As war rages in Gaza and the Middle East as a whole is skittering on the brink of a wider conflagration, the fate of thousands of Palestinian shepherds and farmers on the West Bank looks grim. Neither the government nor the army has done anything to stop rampaging Israeli settlers who are hell-bent on driving […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/12/21/a-bitter-season-in-the-west-bank-david-shulman/
In her evocative memoir, Moral Compass, Susan Berger masterfully chronicles her journey from a quintessential 1950s Massachusetts upbringing to a trailblazing career in the male-dominated financial sector, spanning an impressive five decades. Berger’s narrative is a poignant reflection on a bygone era, filled with warm recollections of home-cooked meals and familial festivities, untainted by the complexities of modern technology. Yet, her idyllic childhood is abruptly disrupted by personal tragedies: the loss of her mother, her father’s descent into alcoholism, and the ensuing financial turmoil.
Berger’s memoir is not just a personal story but a mirror reflecting the broader societal changes in America. Her unyielding resilience in the face of pervasive discrimination, substance abuse, and poverty is nothing short of inspiring as she navigates and ultimately triumphs over these formidable challenges.
As a reader initially unfamiliar with the intricacies of investment analysis and wealth management, I found Berger’s clear and accessible explanations particularly enlightening. Her ability to balance professional insights with personal anecdotes ensures that Moral Compass maintains a compelling narrative without being overshadowed by financial jargon. Author Berger confronts sensitive topics such as drug abuse and mob influence with commendable candor.
Berger’s prose occasionally adopts a disjointed style, which lends the book a relatable, conversational quality. I feel enhancing the memoir with a deeper dive into Berger’s personal experiences could further enrich its emotional resonance, adding depth to an already impactful narrative.
Moral Compass stands as an emblem of inspiration, particularly for those pursuing seemingly unattainable dreams. Berger’s story is a testament to the virtues of determination, integrity, and independence, illustrating the remarkable capacity of human resilience to overcome even the harshest adversities. The memoir offers a powerful commentary on the evolution of feminism, presenting a stark portrayal of the challenges women faced, from unequal pay to sexual exploitation, in a not-so-distant past.
Moral Compass is more than a memoir; it’s a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of the relentless pursuit of equality and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0CBL333VT
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/28/moral-compass/
In LIGHT of the MAGOS: The Spark Within, T.A.C. Wilson crafts a world that balances the familiar and the fantastical, weaving a narrative where magic is as much a part of life as the air the characters breathe. Set on a planet where the mystical and the mundane coexist, the novel explores the dichotomy between two distinct groups within this magical society: the Intellects, inheritors of magical prowess, and the Gifted, a growing faction advocating for the democratization of magical education.
The story centers around Colby, a newcomer to the International School for the Gifted and the Intellects. His journey, alongside his friends, is set in a school where magic is the norm, bringing unique challenges and dangers. The plot thickens with Faith’s brush with mortality, propelling the narrative into a complex web of family rivalry, where Colby becomes an unwitting pawn. Faith’s newfound knowledge becomes pivotal in unraveling the family feud, adding depth to her character.
Wilson’s narrative is rich with literary and historical echoes, drawing parallels to classics like Romeo and Juliet, yet it distinguishes itself with a modern twist. The novel deftly integrates elements of magic, fantasy, and technology, making it resonate with contemporary readers. The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader engaged with its quickly unfolding events. The author combines a harmonious blend of the magical and the everyday, creating a captivating world that appeals to a wide audience. Wilson’s character development shines in her story with relatable and compelling personalities that further enhance the reader’s experience.
Targeted at young adults, LIGHT of the MAGOS: The Spark Within satisfies those who revel in fantasy, romance, and intricate family dynamics. Wilson’s debut novel is a testament to her ability to craft a story that is both engaging and fulfilling and leaves readers eager for more.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0CJ463L4Y
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/28/light-of-the-magos-the-spark-within/
A sailor, identified as QMC, is writing letters to his niece while aboard a ship in the years 1898-1902. QMC, who is well educated, is able to convey to his niece what is happening to him as he spends time in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. He also has several eventful sojourns on shore. His life is fraught with peril, and he encounters pirates, rough weather, and all manner of other dangers. A bluff and hardy man, QMC proves a capable narrator as he explains to his sheltered niece what his days are like as he tries to make his living.
