Western Swing Royalty: Asleep at the Wheel Drops Star-Studded Title Track

‘Riding High In Texas’ is the newest single from their forthcoming album. Photo: Bismeaux Records/Signature Sounds Recordings, used with permission.

Asleep at the Wheel Releases New Single “Riding High In Texas” Ahead of Forthcoming Album

Austin, TX — In celebration of their 50+ years as a cornerstone of Texas music, legendary Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel has released the title track of their new album, Riding High In Texas, out August 22 via Bismeaux Records and Signature Sounds Recordings. (IV-PR, 2025)

The track, “Riding High In Texas,” was originally written by bluegrass great Peter Rowan and first appeared on his 1980 LP Medicine Trail. This new version features Ian Stewart—the band’s newest member—on lead vocals, delivering a quick, twangy take on the song.

In a nod to Rowan’s bluegrass roots, bandleader Ray Benson invited modern-day guitar phenom Billy Strings to lend his virtuosic picking to the track.

“Love everything about this song,” says Benson. “It also made for a great title for the record. Ian can yodel, and having Billy Strings play guitar on it… took it to a whole new level.”

The song’s hook—
“Let’s go riding high in Texas in my mind / Said sometimes I feel I gotta leave this crazy world behind”—
rings out with the band’s signature harmonies, pedal steel, and fiddles, all elevated by Strings’ unmistakable flatpicking.

Holler. premiered the track and its accompanying music video, calling it an “effortlessly cool road anthem with their signature pedal steel and fiddle licks.”

The video features Stewart on horseback, singing through the streets of Austin. Intercut with footage of saddle bronc riders and full-band performances at Dallas’ Longhorn Ballroom and Benson’s Austin studio, the video captures the Lone Star spirit that defines the band’s sound and this record.

🎵 Hear previously released singles “Texas In My Soul” and “Texas.”
📦 Pre-order or pre-save the full album Riding High In Texas.

🎉 Coming Up: Hall of Fame Induction

On August 9, Asleep at the Wheel will be officially inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Riding High In Texas tracklist:
Riding High In Texas
Texas In My Soul
Long Tall Texan
Texas
Texas Cookin’
Lonesome Pine Special
T for Texas (Blue Yodel #1)
All My Exes (Live in Texas)
There’s Still a Lot of Love in San Antone
Beaumont Rag

Catch Asleep At The Wheel On Tour

August
Wednesday, August 6 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
Thursday, August 7 – Vienna, VA – Filene Center (with Lyle Lovett)
Saturday, August 9 – Carthage, TX – Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
Wednesday, August 13 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
Thursday, August 14 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall
Friday, August 15 – Newton, NJ – Newton Theatre
Saturday, August 16 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Hudson Valley
Sunday, August 17 – New York, NY – City Winery New York City
Tuesday, August 19 – Kent, OH – Kent Stage
Wednesday, August 20 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

Plan the Ultimate Family Day Out at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth

PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth announces sweet summer perks for preschoolers and their families. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Plan a Summer Full of Oink-tastic Fun at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX — Families can plan their summer adventures with confidence thanks to the Rainy Day Promise at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth. If rain puts a damper on the fun, guests are invited back for a free return visit within one year. (Merlin Entertainments, 2025)

Designed for Preschoolers, Perfect for Summer

Built especially for preschoolers and their families, this all-new standalone theme park is packed with summer-friendly features:

Shaded play areas
Climate-controlled indoor attractions
Splash zones for cooling down

It’s the perfect destination for a full day of play—rain or shine.

New This August: Evie’s Wiggle & Giggle Dance Party

Starting August 8 through September 1, guests can join the all-new Evie’s Wiggle & Giggle Dance Party, a high-energy celebration filled with:

Music and dancing
Bubbles
Special appearances by Peppa and her little sister, Evie.

Plus, for three days only—August 5, 6, and 7—the first 500 guests each day will receive a FREE Mini Muddy Puddles Milkshake to make their visit even sweeter.

“Our goal is to make PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth a reliable, joy-filled destination for families all summer long,” said General Manager Jamica Jordan. “With so many ways to play, from splashing under the sun to dancing in the shade, there’s no wrong time to visit.”

