The Shrimp Tampico offerings and new Taco Cabana burritos are available now. The new Tres Leches Cake will be available starting March 9, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Arriving just in time for the Lenten season, Taco Cabanais offering a Shrimp Tampicotaco and Shrimp Tampico quesadillas for a limited time. Launched on Wednesday March 2, 2022, guests can now enjoy the Shrimp Tampico taco for $3.79, a small Shrimp Tampico quesadilla for $6.49 or a large quesadilla for $9.49. The delectable shrimp dishes are marinated in ancho spice, sauteed with garlic, lime and cilantro, and served with a side of pineapple chipotle salsa. TC’s Shrimp Tampico options are available at all Texas TC locations. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
In addition to Shrimp Tampico, guests can now also enjoy all of their favorite flavors in new TC burritos – available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting at $3.19. Guests can choose from a wide variety of flavors such as Bean & Cheese, Bacon and Egg, Chorizo and Egg, Chicken or Steak Fajita, Ground Beef, and many more.
TC guests can also indulge in Taco Cabana’s new Tres Leches cake. Launching Wednesday, March 9, 2022, guests can enjoy TC’s take on the traditional sweet sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk for just $2.99.
Taco Cabana’s Shrimp Tampico taco and quesadillas, burritos, and Tres Leches cake can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of March 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Worst to First: The True Story of Z100 New York is available on major US and Canadian Video on Demand platforms. Photo: Gunpowder & Sky, used with permission.
Worst to First is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran. (Gunpowder & Sky, 2022)
Released on Video on Demand and cable in the United States and Canada on Friday, February 11. US VOD platforms include Apple/ iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft, and more. US cable platforms include InDemand (Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Frontier), DirectTV, and more. Canadian VOD platform: Apple/ iTunes
Worst to First: The True Story of Z100 New York Feature Documentary/ Rated: G / Running Time: 64 Minutes
Directed, written, and produced by Mitchell Stuart. Produced by Trish Hunter Shannon, Elvis Duran, David Katz, and John McConnell
Cast: Scott Shannon, Elvis Duran, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Debbie Gibson, Joan Jett, Taylor Dayne, Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, “Magic” Matthew Alan, “Professor” Jonathan B. Bell, Anita Bonita, Ross Brittain, Pete Cosenza, Michael Ellis, Gavin DeGraw, Cathy Donovan, Gary Fisher, Frank Foti, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, David Hinckley, Donnie lenner, Jim Kerr, Steve Kingston, Ken Lane, Kenny Laguna, Jimi LaLumia, Tom Poleman, Geraldo Rivera, Trish Hunter Shannon, Patty Steele, Claire Stevens, Mitchell Stuart, John Sykes and Jim Wood.
Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music.
Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, Worst to First portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world’s biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.
Mitchell Stewart is a multiple film festival and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker and storyteller of compelling documentaries, groundbreaking digital series and industry-disrupting brand campaigns. Whether following his heart to tell an inspirational, against all odds story about female freedom fighters in Africa, or honoring his lifelong passion for music and filmmaking, Mitchell tells authentic stories that move and engage an audience. Known for riveting, thought-provoking visuals and for often composing original music for the soundtracks of his films, he has been honored with 15 NY Emmy-Award Nominations for his music and entertainment documentary series. Dozens of film festivals throughout the world have honored him and his partner, Cheryl Halpern, winning awards for directing, best film, social justice, world peace and humanitarian efforts with their documentaries, Natsanat (Ethiopian for freedom), Fighting to be Free and Remembering Maurits Kiek.
Yoga instructor and international certified mindfulness instructor Courtney Abruzzo is holding a workshop on using drawing for stress relief. Photo: Courtney Abruzzo, used with permission.
Courtney Abruzzo is an art, yoga, mindfulness and social emotional arts educator with over 20 years’ experience. She has been a presenter through UCLArts & Healing, We Rise Los Angeles, People Concern and many other locations throughout Southern California. On Saturday March 26, 2022 from 12p.m. to 1:30p.m., she is holding an online event: ‘The Art of the Doodle: How to Use Drawing For Stress Relief.‘ This pay-what-you-can online event combines mindfulness and drawing to create a relaxing experience from the comfort of your home. (Courtney Abruzzo, 2022)
About this event:
Take the opportunity to relax, be playful and enjoy an escape from daily stresses. Walk through art history to learn and explore how artists have used simple drawing and doodling techniques to inform their artworks and engage in mindfulness. Understand the science behind why drawing and doodling relieves stress. Have fun with simple materials by engaging in a series of mindful drawing exercises focused on process instead of outcome. No drawing experience necessary. Choose which techniques work for you. This is an encouraging, no-pressure environment to help you kick-start or deepen mindfulness and your drawing practice.
