‘Hunted in the Shadows’ by Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley. Photo: Barnes & Noble
📚 New Book Release: “Hunted in the Shadows“
A Spellbinding Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy Adventure
I’m thrilled to spotlight the latest installment in the Shot in the Dark series: Hunted in the Shadowsby Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley — the much-anticipated sequel to “Shot in the Dark” and a gripping setup for the upcoming “Lured in the Crimson.”
📖 Synopsis
Stay within the shadows. Never cross the water’s edge. Beware the siren’s beckon.
Two months after her exile from Elysia, Sylvia finds herself wandering through a world at once thrilling and unfamiliar. Journeying toward Aelthorin with companions Jon and Cliff, she grapples with the pull of her past and the lure of dangerous new freedoms. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
Though she’s promised to reunite with her family, Sylvia is drawn into a forbidden and intensifying bond with Jon—one that defies the laws of the spectral plane. Jon, equally conflicted, is determined to help Sylvia obtain a rare gemstone that could make their impossible love a reality.
Their journey veers off-course when they’re forced to stop in a mysterious bayou town. There, a hidden darkness begins to unravel. Former hunter allies reappear, secrets surface, and a deadly new plot emerges—one tied to a shady trade in monster remains and a sinister client.
With sirens and fairies entering the fray, forming uneasy alliances, Sylvia and Jon must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice to defy fate—and whether their love can survive the cost.
Hunted in the Shadows is a lush urban romantasy perfect for fans of Supernatural and Fern Gully, exploring themes of forbidden love, found family, and identity.
👩💻 About the Authors
Mary Dublin Raised in Florida, Mary has been storytelling since childhood. She holds a Bachelor’s in Character Animation and Emerging Media and now works in communications while writing captivating novels filled with aching romance, high-stakes suspense, and complex characters that linger in your heart.
Anne Kendsley Based in South Texas, Anne writes fantastical, gritty stories that fuse magic, emotion, and survival. With a deep love for fantasy and sci-fi, her tales explore what it means to endure, transform, and find beauty even in the bleakest of worlds.
✍️ Book Signing Recap
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a book signing event atBúho in Brownsville, where co-author Anne Kendsley introduced “Hunted in the Shadows” to an eager crowd. She shared the story behind her collaboration with Mary Dublin and revealed how the characters and world came to life.
Anne read one of her favorite passages—teasing just enough to leave us wanting more—and hinted that this is only Book 2 of a planned six-part series. After a lively Q&A, she graciously signed my copy.
Thank you to Búho for hosting such a welcoming event, and to Anne Kendsley for her warmth and insight. I can’t wait to dive into this Supernatural-inspired adventure and share my full review soon!
📚 Have you read “Shot in the Dark?” Are you excited about “Hunted in the Shadows?” Let me know in the comments!
A long-buried Nazi weapon resurfaces. America stands on the brink of destruction. One man must stop history’s darkest nightmare from happening again in “Black Sun Rising,” the electrifying thriller by former Foreign Service Officer Otho Eskin. (Meryl Moss Media Group, 2025)
Release date: June 10, 2025. It is available for pre-order.
The Story
When Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn’s partner is murdered, his pursuit of justice leads him into the heart of Black Sun—a violent neo-Nazi movement born from the ashes of World War II’s most sinister forces.
Their chilling goal: to unleash a catastrophic attack that will plunge the nation into chaos.
To stop them, Zorn must:
Outwit a mysterious and deadly woman known only as the Bride of the Apocalypse
Navigate the treacherous ambitions of two of the world’s wealthiest—and most ruthless—men
Expose a conspiracy stretching from the highest levels of power in Washington to the darkest corners of the underworld
Can Marko Zorn save the country from annihilation?
“Black Sun Rising” is a pulse-pounding thriller in the tradition of Baldacci, Clancy, and Patterson, delivering nonstop suspense, razor-sharp political intrigue, and a chillingly timely tale of hatred, extremism, and one man willing to risk everything to stop it.
“A taut, fast-paced thriller with unforgettable characters and high stakes from the very first page.”
About the Series
“Black Sun Rising” is the fourth book in Otho Eskin’s acclaimed Marko Zorn series, which includes:
“The Reflecting Pool”
“Head Shot”
“Firetrap”
Each novel can be read as a gripping stand-alone or as part of the ongoing series.
