Month: June 2025

Teamwork, Courage, and Language Learning: A Look at Naivi Vera’s Debut Book

‘The Wonderful World of Susy’ by Naivi Vera. Photo: Amazon

📚Book Review: “The Wonderful World of Susy” by Naivi Vera

A Bilingual Tale of Bravery, Teamwork, and Heart

Naivi Vera’s “The Wonderful World of Susy” is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated bilingual (Spanish-English) children’s book that delivers meaningful life lessons through the joyful adventures of a spirited young ant named Susy.

Written with both accessibility and imagination, Vera’s story is a vibrant journey into core values like bravery, teamwork, and kindness. Recommended for readers ages 3 to 7 years.

Meet Susy: A Brave and Curious Heroine

Susy, a curious and courageous ant, explores her world with an open heart and a determination to help others. Along the way, she encounters challenges that test her resolve and creativity. These moments show young readers that true bravery isn’t about facing things alone—it’s about learning to work together and ask for help when needed.

A Bilingual Story with Educational Value

One of the book’s standout features is its bilingual format, which presents English and Spanish text side-by-side. This makes it an excellent tool for early language learners and multicultural families. It’s a gentle and fun way to build vocabulary while enjoying a story that’s universally relatable.

A Celebration of Childhood Discovery

With its colorful illustrations and engaging narrative, “The Wonderful World of Susy” is both entertaining and educational. It encourages emotional intelligence, celebrates cooperation, and highlights the magic of discovery through a child’s eyes.

Perfect for story time at home or in the classroom, Naivi Vera’s debut is a charming addition to any children’s bookshelf.

“Every day, as night fell, Susy sat at the entrance to her home and contemplated the sky, the moon, and the stars. She thought about all the fantastic adventures she would have with her beautiful, hard-working family the next day. Susy knew they were not just a family, but a united team capable of achieving more.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: South Texas AuthorCon: A Celebration of Stories, Creativity, and Community

Time Travel Meets Thermopylae: ‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ Is Here

‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ by Andrew Varga is Book 4 in the time travel series. Photo: Imbrifex Books, used with permission.

📚 Book Spotlight: “The Spartan Sacrifice” by Andrew Varga

Coming August 5, 2025

If you love time travel, epic battles, and historical adventures, mark your calendars—“The Spartan Sacrifice” is almost here! This highly anticipated fourth installment in Andrew Varga’s A Jump in Time series takes young readers on a thrilling journey to one of the most iconic moments in history: the Battle of Thermopylae. (Imbrifex Books, 2025)

About the Book

In “The Spartan Sacrifice,” seventeen-year-old Dan and his partner Sam know their only chance to stop Victor Stahl’s quest for global domination is one more jump into the past. But this time, they land in ancient Greece, just before the legendary showdown between 300 Spartans and the massive Persian army.

As the warriors prepare for battle, a sudden accident threatens the very fabric of history. With the stakes higher than ever, Dan and Sam must navigate danger, loyalty, and sacrifice to prevent a catastrophe far worse than Victor’s evil plans.

Packed with fast-paced action, emotional depth, and historical intrigue, this book is a must-read for middle-grade and YA fans who crave adventure, courage, and clever storytelling.

Why You’ll Love It

  • 🛡️ Incredible Historical Hook
    From Hollywood epics to viral TikTok explainers, the Battle of Thermopylae continues to capture imaginations—and this novel dives into the real history behind the myth.
  • 🤝 Friendship Over Romance
    Dan and Sam’s bond grows stronger in this installment, highlighting the power of platonic friendships in a genre often dominated by romance.
  • 📚 History That’s Both Accurate and Fun
    Learn surprising details (like what Spartan shields really looked like!) while exploring themes of identity, courage, and sacrifice.
  • 👨‍👦 Parent-Inspired Origins
    This series began as a father-son exploration of history—and continues to be shaped by that shared curiosity and love of storytelling.

Series Recap

Catch up on the first three books in the A Jump in Time series:

  • The Last Saxon King
  • The Celtic Deception
  • The Mongol Ascension

Each adventure offers a stand-alone journey through a different era—perfect for young readers eager to time travel with purpose.

Meet the Author

Andrew Varga has been fascinated by history ever since his mother revealed he’s descended from Vikings. With a BA in history and English from the University of Toronto, Andrew has traveled across Europe, explored castles and museums, and collected swords and medieval weapons along the way.

