Written and directed by Joy Hopwood, It’s Our Time will be available starting April 15, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Romantic comedies, or rom-coms, hold a timeless charm that continue to captivate audiences. Blending humor with heart, they offer a lighthearted escape into worlds where love triumphs and laughter heals. Viewers are drawn to the chemistry between characters, the witty dialogue, and the hopeful endings that promise happiness despite obstacles. Rom-coms often mirror real-life relationships, making them relatable while still idealized enough to be comforting. Their universal themes of connection, vulnerability, and second chances resonate across cultures. In an often chaotic world, romantic comedies provide a feel-good refuge—a reminder that love, with a little humor, can be beautifully uncomplicated.
For fans of romantic comedies, here’s a new one that will be available on digital and on demand starting April 15, 2025: It’s Our Time.
It’s Our Time: Filmmaker Emilia Kong is about to be evicted and her screenplay might just be her ticket to success. But when her ruthless script funding officer falls for her best friend, Emilia’s plan spirals into a hilarious mess of misunderstandings, friendship, and love. It will be available on digital and on demand on April 15, 2025. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)
Written & directed by Joy Hopwood Starring Peter Thurnwald (XO, Kitty), Tiana Hogben, Bianca Bradey
It’s Our Time movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Magik Theatre presents ¡Lotería: Game On! and Tomás and the Library Lady. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
(San Antonio, TX) – Spring is in the air in San Antonio and at Magik Theatre, where children and their families are invited to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage with two bilingual productions for Spanish and English language learners and speakers of all levels. (Magik Theatre, 2025)
Magik’s mainstage play ¡Lotería: Game On! closes out the beloved children’s theatre’s milestone 30th season from May 3 to June 1, 2025. Additionally, Magik is pleased to present Tomás and the Library Lady as its Spring 2025 touring production for regional schools, community organizations, and special events. Both plays move seamlessly between English and Spanish dialogue and feature traditions or historic figures dear to San Antonio’s Hispanic community, wrapped in Magik’s signature creative fun.
Launching on the last weekend of Fiesta, ¡Lotería: Game On! is a great way to party down with little ones, complete with an opening night celebration on May 3 in Hemisfair Park. Performances later in the season have plenty of fun in store, too, with Magik’s backstage experience add-on, allowing guests a glimpse behind the curtain during a cast meet-and-greet and guided tour as they savor a post-show paleta.
Written by Mabelle Reynoso for audiences ages 6+, ¡Lotería: Game On! brings the competitive fun of the classic Mexican card game to the stage in a whimsical, immersive experience. Blending fantasy, humor, and cultural traditions, the bilingual story follows Mexican-American siblings Sam and Kris as they work together to rescue their father from the mysterious realm of Lotería. When they brush off their dad’s attempts to spend quality time together, Sam and Kris have no idea he’s about to disappear through a pillow-fort portal to magical Lotería land. During their quest to bring their dad home, the pair encounter characters based on familiar Lotería cards like La Rana, El Gallo and La Mano, and must cooperate and think fast to outwit Lotería’s rules.
The set design by Lucian Hernandez draws viewers into Lotería’s mystery, while Yesi Tafur’s costumes reflect the cards’ iconic visual language. Lucero Garcia and Maryann Valerio play Sam and Kris respectively, while Gabriel Itzcoatl Luera takes on the role of Dad. They deftly navigate a script that intentionally weaves together both Spanish and English.
JOIN MAGIK ON THE ROAD WITH Tomás and the Library Lady
Tomás and the Library Ladyisbased on the inspiring true story of Crystal City-native Tomás Rivera as written by author and poet Pat Mora and adapted for the stage by José Cruz González. The bilingual play focuses on the special friendship between Tomás, the son of migrant farm workers, and the kind librarian who helps him unlock a love of reading. Together, they discover the transformative power of books, which eventually propels Tomás into a groundbreaking career in higher education. The real-life Tomás became the first Mexican-American chancellor of a University of California campus, and many of his family members are still in the South Texas area. His daughter, Ileana Rivera Liberatore, even taught Magik’s managing director Mel Zarb-Cousin in high school.
