If war is supposed to be the continuation of politics by other means, Israel’s assault on Gaza seems to be the continuation by other means of the absence of politics. It does not seem that Israel understands what its endgame is. Without a clear sense of an ending, there can be no answer to the […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/10/31/no-endgame-in-gaza/

In Loose on the Landscape, readers get to join Joel Everett Harding in an immersing journey through diverse environments and are provided deep insights into intriguing aspects of life. In Umatilla, we see the meticulous ecological assessments that reveal the potential impact of a gas pipeline. Also, Admiralty Island, Alaska, is depicted as a remote haven where nature thrives in abundance. Here, the book portrays a variety of fascinations, including brown bears, bald eagles, and a vibrant Tlingit Indian community. Joel’s stories provide a clear view of the complex challenges of our ever-changing world, where exploration and environmental stewardship intertwine seamlessly.

The author’s artistic language usage is a perfect match for the beautiful sceneries in his explorations of nature. Sometimes, he uses funny expressions to capture the reader’s heart, such as pointing out that he has “hugged trees without their consent… or any regard to their sexual preferences or pronouns.” Other times, he uses sensational, poetic words that capture his experience aptly and create happy mental images.

Since the book is filled with research findings and ample statistical figures, I had confidence in the information I was getting. Also, the author’s detailed description of his work as an ecologist offers intriguing lessons for people considering the career, as well as relatable thoughts for experienced ecologists. I was intrigued that he sometimes had to pack his bags quickly and travel around the country for days or weeks when his work called.

As a nature lover, Joel’s adventure-packed and highly poetic book helped me understand the value of nature better and the threat of environmental change in different ecosystems. Like Harding, I also felt sad that the Rio Sinú and the Emberá would lose their way of life when “the lake arrived and smothered their landscape.” Ultimately, I have been inspired by the book to make time for exploring the natural world. Meanwhile, I’ll bask in the beautiful images of nature that flashed through my mind while reading the highly descriptive book.

Pages: 441 | ASIN : B0CF2BM3Z4

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/10/31/loose-on-the-landscape/

Envisage a future where the moon, Luna, becomes a nexus of societal division and clandestine exploits. The year is 2195, and amidst this celestial body’s barren landscapes, two disparate classes – the affluent and the destitute – jockey for their respective agendas. Enter Ethan, a charismatic thief and the unexpected hero of Stephen Gay’s enthralling novel, Night Owls.

As the head of a vibrant, colorfully eclectic crew of misfits, Ethan navigates through a daring narrative, expertly meshing the adventuresome spirit of “Guardians of the Galaxy” with the shrewd ingenuity reminiscent of “Ocean’s 11.” The Night Owls, however, are no mere accessories to Ethan’s escapades. Each member brings a wealth of emotional complexity, elevating the stakes as the peril enveloping Luna gradually unfurls.

Stephen Gay’s narrative commendably intertwines razor-sharp dialogue and meticulously choreographed action, all whilst endearing us to an antihero who could give Han Solo a run for his money in charm and audacity. The triumph in Ethan doesn’t solely lie in his leadership but, notably, in the enchanting lure of his rebellious spirit, which is apt to entice even the most law-abiding reader into his lively, lunar underworld.

The intrigue doesn’t end with heists and hairbreadth escapes. Darkness shrouds Luna, quite literally, as unexplained power outages beset the colony, the occurrence of which bears an uncanny correlation to the unfolding drama. Ethan, discerning a connection, propels the Night Owls into a race against time, where each revelation threatens to rupture the very foundation of their alliance.

Night Owls is far more than a standard sci-fi adrenaline dash. It excels in orchestrating a moral symphony, where the lines between heroism and villainy blur into a mesmerizing gray. Readers find themselves ensnared in a delicate dance of ethics, perpetually reassessing the purity of motivations on both ends of the moral spectrum.

Stephen Gay doesn’t just tell a story; he invites readers into a robust, moral contemplation, cleverly ensconced within layers of thrilling technology, audacious expeditions, and convivial camaraderie. The Night Owls don’t merely traverse through adventures; they sweep the reader along, enticing them into a world where the dichotomy between virtue and vice is as elusive as the dark side of the moon.

Night Owls is an exploration of the moral cosmos, where each star shimmers with ambiguity and uncharted potential. It is an unequivocal must-read for those who seek heart-thumping adventures that do not shy away from posing philosophical quandaries amidst the enthralling chaos.

Pages: 384 | ASIN : B0CDZBX9ZD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/10/31/night-owls-a-moon-colony-sci-fi-adventure/

Behind The Curtain: Remarkable Stories of What Really Happens in Medicine is a deeply impactful anthology of various stories from a diverse set of healthcare workers. Compiled by Ashley Hannani, this book is made up of raw, emotional experiences that exhibit the colossal role healthcare workers play in our society– the lives they touch and the toll it takes on them. Each author talks about a defining experience of their career that shaped them into who they are today.

