Bringing them home for the first timeI wondered, had I made the rightchoice, butalready I was a year ortwo down the line, wiping, from their faces,soft landscapesof porridge—too lateto return them—what a joke, and anywaythey’d begunto seem sort ofspecial; not just to me,but also to you and our friends who extendedcompliments when they stopped byfor […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/20/interior-design-isabel-galleymore/
Toward the end of Penelope Fitzgerald’s 1980 novel Human Voices, a fictionalized account of her time working at the BBC during World War II, an executive named Jeff Haggard finds himself standing outside Broadcasting House, the organization’s London headquarters, looking up at the stone figures of Prospero and Ariel that have stood above the entrance […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/20/the-british-broadcasting-conundrum-the-bbc-a-century-on-air/
In the fall of 1954 the director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), James V. Bennett, asked Warren E. Burger, the head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division (and future chief justice), for guidance on a number of questions relating to the medical treatment of prisoners. Burger referred one of the questions to the Justice […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/20/judging-in-secret-office-of-legal-counsel-jameel-jaffer/
In 1976 John Leonard reviewed Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts for The New York Times: Those rumbles you hear on the horizon are the big guns of autumn lining up, the howitzers of Vonnegut and Updike and Cheever and Mailer, the books that will be making loud noises […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/20/binding-and-building-america-maxine-hong-kingston/
Homer, The Odyssey, 5.388–450 And then he drifted about—two nights, two days—drivenBy the surging waves, and his heart looked destruction straight in the face.But when Dawn with her lovely braids brought the third day into the worldThe wind died down and a calm, clear and still, descendedAnd look!—he caught a glimpse of land, right over […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/20/odysseus-saved-from-the-sea-homer/
I’ve been on a suspense murder-mystery kick and dove into the second FBI Kate Walsh audiobook. Miami Ripper, by Stacy M. Jones, takes us to Miami Beach, where someone is killing and mutilating women. Narrated by Claire Duncan, Agents Walsh and James must catch a killer before he chooses his next victim….
Miami Ripper
by Stacy M. Jones
Series: FBI Agent Kate Walsh #2
Narrator: Claire Duncan
Length: 10 hours and 3 minutes
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
A killer is stalking high-priced escorts and leaving a trail of bodies in empty mansions along Miami Beach’s intracoastal waterway. When the crimes become too much for the locals to handle, FBI Agents Kate Walsh and Declan James must find a killer walking among the city’s elite.
Amid the glamour and money is a seedy underbelly that runs through the city like an electrical current. Young women are enticed into relationships with older men where sex and money are traded-creating a power dynamic that leaves the woman vulnerable and susceptible to a killer.
Agents Walsh and James must figure out who to believe in a city where everyone has an agenda, and even the local cops seem to have something to hide. A devastating break in the case reveals the potential killer, but the chase is on to find out who is harboring and potentially helping him. Can Agent Walsh use her profiling skills to figure out his plan before the next victim is found or will terror keep reigning in the city?
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The FBI is called in to assist when a string of murders occurs in mansions listed for sale. The victims are high priced escorts and women in arrangements with rich men who support their lavish lifestyles.
This was an interesting case, as we got to know Walsh and James better. They had to navigate a police department, politically empowered individuals, and opposition.
It was interesting learning about these women’s lifestyles and the men who abuse them. Jones gave a realistic look at sugar daddies and high paid escorts, while also shedding light on why these young women enter these relationships. She did this while weaving a case with plenty of suspects and very little clues.
From the beachfront homes to the privileged lifestyles, the story built in intensity with plenty of twists. Walsh has great instincts and James often felt the need to protect her. I enjoyed their interaction and think they played off each other well. There is an underlining chemistry that I am hoping is developed.
I appreciated the details and look forward to more cases with Kate & Declan. This is the second novel in the series and will work as standalone. Now that we know the players, I felt this was a stronger book than The Founders.
