Samantha Dunn

1 week ago | dailynews.com | Samantha Dunn

Jennifer Weiner is the New York Times bestselling author of 19 novels. On April 14 she will be speaking at Clifton C. Miller Community Center in Tustin at a free Literary Orange event. (Photo by Andrea Cipriani / Courtesy of William Morrow) PUBLISHED: April 11, 2025 at 4:54 PM PDTGo ahead and call contemporary women’s fiction “chick lit” or just a light summer beach read. Jennifer Weiner knows it’s really a Trojan horse.

3 weeks ago | sacbee.com | Samantha Dunn

If you're keeping track, you might notice that we've added a couple of books to our fourth annual Noteworthy list, our salute to California authors whose books during the past year helped shape conversations, attracted considerable attention from critics and readers alike, made powerful statements and delivered unique reading experiences.

3 weeks ago | sacbee.com | Samantha Dunn

From catastrophic fires to mudslides, plane crashes, political upheaval - let's just say that calamity seemed to be the opening act of 2025. Seeking an antidote to the venom of relentless headlines, I've found myself listening to music more than ever. Which made me wonder: How and why does music act as more than mere entertainment, but perhaps offer deeper wisdom and perspective?

3 weeks ago | dailynews.com | Samantha Dunn

Noteworthy Southern California authors of 2024 include, from top left, Percival Everett, Danzy Senna, Jason de León, Rachel Kushner, Alex Espinoza, Venita Blackburn, Rachel Khong, Obi Kaufmann, Nicola Yoon, Thomas Fuller, Don Winslow and Moon Zappa. UPDATED: April 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM PDTIn 2024, there were so many books by California authors whose influence reached beyond the region and reverberated across the nation that we had to increase the list from 10 to 12.

3 weeks ago | dailynews.com | Samantha Dunn

Alexander Shelley is the new artistic and musical director at Pacific Symphony Orchestra in Costa Mesa, CA. His selection was announced during an event at Segerstrom Concert Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG) UPDATED: April 1, 2025 at 2:55 PM PDTHe returns to the Pacific Symphony May 1-3 for performances at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed?