Learn more about Loretta Goldberg < Back Loretta Goldberg Loretta Goldberg author signing at ALA Award-winning author Loretta Goldberg writes historical literary fiction with battle scenes. She loves this genre because she finds in history’s frames, where events have beginnings and endings, a magical mirror in which we can see ourselves more fully. She earned a BA (Hons.) in English, Music and History at the University of Melbourne, Australia. She came to the USA on a Fulbright scholarship for piano. Her CDs are in 700 libraries. After a financial planning career she returned to her first love, writing. Her debut novel The Reversible Mask: An Elizabethan Spy Novel (MadeGlobal Publishing) has won several awards. Her non-fiction articles include Tudor history, financial planning, arts reviews and political satire. Chair of HNS-NY Chapter, she also belongs to the Authors Guild and NLAPW. A people and animal lover, she enjoys traveling, hiking, swimming and taking terrible photographs. Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss. New Guinea, 1941. Heroism, sacrifice and ultimately, hope, transcend the horror of war. Two men preparing for war, both with secrets they are determined to keep. Jake Friedman, an idealistic young Jewish doctor from Melbourne, is haunted by the death of a colleague he thinks he caused. Alex Whipple, a Catholic known as Wip, is a soul- scarred veteran of the First World War, an idealist who fights bullies on behalf of their victims yet has a chequered past in the wild side of post-war Paris that he is determined to forget. Both are posted to Lark Force, a lone and under-resourced battalion defending the port town of Rabaul. When the Japanese invade Rabaul, their battalion is abandoned by the Australian government. Improvising a jungle retreat, fighting rain, insects, disease, and vengeful Japanese pursuers, Jake will face the ultimate trials of his courage as Wip struggles to find the will to live. Many reviewers find the novel riveting, unforgettable and a war novel like no other, while The Midwest Book Review recommends it to libraries with World War II collections. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Nominatees of the movers and shakers under 40 years of age in the publishing industry. Boo k CAMP presented by Printed Word Reviews NOMINATE NOMINATE a mover & shaker under the age of 40 to be recognized: Complete the form to nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for their work in the publishing industry. Nominate your favorite editorial assistant, editor, literary agent, publicist/ publicity, designer, digital marketing manager, social media, blogger, publisher, sales & marketing, special sales, finance, legal, etc. or yourself! We want to know the people making a difference. Each nominee will receive a recognition in the BookCAMP magazine, as well as by the publisher Ted Olczak. A recognition ceremony is planned for all nominees during the BookCAMP event (NO ENTRY FEE required for the ceremony.) Ashley Marie Mireles-Guerrero Director of Sales & Marketing at Familius, Co-Founder/Owner of Bookstore Familius Publishing, Judging by the Cover: A Bookstore Fresno, CA Cody Sexton Publisher Anxiety Press Gabriel Cleveland Director/Managing Editor CavanKerry Press Fort Lee, NJ Joshua Rothes Publisher Sublunary Editions Keri-Rae Barnum President President at New Shelves Books Natasha Kane Marketing and Acquisitions Editor Trio House Press Minneapolis, MN Stevie Edwards Poetry Editor, The South Carolina Review Tiffany Storrs Editor in Chief Roi Faineant Press Zara Hoffman Publisher Inimitable Books Manhattan, New York Ben DeVos Editor-In-Chief Apocalypse Party Cory Firestine Assistant Editor, Special Projects; Managing Editor, "Revel" Unbound Edition Press Atlanta, GA Jesi Buell Publisher KERNPUNKT Press Hamilton NY Katie Miller Head of Content BiggerPockets Denver, CO L Scully Working Title Boston/Madness Press Nikki Steele Vice President Write Bloody Publishing Superior Summer Stewart Publisher Unsolicited Press Portland, OR Tyler Wittkofsky President & Publisher Tea With Coffee Media Leland, NC Caleb True Managing Editor Dynamo Verlag Saint Louis, MO Dr Danielle Camer Creative Director / Author North Wollongong, Australia Josh Dale Editor-in-Chief Thirty West Publishing House Plymouth Meeting, PA Kenechi Uzor Founder/CEO Iskanchi Press Michelle Dotter Editor in Chief/Publisher, Dzanc Books Noah Perkins Neuwirth & Associates New York Suzi F. Garcia Co-Publisher, Noemi Press ZS Donald Managing Editor Subscribe: $30 for 12 months, then renewals annually at $30 Find out the secret to self-publishing success; what to consider when choosing a printer, book designer, and PWR’s Best Practices on Content – what should be included