‘Looking for Tank Man’ by Ha Jin. Photo: Other Press
Book Spotlight: Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin
From Ha Jin, the acclaimed author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist Waiting, comes a riveting and timely new novelLooking for Tank Man. In this powerful story of protest and suppression, Ha Jin explores the enduring impact of truth, memory, and moral courage. Available for pre-order, it has a release date of October 21.(Other Press, 2025)
About the Book
When the Chinese premier visits Harvard, international student Pei Lulu encounters a lone protester whose act of defiance will upend her understanding of the People’s Republic—and of herself.
For the first time, Lulu learns of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and the government’s violent response. Her search for answers takes her deep into her family’s past, uncovering surprising stories of resistance, and into the heart of a university course built around firsthand accounts of that fateful time.
At once a compelling coming-of-age story and a tribute to the courage of activists, Looking for Tank Man keeps the tragedy of Tiananmen alive in the public memory and serves as a stark warning about the perils of authoritarian power.
About the Author
Ha Jin grew up in mainland China and served five years in the People’s Liberation Army before pursuing a degree in English at Harbin University. He has become one of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary fiction.
His novel Waiting won the National Book Award for Fiction, the PEN/Faulkner Award, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Ha Jin is currently the William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor in English and Creative Writing at Boston University and a fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
His works have been translated into over thirty languages. His most recent novel, The Woman Back from Moscow, was published by Other Press in 2023.
The new book to movie adaptation starring Glen Powell hits theaters on November 7. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Stephen King’s “The Running Man” Returns — and Hits the Big Screen
Originally published under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1982, The Running Man later appeared as part of The Bachman Books collection in 1985. Now, this dark, dystopian thriller is making its way to the big screen, with Paramount’s new adaptation set to premiere on November 7, 2025.
Ben Richards has lost everything—his job, his savings, and nearly his hope. With a sick daughter in need of urgent medical care, he takes a desperate gamble and signs up for the nation’s most popular (and brutal) reality show: The Running Man, where contestants are hunted for sport.
If Ben can stay alive for thirty days, he’ll win a billion dollars. The catch? No one has ever survived more than eight days. Pursued by a lethal strike force trained to kill, Richards must navigate a world where every step could be his last.
It’s a chilling story about desperation, power, and the lengths one man will go to save his family.
The Film Adaptation
The Running Man (2025) A man joins a game show where contestants can run anywhere in the world—while professional “hunters” track them down.
Director: Edgar Wright
Writers: Michael Bacall, Stephen King, Edgar Wright
Stars: Glen Powell, Emilia Jones, Josh Brolin
Genre: Dystopian Sci-Fi, Dark Comedy, Survival, Action Adventure
Running Time: 140 minutes
With Wright’s trademark style and a powerhouse cast, this adaptation promises to bring King’s high-stakes vision to thrilling, satirical life.
About the Author
Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent works include Never Flinch, You Like It Darker, Holly, Fairy Tale, Billy Summers, If It Bleeds, The Institute, Elevation, The Outsider, Sleeping Beauties (co-written with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges Trilogy: Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch.
King is the recipient of numerous honors, including:
2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award
2018 PEN America Literary Service Award
2014 National Medal of Arts
2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters
‘Respect’ is Robert L. Dilenschneider’s forthcoming new book. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book Review: Respect – How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time
By Robert L. Dilenschneider Release Date: October 28 — Available now for pre-order
🕊️ Why Respect Still Matters
In a world where online outrage spreads faster than kindness and conversations often turn into confrontations, the idea of respect can feel almost old-fashioned. Yet, what if rediscovering this simple value could be the key to improving how we live, work, and connect?
That’s the premise behind Robert L. Dilenschneider’s new book, Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time. A veteran public relations expert and thoughtful observer of human behavior, Dilenschneider explores how showing respect in our tone, actions, and choices can reshape not just our relationships, but the culture around us.
