Imagine the world just reset itself, everything goes Blank, and humankind can’t remember the past. No one knows how much time has passed since the Blank; no one remembers much of the time before. Set in a dystopian version of Earth, where seeds are used to barter for goods, we meet the sisters Danube and Amazon Rivers along with the Bailiwick brothers, Alabama and Nebraska. The four youths grew up in the same town, and one day they stumbled across the mysterious Alice, who appeared out of nowhere. But unlike the four and their mundane lives, Alice knows how the world came to be in its current state. Told in the third person while displaying multiple character points of view, Nanette L. Avery’s novel Blank distinguishes life not endowed with ready-made meaning and the characters who are responsible for creating their own. The world everyone knew before is gone, and the one they have ended up in operates by a completely different set of rules. Alice’s existence may very well destroy what humanity has rebuilt, but she must complete the mission she was entrusted with at any cost.
Reflections of Intimacy is an artistic look into how intimacy can be experienced and open up people to connect in ways not always thought of. What was your inspiration for creating a photojournalistic exploration involving intimacy?
The inspiration for creating a photojournalistic exploration through Reflections of Intimacy came from my everyday life and interactions. We often get fed a narrative of intimacy shaped by romanticism and our own experience with pleasure. As a change agent and artist, I wanted to explore what it means to be intimate at its root. To spark inquiry and move beyond the framed context with perhaps the same fervent sway intimacy affords us.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about intimacy?
Great question. I bring this up in Reflections of Intimacy, in that intimacy is often confined to an act. However, I believe it spans our entire lives without needing to be overt in how and when it presents in our day-to-day lives. This misconception has helped shape how we behave and possibly experience intimacy. Therefore I felt it was necessary to offer a new perspective within the first chapter of Reflections of Intimacy.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
One thing I hope readers take away from Reflections of Intimacy is that they can and should explore what intimacy means to them and how it shows up in their lives. I am also happy to connect with my readers on any platform and engage directly with them at a deeper level should they wish.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently in the exploration phase for my next book, so the date on that is tentative. However, the best place to learn about upcoming books and projects is by subscribing to the free newsletter on my website: jewelmensah.com
What does intimacy mean to you? Reflections of Intimacy is a theoretically artistic and photojournalistic exploration into the subject and practice of intimacy; and the path of connection it opens. The book is my first self-published effort. Reflections of intimacy draws from media studies and critical theory in its framework. Through reflection, I aim to peel back a few layers of intimacy and in doing so, hope to expand the liminal bounds of the seemingly private subject within the public sphere. This books serves as an intimate reflection in its own right by capturing within it, vignettes of affect and affection. At the end of this book you will walk away with a new perspective on intimacy, its permutations in practice, and a showcase that explores the beauty of vulnerability.
This Was Always About Basketball by Craig Leener is a wonderful story that follows the protagonist Ezekiel Archer, better known as ‘Zeke,’ as he prepares himself for his next big step in life at the University of Kansas. This is where he plans to take his basketball dreams to the next level. However, as he begins completing his extensive to-do list before he leaves, he encounters a few bumps along the way, such as history being completely altered. As this is not the first time an unusual happening has been in Zeke’s life, he knows exactly who to turn to, his autistic but brilliant mathematician friend Lawrence.
The whole concept behind this story is compelling, and the imagination used to combine science fiction with a diary written by Zeke is done well. Having the story written in the first person narrative and having him address the reader by introducing himself, ‘My name is Ezekiel Archer’ from one of the first lines draws them in, making them feel included in the story. There are areas throughout where the details are rich and descriptive, such as ‘Lawrence’s handwriting—rigid and purposeful letters carefully sketched and slanted in an easterly direction.’ These moments allow readers to come to know the characters, it assists the reader in understanding them on a deeper level.
This Was Always About Basketball is an entertaining and enjoyable read. The chapters are short, but all relevant which helps with the plot flow, and you are always left wanting more. This is not the first book in this series that I have read, and I hope it will not be the last as through each adventure, you learn more about the characters and feel you are part of the story with them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fantasy story.
Have you ever wondered whether you will have an impact on the world? An experience that, even after our departure, will live on in everyone’s memory? Than Making Your Mark, Leaving a Legacy, And then… A Grand Exit That’ll Have Their Tongues Waggin, by Peter Davidson, speaks about just that phenomenon! It comes with an abundance of ideas, such as starting a collection you can leave for those close to you or succeeding. Some may even consider you a hoarder during the process but giving your children or grandchildren your prized coin collection, season tickets, or concert tickets could be a tremendous amount of fun. It would really be of great importance for your legacy in the long run. Peter Davidson gives ideas from hypothetical situations and real-life examples to leave your mark.
A section of the book includes the celebration of life party and a final farewell for Timothy A. B. Smythe, leaving everyone who knew Timothy and Timothy himself with a smile. It was the best section of the book. Recognizing that his days were numbered, he organized a “Living Wake” with the support of his friends and family. Then, soon after his passing, a wild celebration honored everything about his life. The coffin was modeled after Timothy A.B. Smythe’s favorite vehicle. The entire ceremony was emotional and touching. This scene would leave you in tears.
A great book is presented here. It does a great job of making light of a very horrible circumstance. The author sets out to help readers prepare for what will eventually come and to make the best of the situation, even presenting ways to make it a time to remember for family and friends that remain. A few noteworthy aspects of this book include the author’s constant encouragement to readers to always see the positive.
Overall, the book is enjoyable to read and offers readers a little push to ensure they make a “Grand Exit.” One of those few keepsakes that kept me happy all the way to the finish. I’d give it a perfect score and suggest this book to everyone who has a handle on life and is searching for the next big step.
In The Leadership Quotient: Practice Meets Theory, the author provides an in depth examination of the qualities of a leader, explains how to be the best leader, helps readers deal with different characters, and shows readers how to apply their intelligence in their quest to guide others. Author Tony Marolt is well versed in matters of leadership and he is detailed when expounding on topics that are not familiar to many. Every topic in this enlightening book is well-researched and well-written. The author does not write based on assumptions; he uses facts and experiences.
The author starts by explaining the various quotients that a leader needs to have. Tony Marolt writes about Intelligent Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Action Quotient (AQ), and Decision Quotient (DQ). The author explains how crucial each of these quotients are for a leader, and how they should balance. I really enjoyed the discussions on AC and DQ as I found it most relevant to me personally. I especially appreciate how clear the author was when discussing those terms, given that they are not as known or observed as IQ and EQ. The author’s description of Action Quotient was apt and learning about Decision Quotient was fulfilling. The author advises readers on how to behave as a leader, and what to display to those that are looking up to you. Are you required to say yes, no, or maybe? The reader is enlightened on making decisions and how to respond when faced with a dilemma.
As a reader, you get immersed in the world of leadership, get exposed to the challenges those in positions of power face, and even gauge your leadership skills. The author is practical and knows how to engage his audience. As you read every chapter, you get to connect with the author on different levels. The author shares lessons that will help you become a leader and grow in whatever capacity of leadership you have.
My favorite part of the book was the tips shared and the exercises. Tony Marolt also shares his experiences while in the Navy and in corporate life. The author’s stories are enlightening, entertaining and carry with them substantial life lessons. My biggest takeaway from the author was how to take charge of your environment. I learned that you can control a situation even as an individual who is not in a leadership position.
This book is the ideal guide for individuals that are aiming to be leaders in both small and big positions. Are you looking for a management position? Do you want to head your department? Do you want to earn more respect as the head of your family? Tony Marolt has all the answers for you. With practical guidance and actionable tips The Leadership Quotient is the decisive guide that prospective leaders need.
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