in a professionally published book. Find out what a full-service national distribution company really does. Included is a directory of Publishing Services & Products. WHAT IS THE AGE REQUIREMENT FOR TOP 40 UNDER 40 CANDIDATES? To be eligible for consideration in the Top 40 Under 40 in Publishing - Class of 2026, nominees must be over the age of 18 and UNDER the age of 40 on Jan. 1, 2026. HOW DO I NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR TOP 40 UNDER 40? Nominations for the class of 2026 are open until March 31, 2026. You can enter a nomination here. You just need your nominee’s name, job title, phone number, e-mail address and a brief explanation of why you think they should be named to the Top 40 Under 40 in publishing. Then we send the nominee acceptance form directly to the nominee and get all the information we need from them. CAN I NOMINATE MORE THAN ONE PERSON? Yes. You can nominate as many people as you’d like— including yourself—and you can nominate colleagues, friends, family members or someone you know through their work in the publishing community. CAN I NOMINATE A GROUP OR A PAIR OF PEOPLE AS CO-NOMINEES? Yes. We know that many people’s success is as part of a team. That said, the intention of the Top 40 Under 40 is to recognize the outstanding work of people, so typically groups of two or three are the most likely to make it through our process. For example, two people who have started and run a business together, or a Editor-Publisher team that has really grown a company. All of the co-nominees must be over 18 and under 40 on Jan. 1, 2026 and must have a strong tie to publishing. To co-nominate people, fill out a nomination form for each individual. In order for each candidate to be eligible we must receive a separate form for each person. WILL THE NOMINEES BE TOLD WHO NOMINATED THEM? No, they remain anonymous. The nominees will only be told that they were nominated and that they need to fill out a second form, the nominee acceptance form, but we won’t tell them who nominated them (but feel free to tell them yourself if you’d like). WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TOP 40 UNDER 40? Top 40s are the best and brightest in publishing. They are uniquely different from one another but they are all high achievers. They include editors, designers, agents, marketing, publicity, digital/social media, etc. and more. They give back to the community and elevate publishing through their work, whether it be in their career or volunteer work. They inspire us through everything they do. DOES BEING NOMINATED MULTIPLE TIMES HELP MY NOMINEE? DOES IT SHOW THAT MANY PEOPLE WANTED THEM ON THE LIST? No. The judges look mainly at the nominee acceptance form that has been filled out by the nominees themselves. While you may want to ensure that your nominee was considered and nominated, it won’t make a difference. Nominee only get one notice of nomination. THE PERSON I WANT TO NOMINATE LIVES OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. CAN I STILL NOMINATE THEM? Yes. All Top 40s will have a strong connection to publishing. They can live outside of the United States. WHY DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE A NOMINEE ACCEPTANCE FORM IF I WAS ALREADY NOMINATED? We have found that often the people who nominate someone for Top 40 don’t have enough information to give us a clear picture of who the nominees are and what they have accomplished. So, we go straight to the source and ask the nominees to tell us themselves what they’ve done. Your nomination is judged mainly on what you put in the nominee acceptance form — the information you provide and how clear it is. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DON'T COMPLETE THE NOMINEE ACCEPTANCE FORM? If you have been nominated but you do not complete the nominee acceptance form you will not be eligible for the Top 40 Under 40 in publishing and your information will not be sent to our judges for consideration. HOW ARE THE TOP 40 SELECTED? From the nominations sent in, our editorial staff will create a short list of nominees who have demonstrated the highest levels of achievement, whether in their career or community work. We also look for well-rounded candidates who have achieved high levels in both career and volunteer work. The short list is sent to our BookCAMP judging panel. The panel goes through these nominations with a fine-toothed comb and debates the merits of the candidates, weighing their achievements until they find the Top 40 Under 40 for the year. In the current issue: BookCAMP: How does one go about finding a literary agent? What is a basic query letter? Can you tell me agents who are actively seeking manuscripts? Find out that and more in the newest edition of BookCAMP! Join us at the conference: June 23-25, 2024, details here: www.ipaBookCamp.com Title: BookCAMP by Printed Word Reviews ISSN: 2994-4406 * Frequency: Five times annually, Quarterly plus extra issue Issue Dates: Nov 2023-Jan 2024; Feb-April 2024; May-July 2024; Aug-Oct 2024; Past Issues November 2025 - January 2026 Annual 2025 issue, Fall Book Shows August 2025 - October 2025 May 2025 - July 2025 February 2025 - April 2025 November 2024 - January 2025 Annual 2024 issue, Fall Book Shows August 2024 - October 2024 May 2024 - July 2024 February 2024 - April 2024 November 2023 - January 2024 Annual 2023 issue, Fall Book Shows Print Trial Offer $12 for 3 months, then renewals at $30 annually

