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 Although Ayatollah Khomeini’s notorious 1989 fatwa, which ordered the murder of Rushdie for blasphemy, has never been rescinded, no special measures seem to […]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/online/2022/09/25/rushdies-ancient-epic/
At heart he was an archivist, and what he archived was his life. Within his hermetic realm he was utterly logical and everything he did made perfect sense. A letter enclosed with a photo of Victor Borge recalled Borge’s overcoat, which he’d once “unsuccessfully tried to steal.” Reminding him: Sonja Sekula had once stolen a […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/09/26/dreaminess-had-will-ray-johnson/
As some of you may know, Joan was an eccentric. Or perhaps it is more judicious to say that she was set in her ways, ways that would not be considered conventional. There was, to paraphrase Robert Lowell, something about her both enchanting and reproachful. For example, she did not answer the telephone. And she […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/09/28/write-it-again/
In 1326 the women of Florence petitioned the Duchess of Calabria to ask her husband the duke to relax legislation preventing them from wearing false hair, part of a package of sumptuary laws that ordered people to wear clothing, accessories, and hairstyles suitable to their social positions. Class identification was so integral to social order […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2022/10/20/lice-and-licentiousness-hair-in-the-middle-ages/
At least three times in its history, the Supreme Court has invoked the Constitution in order to frustrate efforts to protect the vulnerable. In the infamous Dred Scott case of 1857, the Court declared that the Constitution prohibited federal efforts to free slaves because doing so would violate their owners’ property rights—a decision that invalidated […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/10/03/equal-protection-on-the-docket/
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
Turned fifty-six yesterday and cake was devoured. I binge watched The Rings of Power and am loving it. We watched Hocus Pocus 2. I read and listened to some good books and wrote my reviews within 24 hours. Yippee! Fall weather has settled in but I am still wearing my flip-flops..lol Now that October is here, have you signed up for the Fraterfest Readathon? Stay Caffeinated.
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) The Bullet That Missed By Richard Osman (audio review) The Book Haters’ Book Club By Gretchen Anthony (audio review)
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Special thanks to Wednesday Books, Simon Audio, Penguin Audio & Tantor Audio
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/10/sunday-post-544-another-year-older.html
Narrated by Fiona Shaw, The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman is the third audiobook in the Thursday Murder Club. We are back at the Cooper Chase Retirement Center in Kent with Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron investigate two murders, and Elizabeth finds herself in trouble….
The Bullet That Missed
by Richard Osman
Series: Thursday Murder Club #3
Narrator: Fiona Shaw
Length: 11 hours and 16 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.3x
It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal.
Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline, and soon the gang are hot on the trail of two murders, ten years apart.
To make matters worse, a new nemesis pays Elizabeth a visit, presenting her with a deadly mission: kill or be killed…
While Elizabeth grapples with her conscience (and a gun), the gang and their unlikely new friends (including TV stars, money launderers and ex-KGB colonels) unravel a new mystery. But can they catch the culprit and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?
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With book three, we saw a change in narration. Lesley Manville narrated the first two and while I was initially worried and it took me some time to adjust, particularly to the voice of Joyce, Fiona Shaw ended up doing a fine job. She is more breathy than Lesley, but speeding up the narration to 1.3x and upping the volume at a notch, did the trick.
I absolutely love this series and while each book deals with a murder-mystery, I recommend listening in order as we get to know our four main characters, seniors; Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron. You’ll get to know their backgrounds, personalities, and day-to-day problems. I admit to enjoying them all. Elizabeth can be tenacious, as her background suggests. Joyce cracks me up. Ron is in a new relationship, and Ibrahim is slowly recovering from events in the previous book.
The cold case involves the murder of a journalist that they believe got too close to uncover a theft. It was an interesting case from retracing her steps to interviews. In the meantime, Elizabeth along with Stephen find themselves kidnapped. The kidnapper is demanding the Elizabeth kill someone and is threatening to kill Joyce if she doesn’t. The twists and turns kept me listening into the wee hours.
Well paced, humorous and realistic Osmen has me smitten. These characters are brilliant and at I feel as if I am a full-fledged member of the Thursday Murder Club. The story is told from alternating points of views all from the four members and it was splendidly done. Not only did it allow for several threads, it gave us a more personal knowledge of each character.
These four end up getting themselves into some pretty precarious situations. Somehow, maybe because of their age (they don’t seem like a threat) they get themselves out unscathed. It keeps the listener on the edge. More than once I found myself saying, “Oh, no, she didn’t…”
Fans of unique, clever, and loveable characters who enjoy an engaging murder-mystery need to grab the audiobooks/books and discover the Thursday Murder Club for themselves.
Brilliant. I cannot wait for the next one!
Amazon | Audible
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman delivered a delightful and clever story. I loved being back with the Thursday Murder Club. #Mystery#audiobookreview #FionaShaw #NewRelease
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Richard Osman is an author, producer and television presenter. The Thursday Murder Club is his first novel. He is well known for TV shows including Pointless and Richard Osman’s House of Games. As the creative director of Endemol UK, Richard has worked as an executive producer on numerous shows including Deal Or No Deal and 8 Out of 10 Cats. He is also a regular on panel and game shows such as Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You and Taskmaster.
Fiona Shaw CBE is an Irish film and theatre actress. She is known for her roles as Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter film series, Marnie Stonebrook in the fourth season of the HBO series True Blood, and Carolyn Martens in the BBC series Killing Eve.
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Higher Connections: Humor and Inspiration from a Certified Public Pothead talks about the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences of marijuana use by authors Eric and Alexandra Right. In a truthful recount of how they came to be involved with the plant, the Right’s tell of their struggle with everything in life; adolescence, religion, occupational aspirations and marriage and how it’s brought a deeper and more meaningful connection to his life and in turn both of their relationships.
