In the early morning hours of January 20, Olivier Faure, the leader of France’s Socialist Party, announced that the party’s members had reelected him. The vote, he said, was “clear.” Around the same time, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, the mayor of the northern city of Rouen and Faure’s opponent, announced that, actually, he had won. A few […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/03/23/the-war-of-the-rose-french-socialists/
The Silence Jones Thriller series is continued with the fifth audiobook Dead Air written by Erik Carter and narrated by Gary Bennett. Suspense, fast-paced action scenes and twists await you as Silence Jones answers an encrypted SOS. Another fantastic edition to this standalone series.
Dead Air
by Erik Carter
Narrator: Gary Bennett
Length: 6 hours and 41 minutes
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Narrator
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
The bomb is ticking.
When the protectors are the ones who need protection, only unsanctioned justice can save them.
Vigilante assassin Silence Jones receives an encrypted SOS from a world-renowned security firm. A vindictive former employee is holding the firm at ransom claiming the company killed his father. The man exacts his vengeance through a series of ruthless kidnappings and bombings.
Though the bomber is undeniably deranged, Silence soon uncovers threads of truth in the man’s claims against his former employers. To stop a bloodbath, Silence will have to tear through a veil of lies and determine who the true villain is—the madman or his victims?
The next standalone action thriller in the pulse-pounding new series. Enter the world of Silence Jones. Hold on tight…
If you like action heroes with the steely resolve of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, the calculating will of Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X, and the raw power of Mark Greaney’s Gray Man, then you’ll love Silence Jones.
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We are back with another action-packed thriller. Silence is healing from his past adventure and reluctantly using a cane. Don’t think this slows him down, as the man is a machine.
Dane Slater is out for revenge. Kidnapping and bombings are his methods, and he soon finds himself in the crosshairs of Silence Jones.
This was an interesting case with plenty of action and twists. A Milwaukee detective offers some clues and aids Silence in his quest. Again we see character growth from Silence, from trusting his guts to more human responses. It is interesting being inside his head and hearing sage advice from CC, his deceased fiancée.
Erik Carter’s stories are becoming tighter as he brings us fresh cases. We get plenty of explosions, volatile kidnappings and tension before reaching a climatic ending.
Gary Bennett continues to bring voice to the series and does a fabulous job of capturing the tension and of our assassin. The story lends itself well to the audio format and I enjoy listening.
Amazon* | Audible
*kindleunlimited
Erik Carter is the author of two bestselling series of thrilling books. He can be found in Florida, either scratching on a notepad at the beach or pounding furiously on a keyboard, all in the effort of crafting exciting, can’t-put-down tales to take you on out-of-this-world adventures. Following his esoteric and peculiar studies in public history and digital storytelling, it was only natural that his life’s path be equally esoteric and peculiar. His adventures have led him across America, where he has done everything from hosting a television show to shooting documentaries in the desert to teaching college. These experiences gave the background he needs for his greatest adventure—crafting gripping, edge-of-your-seat stories. When he’s not spinning tales, you’ll find him at the gym, on a hike, contemplating sports cars, or enjoying the warm sand of the beach.
Gary Bennett is a SAG-AFTRA audiobook narrator. He was born and raised in California and then in Bozeman, Montana, and is the oldest of four children. He now calls the greater Seattle area his home, and he’s a huge fan of the Seattle Seahawks.
Gary has always been passionate about not just telling a story, but telling it well. From reading bedtime stories with his children to performing in front of the microphone, bringing a story to life is one of his greatest joys. Gary has pursued his career in audiobook narration with zeal, continuing to not only invest in personal coaching from some of the best in the industry, but also investing in some of the best equipment for his professional home-based studio. There are few things he enjoys more than stepping into his StudioBricks home studio and recording his favorite books.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/dead-air-by-erik-carter.html
Winifred the Wonder Witch follows a whimsical good-natured witch who uses creative problem-solving in different situations to help herself and others.What was the inspiration for these stories?
