Tag: books

The Forgotten Resistance Fighter Behind ‘The Name on the Wall’

‘The Name on the Wall’ is the new novel by Hervé Le Tellier. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: The Name on the Wall by Hervé Le Tellier

New York Times bestselling author Hervé Le Tellier, best known for The Anomaly, returns with a moving and deeply human story in The Name on the Wall: A Novel. Beautifully translated by Adriana Hunter, this poignant work of historical fiction unearths and honors the brief but powerful life of a young French Resistance fighter during World War II. (Other Press, 2025)

Blending autofiction with historical investigation, Le Tellier begins with a simple but haunting discovery: a name scrawled on the façade of his new home. That name belonged to André Chaix, a maquisard killed at just twenty years old in August 1944.

Through deft and careful storytelling, Le Tellier pieces together fragments of history to create a vivid, emotionally grounded narrative. He avoids sentimental clichés while illuminating the courage of an ordinary young man who took up arms, one among many, during one of the world’s darkest eras. Central to this story is André’s powerful love for Simone, whose presence adds depth and tenderness to the tale.

Arriving at a moment when fascist currents are rising again worldwide, The Name on the Wall resonates as both remembrance and warning. It gives voice to the ideals for which Chaix died and poses timeless questions about belonging, sacrifice, and our human desire to be part of something greater than ourselves.

About the Author

Hervé Le Tellier is a writer, journalist, mathematician, food critic, and teacher. He has been a member of the Oulipo group since 1992 and one of the “papous” of the famous France Culture radio show. He has published numerous books of stories, essays, memoir, and novels, including the Goncourt Prize–winning The Anomaly, which has sold more than one million copies worldwide, All Happy Families, Electrico W, and Enough About Love.

About the translator

Adriana Hunter studied French and Drama at the University of London. She has translated more than ninety books, including Marc Petitjean’s The Heart: Frida Kahlo in Paris and Hervé Le Tellier’s The Anomaly and Eléctrico W, winner of the French-American Foundation’s 2013 Translation Prize in Fiction. She lives in Kent, England.

‘Think Bigger, Lead Better’ is Rick Tollakson’s Blueprint for Transformational Leadership

In his new book, Rick Tollakson presents his eight principles for success. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success

A fresh take on leadership from Rick Tollakson

In today’s fast-changing business world, leadership can’t be about playing it safe. The most effective leaders are those who think bigger, challenge assumptions, and inspire others to reach new heights. That’s the central message behind Rick Tollakson’s new book, Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success. It’s a practical and inspiring guide to building stronger teams, smarter organizations, and more impactful leaders.

Beyond the Bottom Line

Efficient leadership isn’t about maintaining the status quo, it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change.

Drawing from his decades of experience transforming a modest real estate company into a thriving, diversified enterprise, Tollakson shares the “Eight to Great” principles that powered that journey. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, he encourages leaders to move beyond short-term wins and embrace a long-term vision that drives growth and purpose.

Readers will learn how to:

  • Cultivate passionate, high-performing teams
  • Encourage innovation and calculated risk-taking
  • Streamline operations with process-driven thinking
  • Lead with purpose while balancing profitability and impact
  • Build a legacy of leadership that outlasts any single role

Think Bigger, Lead Better is a call to action for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals who refuse to settle for mediocrity. Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company or growing a small startup, Tollakson’s proven framework will help you push past limitations and build something truly great.

Are you ready to think bigger?

About the Author

Rick Tollakson is a nationally recognized real estate executive, community leader, and author of Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success.

As CEO of Hubbell Realty Company, he has led the organization through transformational growth, expanding its development, construction, property management, and homebuilding operations across Iowa and beyond.

A respected voice in both business and civic circles, Tollakson’s leadership philosophy blends innovation, integrity, and community stewardship. He continues to serve on numerous boards and committees, offering insights that extend far beyond traditional business metrics to include ethical leadership, sustainable development, and meaningful community partnerships.