Book review of A Twisted Crucible: The Riddle of the Ruined Soul by Diana Louise Webb . ISBN: 9798890224606 < Back A Twisted Crucible: The Riddle of the Ruined Soul Diana Louise Webb deception, obsession, hallucinations, serial killing, road trip, drug use Speaking Volumes, LLC Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A darkly psychological thriller following an unhinged fugitive whose dangerous road trip and trail of stolen identities inevitably collapse under the weight of her own crimes. In A Twisted Crucible: The Riddle of the Ruined Soul, Diana Louise Webb delivers a relentless, chaotic descent into the mind of a deeply unhinged female serial killer. Functioning as a high-octane psychological crime thriller, the novel blends the claustrophobic dread of identity theft with the sprawling, hallucinatory cadence of an American road-trip noir. A Twisted Crucible picks up where Last of the Autumn Rain leaves off. Julie Monroe Cromwell is on the run, having assumed the identity of her best friend Candice Wentworth after she died in a tragic night club accident along with 500 other innocent people. The twist: Julie’s the one who killed her. She’s got Candice’s ID, her million dollar fortune, and the desire to be anywhere but Fort Wayne, Indiana. Unfortunately for Julie, things go wrong before she’s even made it to the airport. What follows is a manic, bloody, drug-fueled odyssey of one murderous woman trying to find her place in the world. Early on, Julie teams up with the daughter of one of her victims, Jamie Owens, and the unlikely duo go on a cross-country road trip. As Julie attempts to reckon with her feelings about Candice’s death, hide the truth from Jamie, and keep her murderous instincts to a minimum, she finds herself in increasingly ludicrous scenarios. Think: ghosts of dead serial killers, Burning Man themed house parties, laundromat shoot-outs, cannibalistic hillbilly cults, and nearly fatal shark attacks. Ultimately, the insanity of her situation will not be enough to keep Julie from facing the most insane thing of all: herself. Webb’s greatest triumph in A Twisted Crucible lies in her uncompromising depiction of dissociation and memory distortion. Julie is an extraordinarily specimen of the unreliable narrator. Her wise-cracking inner monologue is a toxic soup of drugs, false memories, and shifting guilt, along with the revolving cast of unhinged side characters, forces the reader to constantly recalibrate what is real and what is a byproduct of her psychotic breaks. Oftentimes it seems as though Julie herself doesn’t know what is real, and her struggle to grasp her own motivations will be relatable to many. The dynamic between Julie and Jamie provides the book’s emotional and suspenseful core: Jamie’s quiet, methodical gathering of evidence contrasts sharply with Julie’s erratic, violent oscillations. The key to fully appreciating Webb’s latest installment of the Broken Reflections series is a complete suspension of disbelief. Webb’s narrative tests the absolute limits of how far a reader can travel with a thoroughly irredeemable antihero. And therein lies the pure joy of it. It’s best just to sit back and enjoy the crazy ride. Intended for adult readers of dark crime fiction who crave unstable perception, graphic violence, and intricate investigative threads. Previous Next