Now living in the greater Toronto area with his wife Pam, three kids, and a lively household of pets (including dogs, cats, a turtle, and some fish), Andrew draws inspiration from his family’s passion for reading. His mission? To make history exciting, accessible, and unforgettable for the next generation.

Stay tuned for the release of “The Spartan Sacrifice” on August 5, 2025—and don’t forget to grab your shield. 🛡️

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Kat Cunning Leads in Star People, a New Sci-Fi Feature Inspired by the Phoenix Lights

Star People will have its World Premiere at Dances With Films: LA 2025. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

🌟 STAR PEOPLE to Premiere at Dances With Films: LA 2025 🌟

The highly anticipated sci-fi thriller STAR PEOPLE will have its World Premiere at the 28th Annual Dances With Films: LA on Saturday, June 28 at 7:15p.m. at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. It will hit theaters July 25 and Video on Demand on August 12. (EG-PR, 2025)

🎬 Directed by Adam Finberg in his narrative feature directorial debut, STAR PEOPLE stars a powerhouse ensemble:

  • Kat Cunning (The Deuce, On Swift Horses)
  • McCabe Slye (Destroyer, Fear Street Trilogy)
  • Connor Paolo (The Last Stop in Yuma County, Gossip Girl)
  • Eddie Martinez (The Sinner, Night Swim)
  • Bradley Fisher (Westworld)
  • Adriana Aluna Martinez (Duster)

Written and Directed by: Adam Finberg
Produced by: Adam Finberg & Josh Shader
Runtime: 103 minutes
Language: English
Country: USA (2025)

🔭 Inspired by Real Events

Loosely based on The Phoenix Lights, the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history, STAR PEOPLE follows a determined photographer (Kat Cunning) who receives a tip that might explain her childhood alien encounter. But as a deadly heatwave grips the region and uninvited guests arrive, her obsessive quest for the truth spirals into something far more dangerous.

🎥 Meet the Filmmaker: Adam Finberg

Adam Finberg, a Phoenix native and graduate of the American Film Institute’s directing program, brings over two decades of storytelling experience to his first narrative feature.

He began in music videos (Armin van Buuren, Otis) and commercials (GoDaddy, Napoleon Perdis), then transitioned to socially conscious documentary work. His film The Business of Recovery exposed corruption in the addiction treatment industry and was featured on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Washington, D.C.

Finberg has also served as lead editor on numerous unscripted shows across networks like Discovery, MSNBC, Showtime, VH1, and ABC.

Adam Finberg. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

🎟️ Festival Screening Details

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Location: TCL Chinese Theater
Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

🎞️ About Dances With Films

Now in its 28th year, Dances With Films (DWF) continues to uplift fiercely independent storytellers. Unlike other festivals that focus on celebrity status, DWF champions raw talent, innovative ideas, and relentless creativity. Its alumni have gone on to shape the future of film and television across genres and platforms.

Mark your calendars—STAR PEOPLE is set to be one of the standout sci-fi debuts of 2025.

Stay tuned for tickets and updates! 🚀

Photo: IMDb

‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction with Heart and Roots

‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’ is the new novel by J.P.S. Stalder

📚 Review: Sentinels in the Oakwood by J.P.S. Stalder

J.P.S. Stalder’s Sentinels in the Oakwood is a richly imagined post-apocalyptic novel set in the Missouri Ozarks, more than 100 years after a devastating nuclear war. Nature has reclaimed much of what was destroyed, and the region has become a vast wilderness of woodlands, lakes, and caves.

Two Ways of Life, One Fragile Balance

The novel presents a vivid contrast between two types of survivors:

  • The Oakwood people, who have returned to a life of simplicity and harmony with the land
  • The underground dwellers of Fort Leonard Wood, descendants of those who took refuge in high-tech subterranean shelters

Their coexistence is uneasy, and a new threat from the north—intent on domination—forces both groups to confront their differences and unite for survival.

More Than a Survival Story

This is not just a story of endurance. Sentinels in the Oakwood is a deep examination of human resilience, community, and the tension between tradition and technology. Stadler’s lyrical, atmospheric prose paints a vivid picture of a world rewilded:

“The fallen slabs of weathered grey concrete jutted out from the edges of the shoreline like giant teeth waiting to swallow those foolish enough to pass through its mouth in a small canoe.”

Multiple Perspectives, Complex Themes

The story unfolds through three compelling narratives:

  • Jimson, a young Oakwood native connected to the natural world
  • Sarah, from the underground facility, apprehensive but curious about life above
  • BOB-e, a sentinel robot beginning to evolve beyond his programming

BOB-e’s storyline is particularly moving. When his fellow sentinel KYLE-e is critically damaged in battle, BOB-e scours the area for parts, driven by an emerging sense of loyalty and grief. His actions—and Sarah’s eventual recognition of sentient rights—raise profound questions about identity, free will, and the definition of life.

