Mujer-Eres: Raíces – Celebrating the Strength and Stories of Women Through Art

Mujer-Eres: Raíces is currently on view at the San Benito Cultural Center until June 7. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Art plays a vital role in fostering community, especially when created by women artists who bring diverse perspectives and unique storytelling to the canvas. Their work highlights social issues, cultural heritage, and personal narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. For art lovers, these creations offer not only beauty but also a meaningful connection to different experiences and viewpoints.

Public art, galleries, and community exhibitions provide spaces for dialogue, inspiration, and empowerment. By supporting women artists, communities enrich their cultural landscape, encourage creative expression, and promote inclusivity, ensuring that art continues to be a powerful force for unity and change.

The current exhibition at the San Benito Cultural Center, Mujer-Eres: Raíces, features women artists and their diverse experiences, both personal and societal. It runs until June 7 and admission is included with your visit to the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum. Exhibits include mixed media, ceramics, and paintings. If you’re an art lover, make plans to see this exceptional exhibition that will no doubt resonate with you, especially if you’re a woman. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this exhibition to San Benito.

Mujer-Eres: Raíces is a contemporary art group exhibition that showcases the diverse talent of women artists and is currently on view at the San Benito Cultural Center. The exhibition was coordinated by RGV artists Sam Rawls and Ceci Sierra and curated by Aleida García and Joaquin Castillo. (San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, 2025)

The well attended opening of Mujer Eres: Raíces was held on Saturday March 8 and coincided with the International Women’s Day celebration. The evening’s event brought together art lovers, family, friends, and community leaders to celebrate the diversity of women artists and their contributions to the art community. It consisted of special speakers, snacks, and best of all, live DJ music by Queen Killa Bee.

The exhibition is divided as such:

Exhibition Room 2: Fragments of Youth and its Discomforts – these works explores the concept of youth in all its intricacies.

Works:
“Ice Cream Cone”
“Learn from MeMe”
“Tequila Sunrise (undone)”
“Buried Under Conformity and Obligation”
“Uneven Lines”
“Dyed Hair”

Exhibition Room 1: Sacred Self, Self Aware, and Ritual Healing – an amplification of the societal demands of works in Room 2.

Works:
“Sumision”
“Prickly”
“Whispers of the Unseen”
“Pray With Me”
“Recetas, Remedios y Raices”
“Memory Weaving: Mi mama y yo y el arbol grande”

Exhibition Room 3: Snapshots in Approach of Resolution – explores the capacity to exist in and commit acts of softness and harshness.

Works:
“Disquietude”
“Untitled”
“War”
“Sunrise”
“Abridged”
“Impression: Sunrise at a Restaurant”

Museum Hours:
Monday through Thursday
10a.m. to 4p.m.
Fridays
10a.m. to 1p.m.

San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum
250 E. Heywood St
San Benito, TX 78586

San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum

Brad M. Meslin’s ‘The Moldavian Gambit’: A Modern Geopolitical Thriller

‘The Moldavian Gambit’ is the new geopolitical novel by Brad M. Meslin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Geopolitical thrillers explore the complex and often dangerous world of international relations, power struggles, and high-stakes conflicts between nations, often involving espionage, terrorism, and political intrigue. They create a sense of urgency and realism. Readers are drawn to their fast-paced narratives, intricate conspiracies, and morally ambiguous characters, which reflect real-world tensions.

The genre offers both escapism and insight, allowing audiences to experience the adrenaline of global conflicts while considering the ethical dilemmas of diplomacy and war. With unpredictable twists and meticulously researched details, geopolitical thrillers keep readers on edge, making them a compelling blend of suspense, intelligence, and real-world relevance.

Today’s new book spotlight is on “The Moldavian Gambit” by Brad M. Meslin. It was recently certified Amazon bestseller status (Top 100) in two categories: #43 in Espionage Thrillers and #21 in Political Thrillers and Suspense.