What to Explore: Rides & Attractions

Shaded & Indoor Attractions

Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena
Live, covered entertainment with singing, dancing, and meet-and-greets—now featuring Peppa’s sister, Evie.
Indoor Cinema
Escape the heat and enjoy cozy screenings of PEPPA PIG episodes.
Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour & George’s Tricycle Trail
An indoor track where little ones can pedal and explore freely.
Themed Playgrounds
Peppa’s Treehouse, George’s Fort, and more—all designed for shaded, active play.
Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride
Soar above the park for great views on this wheelchair-accessible ride.

Sunny Day Favorites

Muddy Puddles Splash Pad
Cool off with fountains, slides, and splashy surprises.
Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster & Mr. Bull’s High Striker
Perfect breezy thrills for first-time riders.
Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure
Discover dino-sized fun on this themed ride.
Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride
Set sail to Pirate Island—no minimum height required.

Park Info & Tickets

Located in North Richland Hills, PEPPA PIG Theme Park features:

5 family-friendly rides
Themed play spaces
A splash pad
Kid-friendly dining

🎟️ Tickets and annual passes are available now.

About PEPPA PIG

PEPPA PIG is a beloved British animated TV series that’s been delighting preschoolers for over 20 years. Airing in over 180 territories across 10 seasons, the series follows Peppa and her family—George, baby sister Evie, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig—as they explore their world through laughter, play, and muddy puddles.

From TV to theme parks and toys, PEPPA PIG inspires kids to embrace every new step—whether it’s their first dance party or their first roller coaster—with confidence and curiosity.

Let the adventures begin—come jump in with Peppa this summer! 🐷💦🎉

Peppa Pig Theme Park
8851 26 Blvd
North Richland Hills, TX 76180

8851 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, TX, United States

The Art of Failing Forward: Lessons from Dr. S. Irfan Ali’s Unconventional Journey

The power of failure and how it fuels success. ‘Fractured but Fearless’ is the inspiring new book by S. Irfan Ali, MD. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Fractured but Fearless: The Art of Failing Forward with Dr. S. Irfan Ali

We live in a culture that celebrates success stories—highlight reels of achievement, brilliance, and arrival. But too often, we overlook the how behind the journey. According to Dr. S. Irfan Ali, that’s just human nature. In our rush to applaud the victors, we forget the losses, the missteps, and the quiet resilience that fueled the climb. (The Authority Company, 2025)

Dr. Ali knows this journey intimately. A physician, CEO of multiple healthcare companies, nonprofit founder, artist, and photographer, his path has been anything but linear. In his new book, Fractured but Fearless: Embracing the Art of Failing Forward, Dr. Ali reflects on the failures that shaped him—and how they ultimately propelled him forward.

Drawing from a rich personal and professional background, including his immigrant experience bridging East and West, Dr. Ali shares candid stories—many of them humorous—from his early days as a medical hopeful in a new country, working the most humbling jobs while chasing big dreams.

Witty, honest, and deeply inspiring, Fractured but Fearless is more than a memoir. It’s a compelling blend of life stories, leadership lessons, and visual artistry. Each chapter reads like a standalone essay, yet together they form a cohesive roadmap for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals alike. The book is also visually stunning, featuring Dr. Ali’s original photography and artwork, elevating the reading experience into one of both intellectual and artistic inspiration.

At its heart, this book is a tribute to the growth found in adversity—and to the quiet, often overlooked art of failing forward.

Key Takeaways from Fractured but Fearless:

Setbacks can become stepping stones to personal growth, emotional intelligence, and lasting impact.
Resilience isn’t born—it’s built through reflection, support, and repeated encounters with adversity.
Mental health care is broken. Systemic change and personal awareness are both essential.
Innovation thrives through unconventional thinking and trusting your instincts.
Career success means little without personal fulfillment and meaningful relationships.

About the Author

S. Irfan Ali, M.D. is a board-certified physician and co-founder, president, and CEO of Pioneer Medical Group, a leading hospitalist organization in Florida. He also founded Pioneer Medical Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the homeless.