A Thoughtful, Gripping Read

Themes of survival, moral complexity, artificial intelligence, and ecological balance run deep. Stadler crafts a story that is not only thrilling but also introspective. The growing threat from the outside world pushes these disparate communities to confront hard truths and seek common ground.

“The future, it occurred to her, would always be the product of those who were courageous enough to stand for what they had grown to believe in, and that courage mattered most when everything was at stake.”

Final Thoughts

Sentinels in the Oakwood is a gripping and thought-provoking blend of speculative fiction and ecological storytelling. For readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic narratives with emotional depth and philosophical weight, this novel is a must-read.

Recommended for fans of: Station Eleven, The Overstory, The Broken Earth trilogy

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Savor the Season: La Panadería’s Bold Summer Menu + Stone Oak Expansion

La Panadería kicks off summer with new cold foam drinks and ‘Summer of Concha’ campaign. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Summer Sips and Sweet Treats: La Panadería Launches New Seasonal Menu and Expands to Stone Oak

San Antonio, TX – La Panadería, the beloved San Antonio bakery renowned for its artisanal pan dulce and French-inspired Mexican bread, is thrilled to unveil its new lineup of Summer Drinks, along with the return of its fan-favorite seasonal conchas as part of the annual Summer of Concha initiative.

These limited-time offerings are available now through August 31, 2025, at all La Panadería locations.

☀️ Sip into Summer

La Panadería’s refreshed beverage program brings a cool and creative twist to summer sipping, featuring iced drinks made with house-crafted syrups and indulgent cold foam toppings.

This summer’s drink lineup includes:

  • Lavender Latte
    A floral iced latte sweetened with La Panadería’s signature lavender syrup, topped with a smooth lavender-infused cold foam.
  • Tres Leches Matcha
    A layered iced matcha latte with strawberry purée, topped with strawberry tres leches cold foam—blending the creamy essence of tres leches cake with earthy premium matcha.
  • Strawberry Mimosa
    A bright, bubbly take on the brunch classic—featuring champagne, strawberry purée, and a splash of orange juice. This is La Panadería’s first-ever mimosa flavor beyond the traditional orange.

🍞 Summer of Concha Returns

Back by popular demand, La Panadería’s Summer of Concha celebrates bold flavors and nostalgic indulgence with a lineup of creatively reimagined conchas—Mexico’s iconic sweet bread.

Limited-edition concha flavors include:

  • Dubai Chocolate Concha
    Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar, this dual-toned concha features a green and chocolate crust, filled with luscious pistachio ganache and Nutella.
  • Ferrero Rocher Concha
    A decadent red-and-chocolate shell filled with rich chocolate ganache and hazelnut praline cream—a nod to the beloved Ferrero Rocher.
  • Nutella Concha
    An orange-shelled treat filled with creamy Nutella, first introduced as a March Madness special.
Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

🍽️ New Location Coming to Stone Oak

La Panadería is also excited to announce the opening of its largest location yet, debuting in Stone Oak in late Fall 2025. The new 6,600-square-foot restaurant at 1011 N. Loop 1604 E will feature:

  • The full La Panadería menu
  • A cocktail bar
  • A covered outdoor patio
  • 100 dedicated parking spaces

“We’ve always believed in growing thoughtfully and with our guests in mind. Stone Oak is a vibrant and growing area, and we’re excited to bring La Panadería to a new part of the city.”
— José Cáceres, Co-owner

About La Panadería

Founded in 2013 by brothers José and David Cáceres, La Panadería began as a humble stand at the Quarry Farmers Market and quickly grew into a local institution. Since opening its first brick-and-mortar in 2014, the bakery has become a staple of San Antonio’s culinary landscape—celebrated for its commitment to quality ingredients, artisanal techniques, and heartfelt Mexican-European fusion.

From handcrafted pan dulce to savory tortas and brunch favorites, La Panadería continues to serve a one-of-a-kind dining experience that captures the culture, flavor, and warmth of San Antonio.

Visit La Panadería today to enjoy the Summer of Concha and cool off with their vibrant new drink selections—before the season ends!