Brad M. Meslin draws on nearly 40 years of experience in the aerospace, defense, and national security sectors, where he advised global private equity firms on over 1,000 merger and acquisition transactions. His firsthand knowledge of military and intelligence operations lends unparalleled authenticity and depth to his storytelling. “The Moldavian Gambit” is his first novel. Inspired by actual events, this heart-pounding geopolitical thriller transports readers to a world filled with nuclear blackmail, political deception, and high-stakes espionage. (Mosaic PR, 2025)

“The Moldavian Gambit” – In the summer of 1991, as the Soviet Union teeters on the edge of collapse, a violent uprising erupts in the Soviet Republic of Moldavia. Amid the chaos, a portable nuclear weapon is stolen from a secure armory by nationalist forces seeking to blackmail the Kremlin. When the weapon’s location is uncovered, the world faces a terrifying threat that could draw NATO and the United States into a nuclear conflict of unprecedented scale.

A classified U.S. Nuclear Emergency Search Team is deployed to locate the weapon, as a legendary Mossad agent and a tenacious KGB investigator each uncover evidence pointing to a complex – and seemingly contradictory – international conspiracy. The final hours to the climax are a riveting blur of geopolitical brinksmanship that can change the course of history – or possibly end it.

“…an ambitious and frighteningly convincing international thriller…” -BookLife Reviews

“Meslin’s debut novel is an action-packed thriller featuring a robust cast of characters contending with sky-high stakes.” -Kirkus Reviews

“…cinematic in its delivery…[a] shocking thriller” -Pacific Book Review

Tips For Running A More Effective & Successful Business

Portrait of a woman wearing a blazer. Photo: RDNE Stock project/Pexels.

Being a business owner takes a lot of hard work and dedication. What you choose to do and focus on daily matters and will make an impact regarding how much you can achieve.

The good news is that there are always ways to improve and do better. All it will require is an open mind and willingness to head down a different path. It’s worth taking the time to evaluate your management and leadership style and figure out what changes can help you get the results you desire. Here you can review some tips for running a more effective and successful business.

Use Project Management Tools

There are likely many different assignments and projects that you and your team are tackling regularly. You need a way to keep track of all the necessary tasks and ensure you stay on schedule. Therefore, you should consider using project management tools so you can accomplish all you set out to do. Hire a project manager who can be in charge of the various to-dos and monitor the progress you’re making. These tools can enhance collaboration, increase productivity, and help you mitigate risk so you can find business success.

Prioritize Enhancing the Customer Experience

Another tip for running a more effective and successful business is to prioritize enhancing the customer experience. It’s especially important if you are in retail and have customers coming in and out of your store. You want to make a good impression and ensure a smooth and seamless shopping journey. For example, if you sell CBD or hemp products then you may want to look into enhancing the customer experience by exploring CBD processing solutions. This way you can offer your customers the opportunity to pay for purchases using a credit card instead of cash. It’s often more convenient and customers may end up spending more when they can put their items on a credit card.

Analyze Your Target Market

Marketing should be a top priority for you as a business owner. You want to avoid assuming everyone will want to work with you and sending out board messages. Instead, take the time to reflect on and analyze your target market. It’s important that you know who is most likely to make purchases from you and where they are spending their time. Your goal should be to tailor and personalize your marketing messaging based on what you discover. You want to understand their needs and preferences better so you can achieve greater customer satisfaction.

Establish Policies & Procedures

It’s important that everyone at your company is working together and is on the same page. You want to ensure high productivity and avoid duplicating efforts. Run a more effective and successful business by establishing policies and procedures to follow. Gather your teams and brainstorm and discuss what these are and the best ways to tackle various tasks. You’ll soon find that there is better consistency and efficiency and that your employees improve their performance overall. It’s a useful way to streamline operations and reduce ambiguity so that you can run a more effective and organized business.