About the Author: Otho Eskin
Otho Eskin launched his career as a thriller writer in 2020 with “The Reflecting Pool,” which was met with rave reviews and chosen as an Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense. (Otho Eskin, 2025)
Before turning to fiction, Eskin served in the U.S. Army and as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. His postings took him to Syria, Yugoslavia, Iceland, and East Berlin (then part of the GDR), where he witnessed political corruption and international intrigue firsthand—experiences that now inform his high-stakes novels.
While stationed in East Berlin during the Cold War, Eskin was named in a Soviet-backed propaganda publication titled Who’s Who in the CIA—a false accusation meant to discredit and endanger American diplomats. Though not a spy, the disinformation campaign shaped his understanding of global deception and power plays—key themes in his writing today.
Eskin is also an accomplished playwright. His works—including Act of God, Murder as a Fine Art, Duet, Julie, Final Analysis, and Season in Hell—have been professionally staged in Washington, New York, and Europe.
Are you ready for a thriller that doesn’t let up? Pick up “Black Sun Rising” and join Marko Zorn in a race against time to stop a nightmare’s rebirth.
J.D. Barker’s new novel ‘Something I Keep Upstairs’ will be released in May. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
When it comes to mystery and ghost thriller books, you can’t beath the spine-chilling suspense, eerie atmospheres, and unpredictable twists. They are some of my favorites books to read going back to my early childhood years. These genres tap into our fascination with the unknown, blending psychological intrigue with supernatural elements to keep us on edge. The tension of solving a mystery, combined with the fear of the unseen, creates a gripping reading experience.
Ghost thrillers, in particular, evoke emotions ranging from curiosity to dread, making us question reality and the afterlife. Whether unraveling a whodunit or encountering restless spirits, these stories provide an adrenaline rush, immersing readers in dark, haunting worlds where every shadow holds a secret.
In today’s ever changing marketing landscape, interactive book marketing can create buzz and engage readers in exciting, immersive ways. Hosting contests where winners spend a night in a haunted house is a thrilling way to promote mystery and ghost thriller books, offering fans a real-life spooky experience. It can turn readers into active participants, making the book launch a memorable adventure rather than just a release.
Do you love challenging contests and haunted houses? If so, then this contest is just for you. J.D. Barker, the New Your Times and international best-selling author is offering readers the chance to spend the night in a real haunted house as part of the promotion for his new novel “Something I Keep Upstairs.” The story centers around 17 year old Billy Hasler and his best friend David Spivey who are out to spend their final summer before college in the New Hampshire house that Billy has inherited. What could possibly go wrong? The novel is inspired by an abandoned house in Wood Island and the lucky winner will be spending 24 hours in this house, which is rumored to be haunted. (J.D. Barker, 2025)
On June 13 one name will be drawn and the winner, along with 3 of his/her closest friends, will get this once in a lifetime opportunity. They will meet in Kittery Point, Maine and then be transported by boat to the island and the house. Once the boat leaves, it will not be back until 24 hours later. Can you survive the night? Find out more about the contest and click here to enter.
“Something I Keep Upstairs” will be released on May 13, 2025 and is available for pre-order now.
For a haunted house to be born, somebody has to die.
In the sleepy coastal town of New Castle, New Hampshire, seventeen-year-old Billy Hasler’s life is about to take a terrifying turn. When his best friend David Spivey inherits a mysterious house on a nearby island, it seems like the perfect place to spend their final summer before heading off to college. No parents. No police. No responsibilities. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
As they dig into the island’s dark past, they awaken an ancient evil that has influenced generations. What begins as an innocent summer adventure quickly descends into a nightmare.
“Something I Keep Upstairs” is a haunting exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the darkness lurking just beyond our understanding.
This year’s South Texas AuthorCon featured a variety of authors from the Rio Grande Valley.
Author events, such as book signings, readings, and meet-and-greets, offer readers a unique opportunity to connect with the creators behind the stories. These events are important because they foster personal interactions, allowing authors to share insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes details of their work. For readers, attending author events provides a chance to engage with their favorite writers and discover new ones across all genres. The appeal lies in the sense of community and connection that forms, making the reading experience more intimate and memorable. These events also encourage a deeper appreciation of literature and the creative process.
This month, the city of San Benito hosted the second annual South Texas AuthorCon at the San Benito Plaza. The two day event brought readers of all ages to meet authors of all genres, purchase books, and get author autographs. The first day was geared solely towards students while the second day was open to the public and all together, authors, artists, and guests made this event a success.
