To the Editors: I’m grateful to Gail Levin for pointing out an error in my essay “Buildings Come to Life” [NYR, February 23]. The work that Jo Hopper referred to as a self-portrait of Edward Hopper is not an etching of a lone tenement but a painting of a lone Beaux Arts building. Christopher Benfey […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/09/exquisite-solitude/
To the Editors: Ange Mlinko’s review of HERmione and Donna Krolik Hollenberg’s book about H.D. [NYR, October 6, 2022] says, “Without Bryher there would have been no H.D. as we know her today.” That pretty much sums things up. However, the review is also mean-spirited and wrong about Bryher herself, saying that H.D. was the […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/09/defending-bryher/
To the Editors: Susan Tallman, in her review of “Cubism and the Trompe l’Oeil Tradition” [NYR, January 19], makes reference to William Harnett and the late entry of American trompe l’oeil painting in the nineteenth century. I would like Tallman to make note of a painting in the American collection at the Philadelphia Museum of […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/09/a-tip-of-the-hat/
By the time Maria Montessori died in 1952, at the age of eighty-one, she had invented a new kind of childhood for the twentieth century. Rather than being deficient adults-in-waiting requiring discipline and chastisement in order to land on the shores of maturity, children, Montessori proposed, already carry the necessary wisdom within. “The child, a […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/09/a-complicated-reformer-maria-montessori-cristina-de-stefano/
Aftersun opens with a home movie, a daughter filming her father. Sophie (Frankie Corio) has just turned eleven. Calum (Paul Mescal), who will turn thirty-one by the end of the film, is dancing. “These are my moves,” he smiles, and you can almost hear her eyes roll. “When you were eleven,” she asks, zooming in […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/02/19/aftersuns-present-imperfect/
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.
Finished our taxes and what the state gave, the feds took-ith away…lol. I don’t understand how we pay more in taxes than the Donald… but it’s done for another year. Ugh. We got eight inches of snow on Thursday- so Nonna got a snow day. I caught up on my reviews and finished Scorpion. Now to find another series to binge. We went to the Children’s Museum on Friday with all three grandbabies. Four hours of non-stop fun. Mr. Caffeinated and I were wiped out! The kids sure had a blast. I loved all the stem games, crafts and learn through play they offered. Stay Caffeinated.
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I have several open book tours. Stop by and join the fun. ARCS will be available for all.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/02/sunday-post-563.html
Forever Eve by JB Lexington is a thrilling romance novel that follows a woman named Izabel Jones Carmichael. Her wedding day should have been the happiest day of her life, but the problems in her relationship with Bo Carmichael started long before then, and only get worse after they married. When Izabel’s friend, Natalie, convinces her to go to Past Life Regression therapy, she experiences the past life of a woman named Eve, who worked as a prostitute during prohibition and fell in love with one of her regulars, Charlie Rudolph. When Izabel meets a man that looks like Charlie, they feel an undeniable connection. Are Izabel and Henry destined to be together?
This book captivated me from the very beginning with an intriguing opening that left me eager to uncover what happened on Izabel’s wedding day. To my surprise, the outcome was different from what I had anticipated. One of my favorite moments in the book was when Izabel’s friend, Natalie, commented, “Izabel Jones, aren’t you a vision of the oppression of women…”. This line resonated with me as the author had skillfully conveyed this impression to me in just a few pages, and I found myself agreeing with Natalie’s assessment, despite the harsh timing of her comment. Natalie quickly became my favorite character with her quirky, outspoken personality and snarky humor that had me chuckling throughout the story.
The plot of this impassioned romance novel is gripping. I found Izabel’s husband, Bo, to be an unsympathetic character. The author does a fantastic job of emotionally investing the reader in Izabel because I have some strong opinions about Bo that sound negative but that’s just because the author draws his character so well and it’s easy for readers to get fired up. It was hard to understand why she chose to marry him, especially considering the abusive behavior he displayed prior to their wedding. There are scenes of abuse and rape that some readers may find triggering, but they are integral to the story.
The middle section of the book took on a more methodical pace as it delved into Eve’s past experiences. I found myself deeply immersed in the flashbacks. These scenes provided valuable background information and provided the reader with a greater understanding of what Eve had endured in her past. It was heartening to see the story end on a hopeful note for her after everything she had been through.
I wholeheartedly recommend this stirring romance book to readers who seek a captivating and emotional tale of hope, romance, and self-discovery. The protagonist’s journey toward finding her strength and happiness is compelling and inspiring, making this a highly recommended read.