Why This Book Matters Now

In an era defined by disruption and uncertainty, the need for bold, ethical, and visionary leadership has never been greater. Think Bigger, Lead Better provides the clarity and tools leaders need to navigate change, inspire trust, and create organizations that make a difference.

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and build a culture of excellence, this book is your next essential read.

📘 Learn more or order your copy of Think Bigger, Lead Better wherever books are sold.

PechaKucha San Antonio Returns to the Tobin Center

The final PechaKucha of 2025 will take place this Thursday November 6. Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2025 with Volume 47 at the Tobin Center

SAN ANTONIO, TX — PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series known for its fast-paced storytelling format, is excited to announce Volume 47 — the final event in its 2025 series. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)

📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
📍 Location: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205
🕕 Schedule:

  • 6:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception
  • 7:30 p.m. — Presentations Begin

A Night of Creativity at the Tobin Center

Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, the historic Tobin Center is a downtown landmark that blends its original facade with a state-of-the-art performance space. This beautifully restored venue has become a beacon of creativity, fine art, and urban revitalization and it’s the perfect setting for PechaKucha’s final 2025 event.

Meet the Volume 47 Presenters

This edition of PechaKucha San Antonio will spotlight seven inspiring local voices, each sharing their passions through the signature 20×20 format — 20 images, 20 seconds each.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

  • Debby Andersen – Healer
  • Agosto Cuellar – Fashion Designer / Fashion Activist
  • Attie Jonker – Master Craftsman
  • Juliette Montoya – Salon Owner & Operator
  • Oscar Perez – Chief Everything Officer
  • Ed Saavedra – Visual Artist
  • Tori Santos – Community Choreographer

✨ The evening’s emcee will be Naomi Shihab Nye, San Antonio–based poet, educator, editor, and former Poet Laureate.

Music, Food, and Community

The welcome reception will feature live music by Kitten Mitten, a band of animal-loving friends turning their pets’ antics into anthems, blending heart and humor to amplify both furry and human voices that too often go unheard.

Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from local favorites including:
🍽 Liberty Bar • Tio Pelon’s Salsita • Cheesy Jane’s • Bakery Lorraine • Tobin Catering

The Tobin Center will also offer drinks and cocktails for purchase throughout the night.

Tickets

🎟 Tickets: $10 per person
🔗 Purchase here: Tobin Center

About PechaKucha

PechaKucha (pronounced PEH-chuh KOO-chuh) is a global arts and culture event where presenters share their passions through 20 images x 20 seconds — a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds per talk.

The format was created by Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo in 2003 to encourage creative professionals to share ideas in a concise and engaging way. Since then, PechaKucha has grown to over 1,200 cities worldwide.

San Antonio hosted its first PechaKucha Night in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees each quarter, featuring architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders, and more.

Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.

Senator Tamika Smith Returns in a High-Stakes Battle for Truth

‘The Blockchain Syndicate’ is the new thriller by Robbie Bach. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: The Blockchain Syndicate by Robbie Bach

Related post: Book Review: ‘The Wilkes Insurrection’ by Robbie Bach

About the Author
Robbie Bach is a bestselling author and former tech executive who helped lead Microsoft through some of its most dynamic years. As the Chief Xbox Officer, he spearheaded the creation of the iconic Xbox and Xbox 360. After retiring from Microsoft, Bach turned his focus to philanthropy, civic advocacy, and storytelling.

In his latest novel, The Blockchain Syndicate, Bach continues the gripping saga of Senator Tamika Smith as she battles a cryptic conspiracy threatening America’s financial and political foundations. With sharp insights into both technology and public life, he brings a unique perspective to some of the most urgent issues of our time.

Story Overview
It’s the first day back at Aragon High School in San Francisco after the holiday break. Phoenix Humboldt is sitting outside during study hall with her friend Vanessa, reading The Iceman Cometh, when shots ring out. Acting on instinct, she rushes to help her friends.