It’s no surprise, then, that Tomás and the Library Lady is already popular around town: the San Antonio Public Library and the NCAA’s literacy initiative Read to the Final FourⓇ have both booked several performances of the play, which is available to visit campuses and community centers from April 7 through July 20th then again in the fall, September 8 through October 12th in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each production offers TEKS-based digital resource guides and an after-show Q&A session between audience and cast, with optional workshops led by Magik Theatre Teaching Artists. More information about Magik on the Road is available online.
Both productions’ creative, heartwarming approaches to our region’s unique culture make them ideal for celebrating the end of the semester, San Antonio’s most vibrant season, and the promise of summer fun. Help Magik send off its legendary 30th season in style!
“These joyful, high-energy shows celebrate the power of storytelling, the resilience of family, and the traditions that shape our lives. Each play reminds us that family is not just about where we come from, but the stories and traditions that keep us connected.”— Anthony Runfola, Magik Theatre Artistic Director
SPECIAL EVENTS & ADD-ON EXPERIENCES
¡Lotería: Game On! Sneak Peek | Saturday, April 12, 10:30a.m.
Curious about the making of the play? Be the first to witness the behind-the-scenes magic of ¡Lotería: Game On! at the Sneak Peek where attendees can glimpse into the world of theatrical production and interact with Magik’s talented cast and crew during an intimate Q&A session. Light refreshments will be provided, making it the perfect morning outing for families, friends, and theater enthusiasts alike. The event is FREE and open to the public. Reservations can be made HERE.
Magik Story Time at Yanaguana Garden | Tuesday, April 29, 10a.m.
Magik Theatre joins Hemisfair’s weekly Story Time series with a reading of “Lotería” by Karla Arenas Velenti. Little ones can head to Yanaguana Garden on Tuesday, April 29 where Magikal friends bring everyone’s favorite Mexican card game to life from the page before it officially hits the stage.
Opening Night Party in the Park – Saturday, May 3, 1:30p.m., show at 3p.m.
Attend a puro San Antonio pachanga to kick off ¡Lotería: Game On!. In partnership with Hemisfair, the Fiesta fun continues in Hemisfair Park with street fair snacks, jugos and a Hemisfair-inspired special edition Lotería game and coloring craft. DJ Mayhem will spin live Latin beats to motivate little movers in a boogie book battle dance off to see who has the right stuff to win a copy of “Lotería” by Karla Arenas Valenti. The pre-show party is free and open to the public.
Backstage Experience Add-On (Available after every performance excluding other special events)
Enhance your visit to Magik Theatre with our Backstage Experience for only $20 per person. This exclusive add-on includes an onstage meet and greet with the cast, where you can snap photos and share special moments with your favorite characters. Plus, enjoy a 15-minute guided tour of the set, props, and rehearsal space led by a Magik Theatre performer offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magik of theatre. And, enjoy a tasty paleta as San Antonio gets back to its warm temps.
Please note: We are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchair needs for this experience. All patrons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Magik Theatre Birthday Parties (NOW available after main stage performances)
And now, families can make their little one’s special day truly magikal with a hassle-free Magik Theatre birthday party right after one of the main stage shows. Magik Theatre birthday party packages include complimentary child tickets, discounted additional tickets, a private party space, and festive decorations. Kids will enjoy a show themed craft, digital invitations, and a birthday backdrop with props. Plus, the birthday child gets an exclusive backstage experience and a Magik Theatre gift. Up to ten additional party guests can join the backstage experience for an additional charge. Best of all, Magik handles setup and cleanup so parents can focus on making memories.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Educator Appreciation Day – Saturday, May 10 at 2p.m. – Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 20% off the regular ticket prices.
Sensory Friendly Performance – Saturday, May 17, at 10a.m. – Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities can take in a special performance of ¡Lotería: Game On! designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience that is a perfect introduction to attending a performance.
ASL Interpreted Performance – Saturday, May 17, at 2p.m. – Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.
