Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

A Story Between Survival, Hope, and Reckoning: ‘Israel: A Personal History’

In ‘Israel,’ Göran Rosenberg, son of Holocaust survivors grapples with the dream of Zionism and its consequences. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: Israel: A Personal History by Göran Rosenberg

On Sale: October 7, 2025 | Published by Other Press

Combining poignant memoir and historical research, Israel: A Personal History tells the story of a son of Holocaust survivors grappling with the dream of Zionism and its consequences. Originally published in Swedish, this highly acclaimed book will be available in English this fall. (Other Press, 2025)

Where the Story Begins

Israel picks up where Göran Rosenberg’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning childhood memoir, A Brief Stop on the Road From Auschwitz, leaves off.

After his father’s suicide in 1960 in a small industrial town in Sweden, Rosenberg’s mother emigrates with her two children to Israel. At first, young Göran is swept into the world of pioneer Zionism—enchanted by its ideals, visions, and ethos. But as he grows, his journey becomes one of uncovering betrayed ideals, buried stories, false promises, and erased villages.

A Personal and Political Exploration

The result is a work that is both deeply personal and meticulously researched. Rosenberg explores the contradictory visions that shaped the Zionist project, alongside the ethnic violence, oppression, discrimination, and dispossession that followed in its realization.

Part memoir, part history of ideas, Israel is also the political autobiography of a Jewish European intellectual—“a child of dreams and disillusionments, an astute observer of our times.”

About the Author

Göran Rosenberg was born in 1948 in Sweden, the son of Auschwitz survivors. He is the author of several books, including:

  • Det förlorade landet (Israel: A Personal History in Swedish)
  • A Brief Stop on the Road From Auschwitz (Other Press, 2015)
  • Another Zionism, Another Judaism (Other Press, 2025)

📚 Recognized by Publishers Weekly: Israel: A Personal History was longlisted in Publishers Weekly’s Fall 2025 Fiction & Nonfiction Preview: History.

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Sweetwater Springs Heats Up in ‘Hot Cars and Homicide’

‘Hot Cars and Homicide’ is book 7 in the Sweetwater Springs Southern Mystery series by S.C. Merritt. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Book Review: Hot Cars and Homicide by S.C. Merritt

Part of Paste Creative Book Tours

Sweetwater Springs is never short on drama, and in Book 7 of the Sweetwater Springs Southern Mystery series, Hot Cars and Homicide, S.C. Merritt revs up the tension with murder, small-town politics, and Southern sass.

The Setup

Glory Miller Harper is adjusting to her new life as an empty nester with only her miniature Schnauzer, Izzy, for company. The story begins with her at the shooting range with her fiancé, Chief Detective Hunt Walker, and later preparing her signature charcuterie board for the next Rummy Club meeting.

But life takes a wild turn when Momma announces she’s running for mayor—and insists Glory be her campaign manager.

The race heats up quickly. George Woodard, Momma’s opponent, plays dirty, throwing Momma’s relationship with Angelo (a retired mafia don) into the spotlight. When George turns up dead in an unexpected—and shocking—location, suspicion falls squarely on Momma.

Now under the scrutiny of the FBI, Hunt and the local police department must unravel the clues before the Smith Lake Classic Car Show and clear Momma’s name.

Review

Merritt once again delivers a cozy mystery full of charm, humor, and intrigue. The dynamic between Momma and Angelo steals the show: heartwarming and hilarious, it proves that love, and a touch of mischief, can thrive at any age. Momma is feisty and not easily intimidated. “Momma shook her finger so close to his face, he could’ve bitten it off.” Glory is a relatable and charming protagonist, and her interactions with her close-knit circle of friends and family add a layer of warmth and humor. The narration is through her first person perspective.

The novel balances its murder mystery with small-town politics, colorful side characters, and Southern wit, making Sweetwater Springs feel like a place readers will want to revisit. The Southern setting is beautifully described, feeling like a character in itself with its gossipy locals and quaint charm. Especially helpful for new readers is the Cast of Characters list at the beginning.

