August 25 2026
Meet the Author: Kirkus Star winner Beka Wueste is an author whose debut novel, “The Unsent Letters of Lucy Prior,” earned praise as a “deeply introspective and emotionally resonant novel” (Kirkus Reviews) and whose second novel, “Fireflies in a Jar,” was lauded as, “original, deftly crafted, emotionally engaging” (Midwest Book Review). Her short story collection, “My Side of the Word and Other Tales of Death,” was described as ” lyrical and thoughtful… a moving, imaginative, and unforgettable exploration” (Readers Favorite Book Reviews).
The collection was named as a finalist for the 2025 Short Story Collections/Anthologies category of the Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards. Beka is also an award-winning visual artist who exhibits her work frequently in regional and national shows.
Born in Texas and raised in Virginia, Beka earned a B.A. in art history from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, and an M.A. in art history from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
An enthusiastic traveler, avid reader, nature lover, lifelong cinephile, and collector of music on vinyl, Beka lives with her husband and their rescue Shiba Inu in Northern Virginia. Learn more: www.bekawueste.com
“Human of the Year,” by Beka Wueste
About
Released from a Maryland prison after nearly twenty years served for a crime he committed during high school, Matt is reunited with his younger sister, Jenny. Matt has to prove to his parole officer, his family, and himself, that he can survive as a free man for the first time in his adult life, while facing the challenges of re-entry into a world that drastically changed during his incarceration.
Knowing that reaching the first year without retuning to prison is critical to Matt’s long-term odds of staying out permanently, Jenny brings him to live with her husband Hector and young daughter Julia, neither of whom Matt has ever met.
Despite Jenny’s best efforts, she struggles to integrate her brother into the life she’s built, and to protect him from people who think he belongs back in prison—including their parents.
Realizing that they have grown up into strangers, the siblings seek support from their community of family, friends, and colleagues.
What reviewers are saying:
“A gripping tale about family dynamics, emotional survival, and second chances. Wueste is an excellent writer, and her main characters feel very real. We care deeply about Matt. We care deeply about Jenny and her endearing little family. We hope against hope that cold hearts will melt. Readers will surely enjoy this emotional ride, with all its twists and turns, hanging on until the very end.” — Midwest Book Review
“5 Stars | A highly affecting work of literary fiction… emotionally charged… the type of novel that will have a profound effect on its readership’s outlook… a transformative novel, teeming with flawed but root-worthy characters.” — Reader Views
“Readers who like literary fiction with moral weight and emotional restraint will find much to admire here. Human of the Year is compassionate, clear-eyed, and unwilling to lie about how hard it is to come home.” — Leah Tran, Manhattan Book Review
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About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.
Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA
About Elaine’s Restaurant: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host 
And meet the PR Director for Elaine’s Literary Salon, InkandescentPR.com’s founder, Hope Katz Gibbs. With her team of award-winning journalists, illustrators and video producers, they help writers up their PR and marketing game with professionally produced podcasts on 