Pay What You Wish Performance – Sunday, May 18, at 3p.m. – As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on February 8.
Military and First Responders Appreciation Day – Saturday, May 31 at 2p.m. – Service members with a valid military ID can purchase discounted $18 tickets to this performance.
TICKET OPTIONS
Magik Theatre offers multiple ways for patrons to experience the best children’s theatre in San Antonio. Magik is a cherished arts institution that has been providing families with professional, accessible, literature-based theatre and education since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, families can catch the show, enjoy a day of play exploring Yanaguana Garden, grab a meal at one of the many restaurants on site and make Magikal memories. Flex Passes and single ticket sales are available now.
MAGIK THEATRE
A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.
These tips for improving user experience can make all the difference. Photo: cottonbro studios/Pexels
User experience is everything when it comes to running an online store, and is something you should prioritize from the very beginning. When it comes to physical stores, everyone knows the importance of having a great-looking interior full of great products and enticing deals, and the same goes for the online environment.
Of course, that’s easier said than done, and in the beginning, it’s completely normal to stare at your landing page, wondering where to start or how to go about improving your first attempt.
This article is here to aid you. Here are four top tips for helping you design or redesign your website so that people want to shop there.
1. Start with Navigation
While having an aesthetically appealing site is important, you shouldn’t try to run before you can walk. Creating a site that’s nice and easy to navigate should be your first port of call.
First and foremost, you need to make sure that your potential customers have a clear path to the items you’re selling. It’s best to organize everything into a few broad but distinct categories with easy-to-use drop-down menus, and you could also use color, texture, and images to segment things in unique ways (and don’t forget to have a prominent search bar).
2. Developing a Quick, Easy, and Secure Checkout Experience
You should always endeavour to optimize your checkout experience where you can, as this element forms the very core of your online store. If it’s too long-winded and complicated for your customers to pay for the goods or services they want, they’re much more likely to abandon their shopping cart.
For one, you should always offer a guest checkout option, as many people don’t want to go through the hassle of creating an account. More generally, try to minimize the number of steps involved as much as possible and work to reduce those clicks.
3. Provide Personalized Recommendations
Personalized recommendations are a big part of the retail experience, and it’s no different in the online world.
If you have the option, use a recommendation engine on the back end of your site to offer customers unique recommendations based on what they’ve previously browsed for and bought. You can implement these tools throughout the search page and also at the cart to entice shoppers with last-minute purchases.
4. Improving Loading Speed
And finally, it’s key to remember that we live in a world where people’s attention spans are greatly reduced from what they were even ten years ago, so make sure your website loads nice and fast.
You can improve speeds in a number of ways, such as by compressing images (but without compromising on quality) and using a website hosting service that’s known for utilizing fast and reliable servers.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you now have a solid idea of how to better design your website to be conducive to long-term customers. Start by getting that all-important smooth navigation down, and systematically work through the list until you have a site to be proud of. Good luck!
Downward’s new album Downward (LP2) is available now. Photo: Downward/Audiotree
The Oklahoma-based alternative rock band Downward recently unveiled a surprise LP, Downward (LP2). It’s available to stream and can be purchased through New Morality Zine.(Big Picture Media, 2025)
Formed in 2015 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Downward began as a collaborative project among friends aiming to blend their diverse musical tastes. The band is made up of Drew Richardson on Guitar/Vocals, Tollie Pugh on Drums, Hunter Senft on Guitar, and Severin Olsen on Bass.
Downward’s first self-titled debut LP came out in 2018, laying the foundation for their evolving sound—balancing ethereal melodies with crushing heaviness. They followed up in May 2020 with 2 Songs, a two-track 7″ that further explored the interplay between light and heavy sonic textures. Their 2022 EP, The Brass Tax, marked a significant step forward. Incorporating bold sonic experimentation, the EP saw the band incorporating near pop-like sensibilities while maintaining their signature weight and atmosphere. In 2023, Downward teamed up with Texas-based band Trauma Ray for the release of Split, further expanding their sound while moving beyond their slowcore influences.
