Blood doesn’t flow through our arteries and veins by gravity or magic or the force of our personalities. It is pushed. What pushes it is an elaborately engineered muscle (or muscular organ) that serves as a pump: the heart. Without the continuing, impelling action of that pump, the rest dies. The heart can survive without […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/05/16/what-is-wildness/
George Balanchine, the great choreographer and cofounder of New York City Ballet, who arrived in the United States in 1933, almost always had a girlfriend—often a few.1 His first American girlfriend, Holly Howard, apparently had four or five abortions in their first year together. Is it possible to get pregnant four or five times in […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/the-real-world-is-not-here-george-balanchine-joan-acocella/
I am continuing my journey with the October Daye urban fantasy series on audio. One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire is the fifth novel. Suspense, heartbreak, and the threat of war between land and sea await you in this action-packed, brilliant tale.
One Salt Sea
by Seanan McGuire
Series: October Daye #5
Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal
Length: 12 hours and 39 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
October “Toby” Daye is settling into her new role as Countess of Goldengreen. She’s actually dating again, and she’s taken on Quentin as her squire. So, of course, it’s time for things to take a turn for the worse.
Someone has kidnapped the sons of the regent of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist. To prevent a war between land and sea, Toby must find the missing boys and prove the Queen of the Mists was not behind their abduction. Toby’s search will take her from the streets of San Francisco to the lands beneath the waves, and her deadline is firm: she must find the boys in three days’ time, or all of the Mists will pay the price. But someone is determined to stop her-and whoever it is isn’t playing by Oberon’s Laws…
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Someone has kidnapped the sons of the Duchess Dianda Lorden, regent of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist. Toby is tasked with finding the sons and stopping whoever is behind it while clearing the Queen of the Mist of any wrongdoing. If she fails, war will begin between land and sea. To succeed, she will need the help of her allies and a lot of luck. Coffee would be good too.
I am having a blast with this series and with each audiobook I learn more about the world, characters and protagonists. Toby is a hero, not by choice but by her driving sense of duty and need to protect the innocent.
The tale will take us below the sea and into the woods as we face dangers in our hunt to unmask the villains. The story was well-paced with touching moments between Toby, Conner, Tybalt, and the Linberg. Quentin has a new role, and Danny comes to their aid. Everyone had a part to play and I enjoyed seeing them work together.
The story will tug at your heartstrings and is filled with love, loss, betrayal and incredible character growth. Before it’s all done, things will be changed and not all will be among us. One thing’s for sure, there is never a dull moment when your name is October Daye.
If you enjoy rich characters and well-developed worlds, you’ll want to begin the October Daye series. Mary Robinette Kowal does a splendid job giving voice to these characters and setting the tone for this well-written fantasy. I highly recommend listening.
Amazon | Audible
Seanan McGuire is a native Californian, which has resulted in her being exceedingly laid-back about venomous wildlife, and terrified of weather. When not writing urban fantasy (as herself) and science fiction thrillers (as Mira Grant), she likes to watch way too many horror movies, wander around in swamps, record albums of original music, and harass her cats. Seanan is the author of the October Daye, InCryptid, and Indexing series of urban fantasies; the Newsflesh trilogy; the Parasitology duology; and the “Velveteen vs.” superhero shorts. Her cats, Lilly, Alice, and Thomas, are plotting world domination even as we speak, but are easily distracted by feathers on sticks, so mankind is probably safe. For now.
Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of The Spare Man,The Glamourist Histories series, Ghost Talkers, and the Lady Astronaut Universe. She is part of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer, four Hugo awards, the Nebula and Locus awards. Her stories appear in Asimov’s, Uncanny, and several Year’s Best anthologies. Mary Robinette, a professional puppeteer, also performs as a voice actor (SAG/AFTRA), recording fiction for authors including Seanan McGuire, Cory Doctorow, and John Scalzi. She lives in Nashville with her husband Rob and over a dozen manual typewriters.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/one-salt-sea-by-seanan-mcguire.html
Spin marks the vibrant debut of author Michael Fidler, inviting readers on a wry, often humorous exploration of the unscrupulous marketing world while unearthing a heartwarming tale of self-discovery.
