In Familiar Stranger, Stuart Hall’s memoir (written in conversation with Bill Schwarz), which was published in 2017, three years after he died, Hall recalls a crucial sight on a London street in 1951, shortly after he had left Jamaica for Britain to take his place as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford. As he passes Paddington […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/09/21/the-analyst-stuart-hall-jacqueline-rose/
The Sienese political theorist Francesco Patrizi wrote in 1471 that a republic’s strength was in its numbers: a popular government can “see with many eyes, work with many hands, and stride with almost numberless feet.” But whose eyes, whose hands, whose feet were to be involved in the work of governing? A Portuguese visitor to […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/09/21/an-overabundance-of-virtue-political-meritocracy-in-renaissance-italy/
This past spring a science museum in Amsterdam unveiled an unusual exhibit: a giant meatball created with DNA from the woolly mammoth. The work of an Australian cultured-meat company called Vow, it may be the most whimsical of several mammoth revival ventures now underway, most in the US or Russia. Hoping to promote the environmental […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/09/21/unfrozen-the-last-animal-ramona-ausubel/
In a series of lectures he delivered at the University of Sussex in 1963, the eminent British historian Hugh Trevor-Roper denounced undergraduates who were demanding to be taught the history of Africa. “Perhaps, in the future, there will be some African history to teach,” he said. “But at present there is none, or very little: […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/09/21/ships-going-out-american-slavers-sean-m-kelley/
Music and literature give shape to young people’s identities as they begin to build libraries of their interests. In the late 1970s in the UK, cultural preferences seemed binary: Did you prefer Joni Mitchell or Joan Armatrading? James Baldwin or Jack Kerouac? There was no consensus, but among the cognoscenti, apparently, arguments over whether Ella […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/09/21/a-reconfigured-self-constructing-a-nervous-system-jefferson/
I listened to The Atlas Six and was curious about Olivie Blake’s newest release, Masters of Death. I went into this blind only knowing it was a story about vampires, ghosts, and death itself. Narrated by Steve West at its core, it’s a story about love and mortality. I laughed, cried, and lost myself in the story.
Masters of Death
by Olivie Blake
Narrator: Steve West
Length: 15 hours and 2 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x
From Olivie Blake, the New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six comes Masters of Death, a story about vampires, ghosts, and death itself!
Viola Marek is a struggling real estate agent, and a vampire. But her biggest problem currently is that the house she needs to sell is haunted. The ghost haunting the house has been murdered, and until he can solve the mystery of how he died, he refuses to move on.
Fox D’Mora is a medium, and though is also most-definitely a shameless fraud, he isn’t entirely without his uses—seeing as he’s actually the godson of Death.
When Viola seeks out Fox to help her with her ghost-infested mansion, he becomes inextricably involved in a quest that neither he nor Vi expects (or wants). But with the help of an unruly poltergeist, a demonic personal trainer, a sharp-voiced angel, a love-stricken reaper, and a few high-functioning creatures, Vi and Fox soon discover the difference between a mysterious lost love and an annoying dead body isn’t nearly as distinct as they thought.
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Masters of Death is a journey where characters are picked up along the way and learn something about themselves through testing..
I enjoyed this odd little listen. Steve West did a wonderful job giving voice to this cast of characters. His tone and pacing was pleasant to listen to. I have listened to more books by his pseudonym, and he presented a wide range of voices that impressed me..
Blake presents us with fascinating and flawed paranormal creatures. We first meet Viola Marek, a vampire and real estate agent who has a house problem. A ghosts haunt the house that Viola needs to sell.. Until someone figures out how he was murdered, he will remain in the same place..
Viola reaches out to human Fox D’Mora. He claims to be a medium, and just so is the godson of Death. The two find themselves reluctantly taking part in a game. They’ll have help from a poltergeist, a demonic personal trainer, a sharp-voiced angel, and a love-stricken reaper. Let the games begin.
It’s a complex story, with short stories and nonlinear movement as it explores everyone’s story, their emotions and flaws. The characters are fleshed out, and the prose is lovely. The conversations felt genuine and for readers who love to highlight quotes and passages, you’ll want to get those highlighters ready. I laughed, got teary-eyed and lost myself in their stories.
My only regret is that while I loved listening, I think I would have appreciated having the book to read along with the audio. I struggled a few times and had to rewind a bit. At its heart, it’s a book about love and one worth reading/listening to.