The pacing is smooth, with enough plot twists to keep you guessing until the very end. Merritt’s writing is engaging, lighthearted, and descriptive, making this a perfect feel-good read: “With a loud, collective gasp, silence fell over the room like a wet blanket.”

Final Thoughts

Hot Cars and Homicide is a well-written mystery that is as much about solving a murder as it is about celebrating the quirks of small-town life. Merritt successfully combines drama with relatable everyday interactions and explores the themes of family, friendship, love, and corruption. Fans of cozy mysteries with a twist will love this ride through Sweetwater Springs.

“I was scared to look at the speedometer because I didn’t want to tell Hunt how fast I was going. Copperhead was driving like a mad man, but I had to try to keep up. I put the gas pedal to the floor and started gaining on him. When I glanced down and saw the needle was past 100, I started praying like a sinner on Sunday.”

👉 Verdict: Highly recommended for readers who enjoy small-town mysteries with humor, a strong sense of community, heart, and a touch of danger.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Stephanie Caruso/Paste Creative Book Tours for my review copy. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Author S.C. Merritt. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Secrets, Games, and Paranoia: Reviewing Never Have I Ever

Damon Rickard’s Never Have I Ever. Photo: IMDb

Never Have I Ever (2025) – Movie Review

Directed by: Damon Rickard
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Horror
Where to Watch: Free on Tubi, or rent/buy on Amazon Video

Synopsis

Never Have I Ever follows Sam, a struggling screenwriter under pressure to repay an advance. His already stressful day spirals when he loses his wallet and faces a series of unsettling break-ins at home. A chance encounter with Mara, a mysterious woman, complicates things further.

At first, Mara seems sympathetic—offering to buy Sam drinks after he realizes he’s broke. But when the two begin playing the drinking game Never Have I Ever, disturbing truths about their pasts begin to surface. As Sam’s day unravels with increasingly bizarre events, the audience is left to question Mara’s true motives and the fragile nature of their connection. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Cast

  • Andrew Lee Potts as Sam
  • Beatrice Fletcher as Mara
  • Amber Doig-Thorne
  • Matt McClure
  • Graham Skipper
  • Johnny Vivash

Review

Damon Rickard delivers a tightly woven psychological thriller that grips from the opening scene. Andrew Lee Potts gives a chillingly raw performance as Sam, capturing the turmoil of a man teetering between desperation and paranoia. Beatrice Fletcher’s Mara is enigmatic and unsettling, while Amber Doig-Thorne adds intensity to the already tense atmosphere.

Rather than relying on cheap scares, Rickard leans into psychological dread. The pacing is deliberate—sometimes slow—but it effectively mirrors Sam’s descent into paranoia. The claustrophobic atmosphere, unnerving dialogue, and blurred line between reality and delusion keep the audience guessing until the final moments.

The ending provides a twist that is both shocking and inevitable, leaving viewers satisfied without feeling betrayed. While the film is dialogue-heavy with minimal action, its strength lies in character-driven tension and its exploration of guilt, obsession, and manipulation.

Final Thoughts

Never Have I Ever is a haunting and rewarding watch for fans of psychological thrillers with a horror edge. Intelligent, suspenseful, and unsettling—it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Your August Guide to Food, Wine, and Events in Fredericksburg and San Antonio

The Moon’s Daughters at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Summer Events in Fredericksburg & San Antonio

Texas Hill Country is buzzing with exciting events this August. From parades and yoga to wine tastings and culinary experiences, here’s a roundup of must-attend happenings in Fredericksburg and San Antonio.

Celebrate Summer at Albert Hotel – Fredericksburg

Albert Hotel (213 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624) is bringing the community together with a blend of beloved traditions and fresh experiences. (Albert Hotel, 2025)

🎉 137th Annual Gillespie County Fair Parade

📍 Albert Suite Balcony
🗓 Friday, August 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Enjoy premium Main Street views of the historic parade from the comfort of the Albert Suite balcony.