Collaborative Post

Oh My Goodness! – A Hilarious French Film You Won’t Want to Miss

The laugh out loud French comedy is coming to UK movie theatres. Photo: The Dukes

Like comedies? I do. Sometimes you need a laugh or two to get through the day. Comedies have long been a favorite genre for moviegoers, offering a much-needed escape from daily stress. With their lighthearted plots, witty dialogue, and exaggerated characters, they bring laughter and joy to audiences of all ages. Whether it’s slapstick humor, clever satire, or romantic comedy, these films create a sense of connection and shared amusement. Laughter has proven psychological benefits, reducing stress and boosting mood, making comedies an appealing choice for entertainment. From classic screwball comedies to modern-day laugh-out-loud hits, the genre continues to evolve while maintaining its timeless ability to uplift, entertain, and bring people together.

A new French comedy is coming to theaters in the UK starting today, March 14.

Tull Stories is excited to announce the launch of their new Joy of Cinema strand with the laugh-out-loud French comedy Oh My Goodness!.The film will be rolling into UK cinemas from 14th March. (Strike Media, 2025)

Oh My Goodness! (Juste Ciel!) features a stellar, eccentric cast of Valérie Bonneton, Camille Chamoux ,Claire Nadeau, Guilaine Londez, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Louise Malek, François Morel, and Jean-Michel Lahmi.

Oh My Goodness! – When the local nursing home finds itself in dire straits and in danger of falling to pieces, it’s down to Mother Veronique (Valérie Bonneton) and the five eccentric sisters of the convent of St. Benedict to find a way to help. Spotting a poster for a bike race with a €25,000 cash prize (and the incentive of a trip to the Vatican for the winner!), the sisters might just have their answer.

The only drawback is that they are terrible cyclists, and their rival convent, led by Mother Veronique’s childhood rival Mother Josephine (Sidse Babett Knudsen), have their own plans for the prize money – and just a little more experience…but God works in mysterious ways.

Fun and frothy, director Laurent Tirard’s hilariously absurd comedy will have you rolling in the aisles. The stunning landscapes of France’s Jura region provides a beautiful backdrop too.

Written by Cécile Larripa & Philippe Pinel, the film is a co-production between Les Films sur Mesure, Le Pacte and M6 Films.

Oh My Goodness! movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Where Creativity Meets Compassion: Paws and Claws Pet Habitat Competition at Pearl

Pearl has been transformed into a showcase of custom-built pet habitats designed by local architects, builders, and designers, with public voting from March 1-22. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO – Pearl is giving the community and visitors another reason to plan their next visit by hosting a Claws and Paws Construction event across its 22 acre footprint for the first time. This innovative architectural and design competition, modeled after Dallas’ successful Bark n Build, showcases pet-friendly structures created by local talent. (Pearl, 2025)

The showcase will feature custom-built pet habitats designed by local architects, builders, and designers. The structures will be on display for public viewing and bidding across Pearl from March 1-22, 2025. The competition aims to support two local pet charities, Daisy Cares and PAWS for Service, while highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of San Antonio’s design community.

Visitors are invited to view and vote on their favorite designs throughout the event. “We’re thrilled to showcase San Antonio’s incredible architectural and design talent through this collaboration with Claws and Paws,” says Mesha Millsap, CEO of Pearl. “This event not only highlights our city’s creativity but also demonstrates how local innovators can come together for a great cause. We’re eager to see the ingenious and inspiring pet habitats that our community’s skilled professionals will design.”

The builds will be on display at Karnes St., between Pullman Market and Can Plant Residences at Pearl. The competition features entries from local firms including The Lique Group, Sol Studios, Villa Park Architects, Pfluger Architects, Garza Architects, and three entries from Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Home Center.

Awards will be presented in various categories, including the Top Dog Award (People’s Choice), Best in Show (Overall design winner), and category-specific awards for Canine Cabin, Furr-niture, and Cat Condo.

The pet habitats will be auctioned off at a “Housewarming” event on March 22, 2025, with all proceeds benefiting Daisy Cares and PAWS for Service. The event is made possible through the support of sponsors including Historic Pearl, PAWS edu, NorthPark Subaru, IBC Bank, and Chicago Title.

