In “When Diversity Matters,” from the Review’s January 19 issue, Sherrilyn Ifill analyzes the affirmative action cases before the Supreme Court this term—Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College—and the distinct place of oral arguments, as opposed to written briefs, in […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/01/07/a-trusted-guide-sherrilyn-ifill/
Ella Learns to Dance follows a young elephant girl who dreams of being a ballet dancer even when others discourage her. What was the inspiration for your story?
After hearing a story about a professional ballet dancer and her challenges. She was told she did not have the proper body image to be a ballerina.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Some of the ideas suggested in the book are: (always be proud of yourself, teach them to deal with frustrations when learning a new skill and how some children can relate to Ella’s story when friends do not always support their dream).
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters life?
One memory comes from learning modern dance in high school. Since I never considered myself as a graceful dancer. It was often difficult to learn the dance moves, sometimes not wanting to attend the class.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Ella Learns to Dance is the first book in her series, so I am currently working on the 2nd and 3rd books respectively.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/07/stenetta-anthony-author-interview/
All Dressed Up was a fascinating read. The character development and narrative of the novel was captivating to say the least. I found that following Calvin, the main character, through twenty one chapters wasn’t enough. I captivated by his words, and his thoughts. Calvin is sick of his home in Chicago and wants a fresh start, somewhere incredibly different from what he’s used to, which leads him to The Plains. The Plains is the type of place where, when you enter, you know you are never going to leave. He encounters a diverse group of people throughout the book, a few characters becoming important to the plot. All Dressed Up follows Calvin’s journey through numerous hardships and shows how he overcomes everyday obstacles.
Author Zack Reed has written a poignant and stirring book that can be cynical at times, but is nevertheless enthralling. My favorite character, and the one that made the narrative unique for me, was Eddy. He was the embodiment of the term, live free or die. He allowed himself to be his own person, with no outside factors tarnishing it. Calvin was not used to this type of personality. He then meets a woman named Alix, who changed his life completely. I enjoyed watching all the interactions between character, which is something I think the author does really well. Their relationship started at an event they were both invited to. Alix showed Calvin parts of himself that he didn’t know existed, and this allowed for incredible character development, and was one of the reasons I kept picking up this book. She stressed the importance of being you, something I think readers will be able to relate to. Calvin was more reserved, and clean-cut. Many times throughout the book I found that the characters, such as Nico, his other roommate, and Calvin were a little sardonic but this add a layer of social commentary that I think some readers will like. They talked about the world being nothing but money hungry, and essentially doomed. Calvin seeks out a flower shop where he meets a crazy man named Roger who I think represents the entirety of The Plains. He is free-spirited and quite chaotic, but it made the character fun to read.
The story explores themes of loneliness, freewill vs. fate, and most importantly, identity. Calvin struggles with who he wants to be throughout the novel, which readers will find relatable if not endearing. I liked the writing because it made the entire novel easy to read. I would have enjoyed a deeper exploration of his his relationship with Alix and the theme of love. It was interesting seeing Calvin’s development and the impact of certain characters. The hidden theme of loneliness in all of the characters was also quite engaging, as you felt like the character with a million friends was the loneliest out of them all.
All Dressed Up is a charming and heartfelt drama that will engage and entertain readers from start to finish.
Pages: 273 | ASIN : B0BLWC1MG2
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/07/all-dressed-up/
Ethan’s Abby follows a young woman who losses her family to a massacre, is rescued by an outlaw on the run, and together they find love and try to build a life. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Ethan and Abby compelled me to write their story.
Abby narrowly escapes slavery and must grow up fast while on the run with Ethan. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
She strove to gain the strength to be independent and capable of taking care of herself in order to find someplace she could belong. Despite discouraging odds, she also hoped to provide a healing home for her baby sister.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The complexity of right vs. wrong, the need of men and women for each other, the obligations an individual owes family, the demands of sustaining the self-respect of an autonomous identity.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I do not know.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/07/ethan-and-abby-compelled-me/
The Story of Humanity: Ecology & Consequence follows the natural history of humanity, from emergence to demise, and provides readers with a saga of misadventure from a remarkably adaptable creature. What inspired you to write this book?
I am long a student of history. All of my Spokes books are laden with history stories. I wanted to encompass humanity’s experience as a creature with a destiny, addressing in holistic perspective the how & why of that destiny.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about technology today?
While appearing to many as a boon, technology has proven a detriment to humanity’s survival. One of my favorite quotes in The Story of Humanity: Ecology & Consequence is by British war commander & prime minister Winston Churchill: “What might now shower immeasurable material blessings upon mankind may bring about its total destruction.”
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Humans are an ape in thrall to tools. Rather than exercise prudence & discipline – and learn from the wise among us, the Collective of humanity have blithely followed their biological urges. Women were key to humanity’s wellbeing. Their subjection sorely dimmed the prospects of societies in the areas of education, economics, the arts, justice, and social balance. Rather than cooperate, man’s inclination to individualism, materialism, and dominance of others have been the powerful forces which set humanity’s destiny. As I wrote in The Story of Humanity: “Though taken as natural, the original sin of men was laying claim to what belonged to all. The idea of ‘owning’ Nature ultimately doomed humanity.” As a political economy and cultural folkway, plutocracy has been the kiss of death.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
The major takeaway to The Story of Humanity: Ecology & Consequence is that the fate of humanity is already decided. The end times now are simply a culmination of world civilization. There is no possibility of hurriedly altering that vector.
Author Links: Website | Twitter
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/07/the-fate-of-humanity-is-already-decided/
Hiking Underground, by Amy Smiley, is a detailed and intricately written novel that heightens and explores the things in life we might normally find mundane, but Smiley views it through an insightful and thoughtful lens. The author shows readers this intriguing world through different perspectives which allow the audience to gain an empathetic view on life’s simplicities through the eyes of a child, an artist, and a mother. Each character is written with exceptional accuracy and reflects the trials and tribulations of our society, and the successes and opportunities we acquire in our lifetimes.
Adams experiences are shown with a fresh and earnest desire to learn about the world around him and question the knowledge given to him. Through Alice and Emma’s perspectives we are enlightened with the ups and downs of a young woman trying to find her way, in contrast to the reliability of a mothers view on life. I found all the characters to be compelling and methodically drawn.
Hiking Underground contains a preponderance of details. If you enjoy well defined worlds and ideas that are fully explained and explored then you will enjoy this contemplative novel. It’s understandable why Smiley directs the audience’s attention to each subject of her writing, it sets a really beautiful tone. While reading, I could take away the author’s intent to spark empathy within her readers and inspire a deeper appreciation to the simple experiences of everyday life. This is a ponderous book that will easily be enjoyed by readers who like reflective and emotionally resonant books.
I would recommend reading this absorbing book if you are an artist, even one at heart. The retrospect displayed in Hiking Underground was profound. I think the artistic value will be fully realized by readers who are artistically inclined.
Pages: 214 | ASIN: 1639885927
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/07/hiking-underground/