The County Line Community Band will perform their ‘Composers Tribute Concert’ on March 20, 2022. Photo: County Line Community Band
On Sunday, March 20, 2022, the County Line Community Band will perform their “Composers Tribute Concert” in the beautiful Buena Vista Theater on the UTSA Downtown Campus from 3p.m. to 4p.m. This concert will feature music from San Antonio native Charles L. Booker who is a retired US Army Bandmaster and professor of music. Mr. Booker is a nationally recognized composer who recently was commissioned by the Texas Bandmasters Association to write a new composition in celebration of their 75th Anniversary this summer. This concert is free and open to the public. (County Line Community Band, 2022)
The County Line Community Band’s mission and endeavor is to create an environment whereby our all-volunteer organization can further their musical education and enjoyment through the performance of concert and symphonic music, to further the efficacy of music as an integral piece of the culture of the local community, to advocate for the synergistic integration of music education, to work with our cultural partners in our communities for the advancement of the arts and to be a source of pride for our members and the communities we serve.
In related news, the Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association will hold its first ever Community Band Music Festival on SaturdayMarch 26, 2022 from 11:30a.m. to 8p.m. The GSACBA is composed of nine community bands in the San Antonio area and they have all teamed up to present some amazing wind band music for the public. They have partnered with the Beethoven Maennerchor to present this festival on their campus in the King William district. (422 Pereida St, San Antonio, TX 78207). (Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association, 2022)
The Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit as recognized by the IRS. It is the overall purpose of the GSACBA to serve community bands with the following specific purposes: synergize the efforts of community bands in the greater San Antonio area, establish and manage the community bands music festival, harmonize efforts for musician recruitment among bands, offer performance planning coordination among bands, organize collaborative ventures with composers and arrangers, spearhead innovative fundraising initiatives and coordinate joint musical performance opportunities.
Surely Will Be Singing is the new album by Tammy Rogers and Thomm Jutz, available now everywhere. Photo: Tammy Rogers and Thomm Jutz
Parallel creative paths and a singular chance meeting of Tammy Rogers and Thomm Jutzare the origins of the duo’s forthcoming album, Surely Will Be Singing which released on January 21 via Mountain Fever Records. Bluegrass and Americana fans are treated to the album’s final single, “Long Gone”—available to stream everywhere at this link. Rogers named the song, taking the classic bluegrass train theme and turning it on its head. (Tammy Rogers/Thomm Jutz, 2022)
“In my mind, ‘Long Gone’ is set in the 1920s, a time of great social movement and upheaval. I picture a young man from the country who is either going to catch the train his lover is on, or stay left behind. What’s he going to do? Stick with the old or go somewhere new? This song is a reminder to all of us that no matter what we do, time is short, and we had better get to doing what we’re supposed to do.” – Thomm Jutz.
Surely Will Be Singing is a twelve-song collection selected from the 140+ songs King and Jutz have written over the years. “We’d always talked about making a duo record,” Jutz says. “We’re both very serious about what we do but we’re also very easygoing in the way we approach things. That’s at the heart of how we write. We’re both willing to see where things naturally go. I love that because at the end of the day, we usually wind up with something I wouldn’t have come up with on my own.” Rogers adds.
Previously, Rogers and Jutz released “The Tree of Life,” another single from the album which explores the concept of duality, something the duo were discussing after having read the writing of Joseph Campbell. Fans can hear “The Tree of Life” now at this link.
When Tammy Rogers was around five years old, her family moved from Rogersville, Tennessee, to Texas. Her father bought her a three-quarter size fiddle a few years later and it immediately became an extension of herself. Along with playing and touring with her family’s bluegrass band, she absorbed the music of her grandmother’s records whenever she would travel back to Tennessee in the summertime. Rogers landed her big break when she was hired to play fiddle in Patty Loveless’ band in 1990. Later in that decade, she co-founded one of Nashville’s earliest alt- country indie labels, Dead Reckoning Records. In 2016, Rogers won her first Grammy with the SteelDrivers for their album, The Muscle Shoals Recordings, which was awarded best bluegrass album.
Thomm Jutz’ pivotal moment came when he watched Bobby Bare singing “Detroit City” and “Tequila Sheila” on a German television show. That epiphany set him on a course of learning to play guitar and seeking out as many bluegrass and folk records as he could. After writing songs for the bands he formed in high school, Jutz began to study the craft. Following his lifelong dream, and inspired and encouraged by his mentor, songwriter Richard Dobson, Jutz moved to Nashville in 2003. Now firmly established as a producer, musician, and songwriter, Jutz received his first Grammy nomination, in the Best Bluegrass Album category, for his 2020 set, To Live in Two Worlds, Vol. 1. He has written or co-written innumerable bluegrass radio hits, recorded by artists like John Prine, Balsam Range, and The Steeldrivers and most recently, in 2021, Jutz was named IBMA’s songwriter of the year.