Dr. Ali earned his medical degree from the University of Karachi in Pakistan and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Massachusetts. He later received a fellowship from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School and completed a leadership fellowship in hospital medicine at AdventHealth/CTI.

Whether through his medical work, nonprofit leadership, or art, Dr. Ali continues to embody the ethos at the heart of Fractured but Fearless: that within every failure lies the blueprint for greatness.

Experience Prince Like Never Before: Sign O’ The Times in IMAX This August

Prince’s critically acclaimed film will be shown in IMAX for the first time ever. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Prince’s Iconic Concert Film Sign O’ The Times Coming to IMAX for the First Time Ever

Los Angeles, CA — IMAX, Mercury Studios, and FilmRise (a Radial Entertainment Company) have officially announced the global re-release of the legendary concert film Prince – Sign O’ The Times in IMAX theatres for a limited one-week engagement starting August 29, 2025, with early access showtimes on August 28. (MAGNUM PR, 2025)

For the first time ever, fans will be able to experience the critically acclaimed 1987 concert film — directed by and starring Prince — in breathtaking IMAX format. The film has been digitally remastered using IMAX’s proprietary DMR (Digital Media Remastering) technology, delivering unmatched image clarity and immersive surround sound.

🎶 A Masterpiece Reimagined

Sign O’ The Times is widely regarded as capturing Prince at the height of his creative powers. Featuring electrifying performances by Prince, Sheila E., and his powerhouse band, the film seamlessly blends high-energy concert footage with cinematic storytelling and genre-defying sound.

Now, enhanced by IMAX’s customized theatre design and audio precision, audiences can witness this cultural milestone like never before.

🎤 Iconic Tracks. Unforgettable Moments.

The film features some of Prince’s most celebrated songs, including:

If I Was Your Girlfriend
Sign O’ The Times
U Got The Look (featuring Sheena Easton)

More than just a concert, Sign O’ The Times is a celebration of Prince’s legendary artistry, vision, and influence that continues to resonate across generations.

🎬 Film Details:

Director & Star: Prince
Producers: Robert Cavallo, Joseph Ruffalo & Steven Fargnoli
Co-Producer: Simon Fields
Director of Photography: Peter Sinclair
Runtime: 85 minutes
Rating: PG-13

🌍 Global Release Information:

U.S. Distribution: IMAX
International Distribution: Pathé Live
Note: IMAX, Mercury Studios, and Pathé Live previously partnered on the global success of Queen Rock Montreal.

🎟️ Tickets & Theatre Listings:
Visit IMAX online for a complete list of participating locations and ticket information.

Don’t miss this one-week-only IMAX experience!
Experience the music. Experience the magic. Experience Prince.

Local Luxury: Celebrate, Relax, and Save with San Antonio’s Summer Hotel Deals

Celebrate InterContinental San Antonio’s first anniversary and say goodbye to summer in style. Photo: InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, used with permission.

Celebrate a Year of Luxury: InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Turns One

Friday, August 1, 2025 marks a milestone for InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk as it celebrates its one-year anniversary in the heart of the Alamo City. Nestled along the iconic River Walk, the hotel has quickly become a standout for its luxurious accommodations, renowned fine dining at Cavalier, and creative pop-up experiences like Peppermint Peak and The Dusty Diamond at High Praise Rooftop Bar. (InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, 2025)

🎉 Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a local or visiting San Antonio, here’s how to get in on the birthday fun:

🛎️ Book the “Happy Birthday to Us” Package

Available all August long, this anniversary package offers a curated experience for those looking to celebrate in style.

🍽️ Anniversary Dinner at Cavalier – Friday, August 1

Enjoy a three-course culinary celebration for just $75 per person. Make your reservation early—click here to book.

🍸 Sip on Limited-Edition Cocktails

Raise a glass to one year of unforgettable hospitality with these exclusive drinks:

“The Charlatan” – only at Cavalier
“Delayed Flight” – only at DECO Bar
“Blugal Hawaiian” – only at High Praise Rooftop Bar

🏖️ Pool Party at High Praise Rooftop – Saturday, August 2

Soak up the summer sun with a rooftop celebration—perfect for lounging, sipping, and celebrating the InterContinental’s big day. Sponsored by Brugal, guests 21 years of age and older can enjoy complimentary samples from 1p.m. to 4p.m. Guests can also enjoy complimentary paletas by the pool from noon to 6p.m.