  • Tickets: $125 adults | $45 kids (6–11) | Free (5 & under)
  • Includes: Valet parking, welcome cocktail, bottomless mimosas, gourmet bites, and air conditioning
  • Spots are filling fast – tickets via OpenTable

🧘 ‘90s Hip-Hop Yoga on the Lawn

📍 Albert Hotel Lawn
🗓 Thursday, August 28 | 7:30 p.m.

Flow to nostalgic ‘90s hip-hop beats in this all-levels class hosted with Blossom Yoga.

  • Bring your mat and plenty of ‘90s spirit
  • Stay after for a cool-down cocktail
  • Spots are filling fast. Tickets available now on OpenTable

Wine Education at Copa Wine Bar – San Antonio

Copa Wine Bar (19141 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258) invites guests to an exclusive Wine 101 Tasting with owner and chef Jeff Bridges. (Copa Wine Bar, 2025)

🗓 Saturday, August 23 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

  • Guided tasting of four wines with history, body, and pairing notes
  • Small bites provided (cheese & crackers)
  • Perfect for date night, girls’ night, or casual outing
  • Tickets: $30 per person | Reservations required (210) 495-2672

🍷 Stay after class for dinner and explore Copa’s extensive wine selection.

Clay & Cuisine at Clementine – San Antonio

Clementine (2195 Northwest Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213) pairs culinary creativity with local artistry for Clay & Cuisine. (Clay & Cuisine, 2025)

🗓 Tuesday, August 26 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

  • 3-course prix fixe dinner by Clementine chefs
  • Guests take home a handcrafted ceramic bowl by artist Jesselyn Gordon
  • Tickets: $105 per person | Reservations on OpenTable

✨ Come for the food, stay for the bowl.

Skyline Dining at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

On Thursday, August 28, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk hosts the latest installment of its Skyline Dining Series atop The Moon’s Daughters. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2025)

This one-of-a-kind evening features:

  • Sweeping rooftop views
  • A collaborative menu by:
    • Chef Nicola Blaque (The Jerk Shack, Freight Fried Chicken)
    • Chef Luis Colón (Esquire Tavern, Tokyo Cowboy)
    • Chef David Arciniega (Thompson San Antonio)
  • Curated beverage pairings by cocktail architect Derrik Cortez (Sojourn Trading Co.)

💙 50% of proceeds benefit Texas Search and Rescue, a nonprofit supporting disaster response across Texas.

🔗 Ticket information available here.

✨ Whether you’re craving gourmet dining, yoga under the stars, or wine-tasting fun, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate summer in the Texas Hill Country and San Antonio.

Folklore and Legacy in Medieval Cornwall: A Review of ‘Megge of Bury Down’

‘Megge of Bury Down: Book One of the Bury Down Chronicles’ by Rebecca Kightlinger. Photo: Amazon

Megge of Bury Down: The Bury Down Chronicles, Book One

By Rebecca Kightlinger

📖 Synopsis

Bury Down Grove, 1275

A thousand years have passed since Murga, the Seer of Bury Down, was put to the stake.

It had taken the elderly seer a lifetime to harness into two volumes—The Book of Time and The Book of Seasons—the power to sustain the human spirit in perpetuity and summon the spirits of scholars, seers, astronomers, and healers she called the Mentors. These guides were summoned back to the living world to impart knowledge and wisdom to protect the people of her settlement.

That power cost Murga her life.

For centuries, her books have been passed down to her successors—healers and seers of Bury Down—who used Murga’s spells to counsel rulers, foresee disasters, and heal the sick. Each heir vowed to face flames rather than fail to protect her book or pass it to her daughter.

Now, in the grove at midnight, the healer’s young daughter, Megge, is asked to accept her mother’s Book of Seasons. But wary of the rites and haunted by an accusing whisper only she can hear, Megge hesitates. Refusal could cost her mother’s life—and alter the future of Bury Down. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

🌿 Review

Rebecca Kightlinger’s Megge of Bury Down, the first installment in The Bury Down Chronicles, is a spellbinding tale steeped in folklore, family, and the burden of legacy.

