Lately there’s been a spate of novels written by young women that have a remarkably similar plot. I’ve been calling them the “hit me” books. Let’s be less incendiary: let’s call them the “remaster novels.” They go like this. A woman in her twenties drifts into a relationship with an older man. She lives with […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/11/23/hit-me-baby-namwali-serpell/
In the crowded field of German novels published in 1928 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the end of World War I, it might have been easy to miss Siegfried Kracauer’s Ginster, which first appeared in installments in the Frankfurter Zeitung that spring. A few months later the paper’s main competitor, the Vossische Zeitung, began […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/11/23/embracing-anonymity-ginster-siegfried-kracauer/
for B.C. Remembering that little trick of lightIn “The Idea of Order at Key West”When we turn from the singing at the shore,Shine-minded, ponderous, and raw, to find There in its debonair, the distant port,Not a mile off now but right here,High on nocturne and brine, biding its timeIn the muddy waters of distortion Which […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/11/23/key-west-rowan-ricardo-phillips/
At the very end of Growing Up: The Young British Artists at 50 (2012), an account of the friendships, romances, and working relationships among the students who met at Goldsmiths College of Art in the late 1980s—including Anya Gallacio, Damien Hirst, Gary Hume, Michael Landy, and Sarah Lucas—the art historian Jeremy Cooper reproduces a sketch […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/11/23/the-collector-brian-jeremy-cooper/
“It is well established that digital privacy exists only at the discretion of the companies that mediate our online engagement,” writes Sue Halpern in our 60th Anniversary Issue. “But what happens when those companies, an employer, school administrators, or the government has access to our thoughts—or what they interpret to be our thoughts—before they are articulated […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/11/04/when-brain-becomes-data-sue-halpern/
Six Moons, Seven Gods follows a guild of skilled thieves who plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon but, after hitting a roadblock reach out to the League of Assassins for help. What was your inspiration for the wild journey you take readers on in this novel?
I wanted to do something that reflected the complexities of life; i.e., “nothing’s as simple as it seems,” “few things are black and white,” etc. Because real life is often complicated and messy, and despite outward appearances, few things stand alone.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
That is a difficult question to answer, given that there are so many different relationships in Six Moons, Seven Gods. I wanted to show how relationships can endure despite the passage of time and separation by long distance (e.g., the two kings), how strong bonds are not restricted to “the good guys”, and the lengths to which people will go to assist those with whom they have bonded.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This is very much a tale of good vs. evil, and right vs. wrong, but the book also explores how vague those concepts are, and how differently we all define them.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
A rough outline of book two is complete and firmly rooted in my head. I have just begun to put paper to pen, however. It will likely be another year or two in the making, depending on how much time I devote to marketing book one.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.
Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/04/a-tale-of-good-vs-evil/
Dive into a whirlwind of imaginative absurdity with Dancer on the Ceiling, the third collection of short stories by the gifted Mark Nutter. This anthology promises readers a captivating journey through tales sprinkled with the most unexpected characters—from clowns and chimps to mysterious dwellers beneath tables. Each narrative unravels unpredictably, making it a thrilling expedition from start to finish.
Nutter’s dynamic writing style, both peculiar and fluid, ensures an engaging experience. Each story, whether focusing on a quirky case of mistaken identity, tales of forgotten war heroes better left unremembered, or crime escapades in the old West, is presented with a dash of the unpredictable. No topic is off-limits in this vibrant collection!
With the exception of a few recurring characters, most tales stand alone, perfect for those fleeting moments when you need an entertaining escape. The seamless narrative flow, coupled with the inherent intrigue of what Nutter might craft next, also makes it tempting to devour the entire collection in one indulgent sitting. Beyond the words, each story paints a vivid mental picture, as delightful to imagine as they are depicted on the pages. Mastering the art of writing the absurd is no mean feat, but Nutter accomplishes it with finesse and flair in this collection.
Dancer on the Ceiling stands out as a uniquely refreshing literary piece in its unabashed embrace of the eccentric. The stories seem to be born from Nutter’s audacious challenge to himself to envision the most outlandish scenarios—and he undoubtedly succeeds. Unpredictable, perfectly paced, and wittily penned, this collection establishes Mark Nutter as an author worth exploring further. If you’re seeking a literary adventure that dances between whimsical and weird, look no further.
Pages: 188 | ASIN : B0CJ47VC49
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/04/dancer-on-the-ceiling-more-darkly-humorous-tales/
In the vast realm of mental health literature, NeuroMastery, by Ugochukwu Uche, stands out as an invaluable guide into the intricate world of anxiety, fear, and panic attacks. Drawing upon recent findings, the book highlights the profound effects these emotional states have on individuals, underscoring the importance of grasping the underlying neuroscience required to formulate interventions. The book artfully differentiates between anxiety, fear, and panic attacks, delving into their psychological and biological roots. Uche adeptly illustrates insights from neuroscience, helping readers better understand the reasons behind these emotional experiences and their influence on behavior. A noteworthy highlight is the concept of neuroplasticity, showcasing the brain’s incredible adaptability over one’s lifespan. Throughout the narrative, Uche champions the optimistic message that positive change and recovery are attainable.
Grounded in solid neuroscientific principles, NeuroMastery delivers a thorough analysis of anxiety, fear, and panic attacks. Beyond mere theoretical discourse, Uche emphasizes the tangible applications of these principles, making them actionable for individuals striving to manage or overcome these challenges. The introduction of Lucy’s story as an example serves as a beacon, helping readers visualize the practical application of theoretical concepts in real-life scenarios. The content, comprehensive yet digestible, is methodically arranged, breaking down intricate concepts for easy comprehension.