Before the event, Beyond Borders Books held a writing contest. Valley View High School student Mariano Moreno won the 2024 Creative Writing Contest for his poem “¿Dónde están mis hijos?” which he recited that day.
Many thanks to the authors and artists for their patience in meeting everyone and taking their time to tell their story and answer questions. This event was an opportunity for me to discover authors I hadn’t hear of and meet fellow bibliophiles. I met a handful of authors from several genres including memoirs, children’s books, and YA novels.
Some of the authors included:
Thomas Ray Garcia– “The River Runs” Short story collection. This collection presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation.
Monica Velasquez – “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce.” Children’s book. A little girl waits patiently everyday just to get to Sunday, when the family eats sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day in which she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.” The book is a rhyming book for children or children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life.
Cassie Bleu Davila – “I’m Not Waiting for My Mom To Die.” Memoir. When Cassie was 7 years old, she had to leave the only place she had ever known after her mom married a US citizen. Now living in the United States, she puts on a fake smile for everyone, but behind closed doors her life is a nightmare. She is hiding the deepest darkest secret that nobody could imagine. The only person that knows about her secret is her mom. But if her own mom won’t help her, who will?
Rosario Ozuna – “The Tears Behind the Smile: Poems and Reflections from the Heart”– Literary fiction. These poems and reflections mirror daily obstacles and several of our deepest daily emotions, which sometimes we keep chained up within our soul. Several of the themes in this book are kept in our hearts in silence. Many of these experiences are painful, distressing, and even make us cry and doubt, but they also help us to believe in ourselves. Without these sunny and blue situations, we wouldn’t know how to move forward and make the best of these circumstances. This book also debuts ten Spanish poems. Facebook profile
Patty York Raymond – “It’s Too Windy” “Hay Mucho Viento!” Children’s books. The story is about family and how establishing long lasting traditions leads to developing close family ties that last a lifetime. Jessica and David can’t wait to swim in the grandparents’ pool. But how long will they have to wait? It’s Too Windy is accompanied by a music CD.
Angela Rosko – “Hello Grace” and “Grammy Misses Gracie.” The Adventures of Gracie and Grammy series of children’s books.
Margarita Longoria– “Living Beyond Borders: Growing up Mexican in America” YA short story collection. In this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics, this celebrated group of authors share the borders they have crossed, the struggles they have pushed through, and the two cultures they continue to navigate as Mexican Americans.
Naivi Vera – “El Maravilloso Mundo de Susy: La Pequeña Hormiga Aventurera” “The Wonderful World of Susy: The Adventurous Little Ant” Children’s book. “El maravilloso mundo de Susy, la hormiguita aventurera” is a Spanish-English bilingual children’s book that teaches children values like bravery and teamwork. Through this bilingual tale, they will discover how fun the world of ants can be. In this magical illustrated story, children will learn in a fun and simple way how to overcome big challenges and achieve more when everyone can contribute their part by working together, helping each other, and contributing to nature.
‘Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio’ is the new children’s book by Lucille Newton Cascos about a father and son opossum. Photo: Amazon
Children’s books are magical portals to worlds where imagination knows no bounds. From the whimsical tales of talking animals to fantastical adventures in far-off lands, these books ignite curiosity and foster creativity. Vibrant illustrations breathe life into characters, captivating young minds and sparking endless wonder. Through stories of friendship, bravery, and discovery, children learn valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of imagination. Whether it’s the comforting familiarity of bedtime stories or the thrill of exploring new realms, children’s books serve as timeless companions on the journey of growing up, leaving an indelible mark on both hearts and minds.
Brownsville native Lucille Newton Cascos has a new children’s book that centers around a young opossum named Tikito titled “Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio: Father and Son’s Life Lessons of a Brownsville Native Opossum Who Dared to Dream.” I attended a book signing she had on Friday at Surge Mobile Physical Therapy in Olmito. Lucille took the time to sign copies of the book and take pictures with guests and children. There was a costumed opossum greeting visitors and entertaining the children and guests were treated to fruit, cheese, and other snacks. The atmosphere was celebratory and cheerful as those in attendance were excited to have a book all about a common sight in the valley, an opossum. The author is looking forward to more book signings in area schools and libraries and confirmed that there could be more books in the future as a series.
