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/articles/2023/12/07/no-endgame-in-gaza-fintan-otoole/
Joe Biden’s response to the Hamas attacks of October 7 was to fuse the wars in Israel and Ukraine into a single struggle. Immediately after he returned from his visit to Tel Aviv, where he had both literally and figuratively embraced Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden addressed the US public from the Oval Office. “You know,” he […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/11/14/bidens-selective-outrage/
“Did you catch this?” the program insert for the John Golden Theatre’s production of The Shark Is Broken asks audience members. “Be on the lookout for the yellow barrel in the set from the original Jaws film!” I’m sorry to say that I failed to catch it. The same thing happens to me every time […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/11/14/three-men-and-a-shark-jaws/
Believe Unshattered Love by L.C. Renie elegantly continues Alexandria’s captivating quest for love and its transformative influence on her life. The moment she crosses paths with Alessio, her world shifts dramatically. But as she unravels her family’s intricate history, it threatens to cast a shadow on their blossoming romance, introducing layers of complexity and potential danger.
Both Alexandria and Alessio find themselves ensnared by the ghosts of the past. As Alessio confronts challenges rooted in Alexandria’s history, he finds himself navigating a precarious landscape. The duo are faced with a crucial choice: can their bond weather these storms and flourish, or are they destined for heartbreak?
Renie crafts a tale that effortlessly guides readers into the depths of Alexandria’s ancestry, laying a rich foundation for her narrative. The stakes are high for both Alessio and Alexandria as they grapple with the question of how much they’re willing to sacrifice for a shared future. The narrative is engaging and fluid, with each chapter drawing readers deeper into the unfolding drama. Packed with familial intrigue, pulsating action, and a tender romance at its core, this novel is a delightful treat for aficionados of the romance genre.
Believe Unshattered Love is a compelling continuation that seamlessly intertwines love, mystery, and adventure. It’s a must-read for readers who revel in tales of undying love and the challenges it faces.
Pages: 215
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/14/believe-unshattered-love/
Dennis Doan’s Memento offers a riveting autobiographical narrative, chronicling his ascent from a challenging upbringing to a notable figure in the arts and charitable endeavors. The book delves into the essence of his Asian American heritage and the expectations that this cultural identity imposed on him and his family. Doan’s candid reflection on his early life, marred by familial discord and economic hardship, initially propels him towards a path of adversity. Yet, it is a testament to the transformative power of ambition and the desire for a life far removed from the shadows of a tumultuous past.
The memoir’s greatest strength lies in Doan’s unflinching candor. His personal battles, while unique, echo the universal human quest to achieve one’s aspirations amidst life’s trials. Doan’s poignant accounts of the lessons learned from overcoming his trials are as inspiring as they are enlightening, sculpting him into a figure of success and benevolence. His establishment of a non-profit organization is not only a narrative highlight but also a practical embodiment of the compassion and non-judgmental understanding he champions—a particularly resonant message for our current times.
While I enjoyed the story, I think the presentation of photographs throughout the book could be optimized. Integrating these images at the beginning of the relevant chapters might enhance readers’ immersion into Doan’s world during the discussed periods. Nevertheless, enthusiasts of personal growth narratives and transformative journeys will find Memento: Embracing The Darkness to be a compelling read.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B0CJ24B3F7
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/14/memento-embracing-the-darkness/
Heather Thompson’s Stillwater is an evocative narrative set in the heart of Georgia, delving into the complexities of faith within a contemporary setting. Through the lens of fiction, Thompson explores themes of belief, societal norms, and the ethereal realm with deft narrative skill.
Centered on Harriet, a Christian woman who begins her journey in a state of self-reflection about her religious practices, the story unfolds to reveal the intricate facets of her life, including her romantic relationships. As Harriet wrestles with her convictions, readers are invited to understand the intricacies of her spiritual journey.
Deceptively nuanced, Stillwater evolves from its seemingly straightforward beginning into a tale rich with unexpected twists. The townspeople, including Pastor Cole and his wife Deborah, encounter a sequence of events that redefines their connection with the divine beyond the confines of the church walls. As they face a rigorous test of faith, the narrative invites the reader to witness their courage in believing in divine protection.
Thompson’s writing shines as it poses universal questions that resonate with a broad audience, prompting a personal introspection about spirituality and the afterlife. The book is further enriched by vivid descriptions, especially of celestial beings, setting up a stark dichotomy between light and darkness.