Claws and Paws Construction is an innovative architectural and design competition that brings together local talent to create unique, pet-friendly structures. Modeled after Dallas’ successful Bark n Build event, Claws and Paws Construction showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of architects, builders, and designers while supporting local pet charities. The event features custom-built pet habitats that are judged on innovation, sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Through public engagement and auctions, Claws and Paws Construction raises funds and awareness for animal welfare organizations, fostering a community that values both design excellence and compassion for pets.

Kadavar’s New Single: ‘Hysteria’ is a Must-Listen for Rock Fans

Kadavar releases ‘Hysteria’ single and music video. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Berlin, Germany – Berlin based rock band Kadavar has shared the second single from their forthcoming new album I Just Want To Be A Sound out May 16 via Clouds Hill. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

“Hysteria” – with its pulsing, dark rhythm brings the listener into a hypnotic state of mind. Its lyrics explore themes of mental and physical disarray, portraying a sense of confusion, overstimulation, and self-destruction. The repeated refrain of “Hysteria” adds to the overwhelming, frantic atmosphere, spiraling under pressure.

Listen to “Hysteria” here. Pre-order the album at this link.

“We wrote this song down from the feeling of words losing their meaning, when even a stream of consciousness can’t keep up to make sense of the inner chaos,” says the band. “As a state mixed with constant overstimulation and terrifying news, it might just fit this time we’re living in.”

“Hysteria” follows the single “I Just Want To Be A Sound” – the title track of Kadavar’s new album – released last month upon the album’s announcement. The song was added to top playlists with Spotify, Apple, Deezer and TIDAL, gaining traction on lists like Metal Injection’s Top Tracks of the Week, Fresh Noise, New In Rock, Hot New Rock, and more.

‘I Just Want To Be A Sound’ is a manifesto for freedom, transformation and radical presence. An album that repeatedly abandons itself in order to reincarnate in new forms. Rock anthem, ballad, pop song, epic and earthly alternate seamlessly and virtuously. Free and full of momentum.

Now a four-piece led by founders Lupus Lindemann and Tiger Bartelt, and rounded out by guitarist Jascha Kreft and bassist Simon ‘Dragon’ Bouteloup, the declaration “I Just Want To Be A Sound” came from Bouteloup. When Lindemann Bartelt asked him in 2013, shortly after Lindemann and Barlet joined the band, why he didn’t have any social media accounts, he replied: “I just want to be a sound.” A sentence that stuck – and that sums up the band’s self-image.

What was casually formulated at the time has developed into a leitmotif over the band’s 15-year history: an uncompromising claim that demands nothing less than to be completely absorbed in the sound without being distracted by outward appearances. A principle to which Kadavar has remained true since their formation in 2010 and which finds its strongest development to date with this album.

“I Just Want To Be A Sound” is more than a song to us – it’s the essence of Kadavar: A relentless yearning for freedom and the unshakable urge to live through music. We poured everything into it – our lives, our spirit, our truth,” says the band in a joint statement.

Kadavar also announces a string of special album release shows that will take place in London, France and Berlin. Dates and ticket links below:

May 13 – London, UK – Rough Trade East // TICKETS
May 14 – Paris, France – Supersonic // TICKETS
May 15 – Berlin, Germany – Urban Spree, presented by Rough Trade Europe // TICKETS

The band is confirmed for this year’s Austin Psych Fest along with artists like Dinosaur Jr, Explosions In The Sky, Kim Gordon, Yo La Tengo and more. The festival will take place April 25-27 in Austin, TX. Tickets are available online.

Change has always been a constant for Kadavar. What remains unchanged is their raw power. Wherever they go, you can feel the intensity – in their songwriting, their dedication, their performances. In the sound! This is the transfer that makes Kadavar incomparable. They explore the potential of music, even in quiet nuances, while always retaining the power of their rock roots. Having grown as a band, they have fulfilled their mission of being completely immersed in their sound.