The book is recommended for older children and is both entertaining and educational. It has colorful illustrations and plenty of reading comprehension words to help young readers improve their language skills. The glossary of vocabulary terms in the back comes in handy in case there’s a word or two they need to look up. The story is poignant and inspiring and explores the themes of family, culture, and the importance of being true to yourself. Thank you, Lucille, for shining a light on this often misunderstood marsupial. Congratulations – it was a pleasure meeting you.
“Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio” aims to make learning fun and engaging for children around the world, introducing them to animals, cultures, and the Spanish language. By combining these elements, Lucille hopes to inspire a sense of discovery and foster curiosity and a love for learning in young readers.
Tiko and his rascally son, Tikito, live in the alleyways of Brownsville, Texas, where they escape the assault and dangers of the outside world. Having lived among humans, Tiko tries to shield his young son against the treachery around them, ultimately sharing the life lessons Tikito will need to survive. (Amazon, 2024)
For Kids Ages 7-9, 10-12. Grades 2-8 Educational, 70+ Target Reading Comprehension Words
“As the seasons changed, Tikito always remembered one thing that stuck in his head from all of his father’s wisdom: even within a short time, everyone can leave a lasting impact and create a legacy worth remembering.”
With Tikito and author Lucille Newton CascosAuthor Lucille Cascos with TikitoSnacks for guests
The annual San Antonio Book Festival is taking place this Saturday. Photo: San Antonio Book Festival, used with permission.
Exciting news, fellow book lovers! The annual San Antonio Book Festival is happening this weekend. I was lucky enough to be at the inaugural event and it was so much fun. Book festivals are vibrant celebrations of literature that bring together authors, publishers, and avid readers to explore everything book related. These events cater to book enthusiasts and offer a platform for diverse voices and narratives to thrive. From panel discussions to book signings, they foster an immersive experience where attendees can explore the world of storytelling. Book festivals ignite a passion for reading, sparking intellectual discourse and fostering a sense of community among bibliophiles. With their eclectic mix of genres and authors, these festivals serve as catalysts for inspiration, creativity, and the enduring love affair with the written word.
The San Antonio Book Festival (SABF), taking place at the Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus in downtown San Antonio, is excited to celebrate their 12th annual festival this Saturday, April 13 from 9a.m. to 5p.m. The festival will feature nearly 100 national, regional and local authors including 66 sessions for guests to attend. A full list of all the sessions at the festival is available online. The festival is FREE and open to all ages. (San Antonio Book Festival, 2024)
SABF is also hosting its Authors in Schools program in partnership with San Antonio ISD and Edgewood ISD on Friday, April 12. Participating authors include Pedro Martin (Mexikid) and Kazu Kibuishi (Waverider). The Authors in Schools program helps encourage a passion for reading among children and teens, pairing award-winning authors with underserved, low-income schools to deliver presentations, tell funny stories, share personal journeys, and describe the process of writing their books. All students in attendance receive a free, signed copy of the author’s book to take home. This year’s Authors in Schools program will impact over 1,500 students.
Authors in Schools: • 2p.m., Friday, April 12, 2024
San Antonio Book Festival: • 9a.m. to 5p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024
Authors in Schools: • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Middle School, SAISD 1130 E Sunshine Dr, San Antonio, TX 78228 ***Author: Pedro Martin (Mexikid) • Alonso S. Perales Elementary School, Edgewood ISD 1507 Ceralvo St, San Antonio, TX 78237 ***Author: Kazu Kibuishi (Waverider)
San Antonio Book Festival: • Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus 600 Soledad St. and 1201 Navarro St. San Antonio, TX 78205
The mission of the San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) is to unite readers and writers in a celebration of ideas, books, libraries, and literary culture. SABF was first presented in April 2013. Founding partners include the San Antonio Public Library, UTSA Southwest Campus, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and Texas Book Festival. This “Fiesta for the mind” is a gift to visitors and the citizens of San Antonio, free and open to all.
San Antonio Book Festival, set for April 15, announces 2023 lineup for festival featuring 100 local, regional, and national authors. Photo: San Antonio Book Festival, used with permission.