The inspiration to write ‘Flying Santa’ and ‘Winifred the Wonder Witch’ was my granddaughters. When they were small I told them many stories, and these were the two that resulted in a book.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I thought that witches in many stories had ‘a bad rap.’ I wanted to show that witches could be clever, kind and helpful – like many other heroes.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Winifred is an excellent problem solver. From Winifred, children could learn how to be smart, kind, and help those in need. She also knows how and when to involve others in her projects.
Will there be more stories about Winifred the Wonder Witch, and when will they be available?
There may be more Winifred books, but only if ‘Winifred the Wonder Witch’ proves to be popular.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In the second story, we meet the princesses who want to save the dragons; because ‘there aren’t many dragons left in the world.’ Winifred, as she does in ‘Flying Santa,’ comes to the rescue in her inimitable, dramatic and exciting style.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/23/witches-could-be-clever/
The Healing Book: A Collection of Short Stories, authored by Dustin Grinnell, is a poignant anthology that takes readers on a journey alongside diverse characters as they confront personal challenges and seek a deeper sense of purpose. Comprising thirteen compelling short stories, this collection delves into various themes, ranging from the discovery of one’s own voice to providing solace to someone who may not be healed.
A standout story in the collection, titled The Healing Book, tells the tale of Dr. David Mitchel, a surgeon grappling with his wife’s cancer diagnosis. As he exhaustively explores every possible avenue to help her combat the disease, from conventional medical treatments to holistic practices and the transformative power of literature, he eventually comes to terms with the painful reality of her passing. Through this story, Grinnell masterfully captures the emotional turmoil faced by countless individuals affected by cancer.
The author’s writing style strikes a delicate balance between scientific grounding and a thought-provoking exploration of morality. Drawing upon his background in Western medicine, Grinnell deftly showcases the complexities of the human experience, posing challenging questions and confronting difficult issues with sensitivity and courage. Each short story is thoroughly engaging, marked by well-developed characters and insightful examinations of human nature.
A unifying thread that runs through the collection is the characters’ pursuit of spiritual healing. These relatable, evocative tales will resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. I am pleased to have read this captivating and thought-provoking book, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking empathetic, introspective, and engaging stories.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/23/the-healing-book/
In Higher Steps Solutions for Healing, Dr. Pyant discusses mental wellness, being prepared, dealing with things like trauma, attracting the right energy, and being the best version of yourself. This book is a must-read for any individual that is struggling with knowing themself and fighting silent battles. Dr. Pyant uses her real-life experiences to expound on some of the issues being discussed in the book. As a reader, you are able to connect and feel the author’s concern and passion for each subject that she discusses. Higher Steps Solutions for Healing is not just a self-help book, but it is a necessity for all that aspire to live fulfilling lives.
This thought-provoking book gives the reader a sense of being heard. Dr. Pyant’s writing feels authentic and genuine. The author writes based on researched facts and lived experiences. She does not fill the pages with useless information or antidotes; rather, she writes concisely and with purpose. I enjoyed this book because of the analysis provided. It does not matter whether It is a hypothetical situation or an actual occurrence; Dr. Pyant analyzes the details and gives the reader in-depth answers.
I appreciate the section of the book titled ‘Beginnings.’ In this section, the author discusses how trauma affects the brain. This is a deep topic, and the discussion that follows is even more profound. We learn that there are three types of trauma; Acute, Chronic, and Complex. The three may not have the same magnitude, but they all affect different people in diverse ways.
Reading about trauma, the impact trauma has on our brains, and the traumatic events the author and other people have gone through was eye-opening. I like that the author gives a step-by-step discussion in that she shares notes and gives practical guides on every topic that she writes about. Dr. Pyant, in her wisdom, wrote about critical mental issues that we face and has helped many readers face the said issues. She touches on almost every situation that the average adult has gone through, and that is what makes this book special. Some of my favorite chapters in the book were those that discussed cosmic guides, religion, finding peace, and of course, the author’s personal story.
