Tag: books

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.

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

Forgotten Places, Living Memory: A New Work by Raja Shehadeh

‘Forgotten’ by Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials

What do forgotten ruins, abandoned mosques, and erased memorials tell us about a people and their history? In his newest work, Raja Shehadeh, alongside Penny Johnson, takes readers on a journey through Palestine’s hidden past and contested memory.

Palestinian human-rights lawyer, activist, and acclaimed author Raja Shehadeh returns with a new work that is both poignant and necessary. Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials (co-authored with Penny Johnson) is a profound meditation on memory, loss, and the preservation of Palestinian heritage. The book releases on September 30 and is available now for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)

Uncovering the Forgotten Corners of Palestine

In Forgotten, Shehadeh explores hidden or neglected memorials and places across historic Palestine—now Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. From ancient ruins to sacred sites like the Nabi ‘Ukkasha mosque and tomb, each chapter reveals what these places might tell us about the land and the people who live between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.

With Johnson by his side, Shehadeh poses urgent questions: What has been memorialized? What has been left abandoned or erased—and why?

Memory, Erasure, and Resistance

Whether standing on a cliff overlooking Lebanon or at the Dead Sea—the lowest land-based elevation on earth—the authors trace the fragile threads of memory in a fragmented landscape.

In elegiac, elegant prose, they confront the complexities of commemoration: Israel’s resistance to acknowledging the Nakba, and the evolving ways Palestinians remember—or are prevented from remembering—their own history.

Ultimately, Forgotten reminds us that remembering is not a passive act. It is resistance.

Recognition and Praise

  • Publishers Weekly: Longlisted in Fall 2025 Fiction & Nonfiction Preview Titles: History
  • The New Statesman: Book of the Day selection
  • The New Statesman: Named one of the Best Books of 2025 So Far

✨ Forgotten is more than history—it is an act of remembrance, defiance, and storytelling. If you’re interested in exploring how memory shapes identity and belonging, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

📚 Pre-order your copy today and join the conversation on what it means to remember—and resist.

Advance Praise for Forgotten:

“Shehadeh and Johnson, a married couple based in Ramallah, began the book as a way to explore the landscape during the pandemic. The resulting work, Forgotten, is a heartbreaking, hopeful look at how Palestinian culture endures in spite of the occupation and the Israeli government’s attempts to remove all traces of it from the land that they ‘share unequally.'” —THE IRISH TIMES

“In this journey through Palestine, married couple Shehadeh and Johnson explore the careless treatment and outright destruction of the region’s Muslim memorials and historical sites. One of the more complex realities they grapple with is not just Israel’s hand in erasing this history, but Palestine’s own role.” —THE NEW STATESMAN

‘If It Bleeds’: Stephen King’s Novellas of Horror, Humanity, and Hope

‘If It Bleeds’ by Stephen King

Stephen King’s Enduring Legacy and If It Bleeds

Few authors have shaped modern storytelling quite like Stephen King. From haunted hotels to small-town terrors, his stories explore not just what frightens us, but what makes us human. His 2020 collection, If It Bleeds, proves that even in shorter form, King continues to deliver tales that chill, move, and resonate.

The Master of Horror—and Humanity

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and influential writers of our time. Known as the “Master of Horror,” his work spans far beyond scares. With more than 60 novels and countless short stories, King has shaped modern storytelling through his unforgettable characters, richly detailed worlds, and exploration of fear, morality, and human resilience.

His legacy in iconic works like The Shining, It, and Misery lies in his ability to connect with readers on a deep human level. Blending suspense, emotion, and imagination, King’s stories resonate with audiences worldwide, transcending generations.

King and the Novella Form

Novellas are their own dark treat—briefer but just as impactful and enduring as King’s longer fiction. Many of his novellas have been adapted into iconic films, including The Body (Stand by Me) and Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption (The Shawshank Redemption).

If It Bleeds: Four Unforgettable Tales

The four tales in If It Bleeds prove as iconic as their predecessors:

  • “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” — an intergenerational friendship that carries into a disturbing afterlife. It was adapted into a Netflix movie starring Jaeden Martell and Donald Sutherland.
  • “The Life of Chuck” — a poignant exploration of identity and existence, intimate yet cosmic. Now a feature film directed by Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep) and starring Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Karen Gillan, it recently won the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award.
  • “Rat” — a classic King tale about a struggling writer forced to reckon with ambition’s darker cost.
  • “If It Bleeds” — the return of Holly Gibney, who faces her fears and a possible outsider, standing on her own in a battle that recalls The Outsider. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Themes That Endure

If these novellas show King’s range, they also reveal the themes that continue to define his work. One of King’s central concerns is evil—in all its forms. Yet just as often, he counters evil with its opposite: friendship.