The San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) is excited to announce its 2023 author lineup, which includes 100 notable local, regional, and national authors who will be participating in the festival. This year’s lineup includes nationally renowned authors such as Kiese Laymon, Geraldine Brooks, Melissa de la Cruz, Matthew Desmond, and more. The free festival will take place Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 9a.m. to 5p.m. at the Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus in downtown San Antonio. (San Antonio Book Festival, 2023)
The full author lineupis now available. Locally owned and operated bookstore Nowhere Bookshopwill be the Festival’s official bookseller. Book sales and signings will take place at the Nowhere Bookshop tent in the Festival Marketplace (UTSA Southwest Campus parking lot).
The 11th annual San Antonio Book Festival starts at 9a.m., and will officially kick off with an opening ceremony at 9:30a.m. featuring remarks from SABF’s executive director and Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
SABF is a free, family-friendly event that draws anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 festival goers to downtown San Antonio for a full day of author presentations, panel discussions, book sales, signings, children’s and teen activities, and food trucks. SABF showcases debut authors and established writers, introducing attendees to new literary talents and connecting them with their favorite authors. A detailed festival schedule will be available in late March.
The 2023 SABF will assemble a wide array of authors—for all ages—who will travel across Texas and the nation for the one-day festival.
“The past year in US publishing has been vibrant and varied. Readers sought romance books in greater numbers, thanks to the rise of BookTok (TikTok, but for book lovers). For the first time, we will have a romance panel at this year’s Book Festival. There’s also been a trend towards thriller and horror lately, with authors using the genre to discuss trauma and mental health, likely because the past few years have been so anxiety-provoking.” – Anna Dobben, the San Antonio Book Festival Literary Director.
Joining the festival this year are award-winning authors like Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award Finalist Rebecca Makkai, who will be promoting her new book “I Have Some Questions for You,” a literary mystery set at a boarding school exploring gender, class, and race. Matthew Desmond, MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize–winning author of “Evicted,” will participate in the festival with his new nonfiction book “Poverty, By America,” a look at why poverty persists in America and who benefits from it. Marytza Rubio and Alejandro Varela will be promoting their 2023 National Book Award–honored novels.
Popular young adult authors like Adam Silvera, author of the New York Times bestseller “They Both Die at the End,” will join the festival to promote “The First to Die at the End,” the prequel to the aforementioned novel about two strangers who spend a life-changing day together. New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz will also be promoting her new Snow White retelling, “Snow & Poison.”
Additional award-winning authors participating in this year’s festival include Pulitzer Prize–winning Geraldine Brooks promoting her book “Horse;” 2022 MacArthur Fellow Kiese Laymon and his memoir “Heavy;” New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones with a new thriller “Don’t Fear the Reaper;” and Pulitzer Prize–winning Jane Smiley with a new novel, “A Dangerous Business,” to name a few.
The festival will also bring plenty of Texas authors to the festival, such as bestselling author Jeff Guinn, who will be promoting his new book “Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage,” which accounts the disastrous siege at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco in 1993. Award-winning author Elizabeth McCracken will also participate in the festival with her new novel, “The Hero of This Book,” a story about a writer’s relationship with her larger-than-life mother. Poet Laureate of Houston, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton will present her memoir, “Black Chameleon.”
In honor of its hometown, SABF is also excited to welcome local San Antonio authors to the lineup for 2023, including Lewis F. Fisher and his book about one of the city’s most beloved natural areas, “Brackenridge: San Antonio’s Acclaimed Urban Park.” Marcia Argueta Mickelson brings her young adult novel, “The Weight of Everything,” to the festival, a story about grief and reconnecting with your roots after the death of a loved one. San Antonio favorite Sandra Cisneros will once again join the festival, this time to promote her first published collection of poems in twenty-eight years, “Woman Without Shame / Mujer sin vergüenza.”
SABF will also host a variety of children’s, middle grade, and young adult authors, including National Book Award finalist Brandon Hobson, whose new middle grade book, “The Storyteller,” mixes the anxieties, friendships and wonders of a Cherokee boy’s life with Cherokee history and lore. Three-time Newbery honoree Christina Soontornvat brings her fantasy middle grade novel, “The Guardian Test: Legends of Lotus Island,” to the festival, a story about a special academy where kids learn to transform into magical creatures that protect the natural world. Children’s author Claudia Guadalupe Martinez will be promoting her bilingual picture book, “Still Dreaming / Seguimos soñando,” a story about a child’s journey during the Mexican Repatriation. SABF’s children’s lineup also includes Newbery and Caldecott–honored creators Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham with a new picture book from their bestselling Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn series, “Party Hearty Kitty-Corn.”