‘I Just Want To Be A Sound’ tracklist:

1. I Just Want To Be A Sound

2. Hysteria

3. Regeneration

4. Let Me Be A Shadow

5. Sunday Mornings

6. Scar On My Guitar

7. Strange Thoughts

8. Truth

9. Star

10. Until The End

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Illuminating ‘Going Dark’: Insights and Reflections on Mehok’s Latest Work

‘Going Dark’ is George K. Mehok’s latest techno thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble

It is the sixth year of the American Revolution in 1781 and Captain John “Jack” Jouett is traveling through the Virginia forest with his horse Celer. The British have captured his father and as he reaches a stand point trying to avoid British troops, he sees ghostly riders walking along and they appear to be taking his father towards the sea, possibly towards a British prison ship. Jouett’s ultimate mission is to deliver a critical message from Thomas Jefferson to General Henry Knox.

In present day Illinois, Hassan and Yousef are brothers and getting ready to commit an act of terrorism. Yousef is only 25 years old and he’s excited for the mission but Hassan is hardened by his life experiences. Commander Khalid is their leader and they are trained to follow orders to the letter and without question, even if it involves family.

In Ohio, Paul Knox is having a hard time sleeping because the web’s usual chatter has gone quiet and he knows that’s not a good sign. It’s still early in the morning and he’s in bed with Sara and reminiscing about their life together. He is distracted; he needs to go back to the lab and go over the data because he has the nagging feeling that he has missed something. With his daughter Emma on his mind, he turns to say goodbye to Sara but she was only a hallucination.

These three narrative are connected and as the lines between past and present blur, Paul races against time to protect Emma and unravel past mysteries that could change history. He has spent his life tracking the “worst of the worst” on the dark web but this case is unlike any he has ever seen.

“Going Dark” is a gripping cyber-thriller that plunges readers into the high-stakes world of digital warfare and national security. The story follows Paul Knox, a seasoned cyber forensics expert and former Air Force officer, as he faces a relentless adversary determined to cripple critical infrastructure.

Mehok’s writing is sharp and immersive, blending technical cyber warfare details with heart-pounding action. It is descriptive and hooks you in from the very first sentence: “A pine branch reached out, raking Jack’s face, its needles stabbing his neck like a swarm of angry yellow jackets.” Paul is very observant and his descriptions of the TSA agents are vivid and spot-on: “His sunken, dark brown eyes radiated emotionless confidence, yet his stare carried a hint of weary tension.”

The action is fast-paced, keeping readers on edge as Knox unravels a conspiracy that extends beyond digital realms into real-world danger. The character development is strong—Knox is a compelling protagonist whose intelligence and resilience make him an engaging lead while the conflicts feel urgent and authentic. Since there are multiple story lines, the narrative is non-linear but easy to follow along. *Trigger warning: the action during the Thanksgiving Day terrorist attack may be too intense for some readers.

Overall, “Going Dark” by George K. Mehok is a suspenseful and thrilling novel with realistic portrayals of cyber threats and national security risks, making it a timely and thought-provoking read. Fans of techno-thrillers and military espionage similar to the works of Dan Brown and Brad Thor will find this book both thrilling and insightful.

“Revenge burns deep in your heart. Revenge can be a powerful elixir; beware, it must be consumed in small quantities.”

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

From Green Beer to River Parades: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in San Antonio

La Panadería’s limited edition green conchas, available at all locations until Monday March 17. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17, is a vibrant holiday in the United States, honoring Irish heritage and culture. Cities across the country hold parades, with New York City and Chicago hosting some of the largest. People wear green, decorate with shamrocks, and enjoy Irish music, dance, and food. Many bars and restaurants serve traditional Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage, along with green beer. While rooted in Irish Catholic traditions, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a widely celebrated cultural event embracing fun and festivity.

In San Antonio, festivities include the city’s Dyeing the River Green and St. Patrick’s River Parades on Saturday March 15. There’s also San Antonio’s official St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl on Monday March 17, 2025.

Two restaurants on the River Walk are ready to join in on the festivities with their own Irish classics.