Book review of The Circus and the Atom by Joseph Howse . ISBN: < Back The Circus and the Atom Joseph Howse Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Kiev, family, friendship Nummist Media Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In the midst of the USSR's turbulent thaw, a drama student, a taxi driver, and an exile navigate personal dilemmas and political unrest in Kiev as they prepare for a New Year celebration that intertwines their fates and reveals the resilience of family and friendship. "The Circus and the Atom" is a riveting and deeply resonant work of historical fiction that trades the sprawling landscape of its predecessor for the claustrophobic tension of a single, pivotal moment in time. Set in Kiev on the eve of 1989, Joseph Howse utilizes the dying days of the Soviet Union to construct a high-stakes, character-driven drama infused with a palpable sense of political noir. This novel is positioned for readers who appreciate nuanced historical narratives, especially those focused on the socio-political turmoil of the late 1980s USSR. Rather than painting the Soviet collapse with broad strokes, Howse excels at the granular level, illustrating the decay of a superpower through the stress fractures in the lives of ordinary, yet extraordinary, people. The decision to set the story over the New Year of 1988/89 in Kiev lends the narrative a rich, pressurized atmosphere. The promise of the New Year—a universal symbol of renewal—contrasts sharply with the political splintering of the USSR, creating a profound undercurrent of uncertainty. This tension is heightened by the described noir atmosphere. This is not just historical fiction; it's a cold, tense exploration of moral ambiguity in a society losing its ideological foundation. The lingering specter of the Chernobyl disaster and the daily realities of an entire civilization thawing from decades of rigid rule provide a magnificent, haunting backdrop for the personal dramas unfolding. We follow the familiar ensemble from the first book,”The Girl in the Water,” now grappling with new and heavier responsibilities. Nadia, now in her third term as a Performing Arts student, grounds the emotional heart of the story; her choice to visit Kiev underscores the central theme of family and commitment despite political volatility. The narrative shines brightest when exploring the interconnected struggles of the secondary characters: Ida, the resilient taxi driver, becomes the street-level lens into the daily chaos and necessary survival of the common citizen. Most intriguing is Giorgi, Nastya’s detective husband. His investigation into a bombing incident serves as the engine for the "noir" element, forcing him to navigate the ethically complex intersection of personal loyalty and duty within a politically corrupt system. His haunted past adds a compelling layer of psychological depth to the political thriller framework. The pacing builds toward the New Year celebrations, a resolution that is less about tying up every plot thread and more about capturing the spirit of hope and resilience. The novel’s true strength lies in its commitment to character and connection, somewhat reminiscent of Jennifer Coburn's "The Girls of the Glimmer Factory." The powerful communication between Nadia, her sister Nastya, and Ida emphasizes that even in times of grand civil upheaval, the human connection—friendship and family—remains the most powerful anchor. "The Circus and the Atom" leaves a lasting impact by not offering easy answers, but instead concluding with a sense of anticipation for the future. It powerfully reminds us that even when civil structures crumble, the human spirit endures, perpetually looking forward to the possibilities of the next day. This book is unreservedly recommended for anyone seeking literary depth in a period piece defined by high-stakes personal drama. Previous Next

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Book review of Holiday Spirit by John DeGuire . ISBN: 979-8990870925 < Back Holiday Spirit John DeGuire Monsters; outcasts, New England, Halloween, Christmas John DeGuire Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A gothic, cross-genre horror story set in Vermont that subverts classic monster tropes by casting a misfit band of legendary creatures as the unlikely heroes protecting a town from a vengeful witch. In “Holiday Spirit," John DeGuire delivers a debut novel that is as atmospheric as a New England winter and as sharp as a vampire’s tooth. Set in the deceptively quiet town of Killington, Vermont, the story kicks off with a Halloween prank that backfires spectacularly, igniting the wrath of Bridgett Bishop, a witch with a long memory and a thirst for vengeance. As the calendar turns toward Christmas, the festive cheer is replaced by a chilling reality: children are vanishing, and the shadows are crawling with more than just frost. What makes DeGuire’s narrative stand out is his redefining the “Universal Monsters,” it’s a subversion of the monster mythos. Our heroes are a misfit band of outcasts: Saul, an EMS captain who is a modern, stitched-together iteration of Frankenstein’s creature; Dr. Ralph Ellison, the invisible man; and a power couple for the ages: Count Dracula and his werewolf wife, Aoife. The strength of the novel lies in its moral complexity. DeGuire explores the “humanity” of monsters versus the “monstrosity” of humans. While the townsfolk are