Claire Duncan narrates and brings both Kate & Declan to life. Her male voices are pleasant and I enjoyed the different voices she brought to suspects and secondary characters. Her voice for Kate captures her personality and strengths.
Amazon* | Audible
Stacy M. Jones was born and raised in Troy, New York, and currently lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is a full-time writer and holds masters’ degrees in journalism and in forensic psychology. Stacy offers three series – the hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller series, and the paranormal mystery Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series.
Claire Duncan is a multi-award-winning actress and narrator living in New York City. She has performed Off-Broadway, regionally, and in national tours, and appeared in the Drama Desk–nominated revival of The Threepenny Opera. She received a Best Actress Award for her work as Rosetta in the dark comedy Rosetta’s Blues, which debuted at Cannes, and has played the lead in a dozen other indie films. As a singer, she had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and toured the country as a travel host and writer for Visit The USA. She grew up in Canada to a Texan mother and British-born father, and holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in psychology, linguistics, and English from the University of Toronto. Claire’s broad career has shaped her into an exceptional and flexible voice artist. You can hear her on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, in hundreds of national commercials, and as the narrator of over fifty audiobooks, specializing in mystery, romance, and YA.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/miami-ripper-by-stacy-m-jones.html
We have all seen the results of poor leadership, whether it has been in a school system, in the workplace, or in local or state government. There is nothing worse than being under the leadership of a person or team who does not have the best interests of the organization at heart. Developing the habits of a great leader is integral to creating and sustaining a successful business and maintaining relationships that benefit not only the goal of the organization but each member within as well. Dr. Jeff Doolittle offers readers a master list of life-changing habits in one neat reference tool that leaders can put to use immediately within their organizations.
Life-Changing Leadership Habits, by Dr. Jeff Doolittle, is an excellent handbook that provides business owners and executives the needed tools for developing effective leadership methods and kicking the bad habits that may be holding them back. This book is organized into three easy-to-follow parts that may be read cover-to-cover or easily bookmarked and referenced as needed. Doolittle’s work focuses heavily on character and values, which sets his work apart from other self-help books in this arena.
As someone who is often asked to take over tasks in my school and lead groups of educators, I found Doolittle’s book to be invaluable. One of the most striking notions set forth by the author deals with practice and the importance of having privacy when practicing new and challenging tasks. Having a support system in place when learning new tasks is essential to success, and nowhere is this more evident than in schools. I was impressed with Doolittle’s presentation of this aspect of leadership–it truly hit home.
In addition, Doolittle boldly addresses the role of failure within an organization. He emphasizes the fact that failures should be embraced, leaders should practice vulnerability, and risk-taking should be rewarded. All of these ideas make for a more comfortable work environment. However, no one among us can avoid failure, and learning to create a more supportive environment is paramount to success. Doolittle’s writing is clear on these points.
I am giving Life-Changing Leadership Habits, by Dr. Jeff Doolittle, 5 out of 5 stars. I can see Doolittle’s work as a beneficial addition to any workplace. In fact, as far as required readings go, this book would also make a fantastic reading for school leaders. So many of the principles set forth by Doolittle apply to various workplaces. I highly recommend this book to anyone in a leadership position, no matter the level or organization.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0BW3BDKLP
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/31/life-changing-leadership-habits/
Alexandria: Unshattered Love, Book 1 by L.C. Renie, is the first book in this series, which centers around a healthcare professional who is just getting comfortable with living a single life following a divorce. As she pours her energy into her work in the field of psychiatry, she’s enticed by a close friend, Samantha, to escape for a much-needed vacation to Paris. It’s just the break Alexandria needs, but as she embarks on this trip, more lies ahead than expected.
As Alexandria prepares to unwind and enjoy her new-found freedom with a close friend, she learns a lot more about herself, her past, and the people in her life. The narration flows well and grips the reader as you become acquainted with her personality and way of life. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and how the characters develop into their roles, with a few twists and unexpected shifts in the plot. It’s a great read that initially captures the reader’s attention.
