For Kerry James Marshall, art has always been “a set of problems that needed to be solved, the first of which was…the problem of Black representation.” It’s a bit like saying that the first problem to be solved is landing on the moon—a wildly ambitious but not insane goal as long as you are willing […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/11/21/everything-will-be-alright-kerry-james-marshall/
Danny Blaine’s return to Tegucigalpa in Chuck Fair’s Power is a gripping odyssey. Twenty-five years ago, Blaine was in Tegucigalpa as a young ex-marine roped into the CIA’s covert games. Now, his mission is more personal and noble: rescuing Violate Chavera, a dauntless freedom fighter, echoing a debt of life saved years ago. Chavera’s imprisonment by the tyrannical Daniel Ortiz, who rules Nicaragua with ruthless control, sets the stage for a thrilling narrative. Despite the violent history of Nicaragua, a place Blain once vowed never to return to, he finds himself compelled to face his past and answer a call of duty and honor.
Power is more than a contemporary thriller; it’s a journey into the shadows of history. Author Chuck Fair intertwines Nicaragua’s turbulent political past with a narrative of personal redemption. It’s a part of history often neglected in American discourse, yet Fair addresses it with more depth and finesse.
Told through Blaine’s perspective, Power feels like a revelation and a reckoning. Blaine, a character shaped by warfare, confronts his past actions in a country scarred by conflict. I was captivated by his internal struggle – a soldier trained for destruction but seeking to forge a different path as he nears sixty. Fair doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of war and the lasting impact of a soldier’s life. His storytelling is raw and unflinching, revealing the unending cycle of conflict and the dichotomy of creation and destruction inherent in a soldier’s skills. This narrative choice, while challenging, makes Power a profoundly impactful read. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story; it imparts lessons about war, duty, and the complexities of human nature.
Power is a riveting story that combines historical insight with personal introspection. It’s a book that should be on the reading list of anyone interested in understanding the lingering ghosts of war and the possibility of personal redemption amidst geopolitical turmoil.
Pages: 295
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/21/power/
Mr. Fox Sells Pockets, written by Mark Dantzler, is an engaging children’s book that weaves a tale of Mr. Fox, a character whose shrewd business strategy revolves around selling pockets to the townspeople, irrespective of their needs. This narrative, rich with themes of greed and deception, gives young readers a window into a world where cleverness is met with community wisdom.
The book is not only a story but also a visual delight. Its pages are adorned with bright, vivid illustrations to captivate young minds and spark conversations. The use of color is particularly noteworthy, bringing each scene to life and adding depth to the story. At the heart of this tale is Mr. Fox, depicted with a cunning personality, highlighting the consequences of prioritizing personal gain over relationships. The character’s journey is a poignant reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity. Dantzler’s storytelling skillfully imparts these values, making the moral of the story accessible and enjoyable for its young audience. As young readers follow Mr. Fox’s misadventures, they are subtly introduced to concepts of right and wrong and the downfalls associated with greed. This book not only entertains but also educates, providing a valuable lesson in a fun and thought-provoking format.
Mr. Fox Sells Pockets by Mark Dantzler takes young readers on a colorful journey into ethical storytelling. The vivid illustrations and a narrative containing a moral lesson make it an ideal read for young minds beginning to explore the complexities of right and wrong. Dantzler encourages dialogue between children and adults, making it not just a story to be read but an experience to be shared.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0CLKZBVRG
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/21/mr-fox-sells-pockets/
G. L. Rockey’s novella, Rabbit Hole University, emerges as an innovative and intriguing foray into narrative experimentation set against an academic backdrop. The novella initiates its journey in a manner akin to many classic tales, introducing its characters in the unique setting of a mountain oyster-eating contest. Told from the first-person perspective of observer Jeremy Jarrett, the narrative artfully unfolds, transforming a casual conversation among strangers into a captivating assembly engaged in exploring profound philosophical concepts. These discussions ambitiously traverse topics such as God’s existence, the universe’s origins, and the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations.
Distinctive in its approach, Rabbit Hole University embarks on a narrative odyssey that boldly diverges from conventional storytelling frameworks. While initially appearing steeped in dense philosophical discourse, akin to an academic textbook, the narrative reveals a remarkable fluidity upon closer inspection. Rockey’s storytelling is enhanced by including terms like ‘Whatever,’ infusing the text with a whimsical, almost playful quality. This innovative approach subverts the traditional pillars of narrative, prioritizing the journey of discovery over fixed outcomes.
The character of Jeremy Jarrett, our narrator, stands at the heart of this exploration. Depending on the reader’s engagement with the themes, Jarrett’s incessant questioning and requests for simplified explanations – his ‘dummy 101’ approach – may be perceived as either grating or deeply relatable. Regardless, the novel invites readers to deeply contemplate our world and the mysteries that extend far beyond our immediate understanding. Rabbit Hole University thrives in its treatment of temporality. It eschews conventional structures, with the duration and terms of classes defying any fixed schedule. This fluidity in time mirrors the book’s thematic exploration of existence, further emphasizing the novel’s commitment to challenging and redefining narrative norms.