📅 Available through August 31, 2025
📍 Multiple locations across San Antonio

‘The Fostered’ Review: A Haunting Thriller That Twists Perception

The Fostered is now available on digital and on demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Fostered – A Chilling New Thriller Debuts This Week

Available on Digital and On Demand starting June 24, 2025

🎬 Synopsis

After their parents’ tragic murder-suicide, twin sisters are taken in by a gentle foster mother and her resentful husband. As tensions rise in the dysfunctional household, it becomes unclear whether the real danger comes from the cruel foster father—or from the girls themselves.

“Don’t be afraid of what you see… Be afraid of what you don’t!”

⭐ Review

The Fostered is a tense, slow-burning psychological thriller that explores grief, trauma, and the thin line between victim and threat. Following the horrific loss of their parents, twin sisters find themselves in the care of a seemingly kind foster mother, Amy, and her cold, volatile husband, Kevin.

Directors Gunnar Garrett and Ritchie Greer build a suffocating atmosphere, using dim lighting and claustrophobic spaces to mirror the emotional intensity inside the home. Real-life twins Serena and Savina Perey deliver eerie, pitch-perfect performances that keep the audience guessing. Are they survivors—or something more sinister?

The film thrives on emotional ambiguity and psychological tension. It refuses easy answers and leans into moral complexity. Is this a tale of children in danger, or is something darker lurking behind their wide eyes?

With its haunting tone and loaded silences, The Fostered is a psychological puzzle that lingers long after the credits roll.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this film and received a screener link. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

🎥 Film Details

Written by: Gunnar Garrett
Directed by: Gunnar Garrett & Ritchie Greer
Starring: Robert Palmer Watkins, Brittany Underwood, Serena Perey, Savina Perey
Genre: Thriller
Run Time: 1 hour 16 minutes

Watch The Fostered on YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

The Fostered still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Mixtape Memories: Jacob Duarte’s Deluxe Edition Hits Hard and Haunting

Nihilistic Easyrider (Jacob Duarte of Narrow Head) announces debut album via Run For Cover. Photo: Derek Rathburn, used with permission.

🎤Nihilistic Easyrider’s DELUXE EDITION: A Mixtape of Memories, Melodies, and Melancholy

Nihilistic Easyrider is the brainchild of Narrow Head frontman Jacob Duarte—but make no mistake, this isn’t a solo endeavor in disguise. DELUXE EDITION is a genre-blurring mixtape: a collection of songs written across various phases of Duarte’s career. The album pulls from a colorful palette of styles—Y2K-era emo, pop punk anthems, Soviet fuzz-drenched alt rock, and shimmering pop reminiscent of Evan Dando. (another side, 2025)

The debut is brought to life by an ensemble that includes Narrow Head drummer Carson Wilcox, producer and former tour-mate Graham Hunt, and features from Momma’s Allegra Weingarten and Ella Friedman. Even with its eclectic range, DELUXE EDITION remains rooted in Duarte’s signature approach to songwriting—melodic, moody, and full of hooks.

An Emotional Companion to Narrow Head’s Depth

In both lyric and sound, DELUXE EDITION shares Narrow Head’s penchant for navigating the emotional wreckage of modern life. The themes—romantic failures, mental unraveling, and existential burnout—are now filtered through the lens of mundane reality. Hunt’s textured production brings Duarte’s inner world to life with buzzing synths, barroom piano bursts, rattling acoustics, and early-aughts-styled sonic quirks.

The Lead Single: “Getaway Plan”

Written during a 2021 stay in Florida, the album’s opener, “Getaway Plan,” launches straight into jubilant pop-rock territory. Duarte strings together irresistible hooks before unleashing a Smashing Pumpkins-style climax of arena-ready guitar theatrics. The song’s lyrics tell a tale of failed midnight meetups and the naïve hope of suburban escape—summed up with the bittersweet charm of a red Solo Cup on a front lawn.

The track arrives with a playful video directed by Nate Kahn, starring Matt Berry (The Berries), who “signs” Duarte to Run For Cover Records for a fictional one quadrillion dollars.

From the Road to the Studio

Fresh off a relentless touring cycle behind Narrow Head’s 2023 album Moments of Clarity—featuring dates with Interpol, Snail Mail, Senses Fail, and others—DELUXE EDITION feels like a welcome retreat. It captures a rawer, more off-the-cuff studio vibe while also looping in some of Duarte’s tour comrades for cameos.

“Narrow Head and this project are equally big parts of me, and I need to do them both,” Duarte explains. “But I always know if a riff is going to become a Narrow Head song or a Nihilistic Easyrider song the moment I first write it. In a funny way, these Nihilistic Easyrider songs are closer to the music I always wanted to make growing up — they’ve got that real ’90s and 2000s emo feel that I grew up loving and wanting to channel.”