Pages: 208 | ASIN: B087FY9PS1
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/19/forever-eve/
In “Perspective Detective,” readers join a clever bear detective on an adventure to find a lost teddy while learning valuable lessons about empathy, problem-solving, and open-mindedness. What inspired you to create this creative children’s book?
My inspiration behind Perspective Detective originated out of my belief that any given situation has more than one way of looking at it. I wanted to share this large concept and simplify it into an entertaining, rhyming mystery story for young readers. I wanted to further simplify the complexity of perspective by showing and not simply telling the story, by somehow making it interactive.
All that being said, the idea behind Perspective Detective had been slowly materializing in the back of my mind for a long time coming, even while simultaneously writing several other stories. I’d sporadically jot down ideas that popped into my mind, walk away from them for a while, then revisit the ideas later, which eventually led to the fruition of Perspective Detective.
How did you come up with the idea of incorporating optical illusions and puzzles into the story, and what do you hope young readers will gain from these elements?
As my idea continued to develop into a more solid storyline, revolving around perspective taking, the idea of utilizing optical illusions and visual puzzles to visually represent that “things can be seen from more than one angle” would complement the storyline. After a lot of brainstorming and a lot of brain-wracking, I challenged myself with new forms of illustrating; exploring pointillism and optical illusions.
What advice would you give to parents and educators who want to use your book to start conversations with children about empathy, open-mindedness, and effective communication?
I hope that my book will help expand children’s open-mindedness, empathy and effective communication skills through its uniquely interactive plot. I suggest reading the book with children in a classroom environment or in a one-on-one setting and then opening up conversation by asking them how they might feel in a peer’s situation, like Axel and Lexa’s? Or even in a hypothetical and relatable imaginary circumstance; e.g. “how would you feel if your friend, ‘Timmy’ broke your toy?”
I like to do a simple perspective activity that accompanies my readings, by taking a piece of paper with two different images on either side. Then I ask the child(ren) what they see on one side (their side), while keeping my side hidden, I explain what I see from my side. I encourage a peaceful debate, until the paper is flipped over to reveal that there is always more than one way of looking at any given situation. Rather than arguing, the more effective option is to discuss the situation and imagine how the other person might be feeling. This demonstrates the lesson of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I just released a new book called Catch Up!, which targets a younger audience. It is a progressive story, following an everyday simple object- a ketchup bottle cap, as if rolls off a family’s picnic table. Along the way, the cap becomes many different things to a variety of animals in a park. Creativity, perspective and recycling are all among the themes intertwined in this interactive story that will have your little ones guessing what’s next.
I plan to release a couple more books in the very near future, as well. In addition to my forthcoming releases, I also have several other books in various stages, on deck. One of which is a sequel to Perspective Detective, so be on the lookout!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Perfect for fans of:Dr. Seuss
Julia Donaldson
P.D. Eastman
Great for parents who are looking to:Promote a growth mindset and problem-solving
Cultivate communication skills
Help children deal with difficult emotions and feelings
Prepare children for life’s challenges
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/19/exploring-pointillism-and-optical-illusions/
In Scam at Mount Diablo, you blend elements of romance, humor, and mystery into the crime thriller genre. What inspired you to take this approach and how do you balance these different elements in your writing?
As my stories are based on true events, in my experience, in real life, romance, humour ansd mystery are not mutually exclusive nor do they occur sequentailly.
In the darkest of mysteries in one’s life, sparks of humor can appear unexpectedly and at the same time, the beginnings of a love interest can appear. Anyway, my life has been like this. I didn’t have to invent it.
Jack Rhodes is a complex character with both computer and martial arts skills. How did you develop his character, and what challenges did you face in creating such a multi-faceted protagonist?
I have met people who have exceptionall computer and martial arts skils, but in focusing to develp these skills some part of them gets lost or part of them was missing or wired differently in the first place which enable these skills to develope above and beyond the norm. An example is people with autism who exhibit savant capabilities within a narrow focus.
Scam at Mount Diablo is the third book in the series. How has your writing process changed or evolved over the course of your career, and what have you learned from your previous works?
My writing regime hasn’t changed. I rise at 5 am. walk on the beach with my wife, we have breakfast together, she goes to work and I am at my desk by 6:30 am. I then write for three hours, despite what is happening in the world. I have learned that I must ensure that there is consistency in the Jack Rhodes character as well as the secondary characters who are in all the books. Someone once described Jack Rhodes as a Jame Bond Noir, which, when I read it, I realised wasn’t a bad summation.
What advice would you give to aspiring crime and mystery writers who are looking to develop well-drawn characters while also maintaining a thrilling plot full of twists and turns?
