Tag: books

From Bellechester to London: A Heartfelt Tale of Purpose and Passing the Torch

‘The Doctor of Bellechester’ is Book 1 in the Dr. M.E. Senty series by Margaret A. Blenkush

Margaret A. Blenkush is a lifelong learner who earned an M.A. in Theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN, and an M.L.I.S. from UW-Milwaukee. Suffering a life-changing illness in 2005, she received a medical retirement from her dream job. Always a Benedictine in her heart, she became an Oblate of St. Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN in 2010. A Minnesota twin by birth, she enjoys retirement, gardening, volunteering, sudoku puzzles, hot fudge sundaes, and the changing seasons. She shares her childhood home with her nephew and two pet rabbits.

Her debut novel “The Doctor of Bellechester” is Book 1 of 2 in the Dr. M.E. Senty series.

“The Doctor of Bellechester” – Dr. Harold Merton, the kind and caring General Practitioner (GP) for the village of Bellechester, is worried because a near-fatal case of pneumonia last winter has made him think about the future. If something happened to him, who would take over his practice? Rarely leaving his beloved home in the Shropshire Hills, Harold courageously ventures into 1959 London to find a junior doctor to mentor and who will one day take his place. With the aid of his classmate, Dr. Basil Applegate, who is now Director of Junior Doctors, Harold hatches a plan to discover the most suitable candidate. What could possibly go wrong?

Upon his arrival in London, Harold meets a self-assured, young American woman, Emme. Her act of kindness sets off a chain of events that interweaves their lives in a way neither expected. Hidden identities and unexpected changes to plans lead to three memorable days for both Harold and Emme.

Review:
This is a women’s fiction story that captures the heart and soul of medicine in post-war Britain. Set in 1959, the story follows Dr. Harold Merton, a seasoned country physician from the fictional village of Bellechester, who journeys to bustling London’s Mother of Mercy Hospital in search of a junior doctor to mentor—someone who will carry forward his legacy of compassion, dedication, and community care.

It takes place in the span of three days and begins as Dr. arrives at the hospital on a hot summer day and is overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the big city. Frozen with doubt, a young woman (who turns out to be Emme), approaches him offering help. They get to know each other and that fateful encounter will change both of their lives forever.

Dr. Merton is a character of deep integrity, and his mission is not just professional, but deeply personal. Through his search, readers are introduced to a range of young doctors, each reflecting the shifting ideals and ambitions of a new generation. Authoritative yet tender, the prose evokes a bygone era with authenticity, capturing the emotional weight of mentorship, the quiet dignity of service, and the timeless value of human connection in healthcare. It stresses the frustrating attitude towards women in medicine in the 1950s.

The narrative is dialogue driven and the action develops at a comfortable pace to allow Dr. Merton to get to know Emme. With vivid language, the settings comes to life: “He knew he should move, but the soles of his shoes seemed to have melted into the sidewalk and the hypnotic doors had put him in a daze.” The characters are well-developed and relatable while the different medical personalities reflect how varied their reasons are for entering the medical profession. It explores the themes of friendship, identity, compassion, and courage.

Overall, “The Doctor of Bellechester” is a tribute to country doctors and a reflection on legacy, vocation, and the healing power of mentorship. It’s a moving, memorable read and recommended for readers drawn to stories of purpose and humanity. Since it’s a quick and cozy read, it’s suitable for book clubs or classroom teaching and includes discussion questions at the end.

“As if she needed encouragement for what lay ahead, the cardinals and the robins voiced their support in song. Their messages of merriment and hopefulness were impossible to miss.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Cost of Conscience: Exploring Justice and Corruption in ‘The Middleman’

‘The Middleman’ is Mike Papantonio’s new thought-provoking legal thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble

“The Middleman” by Mike Papantonio is a gripping legal thriller that explores the high-stakes world of whistleblowers, corruption, and corporate greed. Drawing heavily from real-world headlines, the novel weaves a fast-paced narrative that’s as timely as it is thrilling. Papantonio, a renowned trial lawyer, uses his insider knowledge of the justice system to craft a story that feels disturbingly authentic.

The plot centers around Amy Redmond, the president of EirePharma, the Redmond family business and a powerful Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). EirePharma was recently taken over by the charismatic CEO Connor Devlin who she suspects of using racketeering practices—and perhaps murder—to raise the prices of insulin for his own profit that ultimately harms consumers.