📘 What’s Inside
Chapter 1: A Call for Respectfulness Chapter 2: Is Respectfulness Truly Possible in the Age of Retribution? Chapter 3: What’s In It For Me? Chapter 4: Start with Self-Respect Chapter 5: The Top Five Qualities of Respectfulness Chapter 6: Respectfulness at Work Chapter 7: Respectfulness in Family and Personal Relationships Chapter 8: Respectfulness in Civic Institutions Chapter 9: Transforming Society
🌟 Highlights
Chapter 3: Offers tips on what to do when disrespect turns into bullying, and explores how respectfulness can lead to improved relationships, stronger professional connections, and a less stressful daily life.
Chapter 5: Explains that respect is more than politeness or manners, it’s about recognizing people as individuals with their own unique identities.
💬 Why It Matters
The tone throughout the book is conversational and grounded, yet deeply reflective. Dilenschneider urges readers to see respect not as a surface-level courtesy but as a transformative social force. Each chapter ends with a “Think About It” section inviting readers to pause, reflect, and apply the ideas to their own lives.
By combining practical wisdom and moral clarity, the book moves beyond abstract principles to offer real-world ways to practice respect daily. Whether in the office, at home, or within our communities, Dilenschneider shows how small gestures of empathy can ripple outward to build trust, cooperation, and understanding.
Ultimately, Respect is an essential guide for anyone seeking to improve communication, leadership, and human connection. In an age of division and incivility, this book serves as both a call to action and a blueprint for a more compassionate world.
Perfect for managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, this book reminds us:
“Far from outdated, respectfulness is a vital part of the foundation of a well-functioning society and a fulfilling life. We would do well to cultivate it, and this book will show you how—and why.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
👤 About the Author
Robert L. Dilenschneider founded The Dilenschneider Group in 1991 after serving as President and CEO of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. He has counseled major corporations, trade associations, and educational institutions, helping clients navigate complex communications challenges.
He is the author of numerous books, including Power and Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, and 50 Plus! Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life. His most recent work before Respect was Character and Respect.
💭 Let’s Talk
Do you think respect is becoming a lost art — or are we just redefining what it means? How do you practice respect in your everyday interactions, especially in challenging situations?
Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re keeping respect alive in your corner of the world.
*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for my gifted Advanced Reader Copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
‘Tequila’ is Tim Reuben’s debut novel. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book Spotlight & Review: Tequila: A Story of Success, Love & Violence by Tim Reuben
Release Date: October 14 Available for Pre-Order Now
A Battle for Power, Love, and Survival
From the fiery heart of Mexico to the high-stakes boardrooms of Manhattan, an empire built on tequila becomes the battlefield for a blistering war of power, betrayal, and forbidden love in Tim Reuben’s explosive debut thriller, Tequila: A Story of Success, Love & Violence.
Spanning generations, Tequila follows the rise and near-ruin of the Ramirez family, founders of RAM, a multibillion-dollar luxury spirits powerhouse. When Maria Ramirez steps into the role of CEO, her greatest threats aren’t rival corporations, but her own brothers: Miguel, the corrupt sociopath, and Tomaso, the self-destructive heir spiraling out of control.
An Empire on the Brink
LA attorney Brian Youngman enters the Ramirez world when he’s hired for Tomaso’s divorce case. What he uncovers, cartel ties, financial crimes, and unimaginable violence, pulls him into a web of danger and desire. His growing love for Maria collides with his pursuit of justice, making him a reluctant hero in a battle where survival demands sacrifice.
The story begins in 1950 in the Jaliscan Highlands of Mexico, where Sotero Jimenez, a struggling agave farmer, fights to build his dream amid poverty and corruption. In the present day, chaos erupts when Tomaso’s wife, Nora, is abducted in Houston, a chilling event that sets the stage for the Ramirez family’s unraveling.
As the family grapples with betrayal, cartel violence, and devastating loss, the empire they built on agave and ambition teeters on the edge of collapse.