Set in medieval Cornwall, the novel follows young Megge, daughter of a respected healer and keeper of the Book of Seasons. When the time comes for her to inherit this sacred role, Megge is torn between fear of mysterious rites and the haunting whispers only she can hear. Her reluctance carries weighty consequences, for refusing her calling may endanger her mother—and the lineage of healers.

Kightlinger masterfully blends historical detail with mysticism, weaving a story that feels both grounded and otherworldly. Megge is a relatable heroine—curious, vulnerable, and caught in the tension of duty versus self. The prose is lyrical and atmospheric, capturing both the beauty and the shadow of Cornwall. “Two masts. Two tall masts have pierced the horizon, their sails crimson with the setting sun.” Readers will find themselves gripped by the suspense of whether Megge will embrace her destiny.

✨ Why You Should Read This Book

More than a tale of magic, Megge of Bury Down is a meditation on courage, identity, and sacrifice. It’s a story about the weight of legacy, the fear of failure, and the courage to choose one’s path—even when it means stepping into fire.

If you love:

  • Historical fantasy with rich, immersive settings
  • Folklore and mysticism woven into everyday life
  • Strong female characters facing impossible choices

…then this book deserves a place on your reading list.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Rebecca Kightlinger, a former physician turned novelist, infuses her writing with an appreciation for healing, tradition, and women’s resilience across history. Megge of Bury Down is the first book in her acclaimed Bury Down Chronicles series.

*Thank you to Smith Publicity and NetGalley for my copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Related Posts:

New release: ‘Megge of Bury Down’ by Rebecca Kightlinger

Author Q & A with Rebecca Kightlinger

The Berries Return: Matthew Berry’s Most Personal Album Yet

The Berries announces forthcoming new album. Photo: Ajalena Dewolf Moura, used with permission.

The Berries Announce New Self-Titled Album — Out August 29

A Return to Form for Matthew Berry

The Berries marks a pure return to form, delivering Matthew Berry’s strongest take yet on the hallowed tradition of the guitar-wielding singer-songwriter. The LP masterfully channels the tradition’s iconic sentiments—naked Americana, chemical winds whistling over barley shafts, longing-swollen livers, and pleading romance—while infusing them with a rich melancholy that is distinctly Berry’s. (another side, 2025)

Breaking from the Past

Berry describes the record as an act of survival and rebirth:

“This record came out of a need to break from my old self, to break from a lifestyle that I could no longer bear waking up to everyday. It’s equally fueled by remorse and relief—I can rejoice a bit in having found a renewed purpose, but I had to finally stare down everything that was standing in the way of that sense of dignity first.”

Sound and Structure

Sonically, The Berries draws inspiration from a long lineage of studio-centered pop songcraft—from the comedown genius of Tusk-era Fleetwood Mac to the reverb-drenched expanses of The War on Drugs.

The album unfolds as a series of impressionistic vignettes, each track carving out its own emotional terrain rather than conforming to established genre convention.

Lead Single: Angelus

On standout track and lead single “Angelus,” Berry threads together tender vocal melodies over a sparse progression, slowly building a wall of melancholy. The song resonates with a distinctly Californian desolation—capturing the loneliness of highway overpasses and the apocalyptic brightness of staring out across the Pacific.

Evolution of The Berries

The Berries began as a bedroom project—cosmic Americana and fuzzy guitar heroics that quickly secured Berry a multi-record deal with Run for Cover Records.

Since then, Berry has explored:

  • Berryland — country-inflected balladeering
  • Throne of Ivory — distorted, stadium-sized melodrama
  • High Flying Man — Californian burnout pop

Now, with The Berries, Berry steps fully into his role as a self-made studio auteur. Written in early 2025 and recorded that summer at engineer Jimmy Dixon’s home studio, the record reflects both urgency and precision, co-produced by Berry and Dixon.

Release Details

The Berries (self-released) will be available in stores and online August 29, 2025. It is available for pre-order/pre-save.