Amy is engaged to Connor but she tentatively decides to become a whistleblower as she tries to gather evidence to make sure Connor pays for his crimes. Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis and his law firm have a reputation for taking on America’s Big Pharma, so when Deke’s college friend and Amy’s cousin Matt Redmond presents him with a case of possible fraud, he agrees to investigate the matter. Amy is caught in the middle of a deadly game of wills between a formidable gangster, who in the eyes of the public is a respected businessman, and a law firm that is determined to investigate and uncover Connor’s crimes.

As the stakes rise, the characters are drawn into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, where truth comes at a steep price. Murder, manipulation, and lies blur the lines between right and wrong, keeping readers on edge until the final page. The narration is non-linear, providing the necessary character development to make them relatable. There is not much court drama and the language doesn’t include too much legal terminology; instead, it focuses on the intense relationship between Amy and Connor, as Amy tries to gather the necessary evidence to convict him and Connor’s use of mobster-like tactics to preserve his way of life. Papantonio doesn’t just tell a story—he delivers a wake-up call about the consequences of unchecked power and the courage it takes to stand against it.

Overall, “The Middleman” is a suspenseful blend of mystery and moral urgency. By exploring the themes of family, friendship, justice, and good vs. evil, it creates a compelling and thought-provoking story. With sharp dialogue and a plot full of twists, this book is recommended for fans of John Grisham or anyone intrigued by the dark intersections of law, politics, and corporate influence.

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Related post: Mike Papantonio’s ‘The Middleman’: A Legal Thriller That Hits Close to Home

The Price of Belonging: Exploring Selfhood in the Digital Age

‘Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age’ is the new book by Vauhini Vara. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Books that explore the human condition in the digital age offer profound insight into how technology reshapes identity, connection, and meaning. Some examine AI’s emotional entanglement with humans, blurring the lines between empathy and programming, while others critique our obsession with surveillance and digital transparency. These narratives question what it means to be human when algorithms influence choices, relationships, and self-worth. As artificial intelligence grows more integrated into daily life, literature becomes a crucial mirror, reflecting both our fears and hopes for the future.

New this month, from the author of “The Immortal King Rao,”finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, is “Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age,” a personal exploration of how technology companies have both fulfilled and exploited the human desire for understanding and connection. (Penguin Random House, 2025)

“Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age” by Vauhini Vara

When it was released to the public in November 2022, ChatGPT awakened the world to a secretive project: teaching AI-powered machines to write. Its creators had a sweeping ambition—to build machines that could not only communicate, but could do all kinds of other activities, better than humans ever could. But was this goal actually achievable? And if reached, would it lead to our liberation or our subjugation?

Vauhini Vara, an award-winning tech journalist and editor, had long been grappling with these questions. In 2021, she asked a predecessor of ChatGPT to write about her sister’s death, resulting in an essay that was both more moving and more disturbing than she could have imagined. It quickly went viral.

The experience, revealing both the power and the danger of corporate-owned technologies, forced Vara to interrogate how these technologies have influenced her understanding of her self and the world around her, from discovering online chat rooms as a preteen, to using social media as the Wall Street Journal’s first Facebook reporter, to asking ChatGPT for writing advice—while compelling her to add to the trove of human-created material exploited for corporations’ financial gain.

Interspersed throughout this investigation are her own Google searches, Amazon reviews, and the other raw material of internet life—including the viral AI experiment that started it all. “Searches” illuminates how technological capitalism is both shaping and exploiting human existence, while proposing that by harnessing the collective creativity that makes humans unique, we might imagine a freer, more empowered relationship with our machines and, ultimately, with one another.

Vauhini Vara has been a reporter and editor for The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and the New York Times Magazine, and is the prize-winning author of “The Immortal King Rao” and“This is Salvaged.”

“Vara humanizes the influence of technology in highly personal terms [and] projects what the future holds as tech oligarchs gain political influence. . . . Provocative, challenging, and concerning, Vara’s clever, eye-opening approach brings home the often uneasy confluence of individual desire, social benefits, and corporate ambition.”—Booklist, starred review

“Tragic, funny, and relatable[, SEARCHES] is by turns absurd and insightful, engaging with the ethics of algorithms, surveillance, and privacy in a meaningful way. . . . A must read.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Readers will be profoundly moved by this remarkable meditation.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

‘The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce’: The Sweetest Children’s Book You’ll Read This Year

‘The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce’ by Monica R. Velasquez teaches children the virtue of patience and sweet rewards. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Monica R Velasquez is a bilingual kindergarten teacher and children’s books author. Writing is her passion because it allows her to share her culture with others. “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce,” her first book, is about a little girl anxiously counting the days until Sunday when she and her family eat sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day as she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.”

