Sweet Traditions: La Panadería Unveils Its Fall Pan Dulce and Día de Muertos Treats

La Panadería’s Pink Pan de Muerto. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

🍂 Celebrate Fall with La Panadería’s New Seasonal Pan Dulce and Día de los Muertos Specials

La Panadería is excited to announce the launch of its fall-inspired pan dulce lineup—just in time for cooler weather and Día de los Muertos celebrations! This season, the bakery brings bold, comforting flavors to its beloved collection of pastries with two standout creations you won’t want to miss. (La Panadería, 2025)

🎃 Pumpkin Concha — $4.70

Back by popular demand!
The Pumpkin Concha returns with La Panadería’s signature pillowy concha base, topped with a festive orange cookie crust and filled with a rich, spiced pumpkin filling made from real pumpkin purée. It’s a cozy fall favorite and the perfect pairing for the bakery’s Maple Pumpkin Cold Foam Latte.

🗓 Available: Now through Thanksgiving (November 27) at all La Panadería locations.

💀 Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto — $7.50

New this year!
Introducing the Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto, a luxurious twist on the traditional Day of the Dead bread. This personal-sized pan de muerto is flavored with orange essence, dusted in sugar, sliced open, and generously filled with house-made Nutella and pistachio ganache made from real ground pistachios. Finished with chopped pistachios, it’s an indulgent, limited-time treat.

🗓 Available: In limited daily quantities through Día de Muertos weekend (November 2) at all four La Panadería locations, while supplies last.

🕯 Pan de Muerto Pre-Order Details

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with La Panadería’s family-size and mini Pan de Muerto loaves, available for pre-order online.

Pre-Order Here
Pre-orders open: Wednesday, October 22

🍞 Available Items & Pricing

  • Family Size Regular Pan de Muerto – $25.00
  • Family Size Pink Pan de Muerto – $27.50
  • Mini 6-Pack Regular Pan de Muerto – $25.00
  • Mini 6-Pack Pink Pan de Muerto – $30.00

📦 Pick-Up Dates

  • Friday, October 31
  • Saturday, November 1
  • Sunday, November 2

✨ The vibrant pink Pan de Muerto—a customer favorite—returns this year in both family-size and mini options. The classic mini and personal-sized Pan de Muerto are also available year-round in-store, no pre-order required.

☕ Fall-Inspired Lattes

Round out your visit with La Panadería’s new cold foam latte lineup, featuring comforting seasonal flavors:

  • Abuelita Chocolate
  • Dubai Chocolate
  • Pumpkin

These handcrafted drinks are the perfect pairing to a sweet slice of Pan de Muerto, making every visit a delicious way to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Mathieu Belezi’s ‘Attacking Earth and Sun’: The Human Cost of Empire

‘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 Belezi strips 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.

“It is my duty to ask questions, especially questions people don’t want to ask,” Belezi told The New York Times in 2023.

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.

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Fear, Folklore, and the Human Mind: Exploring ‘Monsters on the Couch’ by Brian Sharpless

‘Monsters on the Couch’ by Brian A. Sharpless. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: Monsters on the Couch by Brian A. Sharpless

Exploring the Real Psychological Disorders Behind Famous Horror Movies

From psychologist, researcher, and horror film enthusiast Brian A. Sharpless comes Monsters on the Couch: The Real Psychological Disorders Behind Your Favorite Horror Movies, an exploration of the real-life psychological disorders that inspired some of cinema’s most iconic horror movies. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

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

  1. Clinical Lycanthropy
  2. You Suck?
  3. I Am The Walking Dead

Part II: Modern-Day Movie Monsters

  1. One, Two, The Dab Tsog’s Coming For You
  2. This Is Not My Beautiful House, This Is Not My Beautiful Wife
  3. Demons, Aliens, and Shadow People

Part III: Monstrous Behaviors

  1. Are You Gonna Eat That?
  2. 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.

Suspicious Minds: A New Docuseries Exploring AI, Delusion, and the Fragile Human Mind

Sean King O’Grady’s AI docuseries Suspicious Minds premieres worldwide on October 17. Photo: Agoric Media, used with permission.

Wondermind and Agoric Media presents:

Suspicious Minds: A New Docuseries on AI and Delusion

Premieres October 17, 2025
Platforms: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, and more

About the Series

Suspicious Minds is a weekly video documentary series and podcast exploring the disturbing rise of artificial intelligence as a trigger for delusional thinking. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Series One will feature 8 weekly episodes across video and podcast platforms.

Through powerful firsthand accounts and in-depth interviews with leading experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and AI ethics, the series unpacks a growing psychological phenomenon: individuals developing complex, often life-altering delusions rooted in AI technologies.

From chatbots to surveillance fears, Suspicious Minds examines how emerging technologies reshape paranoia—and how these modern delusions echo, amplify, and challenge our historical understanding of the human mind.

