“Lygia Pape: Tecelares” at the Art Institute of Chicago is an endlessly surprising exhibition, lyrical, frisky, and stealthily profound—which is a lot to pack into a bunch of mostly black-and-white polygons and circles. An important figure in Brazilian postwar art, Pape, like her fellow travelers Lygia Clark and Hélio Oiticica, began her career dedicated to […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/05/24/invitation-to-a-dance-lygia-pape/
In Murder at Kensington Palace by Andrea Penrose Wrexford and Sloane have another murder-mystery to solve. James Cameron Stewart voiced the story, and once again, I was mesmerized by the puzzle, personalities, and romance.
Murder at Kensington Palace
by Andrea Penrose
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #3
Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Length: 12 hours and 40 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
Wrexford and Sloane must unravel secrets within secrets—including a few that entangle their own hearts—when they reunite to solve a string of shocking murders that have horrified Regency London…
Though Charlotte Sloane’s secret identity as the controversial satirical cartoonist A.J. Quill is safe with the Earl of Wrexford, she’s ill prepared for the rippling effects sharing the truth about her background has cast over their relationship. She thought a bit of space might improve the situation. But when her cousin is murdered and his twin brother is accused of the gruesome crime, Charlotte immediately turns to Wrexford for help in proving the young man’s innocence. Though she finds the brooding scientist just as enigmatic and intense as ever, their partnership is now marked by an unfamiliar tension that seems to complicate every encounter.
Despite this newfound complexity, Wrexford and Charlotte are determined to track down the real killer. Their investigation leads them on a dangerous chase through Mayfair’s glittering ballrooms and opulent drawing rooms, where gossip and rumors swirl to confuse the facts. Was her cousin murdered over a romantic rivalry . . . or staggering gambling debts? Or could the motive be far darker and involve the clandestine scientific society that claimed both brothers as members? The more Charlotte and Wrexford try to unknot the truth, the more tangled it becomes. But they must solve the case soon, before the killer’s madness seizes another victim…
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Things have been a little strained between Wrexford & Sloane since she shared the secret of her background. She has given him space, but all that is about to change. When her cousin is murdered and his twin brother is accused of the gruesome crime, Charlotte turns to Wrexford. In order to help with the investigation, she’ll need to move freely amongst the ton. The tale that unfolds hooked me from the start and I quickly devoured it.
Fans of the Lady Sherlock series looking for books in the same vein will find this series equally satisfying. You’ll find rich characters, a slow-burning romance and masterful murder-mysteries.
Indeed, the characters are likeable and have me well vested from the servants to our hero and heroine. Interaction between Sloane & Wrexford is positively delightful. Their clever deductions and the underlying chemistry that exists between them are wonderful. We see some development in the relationship department. Raven and Hawk are demanding more page time, and I am very fond of both. New characters are introduced along with a second romance.
The mystery was well done and complex. The author weaves in interesting tidbits that had me researching a bit on my own. I love learning new things and appreciate the attention to detail. The story made it hard for me to stop listening. I dare say I lost sleep listening to just one more chapter.
James Cameron Stewart’s narration delivers from the unique voices to the accents. His tone and attention to detail only enhance the characters, story and mystery. The books are in Kindle Unlimited and you can whispersync the audiobooks at a reduced cost. I highly recommend listening.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am off to listen to Murder at Queen’s Landing. There are currently six audiobooks available with a seventh releasing this fall.
Amazon* | Audible
*kindleunlimited
Andrea Penrose is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com.
James Cameron Stewart trained at Hull University and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Some theater highlights of his thirty-six-year career include Frank-n-Furter (The Rocky Horror Show), Thénadier (Les Misérables), the poet Philip Larkin in Larkin with Women (Best Actor nominee, MEN Awards 2005), and originating the part of Hamish in Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s Things We Do for Love. In 2008 he published his grandfather’s World War I memoirs and toured his one-man show based on them from 2008 to 2011. His television/film credits include Outlander, Jericho, Flying Blind, Golden Years, Emmerdale, London’s Burning, Eastenders, Coronation Street, Holby City, and Taggart. He often appears on Radio 4, and is a regular presenter on the weekly The Economist podcast. James loves recording audiobooks and is delighted to have had the opportunity to narrate such a variety of magnificent authors, from Seneca through Max Hastings and Antony Beevor, to superlative fiction by J. M. Coetzee, Michael Dibdin, Stuart MacBride, and more.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/murder-at-kensington-palace-by-andrea-penrose.html
In Of the Noble and Great Ones, we accompany the protagonist, Juke—an individual living with autism—through his trials and tribulations. He navigates the ebbs and flows of life, coping with violent tantrums and facing unpalatable maltreatment, all while grappling with pressing existential questions. Juke’s reality teeters on the brink of upheaval as he desperately seeks answers, primarily to his recurrent traumatic experiences. Yet, amidst this chaos, there lurks a glimmer of hope for our protagonist.