When you are next in a coffee shop, get out your notebook, choose someone in the coffee shop (don’t stare) and describe them. Not just there physical charactistics, but what they are wearing and why are they wearing those clothes and what you think is going on in their mind. Then write the most unlikely thing you think they will do. (Maybe this person will come over and smack you because you were staring). A weel later read what you wrote. Write everyday and read every day.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/19/the-darkest-mysteries/
Blood Relations follows an ageless vampire who is determined to find the Fountain of Youth to keep his love alive even if his thirst for female blood and her protective mother stand in the way. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The vampire in Blood Relations is a Prince named Eros, after the God of lust, love, and passion. I wanted to create a vampire that showed a different side – that of love for humans – a need not only for their blood but more for their embracing warmth, unlimited love, and deep compassion. Love was the inspiration for this story from the beginning in every way, especially through the eyes of a cold-blooded vampire from a world half-way across the galaxy. I also wanted to show a vampire in a more realistic light with a new human family, full of supportive friends and a story showing people having fun and an abundance of happiness. It’s not all love and happiness as you’ll see, but it is the main theme. It’s a story to take the reader away from the stresses and heartaches of the day. A lot of effort went into adding pieces of cutting-edge science and describing why Eros acts the way he does. Bite scenes for example are realistic and there’s an explanation to why they happen and where. So, the story has great depth and maintains that vampire edge.
In the beginning, Eros arrives on Earth with no memory of his past. He must learn and re-discover his strengths, needs and weaknesses. In this sense, we get to know Eros by following him as he grows. We feel his pains and celebrate his discoveries together.
Eros’s early discoveries teach him about his need for humans. The warm energy they radiate, their love and of course their Oxytocin enriched blood created from the love and happiness in the donor’s brain that he craves. He sees visions of Heaven too. His weaknesses follow similar weaknesses from other vampire stories but they’re also different. For example, the crucifix doesn’t affect him, but our hot yellow sun can turn him to ashes. And being cold-blooded, he comes close to death in the cold and gains needed energy from warmth. This drives him into the arms of his closest female lovers who embrace him. I feel love is the most powerful and universal language throughout the universe. In Blood Relations, I show examples of this love.
Another discovery he makes is how during a bite the venom released into his female donor changes her DNA. From curing most diseases to giving her incredible energy, beauty, and strength. Death was the only thing he could not prevent, and it tore him apart as well as confused him. He didn’t understand why he never died and yet lived to see everyone around him die. Searching for the Fountain of Youth became his obsession. Over time, he created a research center and devoted his life to finding a cure to human aging. Like in real life, aging and dying are things I wish we could stop. Here, I wanted the story to take us down that fictional path.
Eros is an intriguing and well-defined character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
First, making Eros as realistic and as human as possible with unique strengths and weaknesses that made him vulnerable and yet strong were important. I wanted his needs for humans to be more involved and meaningful than just blood. Second, love is always a central driving force between Eros and his female partner. They must have a strong bond and deep trust. The story must show the symbiotic relationship between Eros and his human lovers that’s beneficial to both made even better because Eros is a multi-billionaire vampire capable of so much.
Then there is the ESP experience that’s shared. For example, if a love interest of Eros is ever in danger, Eros would see it through her eyes and come to her rescue if possible and his love interest might see visions of Eros’s past that he can’t remember or explain, such as being a Prince and living in a castle.
Challenges surface when some women donors become lesbian as too much Oxytocin in their brains changes them. They may still love Eros, but the relationship goes through changes. It’s not immediately known what’s going on, but Oxytocin is the power behind the love Eros needs. He must learn to accept these new challenges.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Lots of themes. Love, relationships, heroism, living forever, cures to diseases, care of one another, sharing, kindness, no money worries, free food and entertainment, free insurance, and having great fun are a few. Blood Relations is a story about an alien who is fighting to survive on a hostile planet who falls in love with humans and works to make their human dreams come true as they devote their lives to keep him alive. It really is all fantasy of the best kind full of love and a little lust. A story I hope people enjoy reading and one that will flood their own minds with Oxytocin.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Blood Relations – A New World was first written as a prequel to the original Blood Relations story because I needed to tell the story from the beginning. That prequel grew into what we see now. So, my next book is re-working the original story to include things I added in the prequel. The next book will include a return of the Scorpious, Eros discovering his spaceship and regaining his memory, ghosts, weddings, birth of twins, and an epic battle for Earth between the Scorpious and Eros in space. It will be awesome. My hope is to release this book by the end of 2024 if not sooner.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/19/that-vampire-edge/