The Berries tracklist: 

1 – Sedentary Blues
2 – Vagabond
3 – Angelus
4 – White Peach
5 – Wind Chime
6 – Run You Down
7 – Salt Of The Earth
8 – Lie In The Fire Again
9 – Something Better
10 – Seventh
Album Art/Photo By Ajalena Dewolf Moura

Celebrate, Sip, and Savor: Hotel Emma’s Culinary Journey into its Next Decade

Hotel Emma at the Pearl is celebrating with several culinary events. Photo: Lou Hammond Group

Hotel Emma’s 10th Anniversary: Culinary Events & Guest Chefs

Hotel Emma continues its 10th anniversary celebrations with a special lineup of culinary events and guest chefs. Following Executive Chef Geronimo Lopez’ recognition as Chef Ambassador representing San Antonio as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Sternewirth and Supper will continue to highlight his artistry and innovation through unforgettable dining experiences. (Lou Hammond Group, 2025)

August Highlights

📅 August 19, 6:30 p.m. | Swiggle Key
Guest Chef Shinae Hong
Experience an intimate, private dinner with celebrity Korean Chef Shinae Hong, author of the popular cookbook I Love Kimchi. Enjoy a collaborative fusion menu blending global flavors.

📅 Now through August 23 | Staycation for San Antonio Restaurant Weeks
Book any two nights during San Antonio’s premier culinary showcase and receive 15% off your room rate at Hotel Emma, plus a $100 dining credit valid for Supper’s prix fixe menu or any dining across the property.

📅 August 21, 6:30 p.m. | Cellars J&K
Summer Dinner Series V: NYC’s Corima
For the fifth installment of the summer dinner series, savor progressive Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred, NYC-based Corima — no trip to the Big Apple required.

September Highlights

📅 September 25, 6:30 p.m. | Sternewirth
Dead Rabbit Bar Swap
The award-winning Dead Rabbit, an Austin institution, brings its bartenders and signature recipes to San Antonio. Enjoy classic and contemporary Irish cocktails from a bar named Best in the World multiple times by Tales of the Cocktail.

📅 September 26, 6:30 p.m. | Elephant Cellar Patio
Guest Chef Levi Goode
Houston-based chef and restaurateur Levi Goode will host a private dinner, following his highly anticipated Otto’s Ice House debut opening in Pearl in April 2025.

Recurring Experience

Chef’s Counter at Supper
Every Thursday and Friday throughout August and September, enjoy a 5-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings curated by sommelier Scott Ota.
💲 $125 per person.

Save the Date: Fall Events

  • 📅 October 18 | Blade & Bow Whiskey Pairing Dinner
    Experience the rich flavors of Louisville paired with southern traditions of warmth and hospitality.
  • 📅 October 20 | Immersive Dinner with Chef Thomas Bille
    James Beard-lauded and Michelin-acclaimed Chef Thomas Bille (Belly of the Beast, Spring TX) shares dishes inspired by his Mexican roots, including Texas Wagyu Carne Asada and Street Corn Agnolotti.
  • 📅 November 12 | Hotel Emma’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
    Celebrate a decade of excellence with a “Meet the Maker” dinner, featuring live music, cocktail demos, food displays, and a champagne toast to TEN.

✨ Whether you’re a local foodie or visiting San Antonio, Hotel Emma’s anniversary season promises unforgettable culinary experiences.

‘The Shape of Wonder’: Lightman and Rees on the Human Side of Science

Unveiling ‘The Shape of Wonder,’ a journey into the lives of scientists by Alan Lightman and Martin Rees. Photo: Penguin Random House

Book Announcement: The Shape of Wonder by Alan Lightman and Martin Rees

Pantheon Books is proud to announce the upcoming release of The Shape of Wonder: How Scientists Think, Work, and Live, a captivating exploration of the scientific world by renowned physicists Alan Lightman and Martin Rees. Scheduled for release on September 2, 2025, this insightful book promises to demystify the scientific process and humanize the brilliant minds behind groundbreaking discoveries. (Penguin Random House, 2025)

Why This Book Matters

In an age of rapid scientific discovery and technological advancement, it’s understandable that many feel uneasy about the future. While we might place our trust in science when boarding an airplane, undergoing a medical procedure, or stepping into an elevator, the lives and motivations of scientists themselves often feel hidden from view.