Holly learns that friendship is not only life-affirming but life-saving. Young Craig’s bond with Mr. Harrigan shows the sweetness of unexpected connection. These relationships ground the supernatural in the real and the heartfelt.

Why If It Bleeds Matters

If It Bleeds is more than a collection of novellas—it is a reminder of King’s ability to blend horror with humanity. Each tale stands alone, but together they highlight his talent for weaving suspense with profound examinations of the human condition.

King delivers horror with heart, reminding us that the scariest monsters are often within us. If It Bleeds is essential reading for longtime fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers.

✨ Love Stephen King? Share this post with a fellow Constant Reader and keep the conversation going!

World Premiere Spotlight: Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge at Fantastic Fest 2025

Rui Pedro Silva in Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge. Photo: MoreThan Films, used with permission.

Fantastic Fest 2025: The Tree of Knowledge World Premiere

Fantastic Fest, held annually in Austin and known as the largest genre film festival in the U.S., is back at the Alamo Drafthouse from September 18–25, 2025. Celebrated for spotlighting fantasy, horror, science fiction, action, and cult films, this year’s lineup promises a hauntingly excellent collection of premieres.

One of the most anticipated titles is Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge, having its World Premiere at this year’s festival. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Film Details

The Tree of Knowledge (A árvore do Conhecimento)
Feature Film (Portugal/France)

  • World Premiere – 2025
  • Runtime: 100 mins
  • Language: Portuguese (with English subtitles)
  • Genre: Dark Comedy / Fantasy

Directed by: Eugène Green
Producers: Luís Urbano, Sandro Aguilar, Julien Naveau
Starring: Rui Pedro Silva, Ana Moreira, Diogo Dória, João Arrais

Fantastic Fest Screening

📍 Location: Alamo Drafthouse Lamar
1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

🎬 Next Screening:
Tuesday, Sept 23rd – 6:00 PM @ Theater 8

Synopsis

In biblical terms, the “Tree of Knowledge” symbolizes free will and the ability to discern right from wrong. For filmmaker Eugène Green, it becomes a metaphor for spiritual awakening and renewal, set against the backdrop of Europe’s booming mass tourism.

The story follows Gaspard (Rui Pedro Silva), a Lisbon teenager who falls into the hands of the Ogre, a man who has struck a pact with the Devil. The Ogre uses Gaspard to lure tourists, transforming them into animals before killing them. Gaspard escapes with a donkey and a dog he has grown attached to, and in an enchanted manor, encounters the spirit of Queen D. Maria I of Portugal. Enraged, the Ogre sets off in pursuit—leading to a fantastical and allegorical journey of survival.

About the Director: Eugène Green

Born in New York City on June 28, 1947, Eugène Green is a French filmmaker, writer, theater director, and actor.

  • Studied literature and art history in Paris
  • Founded Le Théâtre de la Sapience in 1977, staging both contemporary poetic and baroque theater
  • Directed his first feature, Toutes les Nuits (1999, released 2001), winner of the Louis Delluc Prize for First Film
  • Has since directed 10+ feature films and 6 mini-films
  • His works have screened at Cannes, Locarno, Berlin, and other international festivals
  • In 2019, the Fundação Serralves in Porto hosted the first major exhibition dedicated to his cinema

✨ With The Tree of Knowledge, Green brings his signature poetic and philosophical style to Fantastic Fest, offering audiences a surreal and allegorical tale that blends dark comedy, folklore, and fantasy.

‘Emotionally Invested’: A Fresh Take on Fearless Retirement Planning

‘Emotionally Invested’ by Mary Clements Evans. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: Emotionally Invested by Mary Clements Evans

Emotionally Invested: Outsmart Your Anxiety for Fearless Retirement Planning by Mary Clements Evans is not your typical money book—it’s a self-help guide disguised as financial advice. Evans, a Certified Financial Planner, explores how our emotions, habits, and personal histories shape the way we handle money. Whether you’re a chronic saver, a guilt-ridden spender, or someone who avoids money talk altogether, this book offers a judgment-free path toward financial clarity and confidence. (The Authority Company, 2025)

✨ 2025 Global Book Awards Bronze Medalist in Business & Money

A Different Approach to Money

Most financial advisors rely on the “rational man” theory: give people enough information, and they’ll make rational decisions. But humans aren’t purely rational—emotions play a huge role in our financial choices.

When Mary Clements Evans, CFP®, CDFA, ABFP®, opened her financial services firm in 2008, she set out to create a no-judgment zone where clients could feel safe discussing money. She helped people discover their Money Why—the underlying reasons behind financial behaviors—and it transformed their relationship with money.

