Paris in November. The rain was unrelenting, people huddled in cafés, and umbrellas knocked heads in the cramped streets. Scooters, bikes, and buses zoomed by, spattering muddy water with little regard for pedestrians. Everything felt taxing—even the metro was a mess. The only people engaged with life at a normal speed were those with dogs. […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/a-life-of-sheer-will-etel-adnan/
When spring came in 1805, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark left their winter camp near Mandan and Hidatsa villages on the Upper Missouri River and resumed their search for a route to the Pacific Ocean. The day was Sunday, April 7. Included in the party, Clark noted in his journal, was a French-Canadian trapper and […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/getting-sacagawea-right-our-story-of-eagle-woman/
In the beginning was the Word. The trouble came afterward. How to teach the Word of God, how to translate Scripture, how to gloss and explain it: these were problems of grave concern to premodern Christians, and getting them wrong was beyond life-and-death. A bad reader’s soul was endangered for eternity. Angels didn’t have this […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/unwanted-thoughts-index-of-prohibited-books-vose/
In 1925 a girl named Marina was born in Riga, the capital city of Latvia, to a Jewish Latvian father and a Protestant Italian mother. Ten years later the parents underwent an acrimonious divorce and the mother took Marina and her sister back to Italy. The girls were raised by their maternal grandmother in an […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/surviving-by-accident-distant-fathers-marina-jarre/
One hundred and fifty years ago, the magazine Popular Science launched its first issue, edited by the optimistic polymath Edward Youmans. Youmans, who published and lectured for general audiences on subjects ranging from the laws of thermodynamics to “The Science of Prohibition” and “The Culture Demanded by Modern Life,” admonished readers that “whoever desires to […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/08/autopsies-of-many-kinds-song-of-the-cell-mukherjee/
Sophia Rose is here to share her review of Unfounded by Jessie Lewis. Fans of Pride & Prejudice will want to check out her thoughts on this historical romance adaptation.
Unfounded
by Jessie Lewis
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Nobody was fortunate enough to be loved in such a way twice in one lifetime.
Elizabeth Bennet dreads encountering Mr Darcy when she visits Pemberley, for surely, after she spurned his offer of marriage, he must despise her. Yet they do meet, and to her astonishment, he holds no resentment towards her. Regrettably, someone else does. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, her reintroduction to the master of Pemberley is far from universally welcomed. There are others for whom prejudice is stirred up by the familiarity between Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Darcy is amazed to find Miss Bennet at his house, her opinion of him altered materially for the better. He is busy making plans to renew his attentions to her when other impediments arise that threaten to undermine his hopes of happiness. Will problems with house and household crumble the tender foundation between them before they can build a life together?
UNFOUNDED is a second chance romance at Pemberley and is a novel length Pride and Prejudice variation.
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A betrayal from someone near and dear and an estate house crumbling down around them shakes the foundation of one of the most famous classical romances. Talented Pride and Prejudice variation author, Jessie Lewis wrote a sweeping, emotional tale that gripped the heart from start to finish.
Unfounded begins with an ending or so it seems at first glance. Based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Unfounded picks up late in that story and diverges from the original at the point when Elizabeth arrives in Lambton, not five miles from Darcy’s estate, on a pleasure tour. Darcy and Elizabeth are seemingly getting a second chance to get it right after they both disastrously read each other wrong in the past. She is visiting his Derbyshire estate on a tour when he comes home suddenly with a house party.
Unfounded is well titled because it is at this point in the story when someone decides that Elizabeth is a gold-digging hussy and sets out to sabotage any chance that Darcy and Elizabeth will get together. And, it is not one of the usual suspects. If Elizabeth could have stayed on, things might have gone differently, but her own wild youngest sister and a rake who fooled many worked from a distance and unknowingly wreck her chances. Meanwhile, Darcy isn’t sure what happened when Elizabeth disappears out of his life and then he’s dealing with his beloved home, Pemberley suddenly starting to crack and crumble as well.
My heart was hurting for the romance pair, but I was all agog at how cleverly the author showed how Darcy and Lizzy’s own actions and words could be misconstrued by an independent observer. And, of course some badly timed gossip on top of that had a perfectly good and loyal person make a grievous mistake and sabotage the couple’s chances. The reader gets this third perspective so sees the train wreck happening in Technicolor. Austen herself used some lucky coincidences to make P&P work out with a happily ever after and here was what happened when the opposite takes place.