Unpredictable and engaging, Thompson’s portrayal of Harriet is compelling, offering a mirror to the reader’s own experiences with faith and the infinite. Stillwater is a stirring read for enthusiasts of spiritually themed literature, and it comes with a heartfelt recommendation for those seeking a book that stirs the soul and provokes thought.
Pages: 274 | ISBN : 978-1-954617-67-4
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/14/stillwater/
Can You Be follows a woman living a self-imposed, sheltered life who, after receiving a mysterious box, starts to open up and discover who she is and starts to heal from her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I like to write stories of self-development and self-discovery, focusing on the pivotal moments of a character’s life. This is what I did with Naina in Can You Be, and was the inspiration for this novel. Naina is about to turn thirty and receiving the box sets her on a path where she chooses to face herself, her fears and insecurities, and explore who she wants to be. Naina is an underdog and learns to become her own hero. I want to showcase that anyone can change their life and bring their dreams to reality. It can be as simple as making a choice, which Naina did. She chose to be different, heal, forgive, take a chance, and go on a life-changing trip. She learns and grows tremendously through the course of the book.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
The best scene to capture the morals of the story is one towards the end where Naina and Holy Man are sitting on a towel at the beach on Sullivan’s Island. The location is special to Naina, and she regularly goes there when she needs solace, but she usually does it alone. This time, Holy Man joins her. She has already grown a great deal through the journey she’s been on but needs a final push, if you can call it that, to get out of her own way. The conversation she has with Holy Man helps her.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I have already shared the theme of self-discovery and self-development, which are tied into the topic of exploring who we can be. There is the theme of “being” in discovering who Naina is as a person, but also not having the pressure to “do,” which comes up for her a lot, and rather to “be,” which she struggles with. Food and travel are featured in the book as an avenue to showcase diversity and multicultural elements. Naina is born in America but of Indian descent, Raiya is Indian, and there are other characters from other countries. Naina travels to Stockholm, the Baltics, and Helsinki, yet most of the book takes place in Charleston, South Carolina. I also explore spirituality in a grounded way through crystals, mindfulness and meditation, Angel Oak, and a mysterious Holy Man. All of them help Naina on her journey.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a few projects I am working on. I have a daily reflections deck of cards that I am collaborating on with Jess Fowler, an artist based in Australia. It will be a deck of 77 cards that encourage daily self-reflection. I also am working on another poetry collection called “Journeys.” It’s a collection of books that explores journeys through various facets of life such as travel, health, relationships, love, faith, and so much more. The cards and the first book of poetry in the Journeys collection should be available in 2024. I am also working on my third novel, which is a story about a woman who leaves everything behind to become a tarot card reader. It follows her struggles and how she overcomes them to evolve into taking on her dream career. This should be available in 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/14/be-your-own-hero/
Victoria Ray’s Bullet’s Adventure: Chasing Sobekneferu weaves an unconventional narrative, blending elements of mystery and fantasy with an eccentric cast of characters. The story follows Bullet Harmless, a man whose mundane life is upended when he is unexpectedly employed as a private investigator by a prominent figure in his city. Tasked with unraveling the mystery behind a murdered rare insect and missing diamonds, Bullet finds himself entangled in a web of chaos and danger involving a vast criminal network.
The novel begins with limited context, focusing initially on Bullet’s everyday life, hinting at a conventional plotline. However, Ray rapidly diverges from this path, introducing a surreal world inhabited by uniquely named characters, anthropomorphic insects, and references to Egyptian mythology. The settings and events change rapidly, challenging the reader to keep pace with the evolving narrative.
Ray’s writing style is vibrant and imaginative, though at times, the plot’s complexity and the multitude of characters introduced can feel overwhelming. The central theme of Bullet seeking his ideal companion is a consistent thread, but the continual introduction of new characters and subplots adds layers of complexity to the story. This richness of ideas is ambitious and requires a reader’s full attention.
The book’s distinct style is a departure from conventional storytelling, offering a unique experience. It’s a crime fiction novel that will resonate with readers looking for something out of the ordinary. Ray’s novel has the potential to captivate those who appreciate unconventional and imaginative storytelling.
Pages: 193 | ASIN: B0CJP8BL9H
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/14/bullets-adventure-chasing-sobekneferu/