My father once told me that his father, Giovanni Lepore, used to bring sandwiches to Sacco and Vanzetti when they were in prison in Charlestown in the 1920s. He’d hitchhike there, carrying a rucksack stuffed with provolone and prosciutto on pumpernickel. I have no particular reason to believe this story is true, but it might […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/08/27/the-everyman-library/
Barbie has a lot in common with Valerie Cherish: two ramrod broads who never say die. That motto is a modus essendi, the stuff of which they are made. Cherish, played by Lisa Kudrow in the cringe comedy The Comeback, has an actual rod up her back, the corrective intervention from a childhood bout with […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/08/27/humorless-barbie/
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
The past week was brutal. Now summer is my favorite season, but between menopause and 100 + temps with humidity in the 80s I am melting. My poor A/C unit was humming non-stop. Every year my husband’s company hosts an event at Val’s Pumpkin Patch. The Royals & Hazel love it. We get to spend the day there today with all the fun and without the long lines. Thankfully the high will only be 80. Stay Caffeinated.
Learn more:
A special thanks to Berkley, Tor & Tantor Audio
Before you link up: Please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/sunday-post-590-we-all-melted.html
Intergalactica follows a neuropsychiatric after waking from a coma who joins an organization that is trying to find Earth 2 to save humanity, or so they say. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I needed to find the most credible way in which a situation as heightened as this could happen in reality. As we know, her coma is related to the twist at the end of the book – so it all connects in a way that is hopefully rewarding to the reader.
Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
Amanda is greatly inspired by another Amanda – from the TV series Nikita. Although Amanda from Nikita, played by Melinda Clarke, is a psychopath and the main villain behind the show. I wanted to create a new character – this time a heroine, that still had her commanding presence and icy one-liners.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted the reader to reflect on our place in the universe, and to also be able to explore new worlds with actual new species and ecosystems. I feel the sci-fi genre can get too desolate and hopeless at times, and I am especially sick of barren planets.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
There are three other novels in the series, already published in Portuguese. I believe if the next three get translated, I might re-edit the entire product, revisit them, and adapt them to fit one full book. It would still be just slightly bigger than Intergalactica, so this idea has been on my mind for a while. We shall see.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads | Amazon
It’s launch day for NASA’s long-awaited manned expedition to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa!
Neuropsychiatrist Amanda awakens after months in a coma caused by acute meningitis…
Along with two patients, they discover themselves to be key pieces in an ever-growing puzzle involving an underground geopolitical corporation called The Firm, which plans to sabotage the mission, taking advantage of a new technology to hijack the ship and set a course for a habitable planet located seventeen light-years away from Earth.
Originally released in Brazil in 2016, the Intergalactica book series moved thousands of physical and digital copies in Portuguese. Discover a new Earth as you journey to the stars in the first volume of F. P. Trotta‘s saga.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/27/our-place-in-the-universe/
Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies by Donna Carr Roberts is a fun and adventurous tale of Mr. Fuzzy, a dog who aspires to become a police officer. When a group of bunnies goes missing, the mystery becomes an opportunity when Mr. Fuzzy is tasked with the investigation. Taking his job seriously, he quickly and diligently gets to work, visiting neighborhood animals, pets, and characters around town to find the bunnies. It’s a fun but meaningful journey that helps Mr. Fuzzy learn new skills while solving a mystery.
The author does a wonderful job of introducing the reader to Mr. Fuzzy’s world and his enthusiasm for becoming part of an important investigation. As Officer Fuzzy, the dog embraces his new role, collecting clues and information and making inquiries to find the bunnies, tracing their every move and where they were last seen. Not only is the author a creative writer but also an excellent illustrator for the book.
I read the book to my kids, who enjoyed how well Mr. Fuzzy put together different clues, or puzzle pieces, to find out where the bunnies were located. It’s a fun story for elementary school kids and a fantastic way to develop reading skills while enjoying beautiful illustrations. I like how the story and Mr. Fuzzy’s character promote a sense of curiosity and looking for answers by using different resources and making inquiries to find a solution.
Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies is a fantastic picture book for a young audience. I especially enjoyed the likable characters, the illustrations of animals, and the confidence that comes with solving a problem and helping others. It’s a great read and a visually appealing children’s book.
Pages: 52 | ASIN: B092RMH9TJ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/27/the-adventures-of-mr-fuzzy-ears-mystery-of-the-missing-bunnies/
Whispers in the Breeze follows the mystery of the missing kings of the Wangoorie tribe and their fight to keep evil from taking over the tribe. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
The idea that I had to write Whispers in the Breeze was one of many reasons. It was always going to be a narrative with a lot of twists and turns and the unexpected with a splash of mystery. I wanted to express my ideas on how to be resilient and have the faith and strength to overcome any obstacles that life has thrown at you. Another is to educate in a positive way on how society is judgemental with the slightest imperfection in people who have a disability. Acceptance of yourself and a strong will to thrive and be successful in all that you do was a key message. Also having faith and love from your family is the most powerful weapon one has, and with that support, you can conquer the world.
Whispers started out with a boy with a disability in mind. Then I thought about what lessons he could learn and what troubles he could find himself in. The story was built around his character. While I worked in the primary school, I used my knowledge from one of our school’s teaching tools that helped build up students’ confidence. So I wanted to share that with others. The thoughts of good versus evil added to the storyline as well as a love story between the parents and the bond they shared as a family. Justice also played a huge part in the outcome for the family and their tribe. I first wanted to write 3 books. The first was all about Zengie and his mother Mallee. The second one was about his Father Wango and the third was about the three of them together. In the end, I changed it to three parts.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters? Is it modeled after any particular society?