The book paints an almost unrecognizable picture of medicine– with popular TV shows and movies romanticizing hospital heroism and striking headlines glorifying injuries and excitement. Through these profoundly personal experiences, the authors aim to give the readers a glimpse into what reality looks like behind the curtain of the hospital. This book illuminates the mysteries and magic of medicine. The authors come from diverse backgrounds with different specializations, from neurosurgeons and gynecologists to pediatricians and ER nurses. Through these stories, these inspiring individuals share their stories with the readers and the lessons they learned along the way. The different stories talk about how healthcare workers deal with death and loss, the patients they connect with, and how these moments impact them. Some experiences are heart-wrenching, some are inspiring, and others leave you feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

This is an exceptional anthology that I highly recommend. Some of the authors talk directly to the readers, especially ones who are medical students and new doctors. They encourage them to keep going, aiming to show them that there is a light at the end of the long tunnel. Most authors get vulnerable about their struggles, especially the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected the healthcare world. It truly makes one grateful for the immense work doctors and nurses put in and their bravery that saves lives every day.

Pages: 235

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/10/31/behind-the-curtain-remarkable-stories-of-what-really-happens-in-medicine/

We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong follows the journey of a six-year-old as she explores the beauty and depth of human diversity, encouraging children to embrace and celebrate our differences. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I have a 6-year-old, and I am bringing her up in a world that sometimes seems so divided. I wanted to create a book with a universal message that could bring people together.

To help my daughter and other children learn to accept themselves and to believe in themselves. I also wanted to teach them how to be tolerant and how to be kind, and how to truly have empathy for others.

I want children to be able to appreciate people who are different from them in some way and to be able to see how similar they are too. To be able to realize that the difference you’re aware of is only ONE part of a person’s unique story.

We really are the same, we’re different, and we all belong!

If every child in a classroom read this book, the world would be a different place.

I’d been waiting for someone else to write a book like this AND with a funny, honest, imperfect main character… Eventually, I consulted educators and psychologists and used my years of kids’ TV writing experience, and I wrote it myself!

The book balances illustrations and text to convey emotions and deliver messages; could you shed light on how you and the illustrator collaborated to ensure the visuals accurately represented the diverse characters and themes?

I had a clear vision of how I wanted the text and the illustrations to work together and how I wanted these characters to look. I used every tool in my arsenal to bring this book to life. Tried so many options and, in the end, achieved this vision by using my own artistry, and software and collaborating with amazing creatives. I want every child who reads this book to see themselves reflected somehow, to find a place for themselves within it. We are the same, we’re different, and we really do all belong…

How did your personal experiences or observations influence the portrayal of parental figures in guiding children through issues related to identity and belonging?

1) I am Jamaican. I come from an island in the Caribbean where the official national motto is “Out of many one people”. Because of our history from hundreds of years ago, if you’re of African, Indian, Chinese, or European descent (or any combination of these), you are completely Jamaican. We are one. There is no issue or division based on ethnicity. To have that instilled in me early on as the norm meant that when I came abroad, it didn’t feel natural to see people sometimes divided because of the color of their skin or whatever else.

For the last two years of high school, I went to a boarding school in the UK where the students flew from 80 different countries to be there. It was eye-opening! Every casual assumption one has, every prejudice, everything got explored. It was there, with people from all cultures, languages, religions, races, histories, and politics, I learned that… we really are the same, we’re different, and we all belong!

2) As a parent now myself, I’ve realized that learning to embrace and celebrate a difference in someone else actually helps you to accept yourself when you are perceived to be different. What seems to be a kindness towards others is actually something that saves YOU!

Quote from the book:
“Being different doesn’t make someone weird,
it just makes them different.
And be nice to them because, to them, you are different too!
We may seem soooooooo different… but deep down,
we’re kind of the same.”

So, now, when you think someone else is perceiving you as different, it doesn’t mean something negative about you because it’s absolutely OK to be different. It’s OK to be unique. It doesn’t make you weird, it just makes you different.

I wrote this book, using the power of story and an irreverent lead character, to help children open their minds to people’s shared humanity. To give us, as parents, a form of words to give our children another way of seeing the situation that helps them to accept themselves just as they are and that allows them to tolerate and celebrate other people’s differences with kindness and empathy.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

Ha! Watch this space. I write social and emotional learning (SEL) children’s books that help parents and teachers nurture happy, mindful, resilient, and compassionate children that have the tools to live their best lives.

I am working on several books (all at various stages of development)… More books with Marnie (the funny, honest, perfectly imperfect, irreverent lead character from ‘We’re The Same, We’re Different and We All Belong’).

And… I have another picture book that’s being illustrated right now, coming out mid-2024. It’s about how you’re always connected to the people you love no matter where they are (it’s especially for the first day of school separation anxiety).

I’m grateful to be able to add to the lives of children and their families in whatever way I can.

I love what I do!

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/10/31/appreciating-differences/

What Happened?: What Mental Health is Really About introduces readers to deeply moving tales of patients who have journeyed through tumultuous challenges and experienced remarkable recoveries. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I wanted to challenge the prevailing ‘what’s wrong with you?’ paradigm that dominates psychiatry and psychology. Having just retired I think I wanted to ‘fire a parting shot’ at my profession.

