In August I spent two weeks traveling around Ukraine by train, using my sketchbook to document quotidian existence in the shadow of Russia’s invasion. By the time I arrived the Ukrainian army had largely pushed the war back to the country’s south and east. Lviv, Odesa, and Kyiv had returned to vivid life. Kids tore […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/09/09/ukraine-in-the-shadow-of-invasion-sketchbook/

The cover of our Fall Books Issue was hand-drawn and -painted by Jon Klassen, the Canadian writer and illustrator of a Caldecott Award–winning picture book trilogy about hats: I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat, and We Found a Hat. As a mother, I find his work reliably weird and beautiful, finding […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/09/10/soft-shapes-jon-klassen/

The United Nations has assessed that 276 million people worldwide today are “severely food insecure.” Forty million are in “emergency” conditions, one step short of the UN’s technical definition of “famine.” By early this year the combined effects of the climate crisis, the economic fallout from Covid-19, armed conflict, and the rising costs of fuel […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/09/11/the-vanishing-point-of-the-laws-of-war-famine/

We all come from somewhere. And the voices we rely on to tell us where that somewhere is or was, and how we did or did not function in it, are generally writer’s voices, those brilliant, uneasy recorders devoted to dismantling any preconception we may have about place, about the family, about home. Skeptical of […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/10/06/disastrous-surprises-joan-didion/

For about a year, beginning in September 1988, the French writer Annie Ernaux lived in a state of exquisite torture. Torture, because the man with whom she was having a passionate affair was not only married but a citizen of a foreign country, to which, as the lovers knew from the start, he must return; […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2022/11/03/gored-in-the-afternoon-getting-lost-annie-ernaux/

I was drawn to The Book Haters’ Book Club by Gretchen Anthony with it’s promise of book talk, humor and family. This women’s fiction story delivered a heart-felt humorous story about the Over the Rainbow Bookstore and what happens when one co-owners dies… the one who actually loved books.

The Book Haters’ Book Club
by Gretchen Anthony
Narrator: Tanya Eby
Length: 9 hours
Genres: Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.4x

“This sparkling novel starts with high energy and unique characters that move from one surprise to another all the way to the final pages.”—Ann Garvin, USA TODAY bestselling author of I Thought You Said This Would Work

All it takes is the right book to turn a Book Hater into a Book Lover…

That was Elliott’s belief and the reason why he started The Book Haters’ Book Club—a newsletter of reading recommendations for the self-proclaimed “nonreader.” As the beloved co-owner of Over the Rainbow Bookshop, Elliot was passionate about and gifted in recommending books to customers. Now, after his sudden death, his grief-ridden business partner, Irma, has agreed to sell Over the Rainbow to a developer who will turn the cozy bookshop into high-rise condos.

But others won’t give up the bookshop without a fight. When Irma breaks the news to her daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott’s romantic partner, Thom, they are aghast. Over the Rainbow has been Bree and Laney’s sanctuary since childhood, and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott’s legacy. Together, Thom, Bree and Laney conspire to save the bookshop, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.

Filled with humor, family hijinks and actual reading recommendations, The Book Haters’ Book Club is the ideal feel-good book. It’s a celebration of found family and a love letter to everyday heroes—those booksellers and librarians dedicated to putting the right books in the right hands every day.

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There were many aspects I loved about this story, even if I felt it took too long to hook me. It was filled with bookish talk from recommendations to stories that turn folks into readers. There are newsletters and breaks to talk about books, etc. It had humor, but most of all focused on family and the paths we choose that change the course of our lives. For that reason, I enjoyed this women’s fiction.

When Elliot Gregory dies, he leaves behind a mess. As the co-owner of the Over the Rainbow Bookstore, where his recommendations are highly sought, he has left behind his co-owner, Irma Bedford. She calls together Laney and Bree, her daughters and Thom, Elliot’s domestic partner, for a meeting at a realestate development firm. Here she informs them she will sell Over the Rainbow and the land it sits on to the firm. In shock, they learn the business will close in thirty days.

The first part of the book deals with Laney, Bree and Thom trying to figure out why Irma is selling and if the price is fair before they begin earnest efforts to stop said sale. It was fascinating as we learnt bits about them all: the town, the bookstore itself, and the developer. However, I couldn’t quite grasp where the story was headed, and it dragged.

Indeed, it took me more than a week to finish this story. It wasn’t until we finally understood why Irma put the book store up for sale that the meat of the story took hold and pulled me in. From this point on, I finished the audiobook in practically one sitting. Everything that Laney, Bree and Thom did in the first half needs to be fixed and thus the characters set out to do just that at the same time each faces their grief and ponders the paths they have taken.

I loved each of the characters, although until we understood the why, Irma was impenetrable. I loved the memories Lany and Bree shared of the bookstore and learning about their lives. Thom showed growth and acceptance as he moved through his stages of grief. I laughed about giant moths and was delighted to watch how they turned things around.

Tanya Eby narrates and did a lovely job of bringing voice to the characters and their personalities. Her inflection hit all the right notes, enhancing the humor and the more serious tones of the story.

An interesting listen, that would be good for a book club. Just stick with it and you’ll feel rewarded when the story ends. The nods to books and authors alone will have readers/listeners enjoying this tale.

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/10/the-book-haters-book-club-by-gretchen-anthony.html

Sarah Burning by Tim Ritter is a true story that takes place in the 50s and 60s. It centers around the life of a family who experienced a fire on October 27th, 1959. This memoir shares the horror they endured that dark morning and the aftermath that the survivors faced. This emotional book starts with the aforementioned fire. Then it jumps back in time, sharing some of the back stories of the Ritter family. The introduction hooks the reader as you turn each page, hoping the author didn’t wait until the last chapter to reveal what happened in the fire. Instead, the author shares the story of the Ritter family, their daily life, and their journey as individuals after the deadly fire that altered the rest of their lives.

Although the book describes each character’s inner feelings, it is written using the stylistics of a diary and tells the reader what happened on significant days in the Ritter family. Life back then, although not that long ago, was completely different, and the pace of life is different nowadays too. Reading about the Ritter family gives the reader a welcomed moment to take a step away from all that is busy and technology controlled. This slower pace of life is also reflected in the pacing of the narrative. Information about the event and the family is revealed in a way that allows the readers to fully absorb the situation and grasp at the emotions the family is feeling at the time.

Sarah Burning is the emotional biography of one family and the plight of those that survived this devastating fire. Their gripping story tells of overcoming the loss of those they love, healing from the burns, and learning how to start over when everything is literally left in ashes. This survival story will touch the hearts of readers and leave them with a sense of hope that they can overcome tragedy in life.

Pages: 270 | ASIN : B09GF6NJMN

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/06/sarah-burning/

Dr. Len Bergantino starts this eye-opening book by taking the reader back to the 2020 election. He writes about the Democrat candidates at the time and analyzes Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden. He then proceeds to write letters to President Trump, where he explains his aggravation and gives guidance on how certain issues should be handled. I take pleasure in reading Dr. Len Bergantino because of how raw he is. His language may come off as too strong, but the tone is what makes his writing distinct. Dr. Len Bergantino writes like a concerned citizen who wants to see his country run in a better manner.

Political Psychology Invasions looks at the past and current political situation and how today’s events influence the future. In the book, readers learn about governance and how challenging it can be to contain some political elements. Dr. Len Bergantino writes in an informative and authentic manner. He does not mind irritating some people as he is objective and true to his word. I like that the author gives praise where it’s due and also criticizes when necessary. Dr. Len Bergantino analyzes the situations discussed in the book with impartiality and gives facts before concluding on a particular topic. In addition, the author explains the political class and how to perform your duties as a citizen.

Apart from the status quo, Dr. Len Bergantino also wrote about music and its role in society. Music may be a universal language, but to Dr. Len Bergantino, music is more than that. It is intimate to him as it is a family business. Being a professional psychoanalyst and a professional musician, Dr. Len Bergantino writes of how he is concerned by today’s music. Having been introduced to music from a young age, Dr. Len Bergantino does not appreciate today’s music as most of it is noise. Instead, the author writes about the importance of music among the masses and why musicians should improve. The author also advises on how to write better music as he narrates his experiences.

Amidst the political analysis and discussions, the author also writes of his adventures, travels, and life experiences. The fusing of his personal tales with the political talk was a great way of killing the monotony that may have been present. I like Dr. Len Bergantino because he writes with confidence. Even when calling out certain political figures, Dr. Len Bergantino gives a good reason. He is bright and great at analyzing human behavior and events.

Political Psychology Invasion will expose readers to politicians’ dealings and help them better understand and examine future political events. This interesting book will give readers much to think over and help them better understand the political environment.