“The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” – This is a rhyming book for children and children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life. Sweet bread is something that many people enjoy around the family table with a cup of coffee. Some wait to eat the “pan dulce” at the end of the week when everyone can gather around, enjoy each other’s company, and eat delicious, sweet bread.

A charming and heartwarming children’s book, it vividly captures the beauty of anticipation and family tradition. It follows a little girl as she counts down the days of the week, eagerly awaiting Sunday—her family’s special day to buy pan dulce, or sweet bread.

Velasquez skillfully weaves a simple yet engaging narrative that highlights the joy of a weekly ritual and teaches young readers the concept of patience and the comfort of routine. Each day is thoughtfully described, showing how she struggles through each, all while dreaming of her favorite treats. The colorful and inviting illustrations by Natasha Bolonna add warmth and charm to every page, perfectly capturing the coziness of the little girl’s world.

Overall, “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” is a wonderful introduction to the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine and the small joys of family rituals. It’s relatable, rhythmic, and sweet—just like the pan dulce it celebrates. Ideal for preschoolers and early readers, it’s a delightful read-aloud that encourages children to find magic in the everyday.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Also by Monica R. Velasquez: “Sana, Sana, Frog’s Butt.”

Psychedelics Reimagined: What ‘Your Extraordinary Mind’ Reveals About 21st Century Healing

‘Your Extraordinary Mind’ is the debut book by Zach Leary, a longtime psychedelic advocate and cultural figure. Photo: Sounds True

Psychedelics have gained increasing appeal for therapeutic use due to their potential to catalyze profound psychological healing. Substances like psilocybin and MDMA are being studied for their ability to treat depression, PTSD, and anxiety by promoting emotional breakthroughs and deep introspection. Unlike traditional medications that often suppress symptoms, psychedelics help users confront and process difficult experiences with enhanced clarity and compassion, especially when guided by trained therapists. The allure lies in their promise of transformation—unlocking new perspectives, relieving long-held emotional burdens, and fostering a sense of connection, meaning, and renewal that many find missing in conventional mental health treatments.

Zach Leary has been at the center of the psychedelic movement for more than 30 years, with a front-row seat for the modern renaissance while having firsthand knowledge of the historical legacy. As a session facilitator, integration coach, and seeker of all things mystical, Zach also teaches psychedelic studies. Zach formerly hosted the MAPS Podcast with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and is a facilitator at Illuminating Heroes, serving veterans and first responders. His debut book “Your Extraordinary Mind: Psychedelics in the 21st Century and How to Use Them” is a dynamic deep dive into the revolutionary, mystical, and sometimes unpredictable world of psychedelics. It will be released on April 29 and is available now for pre-order. (Sounds True, 2025)

“Your Extraordinary Mind: Psychedelics in the 21st Century and How to Use Them” – More than 30 million people in the United States have used psychedelics―and the number is rapidly rising as practices like psychedelic-assisted therapy grow in popularity and an increasing number of places legalize or decriminalize these substances. But even as interest skyrockets, most people have little idea how to use psychedelics safely, let alone integrate these profound experiences into their everyday lives. Psychedelic researcher and advocate Zach Leary offers a necessary overview of psychedelics today―particularly LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca―including what they are, how to use them safely, and crucially, how to integrate mind- and spirit-altering experiences into the rest of our lives.

Leary, the son of psychedelic pioneer Timothy Leary, has a unique perspective on not only where psychedelics have been but also where they’re going. He offers context on both the cultural history and present interest, while acknowledging and honoring the Indigenous roots of many of these traditions.