We follow the journey of Geoff Stradling, a perpetual underachiever etching out a living in a modest tech security firm’s marketing department. He is a potential managerial candidate, but his propensity to self-sabotage repeatedly blocks his path to success. As we meet Geoff, he is fresh from a breakup with his attractive girlfriend and suffering the sting of a missed promotion, snatched by detestable character readers will love to hate.
Geoff’s fortunes take an intriguing turn when his firm is absorbed by a mammoth conglomerate notorious for its ethically questionable practices. He soon realizes that the key to career advancement lies in compromising his integrity and sacrificing his friendships, a tempting proposition for a job he has always feigned disinterest in.
Fidler’s portrayal of Geoff is nothing short of masterful. Despite Geoff’s inclinations towards self-loathing and deceit, he emerges as a comically endearing character. Even as he veers off course, his struggle to preserve his self-proclaimed “good guy” image makes for engaging reading. Even in his darkest moments, Geoff’s humor shines through.
This applies to the extended cast as well. The profound bond between Geoff and his eccentric best friend, Steve, is portrayed with a touch of poignancy. Fiddler impeccably captures their yin-and-yang dynamic, leaving readers wishing for a companion like Steve. The novel’s romantic subplot, featuring the sardonic Ella, is also deftly handled, adding another layer to Geoff’s unfortunate circumstances.
Spin serves as Fiddler’s platform to educate readers on the crafty nuances of marketing spin, where blatant lies morph into subtle truth modifications. Geoff is the epitome of this paradigm, making the book’s business-oriented theme intriguing even for those generally uninterested in the corporate sphere.
Spin is an engaging blend of rapid-fire wit and deep-seated humor. With his cynical pessimism and unexpected charm, Geoff is an easy character to root for. In addition, the book displays an unexpected depth of sentiment, and though its conclusion may follow a somewhat predictable trajectory, it leaves the reader smiling with satisfaction. Overall, it is a delightful read that I wholeheartedly enjoyed.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/16/spin/
Raven and the Hummingbird: A Healing Path to Recovery from Multiple Personality Disorder by Renate F. Caldwell is an insightful exploration into the complex world of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). This book brings to life the experience of Joan, a 44-year-old woman living with 52 distinct personalities, a coping mechanism her mind created in response to the severe sexual abuse she endured as a child.
This story is rooted in a chance encounter in 2003, where Caldwell, serving as a substitute therapist at a church group, met a group of women who were seeking solace by sharing their burdens with one another. Among them was Joan, a silent figure sitting alone, whose tear-stained note led to a transformative five-year recovery journey.
What sets Raven and the Hummingbird apart is its authenticity. This is not a book steeped in theoretical frameworks or rooted in empirical research. Instead, it provides readers an intimate, unfiltered look at a challenging therapeutic journey. It invites readers to step into Caldwell’s shoes and witness the rollercoaster of Joan’s recovery, experiencing every triumph and setback along the way.
As a psychology student, I found the portrayal of Joan’s numerous personalities, particularly Beth, a seven-year-old alter, profoundly touching. Caldwell’s narrative gives readers a vivid, tangible understanding of DID, allowing us to witness the transitions from Joan to Beth and back and observe their unique characteristics and interactions. This stark portrayal of DID, coupled with Joan’s journey to recovery, offers a profound educational opportunity for both students and practitioners in the field of psychology and psychiatry.
In addition to presenting a profoundly human story of resilience and healing, Caldwell accomplishes two significant feats with this work. First, she aids Joan in overcoming her DID through dedication, diligence, and empathy. Second, she masterfully translates their shared experience into a raw, honest, and richly layered narrative. As a result, this book doesn’t merely inform; it changes its readers, offering a deeply empathetic understanding of DID.