In their sophomore self-titled album, Downward (LP2), the band has fully stepped beyond the confines of any singular scene, delivering a rock record that feels undeniably modern. Having refined their signature balance of airy melancholy and crushing weight, LP2 sees Downward embracing a newfound sense of expansiveness. While the influence of post-hardcore and alternative remains, this album is a bold statement of evolution—one that showcases a band no longer bound by expectations. It carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention.
Standouts on the album include the self-reflecting track “Perfect Food,” which blends abstract imagery with emotional vulnerability. The song speaks to a complex relationship where connection and distance intertwine, exploring the push and pull of desire and resistance.
“‘Perfect Food’ is one of the last couple of songs we wrote for the album, and in the grand scheme of the record, it might be the most ‘business as usual’ song for us. In the back of my head I knew we needed a song like this in the tracklist somewhere. We played through it a couple of times, and I just got hit with this “Oh yeah, I’m definitely in the right band” feeling. It really changed my mood and gave me a bit of confidence when we went in to record.”- Drew Richardson, Downward guitarist and vocalist
Kendal Osborne and the band recorded the new album, and they tapped into collaborators including Dave Collis and Sean Hallock from Slow Mass (IL). LP2 was mixed and mastered by Corey Coffman from Gleemer (CO). It carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention, boasting a total of ten tracks.
Downward (LP2) tracklist:
Request Made
Wind Up
Absolute Value
Line
Darkscreen
Ibex
Out of Luck
Perfect Food
The Waltz
Rival
Downward’s dedication to their craft has cultivated a devoted following, with multiple vinyl pressings selling out and thousands of listeners engaging with their music online. Their commitment to authenticity and quality continues to set them apart, solidifying their place as one of the most compelling forces in modern alternative music.
‘The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce’ by Monica R. Velasquez teaches children the virtue of patience and sweet rewards. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Monica R Velasquez is a bilingual kindergarten teacher and children’s books author. Writing is her passion because it allows her to share her culture with others. “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce,” her first book, is about a little girl anxiously counting the days until Sunday when she and her family eat sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day as she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.”
“The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” – This is a rhyming book for children and children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life. Sweet bread is something that many people enjoy around the family table with a cup of coffee. Some wait to eat the “pan dulce” at the end of the week when everyone can gather around, enjoy each other’s company, and eat delicious, sweet bread.
A charming and heartwarming children’s book, it vividly captures the beauty of anticipation and family tradition. It follows a little girl as she counts down the days of the week, eagerly awaiting Sunday—her family’s special day to buy pan dulce, or sweet bread.
Velasquez skillfully weaves a simple yet engaging narrative that highlights the joy of a weekly ritual and teaches young readers the concept of patience and the comfort of routine. Each day is thoughtfully described, showing how she struggles through each, all while dreaming of her favorite treats. The colorful and inviting illustrations by Natasha Bolonna add warmth and charm to every page, perfectly capturing the coziness of the little girl’s world.
Overall, “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” is a wonderful introduction to the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine and the small joys of family rituals. It’s relatable, rhythmic, and sweet—just like the pan dulce it celebrates. Ideal for preschoolers and early readers, it’s a delightful read-aloud that encourages children to find magic in the everyday.
The First PechaKucha of 2025 will be at the Historic Sunken Garden Theater. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – PechaKucha San Antonio – the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format – is excited to announce its Volume 46 as the first event in the 2025 series. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Historic Sunken Garden Theater (3875 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78212), centrally located at Brackenridge Park. The night begins with a welcome reception at 7p.m., followed by presentations starting at 8p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)
The Historic Sunken Garden Theater has long been a local favorite for hosting annual events such as Fiesta’s Taste of New Orleans, as well as staging concerts featuring Carlos Santana and other well known national acts. Originally carved into an old Limestone Quarry in the 1930s, the San Antonio Civic Opera Society quickly established the site as a premiere performing arts venue. Renovated numerous times, and having played host for thousands of events, the Theater, centrally located in the heart of San Antonio, remains popular with concert goers of all ages.
