Robyn Schiff’s Information Desk: An Epic is “less a poem about art, or work, than a poem about braided time,” writes Ange Mlinko in our Summer Issue. Inspired by Schiff’s time working at the help desk at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it is, as its subtitle indicates, a single, book-length poem, a meditative catalog of curiosities ranging from the […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/08/26/standing-up-to-scrutiny-ange-mlinko/
Where Are You This Time? is an amazing account of your experiences traveling far and wide and the positive impact you left behind in each country. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Working in places like Kosovo and Afghanistan was a life-changing experience. It was exciting and eye-opening to find out what life was like there. I felt it was important to share the excitement and the challenges with other people so that they understand some of the complex issues other countries need to deal with.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I suppose it would be the first time I travelled to a foreign country when I was young. I landed in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and suddenly realised that absolutely everything was different from what I was used to – the weather, the smells, the trees, the food, the people. Photographs don’t really communicate the experience, only writing it down can do that, so I started keeping diaries to try to capture everything I experienced.
What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
The book is based on the diaries I kept while I was travelling. I often had plenty of spare time after work to write about what had happened during the day and what I thought about it so it stayed fresh in my mind. Later, I used this material to build a story about the most important things that happened.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for you as a writer, and can we expect more books about your experiences?
The first draft of this book was very long, so I had to leave out many stories and even whole countries to get it to a publishable length. So there is a lot more material. But I am not currently planning another book like this. The basic messages about the work of international aid projects and the problems facing people in developing countries that I wanted to communicate are already covered in the book. However, I still write blog posts about things like what has happened in Afghanistan and the problems of international aid on my Where Are You This Time? Facebook page and website.
Author Links: Facebook | GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/26/complex-issues-of-other-countries/
Ascent is the riveting second installment in Mark Anthony’s trilogy. This dark fantasy novel plunges readers into an enigmatic world teeming with otherworldly creatures. This tale of courage and resilience is brought to life by the intertwined journeys of three central figures: Ellie, Josh, and Sam.
From the onset, Anthony catapults readers into the heart of the action. Building on the foundational lore laid out in the first book, “Ascent” takes no detours, drawing readers immediately into the thick of a world under siege. As Ellie, Josh, and Sam navigate the encroaching perils, Anthony’s evocative prose ensnares the reader, engendering a palpable sense of the terror that envelops this trio.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to weave character development seamlessly with fast-paced action. As we delve further into the story, we not only witness the external chaos but are privy to the internal battles each character faces. Their responses to these nightmarish events afford us an intimate understanding of their complexities and fortitude.
Anthony crafts scenes that leap off the page. His vivid portrayals of the monstrous entities are particularly striking, invoking images so lucid they will linger in one’s mind long after the book is set down. This clarity of vision amplifies the suspense.
Ascent possesses a harmonious blend of character progression, atmospheric world-building, and high-octane action. The meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a hauntingly intriguing premise, solidifies this installment as a tour de force in its genre.
Pages: 432 | ASIN: B0BTT7PJ6G
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/26/ascent/
Mark, by Adam Darby, takes readers on an immersive journey into an unexplored jungle, where the protagonist finds himself entangled with an isolated tribe. Through the captivating narrative, we witness Mark’s three-year struggle for survival, during which he forges a family with a native woman before finally breaking free with his young son and daughter. As he returns to the world he once knew, Mark must navigate the complexities of reintegration.
Darby’s writing style is a highlight of the book, skillfully illustrating the unforgiving jungle environment and Mark’s relentless quest to find his way home. The vivid descriptions immerse readers in the setting, making them feel intimately connected to the protagonist’s plight. An additional strength of Darby’s work lies in the author’s masterful use of various narrative techniques, including traditional POV chapters, compelling interviews, and captivating bedtime stories.
Darby’s writing prowess and immersive setting elevate the reading experience. However, I feel that, at times, the narrative appears reminiscent of juvenile fantasy. I would like to have seen some characters, like the native woman who becomes part of Mark’s family, more fully developed as individuals within the plot. Nevertheless, the strength of Darby’s descriptive language propels readers forward through some occasional lulls in the plot. The atmospheric depth and engaging storytelling are where the author truly shines.
Mark, by Adam Darby, contains evocative writing that transports readers to an uncharted jungle and vividly depicts Mark’s odyssey. The novel’s immersive qualities make it a worthwhile read for those seeking a visceral experience alongside the protagonist.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0C2YCG212
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/26/mark/
Discovering Mom follows an adopted teenage boy who, while struggling with a sense of identity, sets out on a search for his birth mom only to discover more than he anticipated. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Like my main protagonist, Daniel, I too was adopted at birth—though I’m part Italian instead of Native American—and I wanted to write about what it’s like to grow up being different than your brothers and sisters and all your schoolmates, feeling like you don’t belong, constantly wondering who and where your real parents are. I never managed to find my birth parents, but I thought it’d be fun and interesting for Daniel to find at least one of his. Thus, Karen Moss was created along with a huge obstacle for her and Daniel to overcome. The entire project was like a wish-fulfillment fantasy in a way, and I hope people enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
This book has many complex characters that are undergoing a lot of personal changes. What were the driving ideals behind the characters’ development throughout the story?