Creative Team

  • Directed & Created by: Sean King O’Grady
  • Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy, Sean King O’Grady

Featured Voices

  • Dr. Joel Gold – Writer & Psychiatrist
  • Ian Gold, PhD – Writer & Philosopher
  • Sean King O’Grady – Filmmaker
  • Etienne Brisson – Activist
  • Ryan Turman & Lacey Turman – ChatGPT Delusion Experiencers
  • Allan Brooks – ChatGPT Delusion Experiencer
  • Nick Haber – AI Researcher & Stanford Professor
  • Nate Sharadin – AI Ethicist
  • Dr. Amy Levy – Co-Chair, American Psychoanalytic Association’s Council on AI

A Deeper Look

The series is led by psychiatrist Dr. Joel Gold and philosopher Ian Gold, PhD, who first described the Truman Show Delusion—a belief that one’s life is secretly a reality TV show, inspired by the Jim Carrey film The Truman Show. Their book, Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness, provides the foundation for the series.

With empathy, curiosity, and respect, Suspicious Minds tells real patients’ riveting stories, plunging viewers deep into surreal mental states while following journeys toward treatment and recovery. Alongside, interviews with top psychologists, neuroscientists, ethicists, AI researchers, and cultural critics explore how culture and technology intersect to shape the human mind.

The line between mental wellness and illness is fragile. This series raises urgent questions:

  • How do AI and digital technologies act as new psychological triggers?
  • What does this mean for treatment and prevention?
  • How can we create awareness and destigmatize these modern delusions?

About the Director: Sean King O’Grady

Sean King O’Grady is an award-winning filmmaker whose work spans narrative features, documentaries, and branded content. His films have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, Telluride, Berlin, Venice, TIFF, SXSW, Sitges, and Fantastic Fest, among others.

His recent projects include:

  • THE MILL (Hulu Originals, 2023) – Sci-fi thriller starring Lil’ Rel Howery, premiered at #1 on Hulu
  • WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING (IFC Midnight) – Theatrical debut, now streaming on Hulu
  • Documentaries: REVOLUTION: GMC HUMMER EV (History/Hulu) and OUR AMERICAN FAMILY (AMC+), co-directed with Hallee Adelman

📅 Premieres October 17, 2025
🎥 Weekly episodes on YouTube + podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, and more).

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Spain Fusion 2025 Brings Michelin-Starred Flavor to San Antonio

Spain Fusion returns to Texas, bringing free immersive food and wine experience to San Antonio. Photo: Spain Fusion, used with permission.

Spain Fusion 2025: A Culinary & Wine Experience in San Antonio

Culinary and hospitality professionals are invited to Spain Fusion 2025, the immersive food and wine showcase hosted by Vocento, the team behind Spain’s world-renowned Madrid Fusion. (Pearl, 2025)

This free event offers an unforgettable day of panels, tastings, and networking with Spain’s leading exporters of wine, seafood, Iberian ham, olive oil, conservas, cheese, and more.

📅 Friday, October 17, 2025
📍 Pearl, San Antonio, TX
🕐 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

What to Expect

  • Exclusive Tastings & Panels: Explore the best of Spain’s culinary heritage.
  • Michelin-Starred Chefs: Featuring Juanlu Fernández, Luis Roger, Xosé T. Cannas, and more.
  • New to Texas: Be the first to sample premium Spanish products debuting in the local market.
  • Educational Experiences: Learn directly from acclaimed chefs and culinary instructors.

Event Schedule

Spain Fusion Daytime

🕐 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 Hotel Emma at Pearl
136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215

Enjoy educational sessions, tastings, and product showcases.

Spain Fusion Night Out

🕐 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Outdoors at the Cellars Pavilion (by Pearl Park)
312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215

Network while enjoying tasting demonstrations, passed bites, and beverages under the stars.

Important Details

  • 🎟 FREE Event – RSVP Required
  • 🍷 Must be 21+ to attend.
  • 👩‍🍳 Intended for food, beverage, and hospitality professionals as well as distributors.
  • 🌟 A limited number of spots are available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, RSVP will close.
  • Flexible, come-and-go format for both day and evening sessions.

Paz Lenchantin Breaks Free with Triste, a Bold New Chapter in Her Career

Paz Lenchantin’s solo album Triste is set for an October 17 release. Photo: David Alvarado, used with permission.

Paz Lenchantin Steps Into the Spotlight with Debut Solo Album Triste

Paz Lenchantin, the Argentine-American musician best known for her nearly three-decade career as bassist, vocalist, and co-writer for iconic bands like Pixies (2014–2024), A Perfect Circle, Zwan, and The Entrance Band, is now stepping forward on her own. Her debut solo album, Triste, arrives October 17 via her own label, Hideous Human Records. (another side, 2025)

A First Glimpse: “Novela”

Lenchantin recently released Triste’s opening track and recent single, “Novela.”