Birds, Bees & Butterflies will take place at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort over a two month period starting March 1, 2022. Photo: Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, used with permission.
Learn about Texas birds, bees, butterflies, and the plant life that support them during a two month-long special event at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort from March 1 through April 30, 2022. With 100 family-friendly activities, Birds, Bees & Butterflies will shine a light on education and conservation through hands-on activities and fascinating presentations. (Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, 2022)
With 100% volunteer participation from local and regional experts, associations, and businesses, nearly all activities are free to overnight guests. The general public is welcome to pay a day-use park fee to access the nature park during these activities and enjoy other amenities like the nature trails and private lakefront.
Activities include six different themed nature walks, two synchronized group butterfly releases, numerous photo safaris, seed planting for pollinators, several nature crafts, watching an observational beehive, building, and flying butterfly kites (did you know the wind is a pollinator?), and an interactive bird beak buffet to demonstrate how different birds use their beaks.
Presentation topics include landscaping to promote pollinators, the relationship between deer management and bird habitat, monarch butterflies 101, the life of the hive, “hoo’s” in your neighborhood, rethink your landscape, what are native plants, intro to bees in Texas, and the Hives for Heroes a program empowering Veterans as they transition away from a life of service through beekeeping and honeybee conservation. In addition, the day-use park fee for veterans is a reduced fee.
Photo safaris promise to be popular activities as they combine the popular hobbies of nature photography and wildlife. The hive dive experience is restricted to beginner and intermediate beekeepers wearing a full beekeeper’s outfit. The opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional is invaluable as new-bees grow their skills. Several bee observation hives will be available for viewing to the public, along with Q&A with bee experts.
The Big Sit is a semi-competitive international group birding activity started in 1992 by a New Haven, CT, birding club. Participants observe and document birds from within a 50 ft. circle and report their findings through eBird, a free app. Three respected local birders will lead the Canyon of the Eagles team on Monday, April 18, from 7a.m. to 9a.m. and 4p.m. to 7p.m. People with and without birding experience are all welcome – this is an excellent introduction to the camaraderie and fun of birdwatching.
Another highlight of Birds, Bees & Butterflies, held on April 30, the final day of the two month-long special event, is the City-Nature Challenge. This is a Texas Parks and Wildlife program encouraging folks to get out and enjoy nature while documenting what they see through the use of the free iNaturalist app. This friendly competition pits regions in Texas against one another.
There will be two synchronized releases of butterflies into nature in honor of loved ones, hopes, dreams, and wishes on Monday, March 14 (reserve via email by March 3) and Saturday, April 16 (reserve via email by April 4). Both releases will be from 1p.m to 2p.m. with reservations available by email. Butterflies are $5 each. Participants are encouraged to linger and watch the butterflies find their way into nature.
Special thanks to Highland Lakes Master Gardeners, Marble Falls Master Naturalists, Capital Area Master Naturalists, Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society, All Things Wild Rehabilitation, AgriLife for Burnet County, Texas Beekeepers Association, Hives for Heroes, Texas A&M Beekeeping Program, University of Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife, McKane Apiary Service & Bee Removal, Woodlynns Farm, Luedecke Photography, and Fain’s Honey.
Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort is a 940-acre nature park located in the Texas Hill Country. It is home to 16 miles of groomed nature trails, three miles of private lakefront on Lake Buchanan, the Eagle Eye Observatory, and Overlook Restaurant. Located within the Edwards Plateau region, the park is the nesting ground for Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-capped Vireo, and American Bald Eagle. To learn more about the programs and to book reservations for guestrooms, RV sites, and tent campsites, please visit Canyon of the Eagles online.
‘Dry Heat,’ Len Joy’s new novel, will be out March 1, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Len Joy is the author of three previous novels, “Everyone Dies Famous” (2020), “Better Days” (2018) and “American Past Time” (2014) and a collection of short fiction, “Letting Go” (2018). In his new book “Dry Heat: A Novel”which will be out Tuesday March 1, the day All-American Joey Blade turns 18, he learns his ex-girlfriend is pregnant, is betrayed by his new girlfriend, and is arrested for the attempted murder of two police officers. Then things get bad. Below is an excerpt from “Dry Heat.”