This year SABF will also host a new 21+ event called Lit Happens on the evening of April 14, from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Lit Happens is a night of engaging literary entertainment with libations on the side. Taking place on the eve of the festival, Lit Happens is a celebration of storytelling and community in the heart of downtown San Antonio. The night will kick-off with an outdoor poetry activation featuring Jose Olivarez and San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson at 6p.m. The second phase of the evening at 7p.m. is Worth Repeating, a live storytelling event at Texas Public Radio. Stacked with San Antonio Book Festival authors, this Moth-style session will include writers Rafael Agustin, Mahogany L. Browne, Rebecca Makkai, and Stephen Graham Jones. The night will officially end with a game of Literary Death Match at 8p.m. with Texas-connected authors–V. Castro, Rubén Degollado, Bobby Finger, Jonny Garza Villa–at nearby Legacy Park. Those looking to extend the celebration can easily walk to several local bars.
Book It! Luncheons will also be featured in this year’s programming. The SABF will host three separate intimate luncheons with festival authors hosted by various Book Festival board members. Our three luncheon authors are Ada Calhoun, Dean King, and Reza Aslan.
San Antonio Museum of Art. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
This September, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)is packed with “can’t miss” events including an Author Talk and book signing, a Japanese Art-inspired lecture, and the highly-anticipated reopening of SAMA’s Latin American Popular Art Gallery. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)
On Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 6p.m. to 7p.m., visitors can head to the John L. Santikos Auditorium at SAMA for an evening with Anne Elise Urrutia,(SOLD OUT) author of ‘Miraflores: San Antonio’s Mexican Garden of Memory.’ This lecture and book signing will explore SAMA’s Urrutia Arch; its relationship to Dr. Aureliano Urrutia’s historic garden, Miraflores; and the arch’s artists, origins, symbolism, and significance to the city. Her book is available at the MuseumShop for attendees hoping to snag a last minute copy. This free admission, or pay as you wish program, will also be live streamed via Zoom.
The second weekend of September kicks off with the long-awaited return of SAMA’s Latin American Popular Art Gallery, reopening on Friday, September 9, 2022. Formerly known as the Folk Art collection, this internationally recognized gallery is an unmatched experience unique to SAMA. Dr. Lucia Abramovich Sanchez, Associate Curator of Latin American Art, will speak on the reimagined collection with special remarks at 11a.m, with coffee and light bites available from 10a.m. to Noon. The gallery is included in general admission to SAMA.
On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, functionality and sculpture collide at the John L. Santikos Auditorium at SAMA with Listening to Bamboo: An Unrivaled Japanese Art Form. From 6p.m. to 7p.m., Robert T. Coffland, one of the world’s leading experts on Japanese bamboo, will trace the development of this specialized medium and guide guests on a journey to find where practicality became artistry. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members.
Best-selling author will be appearing at this year’s Texas Book Festival in November. Photo: Texas Book Festival
Texas Book Festival is proud to host author Janet Evanovich, “the most popular mystery writer alive” (NYT) and author of 42 New York Times bestsellers, as she presents her new novel, “Going Rogue,” on Sunday,November 6 at 2:30p.m., at the 2022 Texas Book Festival. With “Going Rogue,” the mega-bestselling author returns with the latest book in her massively popular Stephanie Plum series. (Texas Book Festival, 2022)
Book tickets to see this beloved author are now available. Each book ticket includes one copy of “Going Rogue” and admits one person to the conversation and the book signing session. Proceeds from book ticket sales support the annual Festival and our year-round literacy programs, as well as keep the Festival free. A book signing session will immediately follow the event.
Texas Book Festival First Baptist Church 901 Trinity St. Austin, TX 78701
BOOK TICKET: $37 | Includes one copy of Going Rogue and admission to the session and the signing line. SEATING: Seating for book ticket holders will open at 1:45p.m on Sunday, November 6. Book tickets are required to attend this session. SIGNING: A book signing session will follow the event on-site.
Over the last twenty-six years, Janet Evanovich has written a staggering forty-two New York Times bestsellers. In addition to her #1 bestselling Stephanie Plum novels and many other popular books, Janet is the author of “The Recovery Agent,” the start of a blockbuster new series.