However, it is essential to note that certain sections of the book include detailed accounts of child sexual abuse, which may be triggering for some readers. Please consider this before committing to this emotionally intense journey.
Describing the impact of this book is a challenging task. Reading it felt akin to sharing a coffee with a dear friend, intimately privy to their experiences, which is a compelling way to approach such a subject. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Caldwell and Joan for their success in both the journey to recovery and crafting a book that succeeds in demystifying DID.
I highly recommend Raven and the Hummingbird to students of psychiatry and psychology, who will find invaluable insights not readily available in standard academic literature. Additionally, anyone interested in an intimate exploration of human resilience or seeking to understand DID will find this book both enlightening and profoundly moving.
Pages: 669 | ASIN : B0BHBFS4S1
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/16/raven-and-the-hummingbird-a-healing-path-to-recovery-from-multiple-personality-disorder/
Second-graders should be carefree, have plenty of time to play with friends, and lack all the worries of adulthood. Jobert, however, lives quite a different life altogether. His father is politically active, and his mother’s concerns for his safety spill over into their everyday lives. Jobert, at the tender age of seven, has been forced into recognizing his own sexuality and deals on a daily basis with the memory of abuse by an adult he believed he could trust. Jobert begins a long journey of seeking approval and trying to find himself along the way.
Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir, by Jobert E. Abueva, is the moving account of young Jobert’s experiences as the son of parents who have their own approaches to encouraging and molding his future. Jobert is an elementary student when his life is impacted by abuse–abuse on which he dwells and keeps to himself. Around the same time, Jobert realizes he has strong feelings for a boy in his school. Abueva’s writing brings young Jobert to life. His feelings, his struggles, and his fears are almost palpable. I found myself wanting to reach through time and space to comfort Jobert. One of the most impactful moments in the book came in the first few pages. After reading about Jobert’s horrifying experience as a six-year-old, I was moved to tears when I then scrolled to see the photo of a three-year-old Jobert, innocent and precious. I don’t know that Abueva could have made a more striking statement without ever typing a word. The enormity of Jobert’s treatment at such a young age hits home with a single photo. The history relayed in Abueva’s writing is an added bonus and only serves to enrich Jobert’s story. I was especially moved by the plight of the boat people from Vietnam. Abueva truly brings Jobert to life as the reader sees historical events through his eyes. His innocence is essentially the main character in Abueva’s work, and readers will find themselves completely wrapped up in his experiences.
There are some books that move you and some that simply take your breath with their honesty and biting reality. Abueva’s work, Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir, is of the latter. Nowhere will readers find a more open and honest look at childhood and all of its challenges. I recommend Abueva’s work to anyone interested in exploring a new author who, without a doubt, writes from the heart.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0BVJNJMQN
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/16/boy-wander-a-coming-of-age-memoir/
The King’s Bloodhound by Michael Sauls chronicles the escapades of Rinad, a cursed halfling blessed with remarkable tracking skills who is recently appointed as the King’s huntsman. Despite his abilities, Rinad is burdened with self-doubt and fear of failure, which hinder his performance as he navigates his way through a series of challenges to prove his worth. This captivating novel follows Rinad and his allies’ quest to foil the malevolent forces threatening their kingdom. As evil spreads and the misdeeds of Baron Castaro grow, the huntsmen will have to rely on each other and some divine intervention to defeat the darkness that is spreading.
Author Michael Sauls is a gifted wordsmith, and his prowess with language permeates the novel, manifesting in vivid descriptions and savory prose. The character introductions are particularly striking, as Sauls masterfully delineates their physical features, personalities, and even their fragrances. Even though there is an abundance of characters that may seem overwhelming at times, every character is endowed with a rich inner life, enabling readers to form deeper connections with them.