Chapter 7: ‘Buckle Up- It’s Your Turn’, was a personal favorite. This is a step-by-step guide to follow in order to achieve a profound connection with someone (regardless of your marijuana stance) with a key message: TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS.
For readers who may be skeptical, this enlightening book goes through the historical purpose and use of marijuana, stemming back thousands of years and demystifies misconceptions. The Right’s use analogies to compare the feeling of a marijuana high to some of the biggest stories witnessed during the era in which the Bible was initially created; which gives this book a poetic and artful flair. Alongside this we are educated about the legislative order, ancient medicinal properties and given a comparison of marijuana to other things in our everyday environment that the health impacts of which most humans go unaware. This revealing book contains useful information like standard toxicities in alcohol or tobacco as well as the impact of processed meats and kids music.
Higher Connections: Humor and Inspiration from a Certified Public Pothead is a light-hearted read that is filled with facts and figures that is given character and brought to life by two hilarious narrators. It makes for a stereotype smashing and informative read. For curious readers or for expert Mary-Jane users, this book shines a refreshing light onto the use of holistic drugs and how adults sometimes need help getting through life in general.
Pages: 297 | ASIN: B0B7Z2MGH8
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/03/higher-connections/
Ripped away from the typical cases he could solve from the safety of his computers, Detective Hiroshi Shimizu is forced into a case with layers of secrets and dark histories. Along with fellow detectives Takamatsu and Ishii, they hurry to track down Patrick Walsh, who broke into his soon-to-be ex-wife’s home and whisked away their two daughters. But the plot thickens when Joseph Leung, CEO of the Nine Dragons, is found murdered in his office. Our brave group of detectives must solve the mystery of his murder and the abduction and how they are connected. But can they solve this complicated mystery before it’s too late?
Azabu Getaway by Michael Pronko is a murder mystery that takes place from different perspectives of the characters. We mainly follow Hiroshi Shimizu and Patrick Walsh and their different journeys in this captivating plot. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, Detective Hiroshi is an enjoyable reluctant hero, and Patrick is a caring father you can’t help rooting for. However, it is worth noting that the other detectives, Takamatsu and Ishii, won my heart completely. Takamatsu is a character I grew fond of because of his laid-back, sometimes snarky attitude and humor, which complemented rookie Detective Ishii’s easy-going attitude, and her tenacity and intelligence. Truly, all the characters were interesting and played a role in this adrenaline-inducing story.
This was an incredible story that kept me interested in every new development. The only critique I would give is that the ending seemed rushed, but that would be the only thing I would fix. Everything else was great, with excellent grammar, world-building, and intriguing characters you grow fond of. I think it’s a great story if you’re seeking a murder mystery to keep you interested.
Azabu Getaway (Detective Hiroshi Series Book 5) is a fast-paced, thrilling crime novel that gives readers an excellent mystery to follow and memorable characters they will want to get to know more about. Readers will enjoy the adventure they are taken on in Japan as the hunt for a killer takes the detective team into a world of wealth, greed, and violence.
Pages: 324 | ASIN : B0B4FMYGC4
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/03/azabu-getaway/
The reader notices the first Carol Byers’s writing is meticulous. While writing, the author writes about even the most minute differences between the two religions. She takes pride in her knowledge of the Bible and makes biblical references on every page. In What is Truth?: The Bible Vs. the Koran, the author draws comparisons between the two religions’ differences observed, analyzing the Bible and the Koran and breaking down the various practices. The author goes above and beyond when explaining every detail. I love Carol Byers’s writing because she is passionate about religion. This is displayed in her in-depth research and how she states her points.
This educational book starts by giving the most essential comparisons between the Bible and the Koran. I like that the author simplified this part of the book for the reader, as it made comprehension easy. Next, the author discusses Prophet Muhammad, examines his character, and shares their beliefs about him. Carol Byers uses the ideal language and phrases when discussing the Muslim deity and also helps the reader get a true reflection of him. The book uses simplified language, a deep and insightful analysis of Christians, Muslims, and other religions, and closing remarks for the questions readers may ask.
Carol Byers’ writing will appeal to fundamental Christians and believers that recognize that the Christian God is supreme. The author uses multiple scripture passages throughout the book. By giving direct bible verses, she gives the reader a better reference point for where she is developing her analysis from. In addition, the author is conversant with the Bible, Christianity, and even Islam. This is evident in how she writes about the history of both religions, the steps Christians have taken over the years, and why religion is crucial in human existence.
Reading What is Truth?: The Bible Vs. the Koran was an enjoyable experience. The book is divided into two parts, with part one mainly discussing the disparity between the Bible and the Koran, while part two focuses on Islamic practices like marriage, faith, war, and peace. Each of the two parts had weighty topics that would motivate Christians, Muslims, and believers of other religions. Some of the most insightful chapters that I read over and again discussed subjects like the Muslim messiah, how Muslims fight for the cause of god in the name of Jihad, and the last day, salvation through Christ, and truth in Islam and Christianity.
As you read on, you realize that despite Christians and Muslims have a few similarities in how they worship, believers of the two religions have diverse ways of practicing religion. I also love that the author touched on Jews and their common beliefs.
What is Truth?: The Bible Vs. the Koran is like a summarized theology class. The author writes in detail and tries to reach her message to both believers and nonbelievers in the gentlest way possible. I rate this practical book a 4 out of 5 stars because the information in this book is clear and provides perspective on the end of times.
Pages: 409 | ASIN : B08CY7ZC9V
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/03/what-is-truth/