Higher Steps Solutions for Healing is a well-written self-help book that helps readers understand the different kinds of trauma and how to work through them. At the end of the reading, one subconsciously reflects on the topics that have been discussed and take on life lessons that will aid them when dealing with trauma.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/23/higher-steps-solutions-for-healing/
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen by Cameron A. Straughan is a collection of twenty-three chronological short stories about the day-to-day life of Anthony Zen. As illogical as this book may seem, the character is not fazed by the absurd adventures he has to face on a daily basis. Anthony is a man who runs to work without pants, owns a cat named Monty that rings, and finds this wacky behavior normal. This humorous tale of a man who lives his life to the fullest is wildly creative and entertaining. This eccentric story is full of shenanigans and outrageous creatures. It is a creative tale with backward logic that makes you laugh.
The book is brimming with wildly imaginative shenanigans and outrageous creatures that are sure to keep readers entertained. The writing is sophisticated and free of grammatical errors, making it a joy to read. Although I think the book would benefit from illustrations, the quality of the writing and the depth of the characters is enough to engage readers and take them on a journey through Anthony’s surreal world.
While most books with eccentric worlds have a set of rules that guide the reader, The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen does not. The author adds details seemingly at random, leaving readers in a state of anticipation, never knowing what to expect next. This unpredictability adds to the entertainment value and keeps readers in suspense.
The book’s structure is broken up in a way where each chapter functions as its own individual story, but the book consistently follows Anthony’s overall narrative. This non-traditional approach to storytelling is refreshing and makes the book stand out.
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen is a well-written and creative book that offers a unique take on storytelling. It is certainly an enjoyable one that will leave readers both amused and engaged.
Pages: 191 | ASIN : B088LQF344
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/23/the-surreal-adventures-of-anthony-zen/
In Hungry Trails, author Maire Malone masterfully weaves an evocative tale of an Irish family’s desperate journey to escape the devastating effects of famine and disease. As they navigate the tumultuous waters of a world turned upside down, the Foley family is tested, their bonds of kinship and friendship strained to their limits. What awaits them across the ocean in the New World, however, remains uncertain—will the foreign shores offer them refuge, or will they merely exchange one set of hardships for another?
Narrated through the eyes of Julie Foley, the family’s spirited and inquisitive daughter, Hungry Trails presents a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and familial sacrifice. Despite the relentless adversity that befalls her loved ones, Julie remains steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge and her quest to forge her own path in life. Her unwavering dedication to her family and her unyielding optimism drives the narrative forward as readers eagerly anticipate whether Julie will ultimately find the fulfillment she seeks.
Set against the sweeping backdrop of historical events, Hungry Trails is a must-read for those who appreciate intricately crafted stories that transport the reader to another time and place. Malone’s exquisite prose and rich descriptions paint vivid images of the characters and their surroundings, immersing readers in the trials and tribulations of the Foley family. Accessible and engaging, Hungry Trails is a highly recommended read for discerning readers of all ages who are seeking an unforgettable literary journey.
Pages: 280 | ASIN: B0BPDXV3FH
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/23/hungry-trails/
Even after Silicon Valley Bank crumbled and tech workers have been laid off in the thousands, Silicon Valley is still surrounded by a mythos of progress and futurity. Host
Original source: https://www.npr.org/2023/03/16/1164009866/silicon-valley-bank-and-the-sordid-history-of-palo-alto
Before the word “influencer” was a household term, before Instagram and TikTok allowed users to document every moment of their life in real time, Paris Hilton was the woman at the center of it all.
Original source: https://www.npr.org/2023/03/18/1163964122/paris-hilton-book-memoir-interview
On October 2, 1919, then President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke that left him blind in one eye, partially paralyzed and barely able to write his own name. He was in the midst of his second term. For the remainder of his presidency, some 17 months, his wife managed his duties, serving as a kind of de facto president. Today, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, Steve Inskeep joins us to share his interview with Rebecca Boggs Roberts, author of
Untold Power: The Fascinating Rise and Complex Legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson
Original source: https://www.npr.org/2023/03/14/1163492487/the-sunday-story-americas-first-female-president