After nearly two decades of what she calls “financial therapy,” Evans wrote this book to share her most powerful lessons from working with over 500 individuals and families.

What You’ll Learn

Instead of stock tips or investment strategies, Emotionally Invested dives into the emotional drivers of financial decisions. Evans shows how uncovering your own (and your partner’s) Money Why is the first step toward lasting financial happiness.

She also shares practical solutions for overcoming money anxiety, working with financial professionals, and building confidence about retirement. Above all, she reminds readers: it’s never too late to improve your financial future.

Key Takeaways

  • In the 1970s, retirement planning shifted from employers and unions to individuals—a change Evans calls the “Big Sin.” The “Big Lie” was that planning and saving would be easy.
  • People generally fall into two categories: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) or FORO (Fear of Running Out)—and each impacts financial choices differently.
  • Financial happiness means having enough to enjoy life today while still feeling secure about the future.
  • Couples should try scheduling a monthly money date night to make financial conversations easier.
  • Not all financial designations are created equal—some require rigorous training, while others are little more than paid credentials.
  • The best advisors aren’t just knowledgeable; they also have integrity, empathy, and strong people skills.

About the Author

Mary Clements Evans is the founder and president of Evans Wealth Strategies in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and a Raymond James registered principal. She is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and an Accredited Behavioral Financial Professional.

With a BA in accounting from Temple University, Evans spent 25 years in corporate finance with Exide Battery, Goodall Rubber, Kellogg’s, and Rodale Publishing before launching her firm in 2008. An international speaker, she has been named to Raymond James’ Chairman’s Council for six consecutive years.

Why You Should Read Emotionally Invested

If money conversations leave you anxious or overwhelmed, this book will help you approach finances with clarity and confidence. It’s not about formulas and charts—it’s about creating a healthy, fearless relationship with money that supports the life you want now and in retirement.

📖 Ready to take control of your financial future?

  • Grab your copy of Emotionally Invested wherever books are sold.
  • Share this post with a friend, partner, or family member who could benefit from a fresh, compassionate approach to money.
  • Start your own “money date night” this month and put Evans’ advice into action.

Exploring Identity and Forbidden Love in ‘Hunted in the Shadows’

‘Hunted in the Shadows’ by Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related post: Urban Fantasy Spotlight: ‘Hunted in the Shadows’ Casts a Spell on Readers

Book Review: Hunted in the Shadows by Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley

Hunted in the Shadows is the bewitching sequel to Shot in the Dark, an urban romantasy that blends forbidden love, identity, and found family with a rich, dangerous world.

Synopsis

Sylvia has been traveling with Jon and Cliff, a pair of hunters, for only two months. Their latest pursuit brings them to an abandoned Blockbuster in Arkansas, where a vampire coven nearly costs them their lives. Determined to continue their journey to Aelthorin, Sylvia seeks a powerful gemstone that could allow her and Jon to be together.

With their supply of silver dwindling, the trio stops at a hunters’ outpost—only to uncover a sinister new order. Monsters are imprisoned, executed, and sold to a mysterious client, and Sylvia finds herself in greater danger than ever. When they stumble into Veloria, the hidden fairy village, Sylvia’s loyalty and courage are tested as destiny collides with sacrifice.

Review

This sequel elevates the story first introduced in Shot in the Dark. The stakes are higher, the world more vivid, and the characters more complex. At its core, Hunted in the Shadows explores identity—what it means to claim, protect, and share it in the face of danger.

Forbidden love simmers beneath every page, amplified by the menace surrounding Sylvia and Jon. Found family remains central: the bonds forged in darkness serve both as anchor and weapon.

The dual POV between Sylvia and Jon gives the narrative emotional depth, balancing high-stakes action with quiet moments of introspection. Sylvia shines as a relatable heroine, torn between her exiled past and the freedom she longs to claim, while Jon and Cliff complicate her choices in compelling ways.

Final Thoughts

With steady pacing, lush prose, and immersive worldbuilding, Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley deliver a paranormal fantasy that is thrilling, heartfelt, and deeply personal. Hunted in the Shadows is a story of survival, identity, and the courage to choose love against all odds. “She’d been eyeing Cliff and I like fresh water in a wasteland since we walked inside…”  

Verdict: A must-read for fans of romantasy, character-driven fantasy, and stories where danger and desire intertwine.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“I’d been broken for so long. There was no way to explain how badly I wanted to feel whole again – even if grasping at something intangible was the only way to do it.” – Jon

📚 Ready to Read?

If you enjoy urban fantasy worlds filled with tension, romance, and unforgettable characters, be sure to grab a copy of Hunted in the Shadows. And if you haven’t yet started the series, begin with Shot in the Dark to experience the full journey from the start.

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