Meanwhile, Senator Tamika Smith receives an email threatening to expose her past, an ultimatum from someone she believed was dead. “The glow from her computer monitor illuminated the angry scowl on her face.”

At the same time, Johnny Humboldt, Tamika’s significant other, is stopped by a supposed FBI agent at the airport and whisked away to see his daughter, Phoenix, who’s been injured in the shooting. Soon after, a personal crisis spirals into a national conspiracy. Johnny’s kidnapping becomes part of a larger plot to destroy Tamika and destabilize the country she loves.

The attacks are professional and coordinated, driven by someone who sees America as broken and intends to “fix” it their way. The intent is to destabilize the country through a financial collapse.

Review
In The Blockchain Syndicate, Robbie Bach delivers a fast-paced techno-thriller that feels chillingly close to reality. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and digital warfare, the novel plunges readers into a world of blackmail and high-stakes power struggles.

Bach’s intricate plotting and insider knowledge of political systems lend authenticity to the chaos. The short, sharp chapters and tense prose make it impossible to put down. As one line summarizes it: “Like a psychological boomerang, he’d grown to hate his father but internalized the need to win at all costs.”

Tamika Smith remains a compelling protagonist, intelligent, honorable, and deeply human. Her flaws and emotional depth make her relatable, while her courage keeps readers rooting for her.

Bach’s second installment in the Tamika Smith series (following The Wilkes Insurrection) blends political intrigue with a cautionary look at technology’s dark potential. Whether you’ve read the first book or not, this one stands strong on its own.

Final Thoughts
The Blockchain Syndicate is a gripping thriller and a sobering reflection on the fragility of truth in a hyperconnected world. Fans of Brad Thor, David Baldacci, and strong female leads will find plenty to enjoy here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A timely and thought-provoking political thriller.

“But over time, he realized that the normal political calculus had changed in fundamental ways. One plus one no longer equaled two. In fact, there were very few pluses to be found.”

*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Inside The Means of Prediction and Why the Future of AI Depends on Who Owns It

The Means of Prediction by Maximilian Kasy explains how power, not technology, will define life with AI. Photo: The University of Chicago Press

Book Spotlight: The Means of Prediction by Maximilian Kasy

Publication Date: November 4, 2025
Publisher: University of Chicago Press

“An eye-opening examination of how power—not technology—will define life with AI.”

Artificial intelligence is everywhere. It filters what we see online, screens us in job interviews, and even factors into decisions about justice and warfare. Its presence has become so vast that many people feel resigned to its rule, believing AI is simply our collective destiny. (The University of Chicago Press, 2025)

In The Means of Prediction: How AI Really Works (and Who Benefits), economist Maximilian Kasy challenges that narrative. He argues that AI is not an inevitable or uncontrollable force, it’s a human creation, shaped by the choices and interests of those who own and operate it.

Kasy makes a bold claim: AI isn’t especially mysterious or complex. What makes it powerful and dangerous is who gets to control it. The “means of prediction,” as he calls them, consist of the essential ingredients of AI: data, computing power, expertise, and energy. These are the levers through which ownership and influence are exercised.

Inside the Book

Some of the chapters include:

  • The Story of Humans Versus Machines
  • What is Artificial Intelligence?
  • The Means of Prediction
  • Automation
  • The Ancient Questions Behind AI

Across these chapters, Kasy offers both a primer on how AI really works and a powerful critique of how it’s governed. He cuts through the noise of technical debates to ask the fundamental question:

Who controls AI’s objectives and how is that control maintained?

A Call for Democratic Control

Rather than treating AI as an unstoppable technological wave, Kasy invites readers to see it as a political and social choice. In a world already shaped by inequality, he argues that AI will deepen existing divides unless it’s placed under public and democratic control.

His framework is analytical and visionary, a blend of economics, ethics, and practical insight into how society might reclaim agency over one of the most consequential technologies of our time.