The narrative breaks the bounds of reality, immersing Juke—and subsequently, the readers—in the realm of lucid dreams. In this dreamland, Juke finds himself unwittingly involved in an epic battle between good and evil, which gradually starts to weave answers to his life’s perplexing questions. As the tale unfolds, we are left wondering—will these dreamland experiences bring clarity to Juke’s life? How will he evolve through this tumultuous journey?
Of the Noble and Great Ones artfully interweaves elements of reality with the supernatural, presenting an intricate tale of a teenager that allows readers to delve deep into his psyche, insights, and experiences. When I first embarked on this literary journey, I must confess, I was unsure of what lay ahead. However, as the narrative unfurled, I realized I was privy to the inner workings of a unique, special-needs mind, which brought a sense of coherence to the initial ambiguity. This striking perspective is one of the book’s many compelling attributes—it invites you to see the world through the lens of the protagonist, fostering a profound sense of empathy and understanding.
The author’s word choice provides a captivating contrast with Juke’s identity. Sophisticated expressions interlace the narrative, underscoring the complexity of the human mind and illustrating how external personas may mask the myriad layers within. This is a poignant reminder of the vast cognitive capabilities that we all possess.
Throughout the novel, a universal truth resonates—our fundamental needs as humans remain the same, regardless of our mental states. We all yearn for acknowledgment, for our voices to be heard, and for love. Recognizing this allows us to recalibrate our approach toward others, especially those with special needs. The initial wave of confusion eventually lands you on a shore of introspection, a testament to the book’s impact.
Of the Noble and Great Ones is a deeply emotional and compelling read. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, a narrative that challenges perceptions and invites reflection, this book is worth exploring.
Pages: 380 | ISBN : 979-8-9878271-0-9
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/24/of-the-noble-and-great-ones/
In The Palms, a profoundly evocative novel, we delve into the life of Ronnie Wells, a man sentenced for murder in 1979 and subsequently granted parole after enduring 36 years in confinement. Striving to lead a tranquil, repentant existence, he settles in the quaint, somewhat neglected hamlet of Paradise Palms Villas.
Upon meeting Clara, his enigmatic neighbor, Ronnie’s world undergoes a dramatic transformation. Clara, a hardened woman living under the shadow of prostitution, substance abuse, and an abusive partner who doubles as her pimp and drug supplier, shares her life with her innocent young daughter, Mary.
Their initial interaction is fraught with tension, but with the passage of time, a sense of affinity develops between Clara, Mary, and Ronnie. Embracing his role as their protector, Ronnie aids Clara in her desperate quest for escape from the sinister Joe and supports her in the struggle against the formidable chains of addiction. Despite these efforts, Clara’s dependency proves challenging to overcome, culminating in a shocking turn of events when Mary is abducted. The narrative then shifts to Ronnie’s determined endeavor to retrieve Mary.
This narrative stands out as a captivating masterpiece of literary fiction, exquisitely crafted with a riveting story. Undoubtedly, The Palms is an extraordinary feat deserving of the highest accolades. The author, Clay Anderson, masterfully employs poetic imagery to portray the vivid landscapes and intriguing characters, drawing readers into a heart-rending tale of redemption amidst a world spiraling toward chaos.
The Palms presents a compelling narrative worthy of any reader’s attention. This fascinating book leans on the side of creative imagery, resulting in a slower unfolding of the narrative. Nevertheless, readers will find themselves immersed in the intricately detailed world and its occupants. The Palms is a testament to literary artistry that will continue to engage and provoke thought among its readers.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B0BYK8NYXS
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/24/the-palms/
In the dystopian landscape of 2647, David A. Collier’s vividly depicted novel, Earth’s Ecocide: Desperation 2647, immerses us in an Earth rendered nearly unrecognizable by a devastating climate crisis. This unforgiving world is beleaguered by environmental disasters such as daily downpours of avian corpses and seas spewing thousands of tons of dead fish—a chilling consequence of rampant species extinction.
Despite its futuristic setting, this novel, a chilling environmental cautionary tale, resists being neatly tucked into the science fiction genre. Instead, it uses the Paris family’s trials and tribulations in a dystopian Florida as a mirror reflecting our potential future, amplifying the urgent message of climate change. The story’s trajectory takes a compelling turn with the introduction of a cryptic entity intent on saving humanity from its self-destruction.
Collier, whose scientific background is evident in his adept handling of climate change issues, uses his narrative as a conduit for enlightening his readers. His portrayal of a dystopian future is intensely vivid, alarmingly plausible, and occasionally laced with heartbreaking poignancy. The death of a beloved character through a tragic miscommunication underscores the narrative’s emotional potency, even as it reveals the limitations of the culpable robot that can express “no grief, no sympathy, no anguish.”
The characters are deftly crafted—believable, relatable, and capable of eliciting readers’ investment in their fates. Moreover, the dialogue flows seamlessly, enhancing the narrative’s authenticity. Earth’s Ecocide: Desperation 2647 is a deeply engaging read that implores us to grapple with our impact on the environment.
Earth’s Ecocide: Desperation 2647 is a thought-provoking and engaging tale that intertwines environmental concerns with rich character development, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the potential consequences of our current environmental trajectory.