Four Brothers Southern Provisions, located inside the historic Omni La Mansión del Rio, is known for its fresh Latin approach to traditional Texan cuisine. Now, they’re aiming to maintain their flair for fusion by putting a San Antonio spin on the holiday’s cultural favorites.

Available this weekend, visitors can choose between the Iced Irish Espresso Martini, a whiskey-based rendition that’s been mixed with sweet Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur and a boldly rich espresso roast, and the Spiced Irishman, a multifaceted whiskey and club soda that adds elements of flavor by topping off with hot honey syrup and tangy lemon juice. Don’t forget to snack on a few (or all) of Four Brothers’ Leprechaun Loaded Potato Skins, a hearty and comforting shareable that incorporates corned beef, cabbage, and Guinness Beer Cheese with its slow-baked spud base.

Located across the River Walk is the high-energy upscale eatery, Ostra. Connected to the award-winning Mokara Hotel & Spa, guests are invited to enjoy the destination’s limited-time St. Patrick’s Day offerings. Known for their crafted cocktails and fresh seafood, Ostra has partnered with Jameson Irish Whiskey to create three specialty items, only available this weekend.

For something fruity and refreshing, order the Jameson Orange Mule, a simple yet delicious drink made with Jameson Orange, ginger beer, and lime juice. For those in the mood for something crisp and tart, try the Celtic Spritz. The cocktail combines Jameson Triple Irish Whiskey, elderflower liqueur, limoncello, and sparkling water and is sure to help cool visitors off from the upcoming weekend heat. And because you can’t visit Ostra without experiencing their acclaimed Oyster Bar, pair either cocktail with a few savory chargrilled oysters, served with Jameson Whiskey Butter and warm-baked bread.

While the River Walk has plenty of options for the holiday celebrations, bar hoppers beginning to create the weekend’s itinerary should plan to add these two spots as necessary stops. (Four Brothers Southern Provisions, Ostra, 2025)

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, The Newstand, the now local favorite, has joined the holiday festivities by creating their own themed menu creations. Known for their unique and delicious offerings, The Newstand has done it again with the “Bella Loca Latte” and the “Grinch” cookie.

The Bella Loca Latte is an iced matcha latte that mixes together creamy pistachio milk (DF/GF) before being topped off with a lightly sweetened matcha cold foam and a festively opportunistic green straw. And since it’s criminal to visit The Newstand without selecting one of their house-made pastries, make your order a greenified duo with a sweet treat. Named the Grinch, this matcha cookie is soft, chewy, and subtly sweet. Topped with a thin layer of matcha icing, pistachio crumbles, and sea salt flakes, it might be big enough to share, but you might not even want to.

These seasonal favorites are only available for the month of March. For customers aiming to potentially save a little green, they can purchase both together and receive 10% off their order. (The Newstand, 2025)

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day (3/17), La Panadería is adding a festive twist to their beloved conchas with a special Green Concha, available now through Monday, March 17. This vibrant concha features a green exterior, filled with a rich and creamy pistachio ganache that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Perfect for celebrating the season or adding a touch of color to your treat selection, this limited-time concha is priced at just $3.75 and can be purchased at any La Panadería location. (La Panadería, 2025)

From T.S. Eliot to Shakespeare: The Literary Inspirations Behind Ben Okri’s Latest Novel

“Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted” is Ben Okri’s latest novel. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Classic literature has remained relevant across generations due to its timeless themes, rich language, and deep exploration of human nature. Whether it’s the tragic fate of Hamlet, the star-crossed love in Romeo and Juliet, or the political intrigue of Macbeth, these stories resonate because they reflect universal emotions—love, ambition, betrayal, and redemption. These stories challenge, inspire, and allow readers to see themselves in characters from centuries past, proving that great storytelling transcends time.