Review
Tim Reuben’s Tequila is a sweeping family saga that fuses corporate intrigue, legal drama, and raw emotional tension. The characters, especially Maria, are sharply drawn, and readers can feel the weight of her burden as she navigates both external enemies and the toxic loyalty of family.
Told through a non-linear narrative, the story moves between the Ramirez family’s humble origins and their modern-day descent into greed and betrayal. The pacing is relentless and filled with legal battles, family drama, and shocking twists.
At its core, Tequila explores the price of power, the fragility of loyalty, and the fine line between love and destruction. It’s a genre-bending debut that grips from start to finish; a compelling saga of justice, sacrifice, and ambition’s deadly cost.
Verdict: For fans of Succession, Narcos, or The Godfather, Tequila is a must-read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Content & Trigger Warning
This novel includes scenes of sexual content, sexual violence, and sadism, primarily connected to Miguel, a sadistic character whose cruelty is central to the story’s darker turns. Reader discretion is advised.
About the Author
Tim Reuben is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. A veteran trial lawyer, he founded his own litigation firm in Los Angeles and frequently publishes essays and articles on law and society. Tequila is his debut novel.
*Thank you to Meryl Moss Media Group for my gifted Advanced Reader Copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
‘Attacking Earth and Sun’ will be released on October 28. Photo: Other Press
Book Spotlight: Attacking Earth and Sun by Mathieu Belezi
History rarely tells the full story of conquest. In Attacking Earth and Sun, award-winning French author Mathieu Belezistrips away the illusions of glory to reveal the human cost of empire. This searing English-language debut, translated by Lara Vergnaud, immerses readers in the brutal early days of 19th-century French colonization in Algeria. With chiseled, haunting prose, Belezi condenses years of research into a human account of ambition, violence, and survival.
Attacking Earth and Sun will be published by Other Press on October 28, 2025. It is available for pre-order.
This lyrical and unflinching novel does exactly that. Far from the “pioneer dream” sold by Western powers, Attacking Earth and Sun exposes the hell that was colonization through an unforgettable work of historical fiction. (Other Press, 2025)
The Story
In search of a better life, Séraphine and her family join 500 settlers on a perilous journey to France’s newly conquered Algerian territory. But the promise of prosperity quickly gives way to harsh reality: inadequate shelter, unrelenting weather, illness, and mounting tension with the indigenous population, whose anger and desperation simmer beneath the surface.
As the settlers slowly carve out a fragile community and a church in this foreign land, the French army ravages the Algerian countryside, leaving behind villages in ruin. Through the eyes of a weary soldier constantly reminded by his captain, “You’re no angels!” we witness the staggering cruelty used to crush resistance and the haunting moral decay it breeds.
With prose reminiscent of William Faulkner, Belezi transforms historical record into art. The result is a novel that is poetic and devastatingly real, a story that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, empire, and humanity.
About the Author
Mathieu Belezi is the author of more than a dozen novels. His career began with Le petit roi, which won the Marguerite-Audoux Prize in 1999. Attacking Earth and Sun earned both the Prix Livre Inter and the Le Monde Literary Prize. Having traveled widely and taught in Louisiana, Belezi now divides his time between France and Italy.
About the Translator
Lara Vergnaud is an acclaimed translator of prose, creative nonfiction, and scholarly works from French. She is the recipient of two PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grants and a French Voices Grand Prize, and has been nominated for the National Translation Award. She currently lives in France.
Sharpless compares dramatic clinical syndromes, every bit as fascinating as those on the silver screen, with the science and folklore behind our favorite monsters.
Horror movies, he argues, can reveal far more about human psychology than we realize. When explored honestly, our fears become mirrors reflecting our culture, our anxieties, and our shared humanity.
Famous Monsters and Their Real-Life Counterparts
Horror fans may be obsessed with vampires, werewolves, zombies, and the eerie “replacements” from Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but few know the real conditions behind these creatures, such as Renfield’s syndrome, clinical lycanthropy, Cotard’s syndrome, and misidentification delusions.
