In the fall of 2022, a few months after the US Supreme Court overturned abortion rights, the art critic, curator, and activist Lucy Lippard spoke at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I teach, about art’s response to perilous times. “Until 2016 I thought my generation, especially feminists, had had some successes among our failures,” […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/art-as-action-stuff-lucy-r-lippard/
Earlier this year Aubrey Plaza, of White Lotus and Parks and Recreation fame, appeared in a commercial seemingly tailor-made for her deadpan, discomfiting comedic style. She was shown walking through the woods, dressed in an appropriately outdoorsy ensemble of plaid shirt, vest, and jeans tucked into sassy, shearling-style boots. “You know me as an actress,” […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/not-milk-spoiled-anne-mendelson/
In one painting, a wicker chair stands at an angle by a window, below a sloping attic roof. Lace curtains hang to the ground, the light filtering through; a parasol, a shawl, and a bunch of flowers on the table suggest a trip to the exterior that we cannot see. In a second work, painted […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/a-haughty-independence-gwen-john/
Nature loves to hide— stopping on a trail I spot a horned lizard that, stilled near my shoes against the rubble of sandstone and quartz, blends in; heading uphill I mark a budding pincushion cactus and tips of piñons greener after rain— the green of trinitite holds a trace of the tower; an observer remarked the heat at twelve […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/against-the-rubble-arthur-sze/
In the Review’s October 5, 2023, issue, Jennifer Wilson writes about the dark humorist Ludmilla Petrushevskaya’s latest novel, Kidnapped, despite a friend’s warning: “If she doesn’t like what you write, she will turn you into a character in one of her stories—the stupid girl in New York who doesn’t know anything.” It would be hard […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/09/30/the-point-guard-jennifer-wilson/
Poetry for Pups is a collection of poetry centered around the bond between humans and their loving canine companions. What inspired you to write this collection of poetry?
First of all, I adore my dog, Koa (and Mariah, my first pup whom I had the absolute joy of being her human for 14 years), and have always been charmed and fascinated by their antics, unique personalities, and expressions of love and loyalty. They bring me so much joy, just by being who are they in their own way. Koa, for example, is the boss of our household – she has me well-trained to her whims, and I fully admit that I am a sucker for all her demands when she looks at me with her big brown hound eyes that melt any resolve I may have to resist her demands. Mariah, on the other hand, was the sweetest dog I have ever met – she instinctively knew when I needed comfort and extra love, and she would always make sure I was okay, almost like she was mothering me. My dogs are certainly the inspiration for this collection of poetry.
I love the illustrations in your book; they capture the personality of dogs dramatically well. What was the collaborative process like with Morgan to put together the poetry and illustrations into this beautiful collection?
Morgan is my husband who shares the joys and experiences of being a dog parent to both Mariah and Koa, so he deeply appreciates and understands the poems I wrote about our two pups. He has always been so talented with the visual arts, and I knew he would be the one who could produce the most meaningful and charming illustrations for the book. We had a lot of laughs over this project – a truly fun endeavor as a family, with our pups as our muse.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
In the reviews I’ve gotten so far on this book, the readers have mentioned that reading the poetry made them immediately hug their dogs and tell their dogs how much they love and appreciate them, or if their dogs weren’t around, made them long to be with their dogs. That is one of the major goals I had in writing this book. I wanted the readers to remember the joy of having their four-legged friends and to appreciate how lucky they are to have those pups in their lives. Another goal in writing this book is to provide a resource for people to build a deeper bond with their pups. We encourage people to read Poetry for Pups to their dogs, a shared activity that can enhance the emotional connection between people and their pups. Other benefits of reading to their dogs are giving a sense of comfort for the pups as part of their routine with their owners and even helping to calm anxious or stressed dogs by listening to a soothing voice, ultimately contributing to their pups’ overall well-being. Another goal is to entertain the readers with the funny and heartwarming stories conveyed through poetry, and to portray a sense of innocence, loyalty, and simplicity transporting readers to moments in their lives that are just shared between them and their canine companions.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Poetry for Pups?
The one thing I hope readers gain from reading Poetry for Pups is a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary and profound bond between humans and their beloved dogs. I hope my readers can find joy, inspiration, and connection in the shared emotions and experiences conveyed within the poetry.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In one poem titled “35”, Susan grapples with the heartbreaking reality of the lifespan of dogs and shares her hope for her pup to live to a ripe old age of 35. In another poem titled “I Wish You Could Talk”, Susan depicts the longing many dog owners hold to build a deeper connection with their pups through playful conversations. At the heart of her poems lies the intertwining experiences, unbreakable bond, and the mutual love shared between people and their canine companions.
