The Satanic Verses was published more than thirty years ago, but the attack in August on Salman Rushdie, the novel’s author, is a grim reminder that the scandal surrounding it remains alive. Although Ayatollah Khomeini’s notorious 1989 fatwa, which ordered the murder of Rushdie for blasphemy, has never been rescinded, no special measures seem to […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2022/09/25/rushdies-ancient-epic/
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
Huzzah… I am caught up with reviews. I have three weeks scheduled ahead with reviews & posts sprinkled well into October and November. It feels so good not to have all those Goodreads emails in my Inbox reminding me I’ve finished a book. I actually wrote reviews for the books I READ this week. Now to keep it that way. I finished the Crown and need to find something else to binge until new stuff comes out. Any recommendations? I have Netflix, Hulu, Disney and Prime. Stay Caffeinated.
Signal Moon By Kate Quinn (audio review) The Long-Forgotten Winter King By Annette Marie (audio review) The Hob & Hound Pub By Seana Kelly (audio review) The Twice-Scorned Lady Of Shadow By Annette Marie (audio review) Across The Green Grass Fields By Seanan McGuire (audio review)
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Special thanks to St. Martin
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/09/sunday-post-543-first-weekend-of-fall.html
High Clowder Cats follows a feral tom cat who sets off to find his own territory and start a colony of his own. However, fate has different plans for him. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I guess everyone is really motivated by a sense of wanting to belong and is somewhere on the journey of figuring out how they fit in. Bushytail is no different. The question is, how much of the opportunities one is presented with on our journey through life are due to fate and how much are because of our actions and the consequences of those actions? Bristle does determine that Bushytail is fated for greatness and leads him toward that but on the way Bushytail also has choices to make – the path Bristle laid out for Bushytail isn’t easy and he could have given up – but thank goodness for the readers, he doesn’t.
Bushytail starts out wanting a simple and quite life; what he gets is something much different and harder to adapt to. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
There is a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings that has always stuck with me: “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Bushytail’s choice is much like that. He did not choose to be the hero of the story, but when he had the choice to try and help others or walk away, he decided to stand up for what was right.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme is that everyone is a leader and everyone needs to lead by example and be a good citizen. It is easy to feel that you can’t make a difference in the world when faced with enormous issues like global warming but it is up to each of us as individuals to make a difference. In the end, there is no other way to solve the world’s problems except by working together to make the world a better place. The hard problems are a bit easier to discuss through the eyes of cats – it seems to make them a bit more accessible.
What is the next book in the Clowder Cats series about, and when will it be available?
I don’t want to give away any spoilers from book one, but if you have read book one there is a “coming soon” section at the back with some insight into what happens in Book Two: Dark Clowder. The title is a bit of a giveaway! Book 2 is nearly ready for editing at the minute. I will let you know when it will be released on my website http://www.clowdercats.net
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/25/that-bushytail-is-fated-for-greatness/
Chasing Numbers details your battle with Anorexia Nervosa and your path toward recovery. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was important for me to write the book because there are not a lot of stories out there of those who have battled this illness, less so from a male perspective. There are also a lot of misconceptions about eating disorders. Many studies have shown that 40% of the population still do not believe eating disorders are a serious mental illness when in fact they have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. The book has also been so helpful for parents navigating the illness with their child. It is so hard to understand the illness unless you have gone through it. I wanted others to have the most raw and honest picture of what this illness truly is. I have also been donating 100% of the proceeds from Chasing Numbers to those seeking treatment with an eating disorder in Canada. This made it even more important that I really put everything I had into the book.
I appreciated how candid you were in your book. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest part of writing the book was telling the story in a way where blame wouldn’t be placed on my parents. My parents did so much for me throughout my recovery and I knew it was hard on them. It was actually the reason I talked less about them in the book than I otherwise would have. It is so hard to see the illness in someone. It was even harder since I was so good at hiding it while I was around them. Parents often feel responsible for bad things that happen to their child so I was doing everything I could do to avoid them thinking that any of this was because of their actions or something they didn’t do.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the biggest ideas that I wanted this book to give to the reader that eating disorders are widespread and can impact anyone. When people think of eating disorders, they often think of a white college girl who is starving themselves. I wanted people to know that this is not the case and there are many diverse people that also suffer. Secondly, while presenting a story that showed how horrible Anorexia Nervosa can be, I also wanted to present a hopeful ending that shows others the illness can be beaten.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about anorexia?
A common misconception is that only females get Anorexia Nervosa. While it is much more common in females, a person of any gender can be diagnosed.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook
All proceeds from Chasing Numbers will be donated to Eating Disorders Nova Scotia in order to help fund programs that support individuals who are suffering from eating disorders.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/25/what-this-illness-truly-is/
Holding It All Together When You’re Hypermobile explores the physical effects of hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome, its emotional impacts, and provides readers with a prescription for healing. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I struggled for 17 years to find the correct diagnosis for unrecognizable chronic health conditions. I wrote the book so other patients wouldn’t have to do the same. To be able to find answers without dismissive providers discounting their physical and emotional pain was the driving force.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about EDS?