Volume 46 will feature a talented group of local speakers. The six presenters include:
Emily Casso, Animal Advocate
David Carlos Garcia Jr., Creative Director & Designer
The evening’s emcees will be local artists and husband-and-wife duo Cruz and Olivia Ortiz, co-owners of Burnt Nopal creative studio and longtime San Antonio residents fiercely dedicated to the development and enrichment of the local community.
The welcome reception will feature live music by Primo y Beebe – based in Marfa, Primo Carrasco and David Beebe play traditional border music of the Chihuahuan desert. The evening will also feature complimentary bites by San Antonio chefs and restaurants including Liberty Bar, Melvin’s Homemade Ice Cream & Expresso Bar, and Pharm Table. Additionally the event will feature cocktails available for purchase curated by local bar Amor Eterno.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at Eventbrite.
Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. We host speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world.
‘Your Extraordinary Mind’ is the debut book by Zach Leary, a longtime psychedelic advocate and cultural figure. Photo: Sounds True
Psychedelics have gained increasing appeal for therapeutic use due to their potential to catalyze profound psychological healing. Substances like psilocybin and MDMA are being studied for their ability to treat depression, PTSD, and anxiety by promoting emotional breakthroughs and deep introspection. Unlike traditional medications that often suppress symptoms, psychedelics help users confront and process difficult experiences with enhanced clarity and compassion, especially when guided by trained therapists. The allure lies in their promise of transformation—unlocking new perspectives, relieving long-held emotional burdens, and fostering a sense of connection, meaning, and renewal that many find missing in conventional mental health treatments.
Zach Leary has been at the center of the psychedelic movement for more than 30 years, with a front-row seat for the modern renaissance while having firsthand knowledge of the historical legacy. As a session facilitator, integration coach, and seeker of all things mystical, Zach also teaches psychedelic studies. Zach formerly hosted the MAPS Podcast with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and is a facilitator at Illuminating Heroes, serving veterans and first responders. His debut book “Your Extraordinary Mind: Psychedelics in the 21st Century and How to Use Them” is a dynamic deep dive into the revolutionary, mystical, and sometimes unpredictable world of psychedelics. It will be released on April 29 and is available now for pre-order. (Sounds True, 2025)
“Your Extraordinary Mind: Psychedelics in the 21st Century and How to Use Them” – More than 30 million people in the United States have used psychedelics―and the number is rapidly rising as practices like psychedelic-assisted therapy grow in popularity and an increasing number of places legalize or decriminalize these substances. But even as interest skyrockets, most people have little idea how to use psychedelics safely, let alone integrate these profound experiences into their everyday lives. Psychedelic researcher and advocate Zach Leary offers a necessary overview of psychedelics today―particularly LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca―including what they are, how to use them safely, and crucially, how to integrate mind- and spirit-altering experiences into the rest of our lives.
Leary, the son of psychedelic pioneer Timothy Leary, has a unique perspective on not only where psychedelics have been but also where they’re going. He offers context on both the cultural history and present interest, while acknowledging and honoring the Indigenous roots of many of these traditions.
The book discusses:
• Instructions for intention, use, and integration • How psychedelics can support trauma healing • An overview of the current legal landscape and future questions • How psychedelics can support addiction recovery • How to work with psychedelics for spiritual growth
“Some say the psychedelic experience is too vast and unconventional to be reduced into language that can affect its daily relationship with consciousness. I subscribe to the idea that the psychedelic experience can be weaved into one’s heart, soul, healing, and thus, daily living practice. I believe we can distill the mind-blowing, previously indescribable psychedelic experience into a focused spiritual method that can help people in their daily lives.” – Zach Leary
Part autobiography, part how-to guide, and part commentary on the recent rise in popularity of psychedelics, “Your Extraordinary Mind” has a unique perspective on not only where psychedelics have been but also where they’re going. In addition to instructions for intention, use, and integration, Leary addresses topics like healing trauma, psychological and spiritual experiences, questions of legalization, and how psychedelics relate to and can help people heal from addiction. It offers wisdom that is both practical and profound.
