To the Editors: I take serious issue with the sweeping generalizations Suzy Hansen makes in her review of two books by Phil Klay [“Twenty Years of Outsourced War,” NYR, October 19] with regard to Americans’ ignorance and lack of concern about the wars the US continually perpetrates. When she says “Americans’ relationship to…recent wars [is] […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/11/23/permanent-war-permanent-protest/
Hank Williams—the first Hank Williams—was born in 1923 in Butler County, Alabama, and grew up in and around Greenville, the county seat. In the early 1930s, when the young Williams was shining local timber workers’ boots, he befriended Rufus “Tee-Tot” Payne, a black blues musician forty years his senior. Payne, whose nickname was a joking […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/11/23/whose-country-rich-white-honky-blues-hank-williams-jr/
In The Earth Transformed Peter Frankopan turns the climate into a historical character whose relationship with the other characters—us—needs rescuing from obscurity. He aims to “expand the horizons of how we look at history” and to “reinsert climate back into the story of the past,” not by interpreting floods and droughts as evidence of divine […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/11/23/a-world-off-the-hinges-the-earth-transformed/
All Up in Your Bizness is a collection of stories gathered from your years of working in an office environment; while most are humorous, you include some valuable advice as well. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My goal was two-fold: to provide some sound advice that could be used by employees (especially younger employees) when dealing with workplace challenges. Many of the business books that provide recommendations for workers are “textbook” style in nature. By using satire and wit, I was hoping to better keep the reader’s attention and give them some humor to brighten their day.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Women employees need to be more assertive in their efforts to lead projects and to be recognized by management for their successes. Many of the frustrations that employees have are shared by others. Peer-to-peer navigation through these frustrations is very helpful. Thankfully, the “Good Old Boys Club” has somewhat diminished. There is a delicate balance between working from home and working at the office. Flexibility and communication are important. My muse is very sassy and may be viewed as my alter-ego.
Have writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself?
Minimally. My career included writing many items including speeches, legislation, talking points, and newsletters. I was allowed to know my words were appreciated by others.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
The workplace is a microcosm of society where there are leaders and worker bees. View the workplace with an open mind, discipline, and comic levity.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
A labor of love and giggles, this book is to be enjoyed as a tongue-in-cheek look at many business circumstances, such as the interview, office kiss-ups, performance reviews, working from home, and working in the open office. Practical and useful advice is also provided.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/05/open-mind-discipline-and-comic-levity/
Canvas of Healing follows a woman with a seemingly perfect life who has it all fall apart when her husband dies and leaves behind a web of lies. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Much of Megan’s story was auto-biographical. Creating this story was a way for me to deal with many painful experiences of my past.
Megan deals with the loss of her husband and her identity all at once. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I like to write stories that can provide inspiration to women—to show that, regardless of what you go through, with faith and the special connections of friendship, you can overcome anything.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Overcoming adversity, the power of women’s friendships, how we can become someone we may not be proud of if we try to force ourselves to accept a situation that turns out to not be a good fit for us (square peg, round hole).
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story?
If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover? There is. Tides of Change will be out in about a month. It follows the next stages of Megan’s story and also further develops the characters of some women we met during Canvas of Healing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Megan Hart has it all . . . a lakefront house, standing midday tennis dates with a crew of see-and-be-seen ladies of status in Lakeland, and an enviable husband. But in the depths of Megan’s seemingly perfect life, tragedy strikes with the sudden death of her beloved Blake, unveiling a hidden world of secrets—a web of lies that unravels everything Megan thought she knew. Seeking solace amid the ruins of her shattered world, Megan finds herself drawn back to Destin, the place where their love once bloomed.
There, in the tender embrace of grief, Megan encounters Sam, an enigmatic figure harboring secrets of his own. As their connection deepens, Megan senses there is more to Sam than meets the eye, a magnetic pull that ignites her curiosity. Yet just as their friendship begins to blossom, Megan stumbles directly upon her former husband’s secret in the flesh: Tabitha. Determined to uncover every detail of the truth and protect her assets, Megan’s focus becomes infiltrating Tabitha’s world.
While embarking on a journey of self-discovery and the chaos of her newfound reality, Megan must grapple with confronting her darkest demons and incorporating tools into her life to paint a brighter future—under the guidance of unexpected friendships and the power of vulnerability. Will Megan crumble as she uncovers the truths that lie hidden in the shadows of her past? Or will she find her path back to the light, to healing, with the strength to paint a brighter future one brushstroke at a time?