This distance has bred a troubling mistrust. Concerns about political agendas, financial interests, or institutional ties have caused skepticism toward science at a time when trust is most crucial.

With the challenges of climate change, pandemics, nuclear threats, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, understanding science—and those who shape it—has never been more urgent.

Inside The Shape of Wonder

Lightman and Rees take readers inside the minds and lives of scientists across generations and disciplines:

  • A young theoretical physicist and rock climber at the University of Washington.
  • Werner Heisenberg, whose early interests in music and philosophy shaped his path to physics.
  • Govind Swarup, the pioneering Indian astronomer whose work on radio telescopes transformed astronomy.

Through these stories, readers glimpse the passions, daily lives, and ethical concerns of scientists—revealing that they, too, are guided by curiosity, wonder, and responsibility toward the future.

A Manifesto for Science

More than biography, The Shape of Wonder is a manifesto calling for a deeper appreciation of scientific inquiry and its ethical responsibilities. Featuring figures such as Charles Darwin, Barbara McClintock, and Werner Heisenberg, the book presents science as a deeply human endeavor—one that depends on trust, curiosity, and imagination.

Meet the Authors

  • Alan Lightman is a physicist, essayist, and bestselling author of Einstein’s Dreams. He has taught at Harvard and MIT and hosts the PBS series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science.
  • Martin Rees, the UK’s Astronomer Royal, is a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, former President of the Royal Society, and co-founder of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risks at Cambridge University.

Together, they bring unparalleled insight and perspective to this vital book.

Who Should Read This Book?

The Shape of Wonder is ideal for readers who enjoyed Edward O. Wilson’s Letters to a Young Scientist, as well as anyone fascinated by:

  • Astronomy & physics
  • The natural world
  • Lives of great scientific thinkers
  • The human side of discovery

Release Details

📖 The Shape of Wonder: How Scientists Think, Work, and Live
✍️ By Alan Lightman & Martin Rees
📅 Release Date: September 2, 2025
📚 Publisher: Pantheon Books

✨ This book is a timely, inspiring call to see science not as something distant or abstract, but as a profoundly human pursuit—driven by the same curiosity and wonder that shapes us all.

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‘Project Management Made Practical’: The Beginner’s Blueprint for Leading with Confidence

‘Project Management Made Practical: A Hands-On Guide for New Project Managers’ by Zach Herman. Photo: Amazon

Book Review – Project Management Made Practical: A Hands-On Guide for New Project Managers

By Zach Herman

Project Management Made Practical is the essential guide for first-time project managers, career changers, and anyone seeking to bring structure and clarity to complex work. Written in a clear, conversational tone by seasoned project leader Zach Herman, this concise yet rich resource breaks down the core principles, tools, and strategies for successful project delivery. (Amazon, 2025)

Whether you’re in business, healthcare, education, or tech, this book offers practical frameworks and ready-to-use templates to help you get organized, stay on track, and deliver real results.

What’s Inside

  • I. Introduction to Project Management
  • II. Project Phases
  • III. Final Thoughts About Agile and Hybrid
  • IV. Final Thoughts

Highlights

Project Management 101: The Pulse of the Project

Herman introduces the Five Process Groups—Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing—emphasizing that Monitoring & Controlling is where the action happens, and Planning is where success begins.

Project Planning – Blueprint for Success

The book identifies planning as the most critical phase: defining scope, building schedules and budgets, managing stakeholders, and preparing for risks, procurement, and change.

Why It Works for New Project Managers

Herman’s definition of project management—“a structured application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet project requirements”—sets the tone for a practical approach. He focuses on real-world challenges, avoiding theory-heavy explanations.

From stakeholder management to risk assessment and communication strategies, the guidance is direct, actionable, and paired with templates, checklists, and relatable scenarios. Readers also get step-by-step instructions for writing a project charter, building a work breakdown structure, and running effective meetings. The illustrations make the material easy to understand and accessible to anyone.