Poetry for Pups is a must-read for all dog lovers and certainly for all dogs with the help of their humans.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/30/joy-inspiration-and-connection/
Her Eyes Were On the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, “Mother of Hubble” Space Telescope, tells the story of how one girl’s dream of becoming an astronomer turned into a reality. What inspired you to tell her story?
At the time, I was looking for subjects to write about. I was hearing a lot about STEM and biographies for women in science, so maybe it was prophetic when I was watching an episode of NOVA on PBS about the Hubble Telescope and “the Mother of Hubble” when the name of Nancy Grace Roman was mentioned, and I thought she might be an interesting person to write about. She was certainly someone I had never heard of before and I was willing to bet others hadn’t either. I realized how remarkable she was after I started some preliminary research. I was fortunate to find her email on NASA’s website and to receive a quick response from her saying she would be interested in doing a telephone interview with me. From there, there was no turning back!
Your background in Engineering and having an MLIS in children’s literature gives you a unique perspective on writing nonfiction children’s books. What is the most rewarding part of writing books for children to you?
For me, it is that feeling I want to recreate that I had as a child reading really good books, magical books, or those that gave me a glimpse into someone else’s life. I’ve always had an interest in science, so maybe I am more interested in writing about those subjects. But I am also a very creative person, and my interest in architecture and interior design goes back to my creativity. So even though I love writing nonfiction, I also love making stories up, too.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One thing I wanted to convey was how important first-hand accounts are to research. Primary sources are essential, and that was why I wanted so badly to interview Dr. Nancy Grace Roman in person. I wanted her account of events. I always tell kids that research can be like a game of telephone. The original message gets tangled the more times it gets told. So, one thing I really wanted to include in this book were the actual quotes Dr. Roman said to me. Also, I included all the other sources I used in the bibliography in the back that can be checked against my work. We all need to remember that just because someone says something, it doesn’t mean it’s true. Check your facts!
Will this book be the start of a series? I would love to see more books about other women in science, or are you working on a different story?
This book is a stand-alone, with no plans for more in a series. I do have other books, both nonfiction and fiction. One nonfiction book I am very proud of is Octopus Capers that is still unpublished, but with my agent, Stephen Fraser of Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. He also has a middle-grade fantasy called The Changeling. Currently, I am working on a Halloween picture book called Every Creature Eats about a witch’s party where she is pushing lots of “treats” on her guests. It’s the kind of book I would’ve loved to have had as a Children’s Librarian at the library, where I would read a story to the kids, and then we’d have an activity related to the book, in this case, a snack.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
As a child, Nancy Grace Roman moved from home to home. The only constant? The nighttime sky. She loved the stars and knew from a young age that she wanted to become an astronomer. But could she, during a time when many women weren’t even allowed into colleges? Nancy Grace found a way to overcome each barrier placed before her. Her persistence paid off when she was named the first female executive as Chief of Astronomy at the newly created National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, in 1959. It was here she faced her biggest challenge to date.
Astronomers across the country wanted a telescope that would orbit in space above the Earth’s atmosphere allowing for the clearest view of the stars a telescope had ever seen. The problem? At this early stage of the United States space program, engineers hadn’t even successfully launched a rocket. How would Nancy Grace ever get a telescope into space? HER EYES WERE ON THE STARS introduces readers to a female scientist in the field of astronomy who will be forever affectionately known as “Mother of Hubble.”
“…is often forgotten by our younger generation of astronomers who make their careers by using the Hubble Space Telescope. Regretfully, history has forgotten a lot in today’s Internet age, but it was Nancy Grace Roman in the old days before the Internet and before Google and e-mail and all that stuff, who really helped to sell the Hubble Space Telescope, organize the astronomers, who eventually convinced Congress to fund it.” – Ed Weiler, former NASA Chief Scientist for Hubble
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/30/the-mother-of-hubble/
From Trophy Wife to Cosmetic Surgeon shares your story of leaving an oppressive marriage, juggling a family, and deciding to pursue your dreams of going to medical school and becoming a leader in cosmetic surgery. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I have heard so many patient stories over the last 20-plus years of despair and abuse. I get told all the time that I can’t relate to their suffering. One day, I realized that I would like to share my story of hope and perseverance with them. We all go through trials and self-doubt. I wanted people to realize that you are the only one who needs to believe in yourself. God certainly does. It’s important to keep pushing toward your dream and don’t look back.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I wanted my daughter to believe in herself and her strength. She is an independent very successful woman navigating through life like I did. She often thanks me for being strong for her.