End Summer Right with a Staycation in San Antonio

If your summer has been more chaos than calm, now’s the time to pause and enjoy a stress-free staycation without leaving the city. This Labor Day Weekend, treat yourself to luxury, relaxation, and unbeatable local deals from top San Antonio hotels.

🌟 InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk

Celebrate all month long with anniversary offers including:

BOGO 50% Off Package: Families can buy one night and get the second night half off—the perfect way to enjoy a long weekend at a great value. Limited availability—book soon!
Romance Like No Other Experience: In partnership with Kendra Scott Jewelers, this couple’s package is designed for unforgettable getaways.

🌄 La Cantera Resort & Spa

Escape the city and unwind in nature with the “Free is More Fun” package:

Stay two nights, get the third night free
Enjoy pools, premier dining, and spa services at a reduced rate
Available through August 31

🏰 Omni La Mansión del Rio & Mokara Hotel & Spa

Rediscover San Antonio’s rich culture with historic charm and modern luxury:

Omni’s “River Cruise” Package:
- Complimentary Rio San Antonio River Cruise tickets
- A traditional handcrafted serape blanket
Kids Eat Free: Children 10 and under eat free with any stay now through September 14, 2025

Whether you’re drawn to Omni La Mansión’s Spanish-style architecture or Mokara’s elegant, four-star spa retreat, these hotels place you right in the heart of the Alamo City.

✨ Make This Labor Day One to Remember

Skip the hassle of travel and discover all that San Antonio’s best hotels have to offer. Whether you’re splashing rooftop-side at InterContinental, soaking in the spa at La Cantera, or cruising the River Walk with Omni, there’s no better way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer than with a local escape.

Your perfect staycation awaits—just minutes from home.

When Time Splinters: Magic, Myth, and Mystery in ‘Excavating Fate’

‘Excavating Fate’ is the exciting new action adventure novel by Andrea Franco-Cook. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Excavating Fate: A Novel by Andrea Franco-Cook

Where archaeology meets destiny, and one young woman must choose between home and the fate of the multiverse.

The story begins with nineteen-year-old Amara Kalogridas working among the ruins of Carthage in North Africa. Under the supervision of her father, Dr. Andras Kalogridas, a renowned archaeologist, Amara works alongside her brother Greg and fellow intern Sophie. During an excavation, she uncovers a gravestone belonging to Adones Barca—a soldier lost in battle and the adopted son of Hannibal Barca.

Together with Dr. Jasim Hamad, curator of the Credo Museum, the team ventures into a burial chamber to explore further. It begins as a promising discovery but quickly descends into chaos. A mysterious artifact transports Amara into an alternate, magical version of ancient Carthage.

A World of Magic and Myth

In this ancient realm of warring factions and mythical beings, Amara’s only hope of returning home lies with Jan-Ib-Jann, the king of the djinn. He offers her a chance to return—if she completes a dangerous mission that could rewrite history. But he warns: the timeline she returns to might not be the one she left.

As Amara uncovers Jan’s true motives, she must grapple with an impossible choice—protect her loved ones or risk everything to preserve the fragile balance of all realities.

“Adones had been the only constant since I arrived here, the life raft that kept me from drowning in a sea of fear and uncertainty.”

A Spellbinding Fusion of History and Fantasy

Andrea Franco-Cook’s Excavating Fate is a vivid blend of historical fiction, mythology, and coming-of-age adventure. Amara is a compelling heroine—driven, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to her family. Her dream internship quickly becomes a high-stakes journey of survival and self-discovery.

Franco-Cook’s vision of Carthage is richly imagined—alive with political intrigue, magical realism, and cultural depth. Told in first-person through Amara’s eyes, the story explores power, fate, and identity, as she forges uneasy alliances and confronts ancient gods.