🎶On Tour This Fall

Nihilistic Easyrider hits the road this fall for a North American headlining tour kicking off in Houston and Austin, with stops in Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Washington D.C., and more. Support comes from On Being an Angel.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — don’t miss it.

Check below for full dates and locations.

Nihilistic Easyrider Live Dates:
Tickets Here | Hi Re Poster Here
Sep 12: Houston, TX – Secret Group
Sep 13: Austin, TX – Mohawk (Inside)
Sep 16: Chicago, IL – Subterranean
Sep 17: Bloomington, IN – The Bishop
Sep 18: Detroit, MI – Parts & Labor
Sep 19: Toronto, ON – Sneaky Dee’s
Sep 20: Buffalo, NY – Rec Room
Sep 22: Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye
Sep 23: New York, NY – Night Club 101
Sep 24: Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA
Sep 25: Washington, DC – DC9
Sep 26: Raleigh, NC – Kings
Sep 27: Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5

DELUXE EDITION Tracklist:
1 – Getaway Plan
2 – Weekend Forever
3 – Facedown
4 – Drive All Night
5 – Don’t Get Scared Now
6 – Well Kept Secret
7 – Sanitorium
8 – Smiles and Cries
9 – Everything Is So F*cked Up
10 – Howie On The Brain
11 – Waiting On Someone
12 – The Way It Crumbles

Ironmouse, KAF, and JKT48v Lead a Mixed-Reality Revolution in LA

Fantastic Reality Presented by IRIAM debuts mixed-reality 3D live mini-fest at Vermont Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles on July 3. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎤 Fantastic Reality: A Mixed-Reality 3D Live Festival Debuts in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – Fantastic Reality presented by IRIAM is thrilled to unveil its debut mixed-reality 3D live mini-fest, bringing the world’s top virtual talent* to life on an IRL stage—complete with a live band, DJs, and immersive digital art. (Magnum PR, 2025)

This genre-defying event reimagines next-gen entertainment by uniting international virtual superstars like:

  • Ironmouse (Twitch’s top VTuber/performer)
  • KAF (Japanese chart-topping VSinger)
  • JKT48v (Jakarta’s virtual pop powerhouse)
  • and many more.

Together, this lineup commands over 9.5 million online followers.

📍 Event Details

🗓 Date: July 3, 2025
📍 Location: The Vermont Hollywood, Los Angeles
🕖 Doors Open: 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets
📺 PPV: Launch date & platform TBA

🎶 Lineup Highlights

Headlined by Ironmouse, the festival also features:

  • Mint Fantome
  • KAF & Kou Mariya
  • CottontailVA
  • Derivakat
  • Isaa Corva
  • JKT48v

Live music will be performed by a band directed by Daryl Vanessa Barnes (aka StarlightDaryl), with:

  • Riptidesan on bass
  • OfficeDrummer on drums
  • Chacha (appearing virtually) on guitar

Mariya will host the event as MC, while DJs Mono Monet (virtual) and JOENN will keep the energy high between acts.

🌐 About Fantastic Reality

Launched as a techno-optimistic antidote to global disconnection and decay, Fantastic Reality offers a vibrant future where human and virtual performers coexist through fantasy, innovation, and groundbreaking production.

“Fantastic Reality is doing something that has always been impossible. We’re uniting our community in an intimate IRL space with a cutting-edge live show featuring international luminaries Ironmouse, KAF, JKT48v and more.”
— Kou Mariya, FR co-producer, performer, and MC

🧬 About the Creators & Partners

  • Kou Mariya – VTuber/VSinger since 2020 and co-producer of FR. Known for visionary leadership and community-driven creativity. Signed by V4Mirai (Brave Group US) in 2023.
  • Daryl Vanessa Barnes – Award-winning composer and VTuber (aka StarlightDaryl). Sound architect for over 150 VTubers, including Ironmouse and Zentreya.
  • ETC (Emerging Technology Company) – Co-producers of cutting-edge pop culture experiences like the Dodgers Experience at TokyoNode.
  • Bulldog DM – Live video pioneers crafting premium livestreams for global audiences.
  • Rust – An enigmatic producer of unpredictable, inspiring live moments.
  • IRIAM – A VTuber-centric mobile streaming platform making real-time fan interaction magical and meaningful.

🤖 What is Virtual Talent?

Virtual talent includes VTubers, VSingers, and digital pop stars—not AI, but real performers using motion capture and digital avatars to create content.