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/05/the-power-of-womens-friendships/
In J. Rose Black’s enchanting novel, Losing My Breath, readers are swept away on a delightful and unexpectedly heartwarming journey into the lives of two neighbors who couldn’t be more different. Fate, however, has a clever way of bringing them together. Callan, a stern and disciplined former Marine, is as rigid as they come. When he crosses paths with his spirited new neighbor, Meridian, who couldn’t be more his opposite and full of challenges, sparks fly–both literally and figuratively. What unfolds is a romantic dance of opposites attracting.
Black immerses readers in Callan’s world, allowing us to peek into his thoughts, which is nothing short of entertaining. I couldn’t help but chuckle and roll my eyes as Callan desperately attempted to maintain his tough exterior around the vivacious Meridian. Callan’s character, firmly rooted in the past and grappling with PTSD may, at times, exasperate us due to his stubborn ways. However, as Meridian gradually chips away at Callan’s rough exterior, we come to realize that beneath the tough facade lies a genuinely sweet and caring man. Meridian, in contrast, is charming and remarkably patient as she navigates Callan’s prickly personality with grace. Her persistence and refusal to give up on him make her character endearing, and her chemistry with Callan sizzles in the steamy romantic scenes that are nothing short of electric.
J. Rose Black’s writing is undeniably engaging; she has a knack for keeping readers glued to the pages until the end. Beyond the love story, the novel explores deeper themes of redemption and coming to terms with one’s past. It’s a plot twist that catches you off guard and adds a layer of complexity to the narrative that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying.
In Losing My Breath, J. Rose Black delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant story that will leave you breathless. It’s a tale of love, sacrifice, and the battle against one’s own demons, ultimately culminating in the discovery of hope and redemption. Whether you’re a fan of romance or suspense, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 218 | ASIN : B0C8HQCFZB
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/05/losing-my-breath/
God’s Sovereign Reign Over His Creation, by Dale Heil, delves deep into the Christian non-fiction realm, offering readers a compelling perspective on the sovereignty of God over all creation. Through the lens of this genre, Heil passionately argues that everything that transpires on Earth, both the benevolent and the adversities, aligns with a preordained plan. While the Church, at times, suggests God’s limited control due to human free will, Heil perceives this notion as a misinterpretation.
Drawing heavily from both the Old and New Testaments, Heil substantiates his viewpoint, asserting that every scripture holds a kernel of truth and divine wisdom. A central theme of the book is the emphasis on salvation through grace rather than deeds, suggesting that many are called, but few are chosen based solely on their actions.
God’s Sovereign Reign Over His Creation is articulate and accessible. Heil’s dedication to providing well-sourced arguments from scripture makes it a thought-provoking read, shedding light on lesser-discussed aspects of the Old Testament.
For readers eager to explore the foundations of Protestant beliefs and take a closer look at Christian theology, this book promises to be a informative journey. Those who enjoy deep theological discussions and anyone with whom the concept of the elect few resonates will find God’s Sovereign Reign Over His Creation a fascinating read.
Pages: 150 | ASIN : B08YR4Z858
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/05/gods-sovereign-reign-over-his-creation/
Celia Straus’s Livy Little Honey Bee is an enchanting children’s book that delivers a vibrant celebration of individuality and self-expression through its colorful illustrations. This narrative, woven with delightful rhymes, follows the journey of Livy, a spirited bee whose zest for life is as infectious as her love for the beauty of nature. Her days are spent in pursuit of nectar, but unlike her peers, Livy infuses her tasks with joy and playfulness, turning work into an exhilarating adventure.
As the plot unfolds, readers will discover the tension between conformity and creativity. Livy’s non-traditional approach to her responsibilities is met with skepticism by her peers, leading to an engaging storyline that gently guides young readers to understand the delicate balance between personal freedom and communal obligations.
The book’s illustrations are a feast for the eyes, with warm hues that leap off the page, drawing children into Livy’s world. Each image is crafted to complement the story’s upbeat tone, making the experience of reading not only educational but also visually stimulating.
Livy Little Honey Bee offers an array of thoughtful themes, from celebrating the courage it takes to be authentic to embracing one’s passion in all aspects of life. It’s a narrative that encourages young minds to think independently, fostering analytical skills that will serve them in all areas of life.
While I found the storyline thoroughly engaging, there’s an element of complexity as Livy learns to balance her innovative spirit with her responsibilities. I believe younger readers might need additional guidance to grasp this nuance. However, children who revel in imaginative tales and those who are beginning to explore their own place in the world will find much to love in Livy’s journey.
Livy Little Honey Bee is a charming and insightful read that encourages children to find and revel in their unique voice. It underscores the vital message that confidence in one’s self and one’s feelings is a gift to be nurtured and cherished.
All author proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to organizations dedicated to preserving the health of pollinators critical to food and ecosystems.
Pages: 25 | ISBN : 978-1923020016
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/05/livy-little-honey-bee/