About the Author

Maximilian Kasy is a professor of economics at the University of Oxford and previously taught at Harvard University. His research explores machine learning and the social impact of AI, focusing on how technology intersects with power, equity, and governance.

A Review of ‘Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough’ by Karin J. Lund

‘Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough’ is the new YA self help book by Karin J. Lund. Photo: Partners In Crime Tours, used with permission.

Part of the Partners in Crime Tours Virtual Book Tours

Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough by Karin J. Lund

Theme: Celebrating your life, understanding and creating your value, and building confidence and resilience. (Partners in Crime Tours, 2025)

This is the book that will always remind you: YES – I MATTER, I AM ENOUGH.

Photo: PICT, used with permission.

Review

Karin J. Lund’s Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough is a heartfelt and empowering guide to self-discovery, confidence, and resilience. Written with warmth and clarity, Lund invites readers to celebrate their lives and recognize the unique value each person holds.

It’s less a traditional self-help book and more a compassionate conversation, one that encourages reflection and personal growth.

Lund’s message is simple yet profound: self-worth isn’t something we earn; it’s something we uncover and nurture. Through thoughtful exercises and gentle affirmations, she helps readers navigate life’s complexities with grace and self-trust. Her emphasis on creating one’s own value and building inner strength makes this book both inspiring and practical.

Interactive exercises include:

  • Writing down what you could change and how it might impact your situation.
  • Write a challenge you want to achieve and have an accountability partner to help you. 

Even the cover design, featuring interlocking, layered lines, beautifully mirrors the book’s message. It symbolizes life’s many intersecting paths and the freedom to change direction, reinforcing the idea that resilience is born from flexibility and self-awareness.

Ultimately, Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough is a compassionate reminder that our worth is inherent and our journeys are ever-evolving. It’s an uplifting read for anyone seeking to reconnect with their inner power and embrace the full richness of who they are.

“Keep seeking truth and honesty in your life. Don’t ever be afraid to choose a new path.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Karin J. Lund, Founder of G-Power Global Enterprises, partners with corporations, universities, and non-profit organizations to create compassionate, empowered workplace cultures. Her work fosters environments where employees and management actively support shared values, inclusivity, and community impact.

Her online program, Your Journey through the Islands of Grief and Loss, encourages individuals and teams to navigate personal and professional challenges with empathy and resilience. Corporate comfort gifts, journals, and other resources support this meaningful initiative.

Photo: PICT, used with permission

To celebrate the release of Karin J. Lund’s new book Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough, Partners in Crime Tours is having a giveaway. Enter for a chance to win an Amazon.com gift card.

Photo: PICT, used with permission

Love and Loss in Wartime – Mario Fortunato’s ‘The Innocent Days of War’

‘The Innocent Days of War’ is a haunting portrait of WWII lives. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: The Innocent Days of War by Mario Fortunato

Fans of John Boyne and Simon Mawer will find much to admire in Mario Fortunato’s latest novel, The Innocent Days of War (On Sale: October 28, 2025). This gripping coming-of-age story unfolds against the sweeping backdrop of World War II, tracing how love, ambition, and destiny intertwine as Italy and England are forever changed by the war. (Other Press, 2025)

A Story of Youth, War, and Intersecting Lives

Set in central Italy on the eve of World War II, the novel introduces a group of young Italians whose lives are about to be upended by history. Among them is Stefano Portelli, a hopeful young lawyer filled with idealism and in love with Eleonora. His sister-in-law Nina hides a secret relationship with Sergio, a partisan leader fighting for his cause.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, the story follows Alastair Ormiston, an English Royal Air Force pilot who finds solace in the works of Virginia Woolf as he dreams of an ideal companion. His best friend, Edna, seeks her own sense of purpose and joy amid the devastation of Nazi bombings in London.

When these characters’ paths intersect, the result is both tragic and transformative—a convergence of love, loss, and fate that consumes everything in its wake, blending joy and pain into a single, unforgettable tapestry.