Daniel and several other characters are motivated by a need for love and acceptance. But additionally, he’s searching for truth, identity, and a sense of purpose. He feels trapped and miserable in his given role as the compliant, dutiful son because it’s all a lie, and he must break free so he can find his true identity. He’s a truth-seeker, and so is his adoptive mother, Mary, who also feels trapped in her role as a devoted housewife. She’s tired of being taken for granted and being suspicious of her husband, Phillip, every single night. So, she too makes a daring escape and discovers a new side to herself that she never knew existed. That’s what the whole story is about, basically, breaking social norms or stepping out of your comfort zone to find out who you truly are—plus, to be happy. Many of my characters are struggling to find happiness while stuck in impossible situations. My deuteragonist, Jasmine, is so shy and introverted that it prevents her from befriending Daniel—and vice versa. Her father, Roger, wants to be a surrogate father to Daniel, but he already has too much on his plate. Mary and Phillip must do the unthinkable act of splitting up in order to grow and ultimately shine. And Daniel’s birth mother, Karen, needs to free herself from a dangerous cult if she ever expects to have a real family.
Coming-of-age stories deal with a lot of different topics, especially during the critical development period of teens. What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There’s the themes that were already mentioned; searching for your roots and identity to find your purpose in life, the struggle for truth, happiness, love, and acceptance, breaking away from social norms and traps, and stepping out of your comfort zone. But the book is also about tolerance and accepting others for who they are. There are many instances where Daniel encounters people who are different than him, such as the lesbian couple who move in across the street from him and his family. He doesn’t demonize the couple, but he finds them strange and unbecoming and isn’t shy about treating them differently. Yet he grows so much throughout his journey that by the end of it he comes to accept everyone, which is directly linked to another important theme in the book: Developing from a self-centered thinking to a more worldly, other-focused thought. Plus, there’s the loss of innocence, learning where one fits in the larger world, and perhaps above all, coming to grips with the reality of cruelty in the world—death, racism, sexual abuse, etc.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
There might be a follow-up later on, but Daniel and Jasmine will be all grown up since that’s how I left them in the final pages of this book. The story I’m working on now is about a 49-year-old auto mechanic who’s forced back into the dating scene after his wife leaves him. At the moment, it’s called “Rupert’s Last Stand,” and I hope to be done with it within a year.
Author Links: Website | GoodReads
The book focuses on Daniel’s adoptive parents as well, especially his mother, Mary, who’s also having identity issues and feels so disillusioned with her life that she sets off on a journey of her own—an inward journey of self-discovery. Not to give too much away, but her ultimate transformation from doting housewife to a liberated woman of the seventies is astounding. The story is chock-full of such fascinating characters that are sure to make you laugh or cry.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/26/i-too-was-adopted-at-birth/
Maggie’s Lost Song: A Journey of Courage and Music is a beacon of inspiration, offering young readers an important lesson in embracing challenges with resilience and optimism. Maggie’s home reverberates with the harmonious strains of music, reflecting her profound love for the art. However, as the school year commences, the vibrancy of her melodies is overshadowed by the shadow of the unknown. Torn by the prospect of an unfamiliar environment, Maggie’s apprehensions about her teacher’s disposition, her classmates’ reactions, and even the tastiness of her lunch manifest in a tangible fear. With the dawning realization that school awaits, Maggie harnesses her passion for music and a determined positivity to confront her inaugural day.
Author Danielle LaRosa crafts an emotionally resonant narrative that serves as a beacon of encouragement for young minds. The journey of Maggie, a character suffused with vulnerability and resilience, is a testament to the transformative potential of determination and optimism. The author deftly presents a relatable allegory for the challenges faced by children and adults who grapple with novel experiences.
LaRosa masterfully conveys the message that facing daunting situations with a hopeful attitude can lead to unexpected triumphs. Maggie’s interactions with her mother stand as a heartening portrayal of familial support and guidance. The mother’s nurturing role in emboldening Maggie to transcend her fears contributes a poignant layer to the narrative, highlighting the crucial role of parental influence in fostering emotional growth. The narrative’s incorporation of rhyming words adds a playful element, enhancing the story’s accessibility to young readers while creating a cadence that engages their senses. This literary device augments the book’s appeal and resonates harmoniously with the musical theme.
As the new school year begins, Maggie’s Lost Song is an apt companion, inspiring young readers to face uncertainties with courage. LaRosa’s narrative underscores the message that embracing challenges, armed with a positive outlook, can lead to unexpected rewards. It’s a timely and empowering read that entertains and imparts a timeless lesson in resilience and self-belief. This book is a valuable addition to any young reader’s collection, particularly as the academic year commences, providing reassurance and motivation that transcends the pages.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CBRG4GV2
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/26/maggies-lost-song-a-journey-of-courage-and-music/