The book also explains predictive, agile, and hybrid methodologies, showing when and how to apply each. Most importantly, Herman highlights leadership, ethics, and communication as equally vital to technical skills, reminding us:

“Projects are temporary, but reputation and lives are not.”

About the Author

Zach Herman brings over 20 years of experience in portfolio, program, and project management, along with a decade of leadership expertise. Holding a Master’s in Business Administration and certifications including PMP, DASM, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he is dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders and helping them navigate their new responsibilities with confidence.

If you’re a career changer or aspiring project manager looking for a solid foundation and fast, practical insights, Project Management Made Practical is a must-read.

“Effective project management is not about checking boxes or completing templates; it’s about delivering outcomes through planning, strategic foresight, and adaptive execution.”

*Thank you to Zach Herman for my gifted copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

National Tell a Joke Day Just Got Sweeter Thanks to Damon Wayans Jr. and Laffy Taffy

Got jokes? Here’s your chance to get them printed on Laffy Taffy’s iconic wrapper … if you can make Damon Wayans Jr. laugh. Photo: Laffy Taffy, used with permission.

Make Damon Wayans Jr. Laugh—Your Joke Could End Up on a Laffy Taffy® Wrapper!

CHICAGO – Why did the candy fan call the Laff Line?
For the chance to make comedian, actor, and producer Damon Wayans Jr. laugh—and maybe see their joke printed on a Laffy Taffy® candy wrapper. (Laffy Taffy, 2025)

The beloved candy brand, famous for its classic dad jokes, has teamed up with Wayans to launch its first-ever Laffy Taffy Laff Line—a hilarious hotline for fans to share their punniest original jokes. Winning jokes could land a spot on Laffy Taffy’s new, easier-to-open wrappers.

How to Call the Laffy Taffy Laff Line

📅 When: August 16, National Tell a Joke Day
📞 Number: 1-844-LOL-HOUR (1-844-565-4687)
🕒 Time: 3p.m. – 7p.m. Eastern Time (aka “Laffy Hour”)

During Laffy Hour, select callers will get the chance to tell their joke directly to Wayans and his “Laff Squad”—a team of comedians from Zanies Chicago—hoping to make them laff out loud.

Joke Guidelines:

  • 100 characters or less
  • Must follow the classic Laffy Taffy format: setup + punchline (up to 50 characters each)

Wayans will also share some of his own one-liners back to callers.

“I like to consider myself a dad joke expert, so I’m excited to hear some fresh material,” said Wayans. “Do you have what it takes to make me laugh? If so, give me a ring!”

New Wrappers, Same Sweet Laughs

Laffy Taffy Mini Bars now feature a smooth, easy-open wrapper—no more sticky or shredded packaging—while still serving up that signature creamy candy. With the new look, the brand is also refreshing its jokes, inviting fans themselves to help write the next batch.

“These moments of connection bring joy to our fans every day,” said Ashley Incarnato, Senior Marketing Director at Ferrara Candy Company. “With Damon Wayans Jr., the Laffy Taffy Laff Line is the perfect way to connect with our community, give them the chance to test their comedic chops, and bring more laughter to families of all generations.”

Win a Spot on a Laffy Taffy Wrapper

All callers can submit their original joke for a chance to be printed on Laffy Taffy wrappers sold nationwide. Jokes will be judged on humor, originality, creativity, and brand fit.

Prizes:

  • Top 100 jokes printed on wrappers
  • Winners receive a custom bag of Laffy Taffy Mini Bars with an exclusive preview of fellow winners’ jokes

About Laffy Taffy®

Since 1971, Laffy Taffy® has been bringing little bites of delight to families everywhere. Its lineup includes classic mini bars, Stretchy and Tangy bars, and Laffy Taffy Ropes, available in flavors like Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Watermelon, Sour Apple, Banana, and Blue Raspberry.

Contest Details:
No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. Void where prohibited. Begins 3p.m. ET August 16, 2025, ends 7p.m. ET August 16, 2025. Full contest rules