The inspiration for the culture of the characters was formed in my mind by the beauty of the jungles and rainforests. The magical atmosphere of mists and the aromas of moist foliage reminded me of my childhood growing up near the mountains and the time we played as children hiding in the giant trees and vines of the rainforest. The cold trickling streams and waterfalls with the crisp breezes also became part of the story. I remember my imagination used to run wild with fairies and magical beings while in the mountains, also the eeriness of silence when you wandered away from the others and how scary thoughts would take over reality. This also formed part of the emotions in the characters. I modelled my tribes on a mixture of African tribes and their spiritual and religious beliefs as well as my own.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The important themes in the book were. Love, honour, loyalty, compassion, respect, resilience, and empathy. A think ‘outside the box’ and follow your heart and dreams. Life is full of highs and lows and how you deal with these become the person you are.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on the next book called Shifting Sands. It is a continuing story of the Wangoorie people. This time the story is about Zengie’s sister Veelah and her struggles with depression and anxiety as she struggles with the loss of her mother Mallee and her inner self doubts as her psychic abilities grow stronger and more erratic. I don’t know how long it will take to write, but it is a work in progress.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Wango and his son Zengie are of royal blood, destined to join the line of successors as their forefathers before them.
Wango and his wife Mallee were the protectors of Zengie and the Wangoorie tribe. Now, Mallee is alone, vulnerable, and in danger. Will she find strength and gain her freedom from the manipulative clutches of the evil Zulu?
Follow this intriguing mystery as trust is shattered and lives are ruined. Survival is the key to unlocking the past and building a future, where the foundations of the Wangoorie tribe depend on the survival of humanity.
Will balance and stability return to reclaim the peace and harmony of the Wangoorie people? Read on, and solve the mystery of the missing kings.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/27/magical-atmosphere/
In The Stones of Ailsa Craig, author David S. Florig masterfully spins a tale that transcends time, bridging a remote Scottish island’s mystery from the turn of the century with the story of a newly widowed man in modern-day Maine. The protagonist, grappling with profound grief after losing his wife to cancer, embarks on a journey to discover a new purpose in life. His path uncovers unexpected connections between two women separated by over a hundred years and a surprising link to the ancient sport of curling.
Florig’s storytelling is as intricate and engaging as the sport of curling itself. He deftly combines historical fiction and mystery, intertwining rich historical details about the origins and nature of curling. Though an unlikely backdrop, the details are so vividly rendered that they complement the broader themes of love, loss, retribution, and healing that underpin the novel.
The narrative offers an exquisite balance of suspense and light-hearted amusement, allowing for a full-bodied reading experience that entertains and enlightens. It will enable readers to traverse different eras, offering a lens through which to view human themes that remain relevant across time and context.
The Stones of Ailsa Craig is a novel tailored for mature readers who appreciate layered storytelling and lush, intricate prose. It’s an intriguing feast for enthusiasts of well-researched historical fiction and an enticing lure for those curious about the heritage of curling. Both unexpected and captivating, this novel promises a reading experience that is as unique and multifaceted as the game it explores. The book is a testament to Florig’s skill in weaving a dynamic story that resonates with emotion and authenticity, offering a fresh perspective on historical connections and the timeless journey of self-discovery.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0CGJ8B395
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/27/the-stones-of-ailsa-craig/
Bondwitch by Chelsey Ortega is an exhilarating journey into the paranormal, sure to enthrall enthusiasts of witches, vampires, and werewolves. With its captivating tale, this novel commences with the seemingly ordinary Annamaria, a young girl being cared for by her aunt. A terrifying experience at her prom night sets the stage for her dramatic entry into a world filled with supernatural mysteries.
Suddenly, Annamaria finds herself navigating a realm where she learns of her witch lineage and where vampires and werewolves are far from mere figments of imagination. In an effort to safeguard her from looming peril, she is relocated to her sister’s abode in a vampire coven. Compelled by a determination to defend herself, she delves into her newfound magical abilities. However, when circumstances spiral out of control, she faces choices fraught with consequences more dire than she could have ever foreseen.
The plot is artfully crafted, intertwining various threads into a cohesive and thrilling narrative. The characterization is strong and consistent, with each figure standing out, particularly the young protagonist, Annamaria. Unlike some youthful characters who may fall into imprudent decisions to instigate conflict, Annamaria’s choices reflect maturity and mindfulness.
Ortega adheres to traditional lore within the paranormal genre yet does so in a way that does not detract from the story’s originality or render it insipid. One of the novel’s strengths lies in how the imminent danger is meticulously and continually conveyed, heightening the stakes at each turn.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that there are instances where the author tends to “tell” rather than “show,” recounting events in a straightforward manner without delving into specific details. This approach occasionally produces a somewhat monotonous texture, particularly during the action sequences. I think a more varied sentence structure could have made these parts more dynamic.
Bondwitch is a highly enjoyable read that will resonate with those drawn to paranormal stories, romance, vivid characters, and imaginative world-building. Ortega’s novel stands as a commendable addition to the genre.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0CF6H8NYC
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/27/bondwitch/