How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?

The book had been in my head for a while and with Covid occuring it was a great time to write! Apart from looking up the odd reference I knew most of the research supporting my position and most of the book is in fact case studies so they were more about recall than research. I spent about three months at a friend’s house by the ocean writing the book, with absolutely nothing to do but write.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

Only one, get it done.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from What Happened?

I hope readers will ponder whether how we currently respond to mental health problems is the best response. I believe we have over medicalised and misunderstood the very nature of mental health.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/10/31/challenging-the-paradigm/

There’s not enough food in Gaza. Since October 7 the Israeli government has cut water and electricity from its territory, closed its truck crossing with Gaza, and obstructed the delivery of relief supplies to the enclave’s 2.2 million people, nearly half of whom are children. The shortage of clean drinking water is especially dangerous. Israel […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/10/30/gazas-blocked-relief/

Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a moving memoir that delves into the author’s intensely personal journey. Hodgson’s brave narrative offers readers a raw exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies profound loss, but it also showcases the human capacity for resilience and healing.

Hodgson’s storytelling is both heartfelt and compelling, drawing readers into her world from the very first page. Her ability to convey the depths of her grief is nothing short of remarkable, making it easy for readers to empathize with her pain and sorrow. The book’s strength lies in its authenticity. Hodgson doesn’t hold back when describing the most challenging moments of her grief. She candidly discusses the physical and emotional toll that grief takes on her, from sleepless nights to the isolation and confusion she experienced. Her willingness to share these personal experiences is both courageous and reassuring for those who may be navigating their own journeys of loss and grief.

The title, Winning, aptly reflects the resilience and determination she displays throughout the book. One of the book’s outstanding qualities is the way Hodgson weaves practical advice and insights for those dealing with grief into her personal narrative. While I enjoyed the book, I feel that there were moments when the narrative felt somewhat repetitive, and some readers may find the pacing a bit slow. While the book offers an intimate look at the author’s journey, I would have loved to have had more insight into her emotional and psychological evolution.

Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a heartfelt memoir that offers a powerful portrayal of one woman’s journey through the darkest moments of her life. Hodgson’s openness about her grief and the steps she takes to reclaim her life provide valuable lessons for anyone dealing with loss and searching for hope. This book is a must-read for those looking for a genuine and inspiring account of the human capacity to heal and find renewal in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0C2ZSLD29

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/10/30/winning-a-story-of-grief-and-renewal/

Blast Radius, by Ally Brown, is an evocative coming-of-age story with a wonderfully nostalgic backdrop, taking readers to the vibrant world of 1985. The tale centers on Ally Graham, a high school senior, as she encounters the alluring Doyle Dumas. Their senior year becomes a canvas of deepening connections, painting a rich, heartwarming romance. Yet, the fabric of their love is stretched taut when Doyle opts to join the ROTC, casting a shadow of uncertainty on their shared future. Through trials and tribulations, the narrative poignantly delves into the resilience of love amidst adversity.

Brown’s ability to craft a world that is both vivid and relatable evident in the opening pages. Readers are treated to an authentic portrayal of young love, the intricacies of family bonds, and the looming unpredictability of what lies ahead. The decision of Doyle to enroll in the ROTC serves as a pivotal point, introducing a layer of tension and emphasizing the themes of sacrifice and commitment inherent in love and service.

The prose is rich with vivid descriptions, immersing readers into the characters’ world, making them privy to their most intimate emotions. The dialogues, in particular, are a highlight — they flow naturally, revealing the depths of the characters’ souls, their fears, hopes, and desires. The author keeps readers on their toes, intertwining conflicts and posing questions, such as the enigma surrounding Doyle’s confession.

Brown’s writing resonates on an emotional spectrum, oscillating from moments of light-hearted humor to intense concern and deep affection. The characters are fleshed out with remarkable emotional depth, making it easy for readers to empathize with them. The portrayal of family dynamics, especially the unwavering support from Ally’s kin, enriches the story, lending it an additional touch of authenticity.

Blast Radius, by Ally Brown, is more than just a romance novel; it is a testament to love’s enduring spirit, the anguish of betrayal, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit. With captivating character development and an engrossing narrative arc, this novel is bound to pull at readers’ heartstrings, leaving an indelible mark of warmth and nostalgia long after the last page is turned.

Pages: 337 | ASIN : B0CBKZN74D

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/10/30/blast-radius-shrapnel-shards-and-scars-from-the-lies-i-lived/

El Día de Muertos es una celebración muy importante, popular y solemne en San Juan Bautista, California, y en la Antigua Misión de San Juan Bautista, una de las misiones establecidas por los frailes franciscanos cuando se fundó California, y hogar de la gata parroquial, Sula. La comida, la oración y el recuerdo son parte de la celebración, al igual que las procesiones al cementerio. Sula es la gata muy querida de la Antigua Misión de San Juan Bautista, California, donde ministra a los feligreses y visitantes diariamente, una labor divina. Este libro es su sexto.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/10/30/dia-de-muertos-spanish-edition/