The book discusses:

• Instructions for intention, use, and integration
• How psychedelics can support trauma healing
• An overview of the current legal landscape and future questions
• How psychedelics can support addiction recovery
• How to work with psychedelics for spiritual growth

 “Some say the psychedelic experience is too vast and unconventional to be reduced into language that can affect its daily relationship with consciousness. I subscribe to the idea that the psychedelic experience can be weaved into one’s heart, soul, healing, and thus, daily living practice. I believe we can distill the mind-blowing, previously indescribable psychedelic experience into a focused spiritual method that can help people in their daily lives.” – Zach Leary

Part autobiography, part how-to guide, and part commentary on the recent rise in popularity of psychedelics, “Your Extraordinary Mind” has a unique perspective on not only where psychedelics have been but also where they’re going. In addition to instructions for intention, use, and integration, Leary addresses topics like healing trauma, psychological and spiritual experiences, questions of legalization, and how psychedelics relate to and can help people heal from addiction. It offers wisdom that is both practical and profound.

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Cyberpunk Noir at Its Best: A Review of ‘Two Truths and a Lie’

‘Two Truths and a Lie’ by Cory O’Brien. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Orr Vue is an aging combat-drone veteran who lives in a mostly underwater near-future Los Angeles, where information is the most valuable currency. He makes a living as a Fact Checker for InfoDrip and sells snippets of information on the side. As he’s going through data files, he finds one about Thomas Mahoney, CEO of InfoDrip, who has been found dead. He needs the money, so he’s willing to sell it but must find a broker willing to buy the Rumor off of him. The police show up at his place and want to question him but he is able to evade them.

Everyone has implants on their brains that allow them to chat with other people. When he gets a chat request from Auggie Wolf, an old boyfriend who has been arrested for murder and needs him to bail him out, he can’t help but get involved. He goes to the police station and talks to Detective Mar Coldwin who tells him that Auggie is the prime subject because he has no alibi, he was in the area at the time of the murder, and he knew Thomas Mahoney personally.

Now that he is officially investigating Mahoney’s death, Orr takes his illegal horde of drones out of retirement alongside his busted knees. He has to deal with the militarized police, a family of megarich corporate heirs, a clan of emancipated AIs, and a cult. Staying alive is just the tip of the iceberg, and with every clue he collects, he comes to realize that this is not just any murder, but a conspiracy that threatens Auggie’s very existence. In a world where memories can be bought and sold, can you honestly know who anyone is—or what you yourself are capable of?

Cory O’Brien’s “Two Truths and a Lie” is a thrilling exploration of a drowned Los Angeles where memories are commodities and identity is as fluid as the floodwaters. In this richly imagined blend of noir and cyberpunk, O’Brien introduces readers to Orr Vue, an unforgettable investigator—gritty, sharp-witted, and haunted by a past that he barely remembers. The story unfolds with the sharp pacing of a classic detective tale, but with a futuristic twist: memories can be edited, stolen, or sold, making truth a slippery concept. After Orr takes a taxi, he tips the driver with a memory: “….I tipped him the memory of a good breakfast for his trouble.”

More than a mystery novel, it’s also an insightful view into the human condition. Amidst the high-tech corruption and existential questions, O’Brien gives us a human story about trust, trauma, and the lengths we go to protect what matters. The narration is in the first person point of view through Orr’s perspective and it’s divided into Submissions instead of chapters. It’s a submission to a checker to verify the facts and contains his memories and everything else he remembers about the case.

The writing is smart, cinematic, and layered with moments of dark humor and poignant introspection. “She sat in an ornately carved dining chair with her fists balled tightly on the tabletop, unwilling to allow even the dead skin cells from her palms to escape her grasp.” Each twist challenges not only the characters’ sense of self but also the reader’s understanding of reality. It explores the themes of identity, love, redemption, and justice.

Overall, “Two Truths and a Lie” is an action filled mystery and a philosophical exploration of identity in a world where even your own memories might lie to you. It’s a must-read for fans of noir, cyberpunk, and thought-provoking speculative fiction and those who appreciate the works of Raymond Chandler.

“I was furious at Auggie. For leaving all those years ago, for asking me to kill him now, for even being here, in this place, where he had no business sacrificing his beautiful mind. I didn’t hate him, but I hated how he made me feel, and that was enough.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

Related post: ‘Two Truths and a Lie’: The Mind-Bending New Science Fiction Novel by Cory O’Brien

‘Living Beyond Borders’ Review: A Powerful Mosaic of the Mexican American Experience

‘Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Stories and essays about the Mexican American experience in the United States provide a vital perspective on culture, identity, and resilience. They illuminate the struggles and triumphs of a community that has shaped American history, offering insights into immigration, family, tradition, and social justice. These narratives resonate with readers of all backgrounds by exploring universal themes of belonging, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream. They also challenge stereotypes and foster understanding, making them essential in a diverse society. By engaging with these stories, readers gain a richer, more inclusive view of the American experience as a whole.

“Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America,” edited by Margarita Longoria, is a compelling anthology that features short stories, poetry, essays, and comics to paint a vivid portrait of the Mexican-American experience. Featuring a diverse group of voices, this collection provides an intimate and multifaceted exploration of identity, culture, family, and resilience.

Each piece in this anthology offers a unique perspective on what it means to straddle two worlds—balancing the rich traditions of Mexican heritage while navigating the complexities of American society. From heartwarming tales of family bonds to sobering reflections on discrimination and the challenges of immigration, it doesn’t shy away from the struggles faced by the Mexican-American community. It celebrates its beauty, strength, and enduring spirit.

Contents:
Ghetto Is Not an Adjective – Dominic Carrillo
Yoli Calderon and Principal Hayes – Angela Cervantes
Warning Bells – Anna Meriano
I Want to Go Home – Justine Marie Narro
How to Exist in a City of Ghosts – Carolyn Dee Flores
Filiberto’s Final Visit – Francisco X. Stork
CoCo Chamoy y Chango – e.E. Charlton-Trujillo
Tell Me a Story/Dime un cuento – Xavier Garza
My Name is Dolores – Guadalupe Ruiz-Flores
“There Are Mexicans in Texas?”: How Family Stories Shaped Me -Trinidad Gonzales
Morning People – Diana López
Ode to My Papi – Guadalupe García McCall
The Body by the Canal – David Bowles
Is Half Mexican-American Mexican Enough? – Alex Temblador
Sunflower – Aida Salazar
La Migra – René Saldaña Jr.
La Princesa Mileidy Dominguez – Rubén Degollado
Ojo – Sylvia Sánchez Garza
La Llorona Isn’t Real – Xavier Garza
This Rio Grande Valley – Daniel García Ordaz

Highlights:

La Llorona – a comic about a young boy, with fear in his eyes, trying to convince himself that La Llorona is not real and therefore cannot hurt him. As children, if we misbehaved, our parents would tell us that the Llorona would come and take us. It’s short and to the point and it’s highly relatable to those of us who grew up hearing about the Llorona.

The Body by the Canal – Oscar, a young teenage boy, is swept away by Ariel, the new neighbor whose looks made him an instant target. As time goes by, they become close but fearing for Ariel’s safety, Oscar distances himself from him. He feels guilty about it, but eventually Ariel and his family move away. “Boy or girl, the kid was beautiful. And from my own experience, this town would do all it could to destroy that beauty.” This insightful story of one boy’s early experience with romance and homophobia is refreshing to read; it is seldom written about in the Mexican American community.

The range of storytelling styles and language makes it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Whether through powerful poetry, heartfelt personal essays, or striking visual storytelling, every contributor adds depth to the broader narrative of cultural identity. The list of discussion questions at the end helps readers reflect on the themes and topics presented.

Overall, “Living Beyond Borders” is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the richness of the Mexican-American experience, making it a powerful and necessary addition to contemporary literature. It is recommended for readers who appreciate diverse personal narratives.

“Though I was always curious and grateful for those Latinos who openly welcomed my exploration of identity, secretly, hot shame filled me inside, reminding me that I had taken so long to learn all these things.” – Is Half Mexican-American Mexican Enough? by Alex Temblador

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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

Dallas Gets a Taste of Argentinian Indie Rock: El Mató a un Policía Motorizado at Frontera 2025

Argentinian band Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado will make its only Texas stop in Dallas. Photo: LPA Beer & Music Festival.

Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, also known as EMAUPM or Él Mató, is an Argentinian indie rock band from La Plata established in 2003. The band has just announced their North American tour, and before they kick things off, they’ll be making a special stop in Dallas as part of Frontera 2025. This will be their only Texas performance.

This intimate 500-capacity show is free and open to the public, but RSVP is highly encouraged to guarantee entry: RSVP HERE. The performance will take place at Kessler Theater on Friday, April 11. Doors open at 7:30p.m., show begins at 8:30p.m. (Giant Noise/Southwest Review, 2025)

More information on Frontera 2025:

DALLAS – Dallas-based magazine Southwest Review, the third-longest-running literary quarterly in the United States, announces the lineup for the second annual Frontera. This year’s festivities will take place April 11–12, 2025, in Oak Cliff’s historic Bishop Arts District.