quick to point fingers at the supernatural residents among them, it is these very outcasts who risk everything to save the children. DeGuire’s writing is textured, using metaphors that evoke a classic, almost gothic feel. He blends the aesthetic of the holidays with the gore of a slasher, creating a “Nightmare Before Christmas” vibe for a mature audience. The mystery builds with a steady dread, punctuated by vivid, graphic action sequences that will satisfy any hardcore horror fan. “Holiday Spirit” is a cross-genre triumph that asks a haunting question: “In a world of ancient mummies and malevolent phantoms, who are the real villains?” By stripping away the capes and the caricatures, DeGuire gives these legendary monsters a soul, making them the unexpected protectors of a town that fears them. If you’re looking for a holiday read that trades tinsel for tension and presents for prehistoric lagoon creatures, this is your next obsession. Previous Next

Book review of Los Viajeros del Tiempo (The Time Travelers) by Richard C Brusca . ISBN: 979-8366681919 < Back Vea https://www.printedwordreviews.com/enespanol Los Viajeros del Tiempo (The Time Travelers) Richard C Brusca Independently published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Originally rated 5 stars by the San Francisco Book Review, this is a translated version into Spanish done by Printed Word Reviews En Espanol. El tiempo tiene una cualidad inusual. Para el que trabaja el viernes por la tarde se arrastra lentamente, mientras que el fin de semana pasa volando. ¿Y quién no ha sentido la sensación de volver en el tiempo al visitar un sitio arqueológico? Richard C. Brusca incorpora esta maleabilidad de la percepción del tiempo y teje una intrigante historia de misterio en The Time Travelers, una novela magistral que abarca el enigmático y antiguo enfoque del tiempo del Imperio azteca. Ambientada en la Ciudad de México, la narración lleva al lector desde la ciudad azteca de Moctezuma en 1519 y la conquista del Imperio azteca por parte de Hernán Cortés, hasta la Ciudad de México de 2032. El periodista Francisco Montoya inicia la historia buscando información sobre los extraños sucesos que ocurrieron en el Zócalo de la Ciudad de México durante el Día de los Muertos de 2026. Su búsqueda lo lleva hasta un hombre peculiar en un bar local, quien le revela a Montoya la dramática historia. La saga comienza con un proyecto de construcción cerca del Zócalo que debe ser aprobado por el instituto de arqueología de México. La excavación descubre una antigua caja azteca decorada con escarabajos. La caja se le entrega al doctor Daniel Zavala, director del Museo Nacional de Antropología. Zavala abre la caja, que revela un magnífico tesoro. Sin embargo, el objeto pronto es robado. Lola Pérez, una detective de la policía, y Daniel Zavala trabajan codo a codo para resolver el misterio. Su búsqueda los lleva hasta el padre Mateo Ganando, un anciano sacerdote católico de la Catedral Metropolitana, también ubicada en el Zócalo. Sin embargo, Ganando es menos un sacerdote que el guardián de escritos aztecas ocultos que guardan los secretos del viaje en el tiempo y que se encuentran escondidos en un sótano adyacente a la catedral. Incluida una peligrosa profecía azteca escondida en un códice de 500 años de antigüedad. Brusca, un académico de la Universidad de Arizona especializado en América del Norte y Central, aprovecha sus conocimientos para crear una historia cautivadora y emocionante sobre la venganza azteca y su comprensión del tiempo. La narrativa brilla con intriga mientras Zavala y Pérez compiten por desentrañar el misterio. Los lectores disfrutarán de esta intrigante visión del viaje en el tiempo. Previous Next

Book review of The Unfair Advantage: Weaponizing The Hypomanic Toolbox by Todd Hagopian . ISBN: 979-8888249710 < Back The Unfair Advantage: Weaponizing The Hypomanic Toolbox Todd Hagopian Business, Self-Help, Mental health Koehler Books Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A struggling CEO must confront his own mental health challenges and embrace an unconventional management system to save his failing company from collapse while discovering that his greatest weakness can become his most powerful asset. Hagopian’s "The Unfair Advantage: Weaponizing the Hypomanic Toolbox" is an unconventional call to action that transforms personal struggle into a blueprint for corporate excellence. The book’s strength lies in its bold premise: that the intense focus and drive often associated with a hypomanic state can be systematically harnessed to achieve extraordinary organizational transformation. The book masterfully weaves together memoir, practical strategy, and a compelling fictional parable. The prologue lays a