“My shallow breaths were the only sounds cutting the silence as I considered who I should trust. I had become a pawn in an imperial war between father and son.”

Final Thoughts

Excavating Fate is ultimately a story of transformation—of people, timelines, and self. With lyrical prose, immersive world-building, and a fast-paced plot layered with mystery, romance, and meaning, Franco-Cook delivers a captivating read.

Perfect for fans of time-slip fantasies, myth-infused history, and courageous heroines who fight not just for survival—but for the truth.

*Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

“Excavating Fate” will be released on November 1, 2025 and is available for pre-order.

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25 Years of Chaos: Slipknot Reissues Debut Album with Rare Tracks & Live Cuts

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition). Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slipknot Celebrates 25 Years with Explosive Anniversary Reissue of Their Debut Album

Slipknot is marking a major milestone in their storied legacy with the 25th Anniversary Edition of their groundbreaking, self-titled debut album — a record that reshaped the heavy metal landscape and launched the Iowa nine into the stratosphere. (another side, 2025)

Originally released on June 29, 1999, Slipknot was a sonic Molotov cocktail that exploded onto the scene with raw energy, brutal precision, and an uncompromising creative vision. Produced by the legendary Ross Robinson, the album went double platinum, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place as a metal classic. Now, 25 years later, the band is revisiting the chaos and creativity of that moment with a deluxe reissue that reveals how it all came to be.

Deluxe Edition Details

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) will be released on September 5, 2025, via Roadrunner Records and will be available across digital platforms and physical formats.

Pre-order formats include:

A 6LP box set on blood-splattered vinyl (limited to 1,899 copies)
2LP and 2CD editions
Full digital release across streaming services

The 6LP set includes the original album, plus never-before-heard recordings, alternate versions, and unreleased takes sourced from SR Audio, Indigo Ranch, and more. These rare tracks provide a glimpse into the creative process behind the debut—charting the band’s evolution from raw brutality to refined chaos.

In a nod to the fans who’ve been with them since the beginning, the band also released an ultra-limited blood-filled vinyl version via their secret website — limited to just 100 copies, which sold out instantly and even crashed the site.

Exclusive Live Recordings & Rare Demos

The anniversary edition includes live recordings from Slipknot’s first world tour in 1999–2000. One set captures their unfiltered power on a small stage in Hartford, CT, while another from the UK shows them commanding a festival mainstage with explosive force. These performances have been remixed and mastered from original soundboard tapes and handpicked by the band to best reflect their primal early era.

Fans will also get access to a previously unreleased demo of “Prosthetics,” recorded before entering the studio with Ross Robinson. This early version reveals the seeds of what would become one of the album’s most haunting tracks.

A Legacy of Innovation

Guitarist Jim Root reflects:

“We loved what we did with the first record but we didn’t even know if there was gonna be anything after that. We just wanted people to hear it… The dream scenario, in some ways, came true for us.”

That dream evolved into Knotfest, the band’s signature touring festival launched in 2012, and Knotfest.com, a thriving media platform amplifying new voices in the heavy music world. From genre-shattering albums to game-changing live performances, Slipknot has built a multi-generational fanbase that stretches across borders and decades.

Founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan adds:

“Every time I’ve walked on stage, it’s never been about how many people have been there because my culture, the maggots, always show up.”

The 25th Anniversary Is for the Maggots

This anniversary is more than just a reissue—it’s a thank you to the fans, the Maggots, who’ve carried the band for a quarter century. Slipknot is bringing the story full circle, revisiting where it all began while reminding us why they’ve remained one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Pre-order now and prepare to relive the chaos that started it all.

[Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) drops September 5, 2025.]

L-R: Box Set 6LP Packshot, 2LP Packshot. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

From Puerto Vallarta to San Antonio: Tacos On The Street Makes Its U.S. Debut

Artist interior rendering of Tacos On The Street, coming soon to San Antonio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Tacos On The Street Brings Puerto Vallarta Flavor to San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Beloved Mexican eatery Tacos On The Street, known for its authentic street-style carne asada, is making its U.S. debut this August with a new flagship location on the northeast side of San Antonio. The restaurant will open at 22026 US Highway 281 N, Suite #101, with an official opening date to be announced soon. (Tacos On The Street, 2025)

Founded as a humble taco stand in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 1993, Tacos On The Street has grown into a cherished culinary destination with one guiding principle: do one thing, and do it exceptionally well—carne asada. Now, it’s bringing its bold flavors and rich cultural heritage north to the Alamo City, where it will also establish its U.S. headquarters.