Texas Book Festival reveals fifteen authors for 2022 festival. The 2022 Festival will feature Omar Epps, Angie Cruz, Sandra Brown, David George Haskell, and Michaela Goade, among others. Photo: Texas Book Festival, used with permission.
Texas Book Festival is thrilled to announce fifteen authors joining a full return to the in-person Festival Weekend this fall. The Festival will feature Screen Actors Guild Award recipient and nine-time NAACP Image Award winner Omar Epps, Good Morning America Book Club Pick author and Women’s Prize finalist Angie Cruz, Texas literary legend and author of seventy-three New York Times bestsellers Sandra Brown, Pulitzer Prize finalist and Guggenheim Fellow biologist David George Haskell, NYT bestselling children’s author-illustrator and Caldecott medalist Michaela Goade, and many more. (Texas Book Festival, 2022)
The Festival, returning in person November 5–6 in downtown Austin after two years of virtual and hybrid programming, will include a sizable list of impressive literary talent for readers of all ages. The full lineup will be completed and revealed in September.
“This announcement marks the beginning of our Festival season, and we are very excited to bring talented authors and thousands of readers together again at our beloved annual event, ” says Lois Kim, TBF’s Executive Director. “We hope all Texans, young and old, newly Texan or 7th generation, are marking their calendars to join us for an epic literary weekend.”
The sneak peek lineup includes: Omar Epps, the actor-producer known for his roles in House, Shooter, This Is Us, and many more television shows and feature films, will present his debut young-adult novel “Nubia: The Awakening,” an epic Afrofurturist saga billed as perfect for fans of Black Panther. Angie Cruz, the award-winning author who debuted her first novel “Soledad” at Texas Book Festival 2001, will return to present new work “How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water,” about a woman who, faced with an unexpected job loss amid the Great Recession, evaluates her life.
Mega bestselling author, onetime TBF First Edition Literary Gala emcee (2003), and Texas native SandraBrown will present latest novel “Overkill,” in which a former NFL superstar struggles with a crisis of conscience and juggles a life-or-death decision. Acclaimed professor of biology and environmental scientist David George Haskell brings to the Festival his Kirkus-starred book “Sounds Wild and Broken,” in which he explores the auditory wonders of the animal kingdom, and how endangered they are. Michaela Goade—illustrator for 2021 Caldecott winning and bestselling “We Are Water Protectors”—presents “Berry Song,” a Kirkus- and Publishers Weekly–starred picture book in which granddaughter and grandmother deepen their connection with the earth.
“There’s something special about seeing authors in-person again,” says TBF literary director Matthew Patin. “Virtual programming provided us, and continues to provide, creative opportunities, yet nothing quite matches an author visiting Austin once more. In pre-COVID times we took a physical appearance for a given, but now it feels that much more valuable and important. And the fifteen names here are only a fraction of what’s to come.”
The full list of sneak peek authors includes: ● Vishwesh Bhatt, “I Am From Here: Stories and Recipes from a Southern Chef” ● Sandra Brown, “Overkill” ● Sandra Cisneros, “Woman Without Shame: Poems” ● Angie Cruz, “How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water” ● Erin Entrada Kelly, “Those Kids from Fawn Creek” ● James Kirchick, “Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington” ● Omar Epps, “Nubia: The Awakening” ● Sidik Fofana, “Stories from the Tenants Downstairs” ● Michaela Goade, “Berry Song” ● Xochitl Gonzalez, “Olga Dies Dreaming” ● David George Haskell, “Sounds Wild and Broken: Sonic Marvels, Evolution’s Creativity, and the Crisis of Sensory Extinction” ● Elizabeth McCracken, “The Hero of This Book” ● Matt de la Peña, “Patchwork” ● Mary Laura Philpott, “Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives” ● Roger Reeves, “Best Barbarian: Poems”
The 2022 Texas Book Festival is co-presented by H-E-B and AT&T. Other major sponsors include Brigid Cockrum and Family, Tocker Foundation, Still Water Foundation, Amplify Credit Union, Buena Vista Foundation, Tapestry Foundation, Kirkus Reviews, Central Market, Texas Monthly, Austin Chronicle, and Jordan Foster. BookPeople is the official Festival bookseller.
With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages to love reading, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival Weekend, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming. This year’s Texas Book Festival will take place from November 5 to November 6, with events taking place in downtown Austin and at the Texas Capitol, featuring renowned authors, panels, book signings, and activities. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.
SA Examiner 