The lineup assembles artists from English-speaking North America and Spanish-speaking Latin America for a two-day celebration of literature, music, comics and film. Set to take place at The Wild Detectives, Kessler Theater and Texas Theatre, all Frontera events will be free and open to the public.

Frontera will kick off at The Wild Detectives with a conversation between American cartoonist Lynda Barry and fiction writer Mary Miller, followed by musical performances from The Paranoid Style, Karly Hartzman and Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado at Kessler Theater. RSVP highly encouraged HERE.

The second day will feature a screening of the Blood Simple (1984) by Joel and Ethan Coen, plus a conversation between award-winning author Megan Abbott and crime novelist William Boyle at the Texas Theatre. Additional readings at The Wild Detectives will feature Mateo García Elizondo, Brenda Lozano, Ashleigh Bryant Phillips, Joseph Grantham, Brenda Navarro, Federico Perelmuter, Julia Kornberg, Patricio Ferrari, Eli Cranor, and Kimberly King Parsons, offering audiences a chance to engage with some of the most compelling voices in contemporary literature.

Guests are invited to the festival’s final event at The Wild Detectives featuring a celebratory DJ set running from 7:30p.m. until close.

Because the Southwest is a place where borderlands converge, the region is dependent on the two-way flow of language and culture. Southwest Review has long championed Latin American literature in translation, working closely with independent publishers to introduce groundbreaking voices to new audiences. Thanks to the generous support of the Southern Methodist University Department of English, Frontera brings this editorial vision to life in an increasingly bilingual North Texas region.

Photo: Frontera 2025

The Fragility of Perception: ‘Your Steps on the Stairs’ Weaves Suspense and Unease

Prolific and celebrated author Antonio Muñoz Molina returns with ‘Your Steps on the Stairs.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble.

“Your Steps on the Stairs: A Novel” (Other Press Trade Paperback Original; On Sale 4/8/25) is a disquieting psychological thriller charting the unraveling of a couple’s new life in Lisbon.

Laureat of the Prix Médicis in France in 2020, shortlisted for the Man Booker International award in 2018, author of nearly 20 novels, a number of book-long essays, memoirs and a short story collection, Antonio Muñoz Molina’s deep well of experience comes to life on the page in this latest novel about solitude, expectation and memory. Always keeping in mind the stories by Henry James, which seem to straddle the ambiguous terrain between the ordinary and the mildly fantastic, memoirs of people subjected to rigorous isolation, as in Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s “Alone,” and Oliver Sacks’s essays about the vagaries of human perception of time, space and memory, here, Molina strove to grant a narrative, even poetic, sense of discovery. (Other Press, 2025)

“Your Steps on the Stairs” – A man travels to Lisbon ahead of his wife to prepare their newly purchased home, while she stays in New York to oversee a research project on the neuroscience of memory and fear. Leaving behind a phase of their relationship indelibly marked by 9/11, he revels in the Portuguese capital’s temperate weather and the neighborhood’s calm, meticulously planning the details of their future.

Yet beneath the peace and quiet of this routine, he feels a growing unease he can’t explain. Is it the similarity between the two cities, and the two apartments? A mysterious threat waiting in the wings?

A brilliant, deceptively simple novel of psychological suspense, perfect for fans of literary thrillers in translation and the introspective and unnerving work of writers like Clarice Lispector, “Your Steps on the Stairs” explores how our emotions and memories shape our perception of reality. With his subtle, masterful style, Antonio Muñoz Molina lays bare the fragility of the stories we so carefully craft about ourselves.

Antonio Muñoz Molina is the author of more than a dozen novels, among them “Sepharad, A Manuscript of Ashes,” and “In Her Absence” (Other Press). He has been awarded the Jerusalem Prize for the Freedom of the Individual in Society and the Prince of Asturias Award, among many others. Muñoz Molina lives in Madrid and New York City.

About the Translator: Curtis Bauer is a poet and translator of prose and poetry from Spanish. He is the recipient of a PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant and a Banff International Literary Translation Centre fellowship. His translation of Jeannette Clariond’s Image of Absence won the International Latino Book Award for Best Nonfiction Book Translation from Spanish to English. Bauer teaches creative writing and comparative literature at Texas Tech University.