Amazon | Audible
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake was an interesting tale about vampires, ghosts, and death itself. Narrated by Steven West, you'll want to snag this one for yourself. #audiobook #NewRelease #audiobookreview
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Olivie Blake is the pseudonym of Alexene Farol Follmuth, a lover and writer of stories, many of which involve the fantastic, the paranormal, or the supernatural, but not always. More often, her works revolve around what it means to be human (or not), and the endlessly interesting complexities of life and love. Olivie has penned several indie SFF projects, including the webtoon Clara and the Devil with illustrator Little Chmura and the viral Atlas series. As Follmuth, her young adult rom-com My Mechanical Romance releases May 2022. Olivie lives in Los Angeles with her husband and new baby, where she is generally tolerated by her rescue pit bull.
Steve West is a London born, award-winning actor and voice artist based in Los Angeles. Career highlights include performing for the Queen at Buckingham Palace, being killed by Chucky “the killer doll” in the cult movie Seed of Chucky, appearing in AMC’s hit series Mad Men, and playing the lead in Sony’s epic video game The Order: 1886. He has recorded over 200 audiobooks across all genres and has won 13 awards, including over 10 Earphones Awards; The AudioFile & Romantic Times’ Best Romance Narrator of The year, and a SOVAS. He also has multiple Audie nominations to his name.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/masters-of-death-by-olivie-blake.html
Rebecca Jane’s She Bleeds Sestinas presents a tranquil journey of self-discovery, blending her morning yoga rituals with the craft of sestina composition by night. Over time, her affinity with yoga permeates her poetry, culminating in a collection ripe with profound meaning.
The book is thoughtfully segmented into thematic sections that progress from insights into the writing process to allegorical stories steeped in myths and legends. Each chapter imparts a distinct essence, such as in ‘Ghostwritten,’ where Jane dissects poem structures and openly shares her emotions about writing. She further explores open-ended narratives, presenting a broad spectrum of reflections that span ancient wisdom, personal growth, and her own tastes.
She Bleeds Sestinas is refreshingly original, showcasing a perspective intricately interwoven with Jane’s lifestyle. The poems gradually reveal more about her and her outlook on life, covering a broad array of themes, including nature, history, and philosophy. Particularly engaging is the continuity throughout her work, where collective reading provides deeper insights. Moreover, the prose encourages reflection while preserving an intriguing mystique, as evidenced in ‘Tell Us What You Think,’ where each question calls for careful consideration.
Despite its innovative and unique character, some portions of this collection may pose a slight challenge for some readers. Terms linked to Hindu teachings and myths may be unfamiliar to a broader audience. I think the addition of a glossary to clarify these terms might have enhanced the book’s accessibility, extending its appeal to more diverse readers. Yet, Jane’s poetry retains a clear and melodious quality. The synthesis of life lessons, yoga, and poetic form in She Bleeds Sestinas makes it an ideal read for those seeking contemplation and a connection to age-old wisdom.
She Bleeds Sestinas, with its special blend of creativity and insight, will undoubtedly resonate with those in pursuit of thought-provoking verses and an understanding of ancient wisdom. It is a collection not merely to be read but to be experienced, offering a window into a world that is both personal and universal.
Pages: 105 | ASIN : B0CBNCMJQZ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/31/she-bleeds-sestinas/
LGBTQ+ individuals are found in every corner of the globe, intertwined in the very fabric of our societies. They are our neighbors, family, colleagues, and those we might pass by without a second thought. Yet, for many, the simple act of loving someone can lead to profound discrimination, whether at work or in everyday life. Ken Yeager’s Run! dives deep into this narrative.
In Run!, Yeager takes us on an intimate journey of his life as an LGBTQ+ individual, detailing the challenging path he navigated to eventually secure a seat on the San Jose City Council from 2000 to 2006. His unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, even during times when such advocacy was viewed with skepticism, is beautifully chronicled. This enlightening book provides invaluable insights into his fight for acceptance and equality, making it an essential read not only for LGBTQ+ individuals aspiring to enter politics but also for a broader audience.
Yeager paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, confronting head-on the negative rumors and misconceptions and addressing pressing issues like HIV and AIDS without hesitation.
One of the book’s most empowering features is its practical guide for those intrigued by the political arena. While Yeager does not sugarcoat the difficulties, his testament to hard work and perseverance inspires others to follow. His narrative, at times, may be emotionally taxing due to its raw depiction of discrimination, but therein lies its strength. Ken Yeager’s memoir, Run!: My Story of LGBTQ+ Political Power, Equality, and Acceptance in Silicon Valley lays bare his battles and triumphs, urging readers to appreciate the resilience and courage of those who fight for their place in the world.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0CG6X2VGF
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/31/run-my-story-of-lgbtq-political-power-equality-and-acceptance-in-silicon-valley/
Mike Kimmel’s collection, Monologues for Young Adults: 60 Original Monologues to Stand-Out, Inspire, and Shine, is a refreshing and engaging read that is approachable and insightful. Comprised of succinct and easily digestible monologues, this book shines as a valuable resource for the acting community.