“San Antonio felt like the natural place to begin our growth in the U.S.,” said Director of Marketing Natalia Bustamante. “It’s a city that lives and breathes flavor, family, and culture—and that’s exactly what defines us. This opening isn’t just a launch; it’s the beginning of a much bigger journey—with this city at the heart of it all.”

A Menu Rooted in Tradition

Every dish at Tacos On The Street—from mouth-watering tacos and cheesy quesadillas to crispy tostadas—is made using time-tested recipes passed down since day one. Guests can also enjoy refreshing margaritas, the signature Jamaica Mezcalita, and curated desserts featuring Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, making its San Antonio debut.

A Space That Tells a Story

The restaurant’s interior is a tribute to both its Mexican origins and its new San Antonio home. Designed by acclaimed creative Joel Mozersky (of Pullman Market and Mon Chou Chou), the space includes handcrafted ceramic elements from Guadalajara’s Cerámica Suro, a studio known for its collaborations with restaurants like Noma, Central, and Eleven Madison Park.

A custom mural by Don Mos, a muralist from Irapuato, fuses contemporary iconography with traditional Mexican symbolism. Under the creative direction of Guillermo Flores Pacheco of Orbeh Studio, the mural celebrates the shared spirit of Puerto Vallarta and San Antonio.

Thoughtful Partnerships, Soulful Service

Tacos On The Street has teamed up with like-minded brands including Jarritos, Twang, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to enhance the dining experience. The restaurant’s fast-casual model delivers warmth and hospitality rooted in Mexican tradition, paired with the efficiency and ease of Texan-American service.

Tacos On The Street will be open daily, with full hours and an exact opening date to be announced soon. This San Antonio flagship is just the beginning of a broader expansion—one that honors place, partnership, and purpose. Additional U.S. locations are in the works, with more details to follow.

Stay tuned—and come hungry.

Colonial Echoes in a Modern World: Edwy Plenel’s Urgent Wake-Up Call

‘The Garden and the Jungle’ by award-winning French journalist Edwy Plenel. Photo: Other Press.

Coming September 9, 2025

The Garden and the Jungle: How the West Sees the World

By Edwy Plenel • Translated by Luke Leafgren

From renowned journalist and essayist Edwy Plenel—former Editorial Director of Le Monde and cofounder of the investigative platform Mediapart—comes a searing and timely critique of Europe’s moral and political failures. The Garden and the Jungle: How the West Sees the World explores how the West, in clinging to myths of superiority and civility, betrays the very values it claims to uphold. It is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)

In the tradition of Hannah Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism, Noam Chomsky’s Illegitimate Authority, and Louisa Lim’s Indelible City, Plenel offers a provocative examination of Western power, politics, and perception in an increasingly unstable world.

At the heart of the book is a statement made in 2022 by Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat:

“Europe is a garden… Most of the rest of the world is a jungle, and the jungle could invade the garden.”

This worldview, rooted in colonial arrogance, reveals a Europe that still sees itself as the guardian of civilization—under siege by an unruly, dangerous “outside.” Plenel argues that such thinking not only distorts history but also deepens the divide between the West and the global majority, fueling resentment, conflict, and resistance.

With a powerful new introduction for U.S. readers, The Garden and the Jungle is a call to reimagine Europe—and the political West—as part of, not above, the shared human experience. It is a plea for humility, solidarity, and the rediscovery of true universal values.

About the Author

Edwy Plenel is an award-winning journalist, essayist, and cofounder of Mediapart. He is the author of For the Muslims: Islamophobia in France, and was formerly Editorial Director of Le Monde.