Ben Okri’s new novel blends mysticism, literary homage, and exploration of human relationships. The story revolves around Viv, who organizes a festival for the brokenhearted in a sacred French forest, drawing inspiration from T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Ben Okri is a playwright, poet, novelist, essayist, short-story writer, anthologist, and aphorist. He has also written film scripts. His works have won numerous national and international prizes, including the Booker Prize for Fiction. His books include the eco-fable “Every Leaf a Hallelujah,” the play Changing Destiny, the genre-bending climate fiction “Tiger Work,” the poetry collections “A Fire in My Head,” “Wild, Mental Fight,” and “An African Elegy,” and the novels “Astonishing the Gods,” “The Last Gift of the Master Artists,” “The Age of Magic,” and “Dangerous Love.” In 2023 he received a knighthood for services to literature. (Other Press, 2024)

His new novel “Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted” from Other Press offers a wise, enchanting novel about love, power, and our many selves—past and future, public and private. It will be released on March 18 and is available for pre-order.

There are organizations for people who grieve, for alcoholics and other kinds of addicts. But if you’ve been devastated by the love of your life walking out on you, where the hell do you go?

In this modern fable with the impish magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a masked ball makes two upper-class British couples see each other in a new light.

On the 20th anniversary of the day her first husband left her, Viv decides to host an unconventional party for those burned by love. She successfully ropes in her reluctant second husband, Alan, and their friends Beatrice and Stephen, and when she meets the famed fortuneteller Madame Sosostris—last seen in T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, and rumored to be the secret to success of 5 prime ministers—she believes she’s found the perfect act to headline her masquerade.

In a sacred wood in the south of France, the partygoers disguise themselves and wait eagerly for the great clairvoyant, who might be able to mend their broken pasts and brighten their futures. But the night soon goes awry, in a comically revealing way that causes our couples to question their relationships and the direction of their lives.

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Mysticism for the Modern Seeker: A Review of ‘Embodied Kabbalah’ by Matthew Ponak

‘Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All People’ by Matthew Ponak. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Matthew Ponak is a rabbi, a teacher of Jewish Mysticism, and a spiritual counselor. His book “Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All” is a collection of 42 mystical texts with commentary that presents the essential teachings from Kabbalah and places them side-by-side with profound inspirations from our era and the world’s great wisdom traditions.

The never before translated texts shed light on unknown traditions of mystical enlightenment. Fascinating descriptions of the paradoxical nature of reality are placed next to cautionary guidance against travelling too quickly on the road to expanded consciousness. Spiritual practices for dealing with depression and sadness come along with illuminated poetry of what our world could look like if we all tried to be truly loving. Using the stunning visual layouts of traditional Torah commentary, Ponak opens the gateway for Judaism to add its much needed voice to the universal quest for meaning, inner knowing, and rooted transcendence. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Review:

This is a refreshing and accessible exploration of Jewish mysticism, blending ancient wisdom with modern sensibilities. The author’s goal is to give “perspectives which emphasize the harmony between the physical and the spiritual.” Unlike many scholarly works on Kabbalah that focus on esoteric theory, Ponak brings a grounded, practical approach, emphasizing how these mystical teachings can be integrated into daily life.

The book is presented as a journey through key Kabbalistic concepts, combined with insights from meditation, embodied spirituality, and psychological well-being. Ponak’s background as a rabbi and spiritual teacher enriches the text, making it deeply rooted in tradition and adaptable for contemporary seekers, regardless of religious background. His writing is clear and inviting, avoiding overly complex jargon while still preserving the depth of the teachings.

By focusing on embodiment—rather than treating Kabbalah as an abstract intellectual pursuit, Ponak encourages readers to experience it through mindfulness, movement, and personal reflection. He does this by including sections on reflection and ways to put into practice the material in our personal lives. This makes it an excellent resource for those seeking a more holistic spiritual practice.

Overall, “Embodied Kabbalah” is a thoughtful and inspiring read, bridging the gap between mysticism and everyday life. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish spirituality, personal growth, or embodied wisdom traditions.

“The practice of connecting with nature can be as simple as spending time outdoors, but preferably in a place that feels less urban. Try taking time each day, for one week, to be in nature: by trees, a body of water, a field, mountains, etc.”