Ugochukwu Uche’s literary contribution is undeniably enlightening, offering a look at anxiety, fear, and panic attacks through a neuroscientific prism. The no-nonsense language and structured introduction to the subject not only set the book’s tone but also highlight the author’s unwavering professionalism throughout the narrative. The unique intertwining of emotional experiences with neuroscience renders this book invaluable. The discussion on neuroplasticity, in particular, is captivating. NeuroMastery is an essential read for those grappling with anxiety, fear, and panic attacks.
NeuroMastery: Retraining Your Brain to Conquer Anxiety, Fear, and Panic Attacks is an articulate, succinct, and methodically curated guide that demystifies a complex topic for those unfamiliar with neuroscience. Lucy’s narrative significantly enhances the reader’s engagement, making the content even more relatable. Uche’s writing, infused with hope and novel insights, promises to pave new avenues in addressing mental health challenges.
Pages: 128 | ASIN : B0CJ6DWND9
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/04/neuromastery-retraining-your-brain-to-conquer-anxiety-fear-and-panic-attacks-3/
Eldritch Horror is a narrative style that is defined by the names of those who create works within its genre: H. P. Lovecraft, Clive Barker, and now, JZ Murdock. To speak of the overarching plot of Death of heaven is to speak of madness, depravity, and incomprehensible horror of both mortal men and unimaginable beings, for both the characters in the world, and for the reader of the book.
Death of heaven captures the essence of what makes Eldritch Horror spectacular–entities that are difficult for the mind to fathom are front and center within the narrative. True to the form of the genre, their interactions with the mortals of planet Earth are always interesting and usually end quite poorly for the mortals who receive their attention. JZ Murdock does an exceptional job with his narrative crafting, and the main protagonists of Jimmy and James provide an understandable vessel through which to view the narrative events as they unfold. They are, as characters, perfectly imperfect, each shaped by their experiences both with the incomprehensibility of life and the even greater incomprehensibility of the beings that have now taken note of them. To read this story is to gaze into the abyss, which is one of its greatest strengths.
With that being said, however, it is important to note that this book is, by all merits, predominantly an all-consuming abyss and, by its nature, is often devoid of anything vaguely resembling happiness, hope, or basic decency. JZ Murdock’s world is established as a world in which the conceptualization of God or gods is a radical misunderstanding of the true structure of the world, and the moral fashioning of those who live within this world reflects that quite well. This book plays freely and loosely with morality, divinity, and concepts that are generally felt to be too dark to be included in any form of media, making it entirely unsuitable for any who are not committed to Eldritch Horror as a genre: if Hellraiser was too much for you as a film, leave Death of heaven on the library shelf and choose another tome. The words of Dante match this work quite well: “All hope abandon ye who enter in.”
The story expands and balloons dramatically, and I felt that it is often difficult to understand what is a core event of the plot, and what is simply window dressing to make the experience “darker” or “more macabre.” This leads it in places to leave the confines of Eldritch Horror and take on the feeling of the film Knowing starring Nicholas Cage. The core plot, I feel, takes readers on a headfirst spiral toward the end of all things, but there is an overarching sense of curiosity as to what is truly important for that end.
Death of heaven earns its place in the Eldritch Horror pantheon (an ironic turn of phrase, considering), and while its tone and construction may eliminate many who would read it, those who can find enjoyment within the dark and twisted works of Lovecraft and Barker will undoubtedly find joy in the words of Murdock.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B007ZVSNV0
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/04/death-of-heaven/
In the genre of medical literature, few books manage to bridge the divide between professional expertise and everyday understanding. Goodbye, Dry Eye! achieves just this, offering an enlightening dive into the often-misunderstood world of dry eye disease (DED). While many associate dry eyes with mere discomfort, Dr. Shilpi Pradhan, a distinguished board-certified ophthalmologist with a specialization in DED delves deeper, shedding light on its multifaceted nature.
Drawing from her personal battle with dry eyes and a rich tapestry of professional experiences, Dr. Pradhan expertly navigates the landscape of DED. She emphasizes the widespread nature of this ailment, underscoring the urgency for effective remedies. Not stopping at DED, the book ventures into associated conditions, such as blepharitis and neurotrophic keratitis, to name a few.
Written with exceptional clarity, Dr. Pradhan’s narrative style is both engaging and instructive. She is particularly adept at demystifying complex ophthalmologic concepts, using everyday analogies—like the comparison of fluctuating vision in DED to a windshield wiper—to make her points relatable. The systematic presentation of the material, coupled with firsthand patient accounts, lends a personal touch, ensuring readers easily connect with the content.
Goodbye, Dry Eye! stands out in the medical nonfiction genre for its comprehensive coverage of the eye’s anatomy and the pivotal role inflammation plays in DED, marking a leap forward in our understanding. Beyond the afflicted, this tome serves as an invaluable resource for eye care professionals eager to deepen their grasp on this subject.
Goodbye, Dry Eye!, by Dr. Shilpi Pradhan, is an illuminating guide, artfully blending medical intricacies with accessible explanations. Whether you’re a curious reader or a seasoned ophthalmologist, this book promises a wealth of knowledge and insight into the world of dry eye disease.
Pages: 125 | ISBN : 978-1961549043
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/04/goodbye-dry-eye/