Pages: 248 | ISBN : 1639888659
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/24/earths-ecocide-desperation-2647/
Doug Osborne Does Not Quit tells of your experiences refusing to live behind the label of disabled and your journey to finding a work-from-job and buying your first home. Why was it important to share your story?
There were two related stories I wanted to share, captured by my book’s title and subtitle.
The title is named after the words on my banner, which reminds me to keep fighting no matter how many times I get knocked down and feel like quitting. The title story is about my banner and my ongoing mission of getting a job and going off disability.
I share my banner story to inspire others to keep fighting until they achieve their goals, and to inspire myself to stay true to my banner. Prior to publishing it in a book, I shared it in various forms with everyone I know and thousands of people I don’t know. The most widespread edition is a one-minute video with the caption: “Hi, my name is on my banner, and I want the world to hear me yell NOT TODAY!” “Not today” is what I say to my banner twice a day: quietly as my morning prayer, and at the end of the day, with authority, because I did not quit today!
My book begins and ends with my banner. It is the most powerful version of this story yet, accentuated by what goes on in between.
The middle and bulk of my book follow the subtitle plot, The House Behind My Banner, which begins shortly after the start of my mission. This is the first time I’ve publicly shared my account of the battle to buy my first house so I could continue my mission. More importantly, this story is about the fight to overcome my disability, getting past those who blocked my path, and in the process learning that I am actually far from disabled. The House Behind My Banner teaches valuable lessons, and I particularly enjoyed recalling the seminal moments of my life described in “Revenge of the Nerd,” “Redemption,” and “Home.”
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Disability should not be confused with inability. For some people like me, to be or not to be disabled is a choice and not a diagnosis. For others with autism or related cognitive disorders, being “neurodivergent” instead of “neurotypical” is not a bad thing. For everyone, people should treat other people with respect, regardless of their current occupation or disability status.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about living with a disability?
I honestly don’t know which misconceptions are common, so I’ll just state my opinion that any conception about living with a disability is a misconception. One of the main points of my book is that people should not judge or underestimate anyone because of that d-word.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Philip Van Heusen for Readers’ Favorite summed it up as well as I could: “stop saying you can’t and believe that you can.” If you simply believe that you can, you might be surprised at what you can do.
This is the theme of a short chapter of my book, “Can I Walk Through Walls?” While I didn’t really suspect that I could walk through walls, the point is you should not assume you can’t do something until you have tried to do it. So, why not give it a shot? The worst that can happen is you fail, but even that should not discourage you.
Doug Osborne Does Not Quit is about believing in yourself, while the sequel, Not Today!, will be about trying and failing over and over and over again until you finally succeed.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Hi, my name is on my banner. I’m a software engineer on disability, diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and at times anxiety and depression. At the start of 2021, I stopped using these as an excuse and began my mission of getting a work-from-home-job and going off disability. Unfortunately, my mission was delayed because my landlord, Bob, wanted to sell the house I was renting.
After getting pre-approved for a mortgage, I found a great place for me to continue my mission: a four-season vacation home in Summit, NY. While I was trying to buy my dream house, Bob, two attorneys, and a loan officer tried to bully me and jeopardized my home purchase, but they all underestimated me. Buying my first house was far from easy, but I did not quit and the day I closed on this house was the best of my life so far.
As of May 2023, I’ve still yet to complete my mission, even though I’ve interviewed with some 30 companies since I hung my banner. But like I had to in order to buy my first house, I am not about to quit fighting until I finally succeed.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/24/i-keep-fighting/
God-Catholic Audacity explores how the Catholic Church has become the organization the world sees today and where it has gone astray from the real meaning of God’s purpose and how to connect with God. What inspired you to write this book?
This is the sixth book in a series on God – all have the same motive, namely to help people succeed in life ……… share in the Divine Nature.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The world’s religions are not of any help spiritually, but mislead people to believe they have a relationship with God when they do not.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about organized religion of any kind?
God is not serious in the scriptures and/or God’s love will cover their many faults and they will still succeed.
Do you have future books planned on the topic of religion and God?
There are a total of six books written in the last 2.5 years and all are published. I have done three with LT and may do all six.
Author Links: Facebook
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/24/religion-does-not-equal-spirituality/
What does it mean to illustrate the world of Steely Dan? NPR Music contributor Marissa Lorusso spoke with the Danfans behind the new book
Original source: https://www.npr.org/2023/05/17/1176479737/the-eternal-paradox-and-quantum-criminals-of-steely-dan
creator Andy Cohen’s fifth book,
Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up
, describes how becoming a dad has completely changed his life.
Original source: https://www.npr.org/2023/05/18/1176469899/andy-cohen-leila-fadel-talks-daddy-diaries-entertainment
Spell books, dragons, mermaids, fairies and a magic circus all take on new life in the pages of these five enchanting tales hitting shelves in May and June.
Original source: https://www.npr.org/2023/05/18/1172698983/5-new-fantasy-novels-invigorate-old-tropes