The world-building is robust and imbued with vitality, while the dialogue is straightforward and engaging. The world-building is detailed and intriguing, making readers eager to explore every corner of the kingdom. Sauls’ writing is not for the faint of heart, as he unflinchingly portrays the brutal action scenes and unforgettable plot twists that stay with readers long after they finish the book.
The King’s Bloodhound is a gripping dark fantasy with compelling characters and thrilling action. Sauls’ writing is masterful, and the story he weaves is engaging and satisfying. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting adventure in a vividly imagined world.
Pages: 323 | ASIN : B0BYRL2VHP
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/16/the-kings-bloodhound/
Out of Wedlock takes readers on an unexpected, decades-spanning journey of self-discovery, tangled relationships, and the quest for authenticity amidst reinvention. What inspired you to create the character of Jess Freeman and his intriguing journey of self-discovery?
There’s been so much chatter about “self-reinvention” that I thought an exploratory satire would prove timely. I was galvanized by a eureka moment when I saw that a facial plastic surgeon would be an ideal protagonist. How many of these professionals take center-stage in novels today? Jess Freeman helps shape and reshape the overt identities of others, but ironically knows little of his own identity. Out of Wedlock is a comic journey toward self-recognition but also toward the limits of self-reinvention.
How did you develop the intricate relationships between the six main characters, and what challenges did you face in weaving their individual storylines together?
I thought of my small cast of characters as engaged in an intense erotic dance staged in two acts, the second echoing the first in its central predicament but with a new and restorative outcome. Part One finds Jess in romantic relationships with two women–Natalia, a renowned Polish food critic, and Gilah, a severely injured patient whom Jess transforms into a rare beauty. The two women rediscover one another in a renewed Sapphic embrace–excluding Jess, if not without conscience. Resuming seven years later, Part Two finds Jess once again in romantic relationships with two women, Amanda, a young, adventurous author of how-to books, and Sinead, a celebrated sculptor But this time an unknown preexistent link between Jess and Sinead leads not to their disabling but to an empowering mutual commitment. All cast members reconvene at a Greenwich Village restaurant, Cafe Loup, where they take stock of the lives they’ve always had at hand but are now grateful for them.
Can you share any personal experiences that contributed to the rich cultural backdrops of Santa Fe and Greenwich Village in the novel?
I’ve spent decades living close to Washington Square Park, where my novel begins. Many years ago I served as a stagehand at the Santa Fe Opera, the setting for revelatory convergences as the narrative wraps around itself while moving toward its denouement. As a novelist I find that I can suspend my own disbelief if my characters are anchored in the bedrock of my own experience.
What do you hope readers take away from the themes of identity, nature vs. nurture, and authenticity presented in Out of Wedlock?
Out of Wedlock eventually sides with Nature in the nature/nurture debate. Yes, novelists can set up their own ethical laboratories, the conditions of proof built into their self-created premises. Surely not a universal experience, I’ve found that total transformations of people I’ve known for a long time are rare. In a sense we become what we essentially were from the beginning, in potentia. The problematic concept of self-realization (a term coined by Coleridge) can impose imaginary and ideal imperatives that exhaust and deplete us. Bertrand Russell in his nineties said that he still finds in himself that little boy who asked questions. My character Jess Freeman still finds the little boy who made human figures in the sand near Santa Fe.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram
Set in Greenwich Village and Santa Fe from 1989 to 2008, Jess’s romantic misadventures echo perils of the heart endured in the days of Edna St. Vincent Millay and D. H. Lawrence, the sexual revolution of the sixties and seventies, and today’s hookup culture. But Jess and his close companions more than endure; whatever their fates, they are sustained by a group loyalty anchored in pluck, buoyancy, and affection. This is a novel of charmed human acts—from feasting and parading to sailing and dancing to yearning and loving to seeking roots and chasing jackrabbits. All these are brought within a brisk narrative of startling recognitions that prove transformative for Jess Freeman and his intimates.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/16/a-comic-journey-toward-self-recognition/