Pages: 178 | ASIN : B0876QCM35

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/06/political-psychology-invasions/

In Reverse Analysis, The Existential shift, Gestalt Family Therapy and the Prevention of the Next Holocaust, the reader gets to experience life through other people’s experiences. The author writes about different life situations and encounters and adds tales of professionals and icons to convey his message. His book is about life, therapy, change in perspective, and the future.

Dr. Len Bergantino writes in detail about how exciting or boring life can be depending on an individual’s path. He has interesting takes and ideal examples that make the reading engrossing. This interesting book is generally about life, how we relate with other people, how our thoughts affect us, and improving the life we live. The author ensures that the reader understands every unfamiliar terminology and theory by fully explaining things. Dr. Len Bergantino is an excellent author because he knows how to blend casual discussion with academic and professional text. He will write about scientific and expert opinions and add a bit of a casual story to balance the discussion. I appreciate the author for being candid and nonpartisan, even when discussing sensitive issues. This book is a gem that will have you open your eyes to multiple problems in life. The author helps the reader connect with their conscious self and gets one to value every minute they are alive and functioning.

One of the things that you enjoy as a reader is the many stories the author shares. Dr. Len Bergantino writes well and understands the art of narration better than most. I especially loved reading his tales as he wrote about his professional and personal life. In every story, the reader gets a life lesson or prudent sayings. Dr. Len Bergantino is open and discusses his high and low moments without concealing crucial information. This book teaches you the definition of therapy and psychotherapy and how various therapists identify with the subject. The author also shares essential information about gestalt therapy.

Reverse Analysis, The Existential shift, Gestalt Family Therapy and the Prevention of the Next Holocaust has a dozen subjects that can help one improve their lifestyle. Dr. Len Bergantino uses notes from experts to expound on his concepts, which is an excellent idea as one gets multiple angles from other people. The book’s arrangement is a tad unconventional but still easy to follow. The notes are brief but contain a critical message. One thing I love about Dr. Len Bergantino is how shrewd he is. Every topic discussed is well-researched, and the author considers expert opinion before analyzing.

I rate Reverse Analysis, The Existential shift, Gestalt Family Therapy and the Prevention of the Next Holocaust with 4 out of 5 stars for the excellent penmanship and for the advice that will make the reader an all-rounded better individual.

Pages: 246 | ASIN : B07QNSKBL2

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/06/reverse-analysis-the-existential-shift-gestalt-family-therapy-and-the-prevention-of-the-next-holocaust/

This book draws on the life and experiences of a mother’s journey as the parent of an eleven-year-old with a sudden onset of panic disorder. It discusses the role of a primary caregiver and her dilemmas in making complex decisions for the safety of her daughter and those around her. The shame and judgment associated with people suffering from mental health issues, as well as the consequent assumptions and frequent misunderstandings, are draining. The overall impact it has on the patient, and their immediate family members gradually spread to include more people. It stands as a testament to all those going through a similarly difficult phase in life.

Kristen’s memoir gives a voice to the touching story of a mother’s unconditional love, patience, and understanding for her child. But the reality of parenting a child with mental illness is far from simply inspiring. It is filled with hours of dreadful administrative work, relentlessly chasing healthcare personnel, making phone calls, and constantly living with a sense of utter helplessness. The unpredictable nature of the manifestation of mental illnesses and the dire shortage of medical resources for children suffering from them often drives families to despair. In the face of such challenges, Kristen reminds herself time and again that life goes on, and so must we.

What is interesting to note is the disarming candor and complete transparency with which the book has been written. The language used works as a channel of communication and is devoid of unnecessary ornamentation. Yet there are instances of subtle humor that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged. The fundamental aim of the story is to encourage people to be more compassionate and to spread awareness about pediatric mental health issues. Despite the hardships, what remains unforgettable is the family’s indomitable spirit and unfaltering support. To sum it up, in the words of the littlest, they are survivors. The message is delivered loud and clear.

Finding Us by Kristin Rohman Rehkamp is an inspiring, empowering, and eye-opening memoir. This book is a must-read for everyone as you never know who is battling a situation like this. Kristin’s story is one that many parents and caregivers face and often feel alone. Sharing their story lets others know they are not alone and there is still hope.

Pages: 128 | ISBN : 1639885250

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/06/finding-us/