3 P.M. – SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 20, 1999 ROADRUNNER PARK – PHOENIX, AZ
The gangs were always stealing the nylon basketball nets, so the park director had replaced them with galvanized steel chain, which rattled obnoxiously on every bad shot. Joey frowned as his jump shot clanked off the front rim.
“Your shot sucks today, Joey Blade,” Mallory said as she bounced the ball back to him.
“Your boobs are distracting me. Maybe it’s time you started wearing a bra.” Blonde, with a pixie cut that framed her cute little-girl face, Mallory could have passed for a twelve-year-old if it hadn’t been for her huge breasts. She was fifteen, two years younger than Joey, and they had been playground buddies for ten years. She lived with her creepy father in a rundown brick house a block away and escaped to the park most afternoons.
“Come on, concentrate, Mr. All American.” She lifted up her sweatshirt, flashing him as he took his next shot. An airball.
“Aargh.” Joey chased after the errant shot, hip-checking Mallory as he grabbed the ball. He dribbled out to the corner and swished a turnaround jumper. “Yes! No distractions that time.” He pumped his fist.
Mallory smirked. “Better get used to it. You’ll have plenty of distractions when you’re in Lala Land next week.”
Lala Land.
Joey was out of time. He had to make a decision about his trip to USC and he had to make it now. He clanked another free throw off the rim.
“What’s wrong, Joey?”
“Dutch.”
Mallory scowled as she bounced the ball to him. She knew what Joey’s dad was like. Dutch Blade was an unfiltered, heart- on-his-sleeve guy. He could chew someone out one moment and be hugging them the next.
“He doesn’t want you following in the immortal footsteps of O.J.?”
Joey gave her a look. Mallory was always a smartass. Three weeks ago, in his last high school football game, the Shadow Mountain Matadors had defeated Apache Junction, last year’s state champion, 28 to 24. Joey rushed for 264 yards and scored all four touchdowns for Shadow Mountain. After the game, he was contacted by every school in the PAC 10, all promising that he would have a bright future playing football for their university.
He thought it would be cool to have all that attention, but it was really like trying to date five girls at once. Everyone insisted their school was the best choice for Joey. He didn’t like disappointing people and he didn’t want to string anyone along, so he quickly narrowed the search to USC in Los Angeles and the University of Arizona in Tucson.
He dribbled out to the foul line and took another turnaround jumper. The shot was a foot short and wide left.
Mallory scampered over and picked it up. “You can’t blame that one on me.”
Joey tried spinning the ball on his index finger, but he couldn’t keep his focus. “Dutch grew up in Tucson. He loves the Wildcats. He’s always said that if his folks had had the money, he would have gone to U of A instead of Vietnam.” He glided out to the corner again. “Ball!” he shouted. Mallory fired a chest high pass to him and he swished a fifteen-footer.
“Maybe he just wants to keep you close so you can help with the family business,” Mallory said with a faux expression of innocence.
Dutch had started Blade Engine and Crankshaft when he returned from Vietnam. With the help of Joey’s mom, Callie, it had become the largest engine rebuilder in the southwest.
“My dad thinks anyone who goes to California just wants to be a movie star.”
Mallory tilted her head and squinted at him. “You’re pretty cute with that curly hair and those girly eyelashes. I could definitely see you in the movies.”
“Shut up, Mallory. This is serious.”
“What do you want to be when you grow up? A football player? Or are you planning to take over the business?”
Joey gave her the finger. They’d had that discussion before. “I want to be a writer. USC would be better for that, but to my dad, a writer is even worse than a movie star. He doesn’t think it’s a real job unless you’re sweating.”
“So, your big problem is deciding between a free education in California or Arizona?” Mallory arched her eyebrows, suggesting that was the kind of problem most people would love to have. Then she grinned and said, “You want to come over to my place for a glass of ice tea?”
“Uh . . .” Joey stared down at his feet. Mallory was cool, but he couldn’t stand her father. Donny Stewart worked at Blade Engine as a mechanic doing engine installs. He thought he was some kind of comedian. He was always telling stupid, dirty jokes and his delivery sucked. He acted like Joey was disrespecting him for not laughing his ass off. Joey knew Stewart resented him because he was the boss’s kid. Donny Stewart was an all- around creepy guy.
“My dad’s running the install center today.” Mallory said. “He won’t be home for two hours.”
David Caceres, Head Baker at La La Panadería, has been named a semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker.” Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
La Panadería and the Pearl are excited to announce that the following restaurants and chefs have been named semifinalists by the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. (Pearl, 2022)
Semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker” – David Caceres, Head Baker, La Panadería Description: A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts who displays exceptional skill. Must consistently sell goods directly to the public, but does not need a brick-and-mortar presence and must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past three years.