Most people have never heard of EDS unless you know someone impacted. It used to once be thought of as rare. But scientists at MUSC working on it now say it affects 1 in every 500 people so it’s not rare, but rarely diagnosed. Getting the right diagnosis for a complex multi-systemic disorder is challenging in our US healthcare system of siloed practioners. No one is looking at you hostistically. Medical schools aren’t teaching about connective tissue disorders or mention it in one paragraph of a lesson. Patients often have to crowdsource their care to connect the dots. In fact, some medical providers do not yet believe hypermobility is a real diagnosis and write patients off as it being in their head. The misconception is we are just double-jointed and flexible on the outside but what people don’t realize is all of the elasticity is going on in every level within our bodies affecting veins, muscles, joints, and organ systems simultaneously. That often is a very painful and debilitating process.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Self-advocacy and empowerment are vital to waging any war on disease. Yet slowing down to take care of yourself fully is also important. The two are not always aligned with each other. We often face cycles of boom and bust where we overdo it on a good day – only to need recovery time from any sort of exertion. EDS is an invisible illness. We might look normal and even seem capable on one day or week, then quietly fall apart. It is a difficult rollercoaster ride not on physically but emotionally. I wanted to offer inspiration and hope to others along with practical suggestions on exactly how to cope with those challenges.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I hope to write more on the autonomic nervous system within the human body and how we can utilize practical tools for calming down the chaos of chronic illness from within. “Dis-ease” is a state we should not get comfortable living in and is too commonly found today. I also hope to create more materials to support other patients better advocate for themselves withing the constraints of our existing medical system for better outcomes.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The book was a “joint effort” of patients, providers, and advocates coming together to help an underserved community. Participants who were interviewed and shared in the book include:
EDS Medical SpecialistsDr. Sunil Patel, Neurosurgeon, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Dr. Chip Norris, The Norris Lab researching hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), MUSC
Dr. Cortney Gensemer, Norris Lab (has hEDS)
Dr. Amanda Miller, Progress Physical Therapy (speciality in hypermobility)
Dr. Eric Singman, Professor of Ophthalmology, Neuro-ophthalmologist, University of Maryland Medical School and Former Chief of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins
Industry Leading AdvocatesLauren Stiles, President and Co-Founder, Dysautonomia International
Lara Bloom, President, The Ehlers Danlos Society
Dorothy Poppe, President, Bobby Jones Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation
Gwenn Herman, Clinical Director, US Pain Foundation
Trisha Torrey, Founder, The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates
Camille Schrier, Miss America 2020 (who has EDS)
Ben Glass, Long-term disability lawyer, Ben Glass Law
To learn more about Christie’s book, visit http://www.holdingitalltogether.com.
If you want to learn more about Christie’s advocacy work, visit http://www.journey2joyous.com
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/25/a-complex-multi-systemic-disorder/
Demented follows a woman who’s trying to live a normal life after being assaulted, but finds that one of the attackers is her coworker which sets in motion a series of events that spiral out of control. What inspired the setup to this crime novel?
I felt a need to address what I see as misconceptions about the value of sending people to prison and a novel is the best way I know to do that. Demented allowed me to dramatize the difference between justice for the less wealthy (Troy) and the very wealthy (Adan and Beau). I was able to talk about the fact that simply sending people to prison is not a solution for crime. I was able to raise the issue of treatment of those who have completed their sentences and sincerely want a second chance to be good citizens.
What scene in the book was the most emotionally impactful for you to write?
There are many scenes that I consider powerful and it is hard to pick one that tops all the rest. But the scene where Cindy comes to Troy’s apartment to confront him. They struggle to work past their issues but don’t quite make it.
What were some challenges you set for yourself as a writer with this book?
First was resolving Troy’s post prison life. Does he build a new future of does obsess over revenge? And why? Depicting Cindy as events unfold. She doesn’t come off as a sympathetic character. She is resilient, proud and strong. She stumbles and she doesn’t get everything right but she never stops fighting. I think she does as well as any of us would in her circumstances. Talking about prison and the justice system without being preachy. Bringing down Adan Jackson without resorting to cheap tricks.
Do you have plans to write more stories featuring Private Investigator Nickey Arnold?
I am excited about Nickey. I have a story in mind and I have done some research but it’s in line behind my current project – a Civil War Saga based on my Great Grandfather’s years in the Union army.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/25/not-a-solution-for-crime/
How to Run a Marathon in 13 Years details the variety of obstacles you faced while fighting to regain the ability to run a marathon again. Why was this an important book for you to write?
At first, I thought it would be a fun book about running. But as I went back over the years, I saw my life had been collapsing financially, physically, emotionally; pretty much in all areas.
Running became the scaffolding upon which I hung my reactions to the challenges that arose. Hopefully, readers will glean a few good lessons.
I appreciated how candid you were in your book. What was the hardest moment in your life to write about?
The deaths of family and friends. Recalling their passing triggered varied memories and emotions, often reminding me of times when I was petty or mean.
I can’t repair the past, only strive to be less self-centered in future.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is struggling to find motivation?
Acknowledge fear and indecision, then think of one tiny action you might do right that moment that will guide you toward your goal. Small things, little deeds got me in motion.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
We never lose the choice of how to respond to the cruelty of time and the unfairness of life. And maybe a couple of laughs.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
— Coach Kate Martini Freeman, ultramarathoner, Ironman finisher, co-founder of Coyote Runners Training Group
Injured while training for a marathon, distance runner JP Mac learns his knee is wrecked. He’s finished for good. Or is he? Discovering a revolutionary new method of running, Mac attempts to reinvent his form. But over time, fate unleashes a series of cruel challenges.
Knee surgery is followed by shoulder surgery. Mac is diagnosed with cancer. A new form of cancer strikes next. Massive weight gain balloons him above 270 pounds. Mac plunges into a Marianas Trench of depression. He battles self-destructive urges. But the hope of running another marathon will not fade nor “go gentle into that good night.”
Part training log, part diary, this award-winning, non-fiction memoir relates Mac’s incredible journey from washed-up marathoner to reborn runner. If you’ve ever been injured in a sport, this astonishing story is for you. If you’ve ever watched a dream slip away, this breath-taking tale is for you. Learn the amazing power of perseverance and mental toughness. Buy this book and discover the wonders that await when you allow your reach to exceed your grasp.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/25/acknowledge-fear-and-indecision/