What’s Inside the Book
Part I: Movie Monsters from the Early Days of Cinema
Clinical Lycanthropy
You Suck?
I Am The Walking Dead
Part II: Modern-Day Movie Monsters
One, Two, The Dab Tsog’s Coming For You
This Is Not My Beautiful House, This Is Not My Beautiful Wife
Demons, Aliens, and Shadow People
Part III: Monstrous Behaviors
Are You Gonna Eat That?
Shuddersome Sex in the Movies
Highlights
Part I: Chapter 3 Sharpless explains that immortality might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Vampires and zombies both feed after death, yet zombies’ mindless existence makes their fate far gloomier. As he writes,
“Some psychologists and philosophers have argued that this fundamental fear of death prompted people to defensively create gods and an immortal afterlife.”
Part II: Chapter 4 Sharpless shares his personal experience with sleep paralysis and connects it to the mysterious Hmong Deaths that likely inspired Nightmare on Elm Street. These incidents involved young men in California who died in their sleep, hauntingly blurring the line between science and superstition.
Review
In Monsters on the Couch, clinical psychologist Brian Sharpless bridges the gap between horror cinema and psychological science with wit and expertise. His goal is to raise awareness of serious but often overlooked psychological conditions that cause real suffering.
Each chapter dissects iconic horror films such as Nightmare on Elm Street and Invasion of the Body Snatchers through the lens of genuine mental disorders, uncovering the truths, exaggerations, and myths that shape how we perceive mental illness. He also explains symptoms and common treatments with both compassion and precision.
Sharpless writes with the enthusiasm of a horror fan and the insight of a clinician, grounding classic horror tropes like sleep paralysis and vampirism in psychological reality. The tone remains conversational and often humorous, making even the darkest topics approachable.
Ultimately, Monsters on the Couch reminds us that the true horror isn’t the monster on the screen, it’s society’s ongoing misunderstanding of mental health. This is essential reading for horror lovers, psychology students, and anyone curious about how fear and empathy intertwine.
“The most consistent theme across films would likely be a fear of death…I suspect that a lot of people get uncomfortable even dipping their toe in the dark, icy cold waters of death, let alone diving in headfirst.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
About the Author
Brian A. Sharpless is a licensed psychologist, researcher, and author whose work focuses on unusual psychological disorders, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and the history and philosophy of clinical psychology. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. in Philosophy from Pennsylvania State University, and completed post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania.
*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for the gift copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
‘The Secret of Secrets’ is the new Robert Langdon novel by Dan Brown. Photo: Barnes & Noble
The Enduring Appeal of Dan Brown
Dan Brown has captivated readers worldwide with his fast-paced thrillers that blend history, art, religion, and science into gripping mysteries. Best known for The Da Vinci Code, Brown’s novels often follow Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels ancient secrets hidden in modern settings. His works combine real-world landmarks, historical puzzles, and high-stakes suspense that keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Over the years, Brown’s books have sparked debate, inspired travel to iconic sites, and drawn in both casual and dedicated readers—proving his enduring talent for making history feel urgent and thrilling.
The world’s most celebrated thriller writer and author of The Da Vinci Code returns with his most stunning novel yet—a propulsive, twisty, thought-provoking masterpiece that will entertain readers as only Dan Brown can do. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon—a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a relationship. Katherine is on the verge of publishing an explosive book that contains startling discoveries about the nature of human consciousness and threatens to disrupt centuries of established belief.
But a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, and Katherine suddenly disappears along with her manuscript. Langdon finds himself targeted by a powerful organization and hunted by a chilling assailant sprung from Prague’s most ancient mythology.
As the plot expands into London and New York, Langdon desperately searches for Katherine and for answers. In a thrilling race through the dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore, he uncovers a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.
About the Author
Dan Brown is the author of eight #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the bestselling books of all time, as well as Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, and Angels & Demons. His thrillers have captivated readers worldwide and been the subject of intellectual debate and speculation.