About the Author

Mario Fortunato was born in Cirò, Calabria, Italy. A longtime literary critic for L’Espresso, he continues to write for Süddeutsche Zeitung and has contributed to The Guardian and Le Monde. Fortunato is a former director of the Antonio Ratti Foundation and the author of several novels, including South (Other Press, 2023). He has also translated the works of literary greats such as Evelyn Waugh, Virginia Woolf, and Henry James into Italian.

About the Translator

Julia MacGibbon has translated fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, including Sunken City by Marta Barone. She lives near Rome.

Praise for Mario Fortunato:

“As I read Fortunato’s writing, I have the impression of being faced with that kind of writer, rare in Italian literature, who, despite starting from a poetic state of mind, nevertheless manages to be a storyteller.”
—Alberto Moravia

“Mario Fortunato is a natural storyteller.”
—Doris Lessing

Everyday Justice Made Simple with ‘Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness’

Danny Karon is making legal wellness the next self-help revolution. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness

A new book that makes legal literacy accessible—and even fun

Just as self-help books offer guidance to improve your physical or mental wellness, attorney Danny Karon’s new book does the same for your legal wellness. (Newsroom PR, 2025)

That’s Karon’s term for cultivating a healthy working knowledge of your legal rights when confronted with scams and cheaters both large and small.

A “Lovable” Approach to Everyday Legal Problems

Karon, a consumer law expert, gives readers “an ounce of prevention” by teaching practical problem-solving skills to handle the kinds of everyday legal hassles we all face:

  • Airlines that bump you
  • Telemarketers that try to swindle you
  • Fine print that corporations hope you’ll never read

Known as the “Lovable Lawyer” for his approachable style and advocacy for everyday people who might not have a lawyer on retainer, Karon has spent more than 30 years empowering individuals to access justice and protect themselves.

What You’ll Learn

Covering everything from social media defamation to how to fight a traffic ticket, this book delivers useful, entertaining legal advice in clear, straightforward language that’s peppered with real-life anecdotes and humor.

Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness is available in paperback and Kindle editions beginning October 21, 2025.

Here’s a peek at some of the chapters:

  • How big business is out to screw you
  • Putting the airlines in their place
  • How to detect and avoid travel scams
  • How to protect yourself when you’re in an auto accident
  • Keeping your auto insurer honest
  • Fighting back against online offenses: defamation, doxing, and invasion of privacy
  • How to keep an unreasonable landlord honest
  • Identity theft and how to respond to it
  • How to fight a traffic ticket
  • How legal wellness can make our lives happier

Advance Praise

“They say laughter is the best medicine, and Karon uses humor to ease the challenge of conveying practical legal information that will help people through many common and serious situations to the benefit of themselves and their families. Easy and informative, Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness is a highly worthwhile read!”
— Richard A. Cordray, former Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau of the United States

About the Author

Danny Karon, based in Cleveland, is a professor, consumer advocate, and the creator of Your Lovable Lawyer. With over 30 years of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in class-action and individual cases, Karon is passionate about making the law understandable and approachable for everyone.

He teaches class-action litigation at the University of Michigan Law School and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and previously taught complex litigation at Columbia Law School.

In addition to writing a civil justice column for Law360, Karon has published widely on legal access and consumer rights. Observing how many people struggle to find or afford legal help, he founded the Your Lovable Lawyer platform to share clear, useful insights on common legal problems—helping everyone achieve a little more legal wellness.

Author Danny Karon. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘Looking for Tank Man’ is Ha Jin’s Powerful Reckoning with Memory and Protest

‘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 novel Looking 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.

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Stephen King’s Dystopian Classic ‘The Running Man’ Gets a Bold New Adaptation in 2025

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.

A Deadly Game of Survival

In the world of The Running Man, survival is the only goal.

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
Photo: Paramount Pictures