But… never fear romance lovers, what is undone can be fixed. I was all in and cheering hard to see how it came about and was on tenterhooks with Darcy over his beautiful home being saved.
There is angst, but it never goes overboard and suits the situation. The angst is balanced with some well-timed tart humor from the letters Lizzy receives from her godmother. I cracked up a few times and the nicknames were a hoot. I liked that the romance pair had learned the lessons from their past and were ready to support each other and believe the best of each other even when their hope was dying. The late story twists were fab and I was glad for the longer denouement after all the conflict was resolved to revel in the hard-earned happy times.
All in all, this was satisfying and has still been lingering strongly in my thoughts days after. Sweet historical romance lovers and most definitely Austen fans will want to slip this one into the ‘to read’ pile.
Amazon*
*kindleumlimited
Serious word junkie, steadfast purveyor of silliness, and author of historical romances in the Austenesque and Regency genres. Does all her writing in the garden shed, which is nicknamed ‘The Hermitage’ and boasts a vintage chaise-longue, a view of the Hertfordshire countryside, and a wooden parrot.
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Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/unfounded-by-jessie-lewis.html
Immerse yourself in the riveting narrative of Lee Gaitan’s poignant yet humor-laden memoir, My Pineapples Went to Houston. This chronicle of personal resilience traces Lee’s navigation through life’s most challenging hurdles triggered by a series of devastating events. The sudden cancerous demise of her hitherto healthy father, swiftly followed by her mother’s unexpected coma induced by the grief, marked the commencement of her trials. The anguish was further compounded when her husband of 22 years abandoned her in a state of financial ruin, having squandered their savings, and ran off with an exotic dancer. An icy reception from her in-laws added to her sense of alienation. Amid health tribulations and an absence of familial support, Lee’s world seemed to be imploding. The pivotal question that arises is, can she rediscover joy?
Notwithstanding the deep-seated pain and torment, Lee’s indomitable spirit, her knack for humor, and her unwavering resilience steer her forward. Choosing to eschew self-pity, she musters the strength to reconstruct her shattered life, penning a powerful memoir that candidly articulates her tribulations, victories, and ongoing battles. Her personal narrative is a testament to the power of humor and determination in the face of adversity.
The memoir’s intriguing title is derived from a memorable encounter during a flight, setting the stage for the subsequent recounting of her life’s journey, including its darkest hours, infused with an unyielding dash of humor. Her unique lens on life, coupled with her formidable resolve and relentless pursuit of surmounting hardships, renders this memoir genuinely inspirational and profoundly moving.
My Pineapples Went to Houston is a rare literary gem, seamlessly blending emotionally resonant narratives with a generous dose of humor. Lee’s anthology of essays offers readers a rollercoaster ride of emotions, inducing laughter one moment and eliciting sympathy the next, a testament to life’s unpredictable turns. Her storytelling prowess, which keeps readers engrossed without resorting to self-victimization, is commendable. In addition, the narrative is refreshingly candid and highly accessible.
This masterfully crafted memoir will leave you both uplifted and thoroughly entertained. I wholeheartedly recommend My Pineapples Went to Houston for its unflinching honesty and engaging wit. This book is a must-read if you are looking for a vibrant read replete with a blend of humor and heartfelt personal anecdotes.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0971CCJJF
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/19/my-pineapples-went-to-houston/
Random Musings of the Left Hemisphere by Mike Joyner serves as a comprehensive anthology of his reflective insights on a myriad of political and social issues currently permeating the United States. Joyner critically examines the cultural trend of “woke-ism” and the embracement of progressivism, contending that such movements are, paradoxically, regressing American society towards historic European models of governance that our nation’s founders fervently resisted.
The book casts a wide net, exploring topics such as the Covid-19 pandemic, gun violence, the controversial Florida voting incident, impeachment, perceived leftist privilege, the Black Lives Matter movement, and even personal anecdotes like ‘Grandpa’s dating rule.’ By incorporating elements from his personal life, Joyner forges a human connection with his readers, fostering a relatable and engaging atmosphere.