The title, Rabbit Hole University, aptly encapsulates the essence of the novella. It suggests a journey into the unknown, a dive into a world where arguments and theories lead to more questions than answers, propelling readers into realms of thought previously unexplored. In this literary labyrinth, one thing becomes clear: the reader is left with a more nuanced and enriched understanding of the complex theories and concepts at play, making Rabbit Hole University a compelling read for those seeking a novel that challenges both the mind and the conventions of storytelling.
Pages: 126 | ASIN : B0CKRSLKWZ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/21/rabbit-hole-university/
Butterflies and Dimes by Morgan Rankin delicately weaves the story of young Taylor and his friend Stephanie, exploring the theme of connecting with departed loved ones through everyday symbols. Set in a world where Taylor’s mother views dimes as greetings from heaven and Stephanie’s mother sees butterflies as a similar ethereal link, the book takes on a touching narrative, especially when Stephanie’s mother passes away. The children’s journey through grief and finding comfort in these small signs is tenderly portrayed.
Rankin’s writing is compassionate, aiming to offer comfort and hope to children dealing with loss. The book thoughtfully delves into the idea that those who have passed remain connected to us, fostering a sense of wonder and belief in young readers. The narrative is straightforward and accessible, paired with gentle prose that makes for an engaging read. What makes this book stand out is its depiction of enduring love and belief, transcending life’s boundaries, complemented by vivid illustrations that add to its charm.
Butterflies and Dimes by Morgan Rankin will resonate with readers who are receptive to its heartfelt themes and curious about life’s intangible connections. It invites readers into a world where wonder and belief extend beyond the pages, potentially leaving a lasting impression on their hearts.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CKY3C3J9
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/21/butterflies-and-dimes/
Night Owls follows a space crew living on the moon who, while on a heist, discover a lethal conspiracy that will destroy the colony if not stopped. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up near Toronto, Canada and loved rocket ships, robots and exploring space. I even won an award for building a crazy robot out of trash in second grade. Naturally, I fell in love with science fiction. As a teenager I loved the Canadian Electronic Music scene, having fun, dressing up, and joking around. NIGHT OWLS brings my love of electronic music together with my love of science and technology.
My goal was to write a sci-fi novel that primarily entertains with action, adventure and charm. But underneath, the book explores classism, personal sacrifice, and the need to overcome personal obstacles. Night Owls is accessible to all readers, since the story line is rooted in science, but would not be classified as hard science fiction.
Ethan Keller goes from being a thief to an unlikely hero when he discovers a plot to destroy the colony. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wrote a graphic novel called Why Always Wins focused on empowering high performing teams. So in Night Owls, I wanted to focus on the main character development and the ragtag team overcoming obstacles together.
Ethan is struggling with his fathers death and trying to understand his personal sacrifice. Ethan must go on a journey to understand what sacrifice means to him. The Night Owls series is really about the entire group of main characters evolving and moving beyond their individual needs, but understanding how each other can grow, support the group and overcome personal obstacles.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Night Owls is a book geared towards entertainment, but I wanted to explore classicism, confidence, community and clarity of purpose. Ethan’s father died when he was young, and he has struggled to understand and forgive his father’s sacrifice. While Ethan is the catalyst to bring together the Night Owls, he struggles with his social status as he is forced to compare himself with his girlfriend, Aysha Nadar, who is heiress to the singular industrial titan on Luna. Night Owls explores his growth, and their relationship. Night Owls is about growth, not just character growth, but also the growth and independence of the moon colony.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Good news, I’ve written all seven books in the Night Owls series, so I know the end of the story already. Symphony Night Owls 2 is available on Amazon. While Book 1 launches Ethan Keller and the Night Owls as a newly formed group that can have an impact on the trajectory of New Luna, Symphony explores the group’s ability to come together and face a new enemy. The book explores the political tension between Earth, Luna, and Mars as the crew becomes embroiled in the struggle for Luna’s independence. The Night Owls each face a significant change in their personal lives, and Ethan in particular wrestles with grasping a future with the woman he loves due to her increasing association with her father’s company, her intensive work schedule, and his growing fear that even love can’t win a class war.
The entire Night Owls series continues to focus on the evolution of Ethan Keller and his friends the Night Owls, against the backdrop of an evolving New Luna, a colony that is struggling to find its independence against the threat of control from Earth, Mars and various political and corporate forces driven by greed. I hope you enjoy the action packed adventure of Night Owls.
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Ethan Keller, an unapologetic thief, is stuck in the poorest district on Luna, where random power outages have left several dead. When his big score is stolen, Ethan and the Night Owls—his motley crew—plan a heist to recoup the loss. Instead, they uncover the source of the deadly power outages. Distressingly, the culprit appears to be someone close to them.
Now a fugitive, will Ethan unmask the mastermind in time to save the colony?
If you like science fiction action adventure with clever heroes and impossible situations, Get started with Night Owls today!
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/21/a-story-of-growth-and-independence/