Semifinalist for “Outstanding Wine Program” – High Street Wine. Co, Pearl Description: A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in wine service through a carefully considered wine list and a well-informed approach to helping customers choose and drink wine. Makes efforts to create and foster a diverse portfolio of wines and wine team members.
Semifinalist for “Best Chef: Texas” – Chef Steve McHugh, Cured, Pearl Description: Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions. May be from any kind of dining establishment but must have been working as a chef in the region for at least three years.
Bring the family together for a thrilling and unique Spring Break activity. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
For families looking for something new to do during Spring Break this year, iFLY Indoor Skydivingis a thrilling and unique activity to incorporate into plans whether you add it to your vacation itinerary or you are planning to visit your local tunnel as a fun outing. With locations across the U.S., iFLY is a sports and recreation company with the mission to deliver the dream of flight. Guests do not need to be athletes or in the best shape of their lives. iFLY’s world-class instructors are pros at making flying safe and fun for everyone. (iFLY, 2022)
The company pioneered the body-flying “indoor skydiving” experience and is the world leader in vertical wind tunnel technology. Each iFLY tunnel is taking the proper precautions to ensure guests enjoy their flying experience by making an investment in new safety measures. In fact, iFLY’s wind tunnels have a fresh air advantage over other experiences. Advanced wind tunnel technology provides guests with clean air while flying by recirculating and refreshing the air from outside the iFLY facilities. Tested and proven, iFLY’s wind tunnels create an environment at least 10x fresher than the average store or gym when flying guests—even at slow wind speeds.
Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC, is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales, and operations of wind tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 70 facilities operating worldwide and close to 40 in the US. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving. iFLY is the world technology leader and operator of body flight experiences and provides potential franchisees with robust and vetted tools and processes ranging from retail location selection to consumer operating models.
‘Last Stop on the 6’ by Patricia Dunn. Photo: google
Patricia Dunn is the author of the young adult novel “Rebels By Accident.” (Sourcebooks Fire, 2014). Her writing has appeared on Salon, in The Village Voice, The Nation, LA Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor, in the anthology Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women, and more. Patricia holds an MFA in creating writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She has been Senior Director of the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College and is co-founder of The Joe Papaleo Writers Workshop in Cetera, Italy. Her new book “Last Stop on the 6” is the return of the prodigal daughter to a world of long-buried hurts, political complexities, and female resiliency.
“Last Stop on the 6” begins as Theresa Angela Campanosi, or Angela, is sprung from jail after getting arrested at an anti-Gulf War protest in Los Angeles. It is set in 1991 against the backdrop of the Gulf War and the people who were against it. She left her Italian-American neighborhood of Pelham Bay, the Bronx, after an accident that left her brother, Jimmy, an up-and-coming actor, paralyzed. It is now ten years later and she receives a letter from her mother that includes a one-way ticket back to attend Jimmy’s wedding. Against her better judgement and because she blames herself for the accident, she returns to New York to deal with the guilt and secrets that make up her family. But now the groom has disappeared, leaving behind only a cryptic note and his collection of plastic patron saints on his nightstand. Angela’s asthmatic mother insists on keeping Jimmy’s fiancée in the dark; her father, three years sober, goes on a bender; Angela’s ex-boyfriend has taken over running the family exterminating business; and her stepfather just wants to feed everyone. She goes looking for Jimmy through the old neighborhood and discovers that our opinions about people—even ourselves—can be wrong, and that family is far more than blood.
Patricia Dunn presents an extraordinary picture of an Italian American family from the Bronx. Narrated in the first person point of view, readers get an insight into Angela’s conflicted personality: “In LA, I was the Bronx Girl – stubborn and tough- an activist with only three days to stop the war from happening. In the Bronx, in Pelham Bay, I was the sister who ruined her brother’s life.” Once she gets to New York, the first sign that she is not ready to return is her lack of a coat, which she had long ago donated to a homeless shelter. While she does not have a good view of her mom “Dad was the dreamer and Mommy was the sledgehammer who smashed those dreams into smithereens,” she still refers to her as ‘Mommy.’ The characters are complex, relatable, and well developed and the action flows easily from chapter to chapter. Using a combination of humor and drama, the author keeps it from being an overly depressing and dramatic tale of family bonds and obligations. Angela’s family is no doubt dysfunctional but they are also loving, supportive, and most of all, forgiving. In focusing on the life of one anti-war activist, “Last Stop on the 6” brings a Bronx neighborhood to life with all its complexities and humorous mis-adventures. It is recommended for readers who appreciate stories centered around strong families and the joys and pitfalls of growing up and growing wise.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
SA Examiner 