Blending anime, gaming, music, and art, the global VTuber market is currently worth $7B and projected to exceed $20B by 2035.

Stay tuned and step into the future with Fantastic Reality—where dreams, tech, and performance collide.

Hope in Hard Times: Why ‘A More Perfect Union’ Matters Now More Than Ever

Sojourners’ President Rev. Adam Russell Taylor has unifying vision for America in these divided times. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚 “A More Perfect Union” by Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Reissued in Paperback

Broadleaf Books has reissued Rev. Adam Russell Taylor’s timely and compelling work, “A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community,” now available in paperback. (Mixte Communications, 2025)

First published in 2021, this powerful public narrative speaks directly to the fractures and threats facing American democracy today. As the nation confronts deep divisions and looming dangers like Project 2025, Taylor calls for a moral realignment grounded in shared values, inclusive ideals, and a bold vision for unity.

Reimagining the Beloved Community

In “A More Perfect Union,” Taylor draws from the moral vision of the Beloved Community — a concept rooted in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. His approach bridges generational, geographic, class, racial, gender, and ideological divides, aiming to inspire collective action and hope in a time of uncertainty.

A Moral Call at a Crossroads

With a foreword by the late Rep. John Lewis, the 249-page book challenges readers to recognize the pivotal moment we face and to embrace the work of national healing. Taylor’s message is clear: the journey toward a more just and inclusive America must begin now.

“A More Perfect Union” is available in both hardcover and paperback wherever books are sold.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Rev. Adam Russell Taylor is president of Sojourners, an ecumenical Christian organization that works to advance justice and peace. He previously led the Faith Initiative at the World Bank Group, served as Vice President of Advocacy at World Vision U.S., was co-founder and executive director of Global Justice, and was selected as a White House Fellow under the Obama administration.

Praise for “A More Perfect Union”:

“America stands on a knife’s edge. If we are to survive this moment, with its pitfalls and perils, we have to figure out how to be together differently.” –  Eddie S. Glaude Jr., author of “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.”

“This essential book reframes and renews the vision from our earliest history, in the civil rights movement, to some of the most hopeful and powerful new examples of it today.” – Jim Wallis, Director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice, founder of Sojourners, and New York Times bestselling author.

“An urgent and eloquent volume. Adam Russell Taylor invokes history, theology, and organizing experience to make clear that the idea guiding the witness of Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis should be our North Star in leading toward redemption, renewal, and social reconstruction.” – E. J. Dionne Jr., author of “Our Divided Political Heart” and “Code Red.”

‘Tiger Chair’: Max Brooks’ Haunting Vision of a Future American Warzone

‘Tiger Chair’ is a short story by Max Brooks. Photo: Amazon

📚 Book Review: Tiger Chair by Max Brooks

A Chilling Vision of America at War

What happens when the world’s most powerful nation becomes the battleground? In “Tiger Chair,” Max Brooks—the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “World War Z”—offers a provocative and unsettling answer.

Set in a near-future where China has invaded the United States, “Tiger Chair” plunges readers into the heart of a guerrilla war raging through the streets of Los Angeles. The Chinese military believed it would be a quick and easy conflict, but years later, the insurgency continues to escalate while state propaganda refuses to shift. One Chinese officer, torn between loyalty to his homeland and the wellbeing of his soldiers, risks everything by writing a brutally honest—and possibly suicidal—letter home, exposing the harsh truths behind the war.

A Compact Yet Powerful Narrative

Brooks’s meticulous research, combined with his talent for creating vivid, emotionally complex characters, makes “Tiger Chair” a standout in the realm of speculative fiction. The titular “tiger chair”—a real-life torture device—emerges as a harrowing symbol of power, fear, and moral ambiguity. With a first person point of view narration by the Chinese officer, it makes it more personal.

Though brief, this story hits hard. It asks difficult questions about nationalism, duty, and the future of warfare, all within a fast-paced and highly believable narrative.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Max Brooks is the author of “World War Z,” “Devolution,” and “The Harlem Hellfighters.” He is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Brooks frequently lectures at institutions including the U.S. Naval War College, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Army’s Mad Scientist Conference.

Final Thoughts

“Tiger Chair” is both a gripping tale of war and a sobering warning. For readers interested in speculative military fiction with sharp political undertones, it’s a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“If our way is the only way, why is it leading us off a cliff? I wish I knew. But I’m not a political scientist, or a philosopher, and if the last three years have proved anything, I’m not much of a soldier, either.”