Praise for Antonio Muñoz Molina (Your Steps on the Stairs):

“An American expat in Portugal obsessively prepares for his wife’s arrival in this disquieting psychological suspense novel from Muñoz Molina (To Walk Alone in the Crowd)…The narrative unfolds in a woozy flow of first-person musings and reminiscences, making it difficult to gauge time’s passing, but the more books the narrator reads and the more calls he dodges, the more questions arise surrounding Cecilia’s continued absence. Anxiety and dread mount steadily, while elegiac prose and eccentric supporting characters amplify the story’s surrealism straight through to the sucker-punch ending. It’s a stunning blend of mystery and literary fever dream.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

“Anticipating the arrival of his beloved, a man ruminates about intimacy, memory, and loss…Contrasting Bruno’s brooding, anguished interior landscape with the relative serenity of his old-town Lisbon surroundings, Muñoz Molina (To Walk Alone in the Crowd, 2021) emphasizes his narrator’s blind spots and the distortions of perception that follow heartbreak. Originally published in Spain in 2019, this psychologically informed exploration of loss may resonate even more with readers in our current tumultuous moment.”
—BOOKLIST

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Echoes of the Rio Grande: A Reflection on ‘The River Runs: Stories’

‘The River Runs: Stories’ by Thomas Ray Garcia. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Thomas Ray Garcia is the author of the award-winning short story collection “The River Runs: Stories” and the co-author of “El Curso de la Raza: The Education of Aurelio Manuel Montemayor.” At Princeton University, he received the Ward Mathis Short Story Prize for his fiction on the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. He is the founder and co-chair of College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (CSLAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that teaches college access classes and connects near-peer mentors to students in the Rio Grande Valley. (Thomas Ray Garcia, 2025)

“The River Runs: Stories” is his debut short story collection that 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. It won the Américo Paredes Literary Arts Prize for Fiction sponsored by FlowerSong Press from McAllen, Texas, and Prickly Pear Publishing from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Stories include:
Seventh Man
Prosperers
Watcher in The Sky
La Lomita
The Curandera on Alameda Street
Burn The Sun
Sunset Station
After The Wall
I Know I Will Be Leaving Here
A South Texas September
Scholarship Boy

Thomas Ray Garcia’s short stories explore the deep, often turbulent connections between people and the communities that shape their lives. Set in the borderlands where the Rio Grande river is both a life-giving force and a dividing line, Garcia’s narratives illuminate the struggles, hopes, and identities of those living alongside it.

Each story is a poignant reflection on themes of survival, migration, heritage, and resilience. Garcia’s prose is lyrical yet grounded, capturing the stark realities of his characters with authenticity and emotional depth. “The pain behind every word was not like the rush of deoxygenated blood rushing to and from the brain, but the exertion of reaching a finish line obscured by hand and shouts and incense.” The river, more than just a setting, becomes a symbol of change, separation, and continuity—shaping destinies in ways that are both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The highlight is its diversity of voices, from immigrants seeking a better future to those who feel trapped by their circumstances. Garcia doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, but he also highlights moments of tenderness and connection. As someone who grew up along the border, these stories resonate with me as they reflect a commonality not usually present in modern literature.

Overall, “The River Runs” is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. It appeals to readers who appreciate literature that examines cultural identity, the human condition, and endurance. With its rich storytelling and evocative imagery, it explores the themes of family, coming of age, and friendship. Garcia’s work is a powerful testament to the lives shaped by the ever-flowing, ever-changing river.

“The Rio Grande was the only river I knew at the time, although I had only seen it once. I remember it made a lasting impression on me because Mom said something about rivers changing all the time. Every time you looked into it, it wouldn’t be the same river and you wouldn’t be the same person either.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.
@thomasraygarcia

Do I have favorite stories from The River Runs? Three of these stories speak to me for very different reasons. —– The River Runs: Stories presents revitalized insights into the Texas-Mexico border region by centering the Rio Grande as a site of belonging and becoming. These 11 stories feature characters facing the realities of living alongside a river running through their countries, communities, and cultures. Winner of the Bronze Award at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards for “Best Short Story Collection (English)” The River Runs is available at South Texas bookstores and online retailers like TikTok Shop, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. Click the link in my bio. #booktok #readersoftiktok #956rgv #riograndevalley #pharrtx #rgvauthors #texasauthors

♬ original sound – Thomas Ray Garcia