‘Two Truths and a Lie’ by Cory O’Brien. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Orr Vue is an aging combat-drone veteran who lives in a mostly underwater near-future Los Angeles, where information is the most valuable currency. He makes a living as a Fact Checker for InfoDrip and sells snippets of information on the side. As he’s going through data files, he finds one about Thomas Mahoney, CEO of InfoDrip, who has been found dead. He needs the money, so he’s willing to sell it but must find a broker willing to buy the Rumor off of him. The police show up at his place and want to question him but he is able to evade them.
Everyone has implants on their brains that allow them to chat with other people. When he gets a chat request from Auggie Wolf, an old boyfriend who has been arrested for murder and needs him to bail him out, he can’t help but get involved. He goes to the police station and talks to Detective Mar Coldwin who tells him that Auggie is the prime subject because he has no alibi, he was in the area at the time of the murder, and he knew Thomas Mahoney personally.
Now that he is officially investigating Mahoney’s death, Orr takes his illegal horde of drones out of retirement alongside his busted knees. He has to deal with the militarized police, a family of megarich corporate heirs, a clan of emancipated AIs, and a cult. Staying alive is just the tip of the iceberg, and with every clue he collects, he comes to realize that this is not just any murder, but a conspiracy that threatens Auggie’s very existence. In a world where memories can be bought and sold, can you honestly know who anyone is—or what you yourself are capable of?
Cory O’Brien’s “Two Truths and a Lie” is a thrilling exploration of a drowned Los Angeles where memories are commodities and identity is as fluid as the floodwaters. In this richly imagined blend of noir and cyberpunk, O’Brien introduces readers to Orr Vue, an unforgettable investigator—gritty, sharp-witted, and haunted by a past that he barely remembers. The story unfolds with the sharp pacing of a classic detective tale, but with a futuristic twist: memories can be edited, stolen, or sold, making truth a slippery concept. After Orr takes a taxi, he tips the driver with a memory: “….I tipped him the memory of a good breakfast for his trouble.”
More than a mystery novel, it’s also an insightful view into the human condition. Amidst the high-tech corruption and existential questions, O’Brien gives us a human story about trust, trauma, and the lengths we go to protect what matters. The narration is in the first person point of view through Orr’s perspective and it’s divided into Submissions instead of chapters. It’s a submission to a checker to verify the facts and contains his memories and everything else he remembers about the case.
The writing is smart, cinematic, and layered with moments of dark humor and poignant introspection.“She sat in an ornately carved dining chair with her fists balled tightly on the tabletop, unwilling to allow even the dead skin cells from her palms to escape her grasp.” Each twist challenges not only the characters’ sense of self but also the reader’s understanding of reality. It explores the themes of identity, love, redemption, and justice.
Overall, “Two Truths and a Lie” is an action filled mystery and a philosophical exploration of identity in a world where even your own memories might lie to you. It’s a must-read for fans of noir, cyberpunk, and thought-provoking speculative fiction and those who appreciate the works of Raymond Chandler.
“I was furious at Auggie. For leaving all those years ago, for asking me to kill him now, for even being here, in this place, where he had no business sacrificing his beautiful mind. I didn’t hate him, but I hated how he made me feel, and that was enough.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author of this blog received a copy for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
The gripping crime thriller The Interrogation of Anna Goode is coming to digital and on demand on April 8, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Crime thrillers captivate audiences with their intense narratives, suspenseful twists, and morally complex characters. These films often explore the darker sides of human nature, weaving intricate plots filled with deception, mystery, and high-stakes action. Viewers are drawn to the adrenaline rush of solving crimes alongside detectives or navigating the minds of criminals. The unpredictability and psychological depth keep audiences on edge, making each moment gripping. From classic noir to modern psychological thrillers, crime films provide an escape into a world of danger and intrigue, where justice is uncertain and the line between good and evil is often blurred.