The pace of the book was excellent, giving me enough time to identify with Alexandria and her circle of friends and the people in her life. The more you read, the more you delve into a world of people, places, and experiences that are not as they seem, or at least as they appear on the surface. Alexandria’s journey takes on more than a surprise vacation; but is a life-changing experience full of romance, emotion, and relatable situations.
Alexandria: Unshattered Love, Book 1 by L.C. Renie, is a remarkable book with a well-structured story that’s truly a page-turner. I finished reading the story within a weekend and would highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys romance with much relatable content and characters. It’s an excellent story, and I look forward to reading more from the author and this series.
Pages: 264 | ISBN: 1736498169
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/31/alexandria-unshattered-love/
The Call of Jeremiah McGill by Joseph Moore is a captivating middle-grade fiction novel set in the 1970s. The story follows the journey of Jeremiah McGill, an 11-year-old boy who is still searching for his calling from God. Jeremiah comes from a family of talented individuals: his father was a renowned preacher, his mother was a choir director with an angelic voice, and his older brother, Zeke, was a talented organist. However, Jeremiah seems to be the only one in the family without a special talent, which puts pressure on him to find his calling. He struggles with the expectations placed on him as a pastor’s kid and longs to be a regular kid with fewer restrictions.
The story explores the themes of identity, racial discrimination, faith, and family. It is interesting to see how Jeremiah navigates through his feelings as a young boy and the expectations of his community. He is a wonderful character that any reader will love immediately. It is fascinating to read about his experiences as he makes new friends, has adventures, and eventually finds his calling. Moore’s writing is engaging and captures the essence of the 1970s. The story is well-written and well-paced, making it a quick and enjoyable read. The book also delves into the differences between black and white cultures and the aftermath of wars, providing valuable lessons for readers. The characters are well-developed and relatable. Jeremiah is a good boy, intelligent, respectful, and well-mannered. His friends are also likable, except for Rodney, who is a bit condescending and mean. It is fun to read about their curious minds as they discover new things and explore the world around them.
Overall, The Call of Jeremiah McGill is a fantastic historical fiction book with Christian values. I would highly recommend it to middle graders for its engaging writing, relatable characters, and valuable lessons. The story is captivating, the characters are relatable, and the plot is sprinkled with humor.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0BSK2K1B1
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/31/the-call-of-jeremiah-mcgill/
Howard Eisenberg’s Dream It to Do It features profound insights about humanity’s true nature and the natural spiritual resources that are our heritage but are frequently overlooked in our technology-dependent and materialistic world. The book delves into ancient wisdom traditions and recent scientific findings, offering compelling evidence of “the world behind the world” and the supremacy of consciousness. In addition, it contains a comprehensive, brilliant examination of various profound topics, such as how to envision and navigate alternative realities, how reality works, how thoughts become things, brain science and consciousness, the true basis of scientific discovery and invention, entrapment by the ego and the dark side, lucid dreaming, imaginal thinking, and much more.
Both new and long-time fans of psychological literature will find it easy to learn from the book because Howard’s words are pleasantly consistent and supported by much evidence. As they progress through the pages, readers will comprehend a new, more realistic side of core human beliefs and the notions that drive our thinking. Thanks to the book, I no longer regard myself as distinct from the things I experience and the elements that make the world—which has shown me how interconnected we all are and how to live accordingly.
This book contains fascinating statements and eye-opening, life-changing concepts from scientists, psychologists, philosophers, spiritual teachers, and psychics from various cultures and ages. It is also relatively straightforward and free of superfluous word fillers and meandering. As a result, reading the book is both a pleasurable and educational experience.
This compact, intelligently packed dosage of revolutionary information will spark a substantial shift in your perception of yourself and the world around you, ultimately improving your life significantly. Dream It to Do It is exactly what our current world requires to shock us back to reality and free us from our zombie-like reliance on technology and consumerism. Lovers of psychological works questioning their worldview will not be disappointed in this book.
Pages: 119 | ASIN : B09KFH3N76
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/31/__trashed-3/