He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book Wild Symphony. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages internationally, with over 250 million copies in print.
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein will have a limited theater release starting October 17. Photo: TV Insider
Frankenstein: From Mary Shelley’s Gothic Classic to Guillermo del Toro’s New Film
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is an 1818 Gothic novel written by English author Mary Shelley. At just 18 years old, Shelley began the story that would become one of the most enduring works of literature. The first edition was published anonymously in London in 1818 when she was only 20, with her name appearing for the first time in the second edition, published in Paris in 1821.
The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature through an unorthodox experiment—assembling it from different body parts. What begins as an ambitious pursuit of knowledge quickly becomes a haunting tale of responsibility, isolation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. (Wikipedia/Barnes & Noble, 2025)
The Lasting Appeal of Frankenstein
For over two centuries, readers have been captivated by the dark atmosphere and moral questions at the heart of Shelley’s masterpiece. Themes of creator vs. creation, knowledge vs. consequence, and the search for humanity make Frankenstein a timeless story.
Its influence spans both Gothic and science fiction traditions, inspiring countless adaptations—from early silent films to Universal’s iconic monster movies, and modern reimaginings that explore empathy, fear, and morality in new ways.
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025)
The fascination with Frankenstein continues today with acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation. His 2025 American Gothic science fiction film is based directly on Mary Shelley’s original novel and features a star-studded cast:
Oscar Isaac
Jacob Elordi
Mia Goth
Felix Kammerer
Lars Mikkelsen
David Bradley
Lauren Collins
Charles Dance
Christoph Waltz
The film had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025. It is set for a limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025, followed by a global Netflix release on November 7, 2025. (IMDb, 2025)
A Tale That Endures
At its core, Frankenstein is the story of a brilliant but egotistical scientist who dares to play God—only to unleash a tragic chain of events. The novel’s haunting exploration of ambition and its consequences continues to resonate, making it as relevant in 2025 as it was in 1818.
With del Toro’s highly anticipated adaptation, a new generation of audiences will experience the enduring power of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece—proof that Frankenstein is far more than just a monster story.
‘Civil Living’ by Pete Wiley: why true civility begins within. Photo: Pete Wiley, used with permission.
Book Review: Civil Living by Pete Wiley
Finding Civility in Society, in Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves
Synopsis
From global conflicts to political shouting matches, it’s easy to believe the world is becoming less civil. But real change begins at the individual level.
Drawing on timeless human values and grounded insight, Civil Living explores how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love form the foundation of civil behavior—not just in society, but within ourselves. Through thoughtful reflection and practical guidance, this book shows how personal transformation can ripple outward to foster healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more compassionate world. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
Civil Living is part of the Blocks of Lifeseries, which includes:
Blocks of Life
Blocks of Life Volume 2: Know Yourself
Blocks of Life Volume 3: Embracing Change
Life Tides: Understanding Your Ebb and Flow (Blocks of Life)
Civil Living: Finding Civility in Society, in Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves
What’s Inside
Divisions – Finding A Way Back From The Brink
The State of Humanity – To Evolve Or Not To Evolve
How to Be Friendly in a Divisive World – And Why
Forces of Evil – Why Bad Things Happen
Getting Past the Ideal – To The Heart Of Who People Are
And More…
Highlights
How to Be Friendly in a Divisive World (And Why) – Wiley explains that we should strive to be friendly to people who are unfriendly to us—because that’s the only way we move forward. Plus, friendliness boosts inner peace, improves health, and simply feels good.
“Because friendliness is directly tied to inner peace and serenity, it is natural to work toward these with mindfulness practices, which also have a host of other benefits.”
The Fluidity of Friendship – The Evolving Nature of Our Connections – We all change over time, so we should remain open to growth in ourselves and others.
“Our friendships are like floating down a river: we experience twists and turns and encounter tumultuous areas, but ultimately, the ride is worth it.”