raw and honest foundation, detailing Hagopian’s own turbulent journey—one marked by rapid professional success, yet shadowed by arrests, failed relationships, financial ruin, and suicidal thoughts. His eventual diagnosis of bipolar disorder was the turning point. He realized the same hypomanic energy that fueled his career highs was also driving his devastating lows. Instead of simply managing the disorder, Hagopian refined its positive attributes, leading to the creation of the Hypomanic Toolbox (HOT System). This system turned him into what he calls a "stagnation assassin." The book’s core concepts are made highly accessible through the narrative of the Jack Whelan character, president of the struggling Cartwell Manufacturing. Jack’s struggles mirror Hagopian’s early business and personal challenges. He is mentored by the eccentric, bipolar billionaire, Eugene Spark, who introduces him to the HOT System. This fictional framework allows Hagopian to demonstrate the system's practical application, showing how Jack utilizes it to: Skyrocket production efficiency. Develop innovative products. Improve the company's financial standing and employee morale. Crucially, Jack's journey is not just about corporate rescue; it’s about finding personal growth and balance, navigating the perils of workaholism, and prioritizing mental and physical health. What sets "The Unfair Advantage" apart is its unique focus on leveraging cognitive patterns often viewed as liabilities. The HOT System is a structured methodology for combating institutional inertia by weaponizing the best aspects of hypomania, including: Extreme Goal Setting: Setting "grandiose goals" to shatter mediocrity. Magnificent Obsessions: Developing an unrelenting focus on customers and competitors. Relentless Execution: Prioritizing decisive action and continuous, rapid improvement. Hagopian argues these strategies are not merely aspirational but necessary to survive in a competitive landscape, allowing companies to tap into a genuine and sustainable "unfair advantage." Hagopian’s journey from crisis to control is an inspiring testament to the power of reframing one’s perceived weaknesses. "The Unfair Advantage" delivers on its promise, teaching readers that the key to unlocking extraordinary success is not to seek equilibrium, but to learn how to harness extreme focus in a controlled, sustainable way. It concludes with an invitation to think differently and act decisively, proving that with the right toolbox, anyone can achieve far more than they ever thought possible, without sacrificing health or relationships. See more at https://toddhagopian.com and https://stagnationassassins.com . Previous Next

< Back Hachette Book Group Names Christine Ball and Emily Meehan to Executive Management Board October 5, 2026 at 6:06:09 AM Hachette Book Group (HBG) has announced key executive leadership appointments, naming Christine Ball and Emily Meehan to its Executive Management Board as part of a strategic publishing expansion. Christine Ball will join HBG in November as President and Publisher of Grand Central Publishing, filling the role vacated by Ben Sevier following his promotion to Chief Executive Officer of HBG. Ball brings over two decades of experience from Penguin Random House, where she most recently served as Executive Vice President and Publisher at Berkley, with prior publisher roles at Dutton and Putnam. Over her career, Ball has managed high-profile releases from authors including former President Barack Obama, Emily Henry, Mark Greaney, Nick Offerman, and Carley Fortune. In her new role, she will oversee Grand Central Publishing as well as Hachette’s Nashville imprints. Effective January 1, 2027, Emily Meehan will be promoted to President and Publisher of Union Square & Co. (UNSQ). Following HBG’s acquisition of UNSQ in 2024, Meehan has led publishing operations across its roster of imprints, including Union Square Kids, Union Square Gift, Boxer Books, Knock Knock, and Em & Friends. Coinciding with her promotion, UNSQ will transition from operating under the Grand Central Publishing Group to becoming an independent publishing division within HBG, with Meehan joining the Executive Management Board. "Christine is an expert cultivator of talent, architect of book campaigns, engineer of author careers, and an experienced leader of publishing teams," incoming HBG's CEO Ben Sevier said in a statement. Speaking on Meehan's transition, Sevier noted her leadership during UNSQ's integration into HBG, calling her "a visionary leader whose voice on the Executive Management Board will surely benefit all of HBG." The appointments mark a continued restructuring of HBG’s executive leadership team as the publisher expands its imprint footprint across the trade industry. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Christine Ball and Emily Meehan Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Durst Group Expands Label Printing Reach with Acquisition of MPS September 17, 2026 at 9:13:52 AM Durst Group announced at LOUPE Americas 2026 that it will acquire Netherlands-based flexographic specialist MPS Printing B.V. Beginning January 1, 2027, the company will operate under the name MPS – A Durst Group Company , marking a significant expansion in Durst’s drive to build a fully integrated, automated label production ecosystem. The deal broadens Durst’s hardware and software capabilities, pairing its established digital inkjet technology and workflow automation with MPS’s precision flexographic engineering. Rather than pushing converters toward a single manufacturing method, the acquisition aims to provide flexible, hybrid choices for a rapidly changing label market: Technology Synergy: Combines Durst's digital printing, software, and automation tools with MPS’s flexo technology to shorten development cycles and speed up time-to-market. Diversified Platforms: Addresses the full spectrum of converter needs, from short-run digital customization to high-volume flexographic applications. Operational Autonomy: MPS will retain its product portfolio and entrepreneurial structure. CEO Michiel Borst will continue leading the brand as Managing Director within the Durst Group structure. “Our customers need production environments that allow them to manage different applications, run lengths, and business models with maximum efficiency and flexibility,” said Christoph Gamper , CEO and Co-Owner of Durst Group. “With MPS, we are adding further flexographic expertise... It means we can innovate faster, address a broader range of customer requirements, and bring new solutions to market more quickly.” While MPS will maintain its direct sales channels across Europe, sales and service operations for the MPS portfolio in the United States will transfer directly to Durst US. Additionally, MPS will plug into Durst’s international logistics network, giving global users improved access to spare parts, local support, and regional engineering services. All existing customer contracts and service commitments will remain fully in place. Durst confirmed that its existing partnership with OMET remains independent and strategically unaffected by the MPS acquisition. The joint venture behind the KJet and XJet hybrid platforms will continue to be actively developed, marketed, and supported. Gamper emphasized that because label manufacturing is inherently diverse, Durst's goal is not to standardize around one concept, but to offer complementary paths for varied converter requirements. The acquisition is expected to close on January 1, 2027, pending standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Returns with Major Reveals and Record Fan Enthusiasm July 29, 2026 at 10:02:54 AM Comic book collectors and blockbuster fans descended upon Southern California as San Diego Comic-Con ( SDCC ) 2026 transformed the San Diego Convention Center and the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter into a hub for geek culture from July 23 through July 26, following its packed Preview Night on July 22. Widely regarded as the premier celebration of comics and popular culture worldwide, the convention once again drew more than 135,000 attendees for four days of entertainment reveals, creator panels, cosplay, and community events. The centerpiece of the convention remained in the legendary Hall H, where major studios unveiled exclusive previews and welcomed star-studded panels before thousands of fans. Notably, Marvel Studios headlined the convention with an extended look at Avengers: Doomsday , along with surprise announcements about future Marvel Cinematic Universe films that prompted some of the loudest crowd reactions of the weekend. Elsewhere, film and television studios shared first looks at upcoming projects, while game developers offered updates on highly anticipated titles, including Marvel’s Wolverine . Across the exhibit hall , comic publishers and independent creators announced new series, celebrated milestone anniversaries, and debuted exclusive convention editions. Beyond major studio presentations, SDCC retained its fan-first spirit that has defined the convention for more than five decades. Attendees filled the convention center in elaborate, handcrafted cosplay inspired by classic superheroes, science fiction icons, anime favorites, and original character designs. Longstanding traditions—including the annual Masquerade costume competition , the official Comic-Con Blood Drive, signings , tabletop gaming sessions, and