What is the one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
The feeling of ferociousness and tenacity. I would never give up no matter how bleak or impossible. I wanted to fight for my daughter and myself to have a better life, filled with peace. That is the life that we have now. One filled with peace. I just had to get to the other side of the fear, pain, and self-doubt.
Author Links: Website
In her 20 years in practice, people ask frequently, how did Dr. Victoria Johnson become so well-known? How has her company grown so considerably? From humble beginnings in a two-room shop at a shopping mall to running a two-story mega-medical spa with over 40,000 patients and a staff of twenty, the autobiography From Trophy Wife to Cosmetic Surgeon tells the fast-paced story of her rise out of emotional ashes to become a nationally acclaimed aesthetic medical doctor.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/30/story-of-hope-and-perseverance/
Pompeii, a remarkable time capsule, has long captivated historians, archaeologists, and the everyday explorer alike. The city’s haunting remnants, depicting residents frozen in their final moments by a devastating volcanic eruption, have been the muse for numerous tales. Among the throngs of visitors drawn to this poignant destination is Stephanie, a travel journalist, whose adventure in Pompeii leads her to an incredible discovery.
Pompeii Fire, by Sharon E. Cathcart, seamlessly intertwines two enthralling love stories – one set in the modern era, and the other in ancient Pompeii. As Stephanie delves into Italy’s post-pandemic landscape, she finds herself entranced by a charismatic historian. Simultaneously, readers are transported to ancient Pompeii, where a young maiden’s heart is stolen by a dashing gladiator. Is there a mystical thread binding these two romances? Can both couples secure their fairy-tale endings, or will unforeseen circumstances thwart their aspirations?
Cathcart’s evocative language and vivid settings conjure images of a sun-soaked holiday romance. Targeted at young adults, this book can best be likened to the warm embrace of a Hallmark film. While the narrative may tread familiar romantic pathways, it doesn’t detract from its charm, making it an idyllic escapist read. With its emphasis on the nuances of affection over explicit intimacy, it’s a refreshingly chaste romantic tale, perfect for those seeking a gentle, heartwarming journey.
Pompeii Fire is a delightful respite from the everyday hustle, immersing readers in a world of timeless love and enchantment. Highly recommended for those desiring a light, enchanting escape.
Pages: 159 | ASIN : B0CGHPTNCD
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/30/pompeii-fire/
In the realm of dystopian fiction, where societies often crumble for a myriad of reasons, They’re Not Here to Save Us, by M.P. Kidd, stands out. We’re introduced to a transformed North America, now christened Arla, a change brought about by the ravages of war.
At the heart of this tale are several compelling characters, each carved with their distinct narratives. We meet Catch-It, whose driving ambition is to find his estranged sister, and Penny, a young woman grappling with the loss of her father. As their paths cross, they encounter three enigmatic immortal siblings.
Kidd masterfully constructs a world in chaos. Instead of laying out the entirety of Arla’s history, he subtly sprinkles hints, keeping readers intrigued about the fate of the former North America. The presence of the formidable antagonists, the Recruiters, casts a shadow of menace, emphasizing their role in this new world order.
The narrative is replete with unexpected twists that, when unraveled, align seamlessly with prior hints, exemplifying Kidd’s storytelling skills. A case in point is the revelation surrounding Penny’s father, which once uncovered, brings the plot full circle.
A standout element of Kidd’s tale is its portrayal of human resilience. Characters like Catch-It, though not initially heroic, rise to the occasion, harnessing their unique abilities for the collective good. This theme is echoed in the journey of the immortal siblings.
The book’s climax has a rapid pace, with swiftly unfolding resolutions. Some readers might prefer a more extended buildup to the tension, but this pacing choice doesn’t detract from the overall strengths of the book.
M.P. Kidd brings a refreshing twist to the dystopian genre, making They’re Not Here to Save Us a must-read for both readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic novels and newcomers to the genre as well.
Pages: 430 | ASIN : B0CFC7PBL8
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/30/theyre-not-here-to-save-us/