About The Author
Pete Wiley takes advantage of his varied interests and experiences to learn about people and how they behave, interact, and grow. He applies these insights to creating Blocks of Life books, poetry, videos, music, and a blog, and interacting with his audience. He lives in Maryland with his wife and son.
Review
In Civil Living, Pete Wiley offers a refreshing and timely reminder that true civility begins within. Instead of presenting rigid rules or superficial politeness, Wiley encourages readers to look inward and explore how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love shape how we interact with the world. His central principle, that personal growth is inseparable from building a compassionate society, is inspiring and practical.
Wiley provides tangible steps to translate insights into daily action. Whether it’s cultivating healthier relationships, contributing to stronger communities, or simply practicing patience in small exchanges, the book illustrates how inner transformation leads to outward impact.
His writing style is relaxed and conversational, making complex ideas approachable without losing depth. With short, focused chapters, the book blends philosophy, personal anecdotes, and practical wisdom into a helpful guide for improving civility.
In a world where division and incivility dominate headlines, Civil Living stands as a guide and a gentle call to action. By nurturing our inner selves, we lay the foundation for a more compassionate and connected society.
Recommended for readers of self-improvement, personal growth, and mental wellness.
“While we have seen gains in some areas, there have not been coinciding advances in critical aspects of human nature, such as wisdom and compassion. Without these, we are seriously at risk.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*Thank you to Pete Wiley for the gifted copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all opinions expressed here are my own
‘Forgotten’ by Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials
What do forgotten ruins, abandoned mosques, and erased memorials tell us about a people and their history? In his newest work, Raja Shehadeh, alongside Penny Johnson, takes readers on a journey through Palestine’s hidden past and contested memory.
Palestinian human-rights lawyer, activist, and acclaimed author Raja Shehadehreturns with a new work that is both poignant and necessary.Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials(co-authored with Penny Johnson) is a profound meditation on memory, loss, and the preservation of Palestinian heritage. The book releases on September 30 and is available now for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)
Uncovering the Forgotten Corners of Palestine
In Forgotten, Shehadeh explores hidden or neglected memorials and places across historic Palestine—now Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. From ancient ruins to sacred sites like the Nabi ‘Ukkasha mosque and tomb, each chapter reveals what these places might tell us about the land and the people who live between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.
With Johnson by his side, Shehadeh poses urgent questions: What has been memorialized? What has been left abandoned or erased—and why?
Memory, Erasure, and Resistance
Whether standing on a cliff overlooking Lebanon or at the Dead Sea—the lowest land-based elevation on earth—the authors trace the fragile threads of memory in a fragmented landscape.
In elegiac, elegant prose, they confront the complexities of commemoration: Israel’s resistance to acknowledging the Nakba, and the evolving ways Palestinians remember—or are prevented from remembering—their own history.
Ultimately, Forgotten reminds us that remembering is not a passive act. It is resistance.
Recognition and Praise
Publishers Weekly: Longlisted in Fall 2025 Fiction & Nonfiction Preview Titles: History
The New Statesman: Book of the Day selection
The New Statesman: Named one of the Best Books of 2025 So Far
✨ Forgotten is more than history—it is an act of remembrance, defiance, and storytelling. If you’re interested in exploring how memory shapes identity and belonging, this book deserves a place on your shelf.
📚 Pre-order your copy today and join the conversation on what it means to remember—and resist.
Advance Praise for Forgotten:
“Shehadeh and Johnson, a married couple based in Ramallah, began the book as a way to explore the landscape during the pandemic. The resulting work, Forgotten, is a heartbreaking, hopeful look at how Palestinian culture endures in spite of the occupation and the Israeli government’s attempts to remove all traces of it from the land that they ‘share unequally.'” —THE IRISH TIMES
“In this journey through Palestine, married couple Shehadeh and Johnson explore the careless treatment and outright destruction of the region’s Muslim memorials and historical sites. One of the more complex realities they grapple with is not just Israel’s hand in erasing this history, but Palestine’s own role.” —THE NEW STATESMAN
SA Examiner 