True to its title, the book is a rich tapestry of diverse thoughts, presented in succinct chapters that streamline reader comprehension while maintaining their engagement. Joyner’s profound passion for the well-being of his country and its citizens is palpable in each chapter. His candid and bold commentary, driven by his desire for a safer and fairer nation, is both refreshing and thought-provoking.
One particularly poignant chapter sees Joyner express a deep-seated protective instinct, asserting that as a father, grandfather, and husband, he would courageously place himself between a child and danger, mirroring the heartbreaking sacrifice made by teachers during the tragic incident in Florida.
Readers concerned about the future trajectory of the United States will find Joyner’s book an enlightening and conversational read. Amid an era characterized by cancel culture and a lack of tolerance for divergent views, Joyner fearlessly articulates his perspectives on where he perceives the nation is faltering and how it can strive toward improvement.
Random Musings of the Left Hemisphere offers an insightful exploration of contemporary American issues. While Joyner’s views might not resonate with everyone, they undeniably provoke thoughtful consideration. Regardless of one’s political orientation, this book provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance understanding of current American challenges and the complexities of its political landscape.
Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0C2WMQNHH
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/19/random-musings-of-the-left-hemisphere/
Patience Marime-Ball and Ruth Shaber’s The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk is a powerful book that provides a comprehensive guide to investment, financial balance, and money management. The authors’ extensive experience in running an investment and non-profit organization is evident throughout the book, and they use facts, scientific data, and personal experience to break down their content into distinct chapters that are both elaborate and eye-opening.
Although the book is relevant for all audiences, the authors primarily target male investors. They focus on the financial impact of gender-focused investing. The book is an easy read, and the authors use layman’s terms to explain multifaceted financial subjects and give relatable examples for readers’ understanding. The authors make the case for how gender diverse decision-making generates the best returns possible when managing investments. Their passion for gender-focused investing and how different men and women are in financial decision-making is intriguing.
What’s remarkable about The XX Edge is that it provides a unique perspective on socio-economic development from the perspective of investors, corporations, business executives, leaders, and economists. The arguments made in the book are level-headed, and the advice given is solid. If you want to get into investment, entrepreneurship, or expand your finances, this book will be helpful to you. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers everything from financial management to running companies.
What I love about this book is that, while the authors share ideas and facts, they also give their individual stories. For example, Ruth shares her journey in healthcare, while Patience’s journey is that of a Zimbabwean-born girl who grew up to become a powerful and knowledgeable woman in finance. The stories of the two women and their partnership are phenomenal and motivational.
In conclusion, The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk is a must-read book for anyone seeking to ascend economically and financially. The authors went above and beyond with their content, and the book is a valuable reference for anyone looking to make socio-economic changes in their sphere of influence.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B09SGLQV8V
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/19/the-xx-edge-unlocking-higher-returns-and-lower-risk/
Mediterranean Mothers: Masters of Guilt shares with readers the entertaining stories of Mediterranean matriarchs and their families in a memoir children (of all ages) can relate to. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Maria: My entire life, anyone that knew me and then met my family was left with mouth agape and the utterance: you have to write a book about your family – it will be a sitcom success. Not sure it’s a compliment.
John: As my partner said, the book essentially tells the story of our heritage and, more particularly, our moms and aunts. And, yes, the stories are all true.
What were some of the ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The complex relationships in families are related to culture, generation gaps, gender roles, and regionalism. The conflict between indoctrination of familial ties with asserting the independence of ideas and values is mania-inducing – yet these obligations pull you in like the Sirens’ song, unable to escape inevitable doom.
What Is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Don’t worry about what other people say; take your shot when you have a chance to do something you want to do.
…and, beware of Greeks, with or without gifts…
What is one thing readers take away from your story?
Every day gives you a new chance to smile.
Maria and Nick know that only too well. The two teachers swap stories about their respective mothers and aunts, who have employed tears and sorrow the way a surgeon uses a scalpel. They gift their tormentors a trip to California, but ironically the ladies wind up on the same flight, where they become instant friends, and the world suddenly gets turned upside down.
If you have kids, if you were a kid—whatever your ethnic background—you will laugh, sigh, and shake your head as you share this adventure with Maria and Nick and their Mediterranean Mothers!!
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/19/the-sirens-song/