The new crime thriller The Interrogation of Anna Goode is coming to digital and on demand on April 8, 2025.(One Tree Entertainment, 2025)
The Interrogation of Anna Goode – While questioning a murder suspect, FBI Agent John Savage inexplicably finds himself on the opposite side of the table. Now framed for the crime, he must go to extreme lengths to reveal the shocking truth.
Written & directed by DC Hamilton Starring Max Adler, Neil Hopkins, Brinna Kelly
The Interrogation of Anna Goode movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble
Stories and essays about the Mexican American experience in the United States provide a vital perspective on culture, identity, and resilience. They illuminate the struggles and triumphs of a community that has shaped American history, offering insights into immigration, family, tradition, and social justice. These narratives resonate with readers of all backgrounds by exploring universal themes of belonging, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream. They also challenge stereotypes and foster understanding, making them essential in a diverse society. By engaging with these stories, readers gain a richer, more inclusive view of the American experience as a whole.
“Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America,” edited by Margarita Longoria, is a compelling anthology that features short stories, poetry, essays, and comics to paint a vivid portrait of the Mexican-American experience. Featuring a diverse group of voices, this collection provides an intimate and multifaceted exploration of identity, culture, family, and resilience.
Each piece in this anthology offers a unique perspective on what it means to straddle two worlds—balancing the rich traditions of Mexican heritage while navigating the complexities of American society. From heartwarming tales of family bonds to sobering reflections on discrimination and the challenges of immigration, it doesn’t shy away from the struggles faced by the Mexican-American community. It celebrates its beauty, strength, and enduring spirit.
Contents: Ghetto Is Not an Adjective – Dominic Carrillo Yoli Calderon and Principal Hayes – Angela Cervantes Warning Bells – Anna Meriano I Want to Go Home – Justine Marie Narro How to Exist in a City of Ghosts – Carolyn Dee Flores Filiberto’s Final Visit – Francisco X. Stork CoCo Chamoy y Chango – e.E. Charlton-Trujillo Tell Me a Story/Dime un cuento – Xavier Garza My Name is Dolores – Guadalupe Ruiz-Flores “There Are Mexicans in Texas?”: How Family Stories Shaped Me -Trinidad Gonzales Morning People – Diana López Ode to My Papi – Guadalupe García McCall The Body by the Canal – David Bowles Is Half Mexican-American Mexican Enough? – Alex Temblador Sunflower – Aida Salazar La Migra – René Saldaña Jr. La Princesa Mileidy Dominguez – Rubén Degollado Ojo – Sylvia Sánchez Garza La Llorona Isn’t Real – Xavier Garza This Rio Grande Valley – Daniel García Ordaz
Highlights:
La Llorona – a comic about a young boy, with fear in his eyes, trying to convince himself that La Llorona is not real and therefore cannot hurt him. As children, if we misbehaved, our parents would tell us that the Llorona would come and take us. It’s short and to the point and it’s highly relatable to those of us who grew up hearing about the Llorona.
The Body by the Canal – Oscar, a young teenage boy, is swept away by Ariel, the new neighbor whose looks made him an instant target. As time goes by, they become close but fearing for Ariel’s safety, Oscar distances himself from him. He feels guilty about it, but eventually Ariel and his family move away. “Boy or girl, the kid was beautiful. And from my own experience, this town would do all it could to destroy that beauty.” This insightful story of one boy’s early experience with romance and homophobia is refreshing to read; it is seldom written about in the Mexican American community.
The range of storytelling styles and language makes it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Whether through powerful poetry, heartfelt personal essays, or striking visual storytelling, every contributor adds depth to the broader narrative of cultural identity. The list of discussion questions at the end helps readers reflect on the themes and topics presented.
Overall, “Living Beyond Borders” is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the richness of the Mexican-American experience, making it a powerful and necessary addition to contemporary literature. It is recommended for readers who appreciate diverse personal narratives.
“Though I was always curious and grateful for those Latinos who openly welcomed my exploration of identity, secretly, hot shame filled me inside, reminding me that I had taken so long to learn all these things.” – Is Half Mexican-American Mexican Enough? by Alex Temblador
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
*The author of this blog received a copy for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
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