creator-led discussions —continued to draw enthusiastic crowds throughout the weekend, reaffirming Comic-Con’s roots as a gathering where creators and fans come together to celebrate the art of comics and storytelling. Beyond serving as a celebration of fan culture and high-profile entertainment previews, San Diego Comic-Con continues to operate as a critical engine for the broader publishing and media industries. Highlighted by industry veteran Kuo-Yu Liang, who noted that "San Diego Comic-Con is where deals are made and the finished products marketed," the convention functions as both an essential B2B marketplace and a global marketing launching pad. Within the exhibit halls and behind closed doors, publishers, agents, and creators negotiate key licensing agreements and intellectual property partnerships, while simultaneously capitalizing on the unmatched concentration of media and fan attention to promote their completed works directly to the public. One of SDCC’s most significant announcements reached beyond the convention floor: Organizers confirmed a landmark agreement with city tourism leaders and local hotel partners that will keep the event running at the San Diego Convention Center through at least 2030, ensuring the convention remains in the city where it began in 1970. The agreement also reinforces Comic-Con’s role as one of San Diego’s largest annual events. Each year, the convention attracts visitors from around the world and generates hundreds of millions of dollars for the regional economy through tourism and local spending. With another successful convention complete and its future secured, SDCC continues to stand as the leading global showcase for comics, film, television, games, and fan culture. For official recaps, photo galleries, and information about future events, visit the Comic-Con International website, https://www.comic-con.org/ . Reported by Jessica Shih Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Qasida for When I Became a Woman by Huma Sheikh . ISBN: 979-8899901683 < Back Qasida for When I Became a Woman Huma Sheikh Poetry; Arabian Ode Finishing Line Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Sheikh uses the ancient Arabic poetic form to navigate the haunting trauma of her father's murder in war-torn Kashmir, transforming personal loss into a powerful testament of resilience and beauty amidst violence. In her debut collection, “Qasida for When I Became a Woman,” Huma Sheikh delivers a breathtaking synthesis of personal grief and political history. By reclaiming an ancient poetic tradition, Sheikh transforms the silence of a cold case into a resounding anthem of survival. Set against the volatile backdrop of war-torn Kashmir and parts of America, this collection, a memoir in verse, is an exploration of how personal identity is forged in the fires of trauma. Sheikh utilizes the Qasida, an ancient Arabic poetic form traditionally characterized by praise and mourning, to navigate the haunting mystery of her father’s murder. The emotional gravity of the book centers on Sheikh’s father. After being taken by police, reported dead and too quickly cremated, this disappearance creates a “profound void” that the poet must fill with words. The narrative introduces a cast defined by endurance: the poet herself, grappling with a violent inheritance, and her mother, a pillar of resilience who nurtures her daughter through the shadows of the conflict-ridden region. As the collection progresses, Sheikh moves deeper into the wreckage of her father’s legacy. The middle of the book serves as a bridge between the past and the present, where the poet’s identity is sculpted by family members and the ongoing violence of her homeland. Sheikh’s juxtaposition of the macabre and the sublime is striking. She weaves the vivid imagery of death and displacement against moments of beauty and praise for a world that persists despite destruction. Her writing evolves from a cry of mourning into a meditation. By giving voice to the “silenced and forgotten,” she proves that art is not merely a reflection of pain, but a tool for transforming it. Sheikh takes the traditionally male-dominated Arabian Ode and bends it to her will, telling her “heartbreaking story with tenderness and ferocious honesty.” The blurring lines between a family's private loss and the public tragedy of Kashmir. The daily labor of remembering those the world wishes to forget. “Qasida for When I Became a Woman” is a moving, charged work. Huma Sheikh has taken the fragments of a shattered life and reconstructed them into a vessel of grace. It is a haunting collection that reminds us that even when bodies are lost to history, their stories can be saved through the power of the written word. Previous Next