A Sailor’s Tale: Miss Judith 1898-1902 Miss Molly, by E.G.’ Lusko, is a work of historical fiction written in the form of letters, similar to Dracula or The Color Purple. This choice by the author limits the scope of his writing to some extent. The reader cannot see from the other character’s point of view, as would be the case with a third-person narrative style. However, this does not make this novel any less compelling, as QMC furnishes the reader with rich period details that paint a vivid and fascinating portrait of his life and times.
It’s evident that E.G.’ Lusko knows the world about which he’s writing. The conversations between QMC and the individuals who enter his orbit are believable, and some of them are quite touching. As for the narrator, though he’s rough and uncouth in some ways, he also reveals unexpected depths of feeling at certain moments. He makes a living with his brawn and seafaring know-how, but he can also report on the motivations of those around him with surprising insight.
A Sailor’s Tale: Miss Judith 1898-1902 Miss Molly was thought-provoking and enjoyable. It’s interesting to hear about what was happening in the world at this point in history. Being in the hands of a gifted and creative storyteller elevates the narrative beyond the level of comparable works of historical fiction.
Pages: 386 | ISBN : 1959071963
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/28/a-sailors-tale-miss-judith-1898-1902-miss-molly/
Thrive: Ghosts in the Glades, by Staci Andrea, is a compelling narrative centered around Jett, a young boy grappling with a growth hormone deficiency. The story unfolds as Jett and his family relocate to a new town following a series of surgeries that have strained the family’s finances. This move offers Jett a fresh start, introducing the potential for new friendships and the daunting challenge of facing a new bully. Amidst these changes, Jett becomes entangled in the mystery of the town’s missing children which many locals attribute to his mysterious new adult friend, Mr. Scroggs.
Years later, now a successful adult, Jett confronts a revelation that upends his understanding of his past, threatening to unravel the life he has built. Andrea’s narrative adeptly explores themes of human complexity and the flawed, intricate nature of our beings. The story delves into the nuanced motivations of its characters, by-passing simplistic labels of good and evil in favor of a more layered portrayal. Both the protagonist and antagonist are crafted with relatable depth, enriching their roles within the story. Throughout the book, Andrea skillfully navigates a spectrum of emotions, from curiosity and indignation to sorrow, engaging the reader with a well-crafted, emotionally resonant journey. The characters are developed with an understanding of self-perception and its influence on their interactions with the world around them. The novel’s conclusion delivers an unexpected and exhilarating twist.
Thrive: Ghosts in the Glades is a fine choice for those who enjoy fiction with a thrilling edge. While it contains elements of a coming-of-age story, the presence of mature themes such as murder, domestic violence, and bullying suggests a more adult audience. Thrive: Ghosts in the Glades offers an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience, indicative of Staci Andrea’s skill in blending emotional depth with suspenseful storytelling.
Pages: 249
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/28/thrive-ghosts-in-the-glades/
Nurse Florence: Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs? addresses a topic many parents find hard to discuss with their children and teaches kids not only what to avoid but also healthy coping strategies for stress and anxiety. What inspired you to write on this topic?
At my day job at an inpatient psychiatric hospital as a floor nurse, we regularly get patients that deal with mental health issues linked to illegal drug use. We need to significantly lower the usage of these drugs to help create a healthier society. Illegal drug use not only affects a person’s personal finances, but usually also disrupts many relationships in their life. I included some healthy coping skills in the book because we didn’t want to just say “Don’t do this”, but we also wanted to say “Try this instead.”
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Honestly, my writing started with poetry in high school which was inspired by Jim Morrison. Writing books for kids was an evolution in my skills.
What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?
Literary success regarding the Nurse Florence project would be experiencing a society in the future where the mass public is well-educated on the workings of their body that most everyone can have an intelligent conversation with their medical provider about their health conditions so that it is not just a one way street of information. I would like to see the world largely free of preventable diseases so that we live longer lives with high quality. I’d like to see a world where health care dollars in every society are spent on preventing diseases instead of needing to deal with managing diseases.
What do your plans for future projects include?
Our next book series titled Nurse Dorothea will launch next year. It will be entirely focused on mental health. It is in honor of Dorothea Dix, who advocated for the mentally ill in the early 1800s. Our web address for the series will be www.nursedorothea.com, and will be active by next summer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/28/try-this-instead/