The work kicks off with a thoughtful foreword by Valerie Marsch, lending an experienced perspective, followed by a 13-page introduction by Kimmel himself. More than a mere prelude, the introduction serves as a pragmatic guide with a sensible list of do’s and don’ts for budding actors.
What sets this collection apart is the short, conversational monologues, each infused with sage advice that is both practical and inspirational. Kimmel’s pieces stand out for their cleanliness and optimism. They are devoid of vulgarities, consistently forward-looking, and brightened by an uplifting spirit.
Each monologue contains at least one poignant line ripe for impactful delivery, such as “the only difference between a rut and a grave is the length” or “if you don’t heal from the things that hurt you, you’ll bleed all over people who didn’t cut you.” The themes vary widely, ranging from small mindset adjustments needed to push forward and overcome personal limitations and fears to the poignant reflection on unfulfilled dreams symbolized by the clever play on words ‘Someday Isle’ (Someday I’ll).
Kimmel’s collection is an excellent source of good, clean material for aspiring actors. Beyond merely being a collection of monologues, it also serves as an informative primer for those new to the acting industry. The author’s extensive experience is eloquently captured in the introduction and afterword.
Monologues for Young Adults admirably fulfills its stated intention and stands as a testament to Kimmel’s understanding of the needs and aspirations of actors. Engaging, encouraging, and earnest in its approach, this collection is a must-have for anyone seeking to navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of acting.
Pages: 137 | ASIN : B0BRT1BCCP
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/31/monologues-for-young-adults-60-original-monologues-to-stand-out-inspire-and-shine/
Till I Bleed No More follows the relentless journey of two marooned sailors battling against fate, surviving a formidable pirate hunter showdown, and embarking on an 18th-century adventure filled with retribution, survival, and the vivid essence of piracy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration originally came from a young girl, she remembered that I dressed up as a pirate captain for Halloween, and after that, an idea began to form on how I could turn that look into a character. I also remembered a boy that wanted to join my crew on that day, and so I created a companion for this character and gradually, it evolved from there. Based on the look of my pirate at the time, I wanted to create a more aggressive set up for my story, and I wanted to focus on a younger and less experienced pirate; instead of a captain or a close to their prime seamen.
The characters Casper and Fletch are both resilient and captivating. Can you share any real-life influences or historical figures that helped shape these characters?
There are no historical figures that helped shape Casper and Fletch, however some real-life influences did play a part. When I got the idea for this story I was in a dark place in my life, and while I was planning it and even writing some of it I could still recall how I felt in what I would call my one bad year. Casper and Fletch were thrusted into a situation which evoked similar but less extreme feelings to what I was experiencing. Anger, sorrow, and isolation; all of these amongst other feelings were shared by me and my creations.
The vivid descriptions in the novel create an immersive experience for the reader. What techniques or strategies did you employ to paint such vibrant scenes, and how did you ensure that each narrative beat resonated with readers?
Honestly I wasn’t thinking about the readers much while I was writing this, all I wanted to do was honour my vision, my creative vision. This experience was always gonna be about me first and everyone else second, I wanted to do this on my own terms, and I felt that I had to do this because it couldn’t stay inside of me. My main focus was to just try and show Casper’s perspective and see how people reacted to it. I wanted them to feel what he felt, and I wanted them to question but also understand why he acts the way he does. All of the narrative just revolves around what would you do if you were Casper?
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m at a crossroads as to what or whether I’ll write another book. I’m not the kind of person who can just jump straight into another one, I need some time away first and then I’ll see how I feel. I have three ideas at the moment however, one is a dark fantasy novel about sisterhood, another is a medieval retelling of Ashor the Immortal, and the third is a sequel to Till I Bleed No More. I can’t tell you when they’ll be available.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
It is the year 1728, and the age of piracy is now over. After being defeated in battle by pirate hunters, a survivor named Casper Nait is left stranded on an island. After surviving there Casper is reunited with the same hunters that almost killed him; and is now forced into a brutal battle for survival against them. Fuelled by the deaths of his captain and crew, Casper embarks on a dangerous quest for revenge; with only himself to rely upon in a new post pirate world.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/31/i-wanted-to-honor-my-vision/