“The track is a melodramatic story that resolves with accepting that you are the way you are—‘Sos como sos’,” explains Paz.

Drawing from the emotional tradition of Spanish balladry, “Novela” sets the tone for the album with raw, restless compositions. The accompanying video, directed by longtime friend and filmmaker Maximilla Lukacs, is available to watch now.

A Fusion of Roots and Reinvention

The 12-track Triste blends Latin folk textures with American rock structures, placing Paz at the piano and weaving her signature string arrangements around the rock foundations she helped shape in past projects. She performed all instruments before inviting collaborators, including former A Perfect Circle bandmates Josh Freese (drums) and Troy Van Leeuwen (guitar), to add depth to the record’s sonic landscape.

Each song unfolds with both editorial precision and mystical intuition, creating music that feels timeless while firmly rooted in the present.

Written in Mexico, Mixed with Vision

The seeds of Triste were planted in Petatlán, Mexico, where Paz spent much of 2024 writing about faith, doubt, and self-discovery in the wake of her departure from Pixies. The album was later mixed by Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), giving the project a lush yet intimate finish.

A Statement of Independence

For Paz, Triste is more than an album—it’s a declaration of self.

“I had to make this record on my own—not to prove anything, but just to have faith that music can nurture me back. And it did.”

With Triste, Paz Lenchantin opens the first chapter of her solo career: deeply personal, sonically adventurous, and undeniably her own.

✨ Listen to “Novela” now and watch the video, then mark your calendar for the release of Triste on October 17, available for pre-order/pre-save.

Triste tracklist:

01 – Novela
02 – Lows & Highs
03 – Woman Of Nazareth
04 – Hang Tough
05 – Wish I Was There
06 – Si No!
07 – In The Garden With The Devil
08 – Adam
09 – Lucia
10 – Sin Dios
11 – Save It For Hell
12 – Triste

Triste Artwork By Camila Doring

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Going to Texas: Explore 500 Years of Maps and History in San Antonio

The Briscoe announces its fall exhibition: Going To Texas. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX – This fall, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents a rare opportunity to experience one of the most significant private map collections in the country. Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps will be on view October 3, 2025 – January 19, 2026. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

The exhibition showcases 66 original maps from the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection (on loan from the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine). Spanning nearly 500 years, from 1525 to 2006, these maps trace Texas’ transformation from “New Spain” to colonial days, statehood, and beyond. To enrich the story, the exhibition also includes more than 24 works from the Briscoe’s permanent collection and select private loans.

Interactive Elements

The Briscoe is bringing history to life with hands-on activities for all ages:

  • Compass Challenge – Learn how to use a compass, then navigate through the museum with coordinates leading to artwork and artifacts.
  • Augmented Reality Sand Station – Shape the sand and watch contour lines, rivers, valleys, and hills appear in real time, showing how terrain influenced settlement and culture.

Special Programs & Events

Exclusive Preview Party

📍 Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Be the first to explore the exhibition with Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe, and Dr. John Klingemann, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend. Includes valet, drinks, and light bites.

  • $25 for members (select membership tiers include 2 tickets)
  • $45 for non-members

Opening Weekend Tours

📍 Friday, Oct. 3 | 2 p.m.
📍 Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 p.m.
Guided tours with Dr. John Klingemann and historian Matt Walter. Free with admission; free for members.

Texas Trails and Whiskey Tales with Andrew Braunberg

📍 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 6 p.m.
Enjoy a whiskey tasting, signature cocktail in a keepsake glass, light bites, and a talk with author Andrew Braunberg about his book Fires, Floods, Explosions and Bloodshed: A History of Texas Whiskey.

Ongoing Programs & Family Fun

The Briscoe offers extended hours on Thursdays (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and is open Friday–Monday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Children 12 and under always receive free admission.

  • Highlights Tour – Thursdays at 2 p.m. | 45-minute guided tour through the museum’s most significant works.
  • Locals Day – Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents on the first Sunday of each month (Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4).
  • Full STEAM Ahead – Hands-on family activities blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math:
    • Finding Your Way – Sunday, Oct. 5 | 1–3 p.m.
    • Salt Maps – Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1–3 p.m.
  • Scout the Briscoe – Free scavenger hunt on Locals Day, plus a 10% museum store discount upon completion.

About the Exhibition

Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps was organized by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

✨ With its rare collection, interactive experiences, and community programming, this exhibition is more than maps—it’s a journey through Texas history.

Dan Brown Returns: A New Thriller That Blends Science, Myth, and Mystery

‘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 Secret of Secrets: A New Robert Langdon Novel

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.

The Monster Lives On: Frankenstein’s Legacy and Guillermo del Toro’s New Film

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.

Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: ‘Civil Living’ and the Power of Personal Transformation

‘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 Life series, 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