About the Translator

Luke Leafgren is Assistant Dean of Harvard College. An acclaimed literary translator, he has translated seven novels from Arabic and is a two-time recipient of the Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize, including for The President’s Gardens by Muhsin Al-Ramli and Mister N. by Najwa Barakat.

🗓 Publication Date: September 9, 2025
📘 Format: Trade Paperback Original
📚 Publisher: Other Press

Advance Praise for The Garden and the Jungle:

“Insistently historical, geopolitically capacious, Edwy Plenel’s The Garden and the Jungle is bracing. It insists that we take a step back so that we face, without flinching, the truth of our world. Because it is only in so doing that we can undo the ugliness that has for too long marred human existence.”
—Grant Farred, author of The Perversity of Gratitude: An Apartheid Education

“This passionate, eloquent book is an outstanding portrait of the savagery of our times in the heart of civilization. Edwy Plenel, France’s outstanding journalist, writes of an empire of radical evil bent on the destruction of ideals of universal human rights and law. The source of toxicity in the ruling classes is the greed for riches never satisfied. Western imperial attitudes of superiority inside its walled garden keeping out the feared jungle, must change—this book is a trigger.”
—Victoria Brittain, author of Shadow Lives: The Forgotten Women of the War on Terror

“Edwy Plenel acutely and unsparingly diagnoses, in a time of genocide, the fatal flaw in Europe’s grandiose self-image. Anyone hoping for a future of less suffering and misery cannot afford to miss reading The Garden and the Jungle.”
—Pankaj Mishra, author of The World After Gaza

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‘Star People’: A Haunting Journey Through Memory, Mystery, and the Desert Sky

Star People, starring Kat Cunning, opens this Friday in limited theaters. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

Star People — A Meditative Sci-Fi Mystery Rooted in Memory and Mystery

“Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.” — Rumi

Star People opens with this evocative quote, setting the tone for a film that’s as much about the cosmos as it is about the human soul. Inspired by the real-life Phoenix Lights event of March 13, 1997—the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history—the film follows Claire, who was just 10 years old when she first saw the lights. To her, it felt as if they were calling to her.

Now a photographer haunted by that childhood encounter, Claire receives a mysterious tip that pulls her back into the Arizona desert during a deadly heatwave. Accompanied by her UFO-streamer boyfriend and her troubled brother, the journey soon takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with a vulnerable immigrant family, complicating Claire’s mission.

The film is a haunting and atmospheric blend of personal trauma and cosmic intrigue. As the desert heat intensifies, so does Claire’s obsession. The cinematography captures sun-bleached landscapes and eerie night skies, while a subtle, pulsing score heightens the sense of isolation and internal unraveling.

Claire’s story is both literal and psychological. Since the day of the Phoenix Lights, she’s lived with epilepsy—leaving the audience to question whether her visions are the result of extraterrestrial contact or something far more earthly. Her journey brings her face to face with locals, fringe believers, and surreal events that blur the line between memory, delusion, and reality.

The film unfolds in a non-linear narrative, revisiting fragments of Claire’s childhood as she searches for meaning, both on the ground and among the stars. The oppressive heat almost becomes a character in itself—distorting time, warping perception, and deepening the mystery.

In the end, Star People is not a conventional alien film. It doesn’t offer clear answers. Instead, it embraces ambiguity, exploring themes of grief, identity, and our need to connect with something larger than ourselves. Quietly gripping and deeply introspective, this is a sci-fi experience for viewers who appreciate mystery, emotion, and cosmic wonder over spectacle.

*Thank you to Emma Griffiths PR for the screener link for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Adam Finberg’s Star People, opens in theaters July 25, with a VOD release to follow nationwide on all major platforms on August 12.

Updated Theaters:

July 25
-Cinema Village (New York)
-Harkins Theatres Arrowhead (Peoria)
-Harkins Theatres Fashion Center 20 (Chandler)
-Harkins Theatres Shea (Scottsdale)
-Harkins Theatres Superstition Springs (Mesa)

August 8
-Laemmle Royal (Los Angeles)

August 12
VOD release nationwide on all major platforms (Apple, Amazon and many more)

SA Examiner

Your Insider Source For Entertainment And Business Headlines

Author: Sandra Cruz