization…a glass-bottomed boat swirling through the Bosphorus of Kafka’s consciousness and works, glaring into the depths of him, his mercurial shadows and shifting states.”
—Lemn Sissay, author of My Name Is Why

“Lovers of Franz K. is a gripping tale of idealism colliding with history and moral uncertainty. It portrays characters scarred by their past as they grapple with unanswerable questions and make startling decisions. Exploring passion, loyalty, and history, Sönmez’s novel will leave you questioning what it truly means to write, to love, and to honor the literary creator versus the creation.”
—Ava Homa, author of Daughters of Smoke and Fire

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Brains, Humor, and Science: A Fun and Illustrated Journey with ‘Out of Your Mind’

‘Out of Your Mind’ by Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

“Out of Your Mind” by Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin is an engaging and visually captivating exploration of the human brain. This illustrated book takes readers on a journey through the complexities of neuroscience by blending humor, vibrant artwork, and scientific insight to make an often-intimidating subject accessible and entertaining.

Cham, known for his Piled Higher and Deeper (PhD Comics) series, brings his signature wit and illustration style, while neuroscientist Dwayne Godwin provides expert knowledge in an engaging, digestible format. It begins by touching on the subject of identity and what makes who we are and covers a range of topics, including how neurons communicate, the mysteries of consciousness, and the quirks of human memory and perception. The illustrations and comic-style storytelling make complex scientific concepts understandable and fun to explore.

Chapters include:

  1. Where Is The Mind?
  2. Why Do We Love?
  3. Why Do We Hate?
  4. Will an AI Take My Job?
  5. What Are the Limits of Memory?
  6. What Is Addiction?
  7. What Is Consciousness?
  8. What Makes Us Happy?
  9. Do We Have Free Will?
  10. What Happens When We Die?
  11. What Makes Us Human?

Highlights:
3. Why Do We Hate? – explores ideas about where hate comes from and how to combat hate, including some self-reflection because some hatred can be projections of the things we hate in ourselves. “Not only do humans have the capacity to hate, we also use our intelligence to organize and find ways to spread it.”

4. Will an AI Take My Job? – it addresses questions such as whether or not AI can gain consciousness (maybe, but not one that we would recognize) and if AI will eventually take over the world (the jury is still out on that one).

Despite the advanced topic, it manages to balance education and entertainment by using language simple enough to make the material understandable. The humor and visual storytelling ensures that even complex topics remain engaging, making it an excellent read for students, educators, or anyone looking to better understand the brain in a fun and interactive way.

Overall, whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about how the brain works, “Out of Your Mind” offers an enjoyable and informative experience. By making neuroscience fun and more accessible for everyone, it reaches a wider range of readers. It is recommended for readers who enjoy science and comics and can appreciate the humor involved in learning something new.

“If your Mind is the sum total of every way you process information and interact with the world, then anything that affects any part of your brain will change you, even if only a little.”

*The author of this blog received a copy for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain: What ‘Out of Your Mind’ Reveals About the Human Brain.

Survival, Suspense, and Adrenaline: New Survivalist Thriller ‘To Die Alone’

To Die Alone will be available on all major digital platforms on March 25. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Survivalist thrillers create high-stakes scenarios where characters must overcome extreme challenges to stay alive. These films often explore themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and human instinct, making them both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether set in the wilderness, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or disaster-stricken environments, these movies keep viewers on edge with intense action, suspenseful storytelling, and psychological depth. The appeal lies in the raw tension and the characters’ fight against overwhelming odds, allowing audiences to experience danger vicariously while contemplating their own survival instincts in similar situations. These films offer both adrenaline and emotional depth.

If you like these types of movies, there’s a new one coming out next week: To Die Alone.

Following its world premiere at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and its Audience Award win for Best Narrative Feature, the survival thriller To Die Alone will be available on all major digital platforms starting March 25.

Directed by Austin Smagalski
Produced by Connie Jo Sechrist, Austin Smagalski
Starring James Tang and Lisa Jacqueline Starrett

In this gripping survival thriller, after suffering a devastating injury while hiking the remote Pacific Crest Trail, Irving must navigate the treacherous wilderness alone, battling not only physical pain but her own inner demons. With only a stranger named Ford to help her, she faces her deepest fears to survive.

To Die Alone movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.