I. Andrew Katzenstein in Mason, TexasII. Willa Glickman in Rochester, New YorkIII. Daniel Drake in Warren, VermontIV. Lucy Jakub in the Rangeley Lakes, Maine  🌘              🌗              🌓              🌒  Riders in the Sky Andrew Katzenstein in Mason, Texas I learned about this year’s eclipse in late 2016, when I read an article in The New York Review by James […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/04/12/in-the-path-of-totality/

In When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham, readers are introduced to Kit Hanover, a Native American police officer navigating the complex intersection of her heritage and her career. As she steps into her role in Fort Worth’s homicide division, Kit faces the challenges of her demanding job and the prejudices and skepticism from her colleagues.

The character of Kit Hanover is delicately balanced between her professional competence and the cultural dichotomy she embodies. Brenham explores the delicate position Native Americans can find themselves in when assuming roles of authority in a society where they have historically been marginalized. This tension is further emphasized through the relationship between Kit and her partner, Wade Shepard, whose hostility adds a layer of internal conflict to the narrative. While Brenham’s novel may tread familiar ground in some aspects, it offers a rich exploration of its themes and characters. Detective Hanover, as a focal point, provides a fascinating character study. Brenham’s skill in dialogue and plotting is evident, with the story gaining momentum and suspense in its later stages. The narrative of When Things Fall Apart occasionally ventures into predictable tropes, but these moments contribute to the broader tapestry of the novel. They underscore its exploration of cultural tensions and the complexities of identity, enhancing the story’s overall depth and resonance.

When Things Fall Apart by Alan Brenham is a captivating and thoughtful exploration of cultural identity and professional integrity. Through Kit Hanover’s experiences, the novel delves into the heart of societal and personal conflicts with sensitivity and nuance. Brenham’s adept storytelling, rich character development, and suspenseful plot make this novel an engaging and enlightening read.

Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0CJL85Q83

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/when-things-fall-apart/

The Queen’s Adventurer” shows the active impact of two extraordinary people, each a positive influence on those close to them and the world beyond. One, the Queen, who is alluded to throughout this story because her very existence in her time and place set the stage for much that could be considered abundant adventure. Her actions and choices from her youthful throne assent were a singularly stabilizing influence on the world stage while opening doors on advancement into the unknown of science yet holding position for all others to follow as Titular head of her religious faith.

There, under her guidance, a freedom to explore was well supported. In her time exploration of various technologies and even the nature of life itself became possible. All while industry bloomed and life progressed for many. And while technological gains were made in plenty, and while the scientific viewpoint continued to expand, studies into the humanities moved forward in ways unexpected resulting in exponential progress. During the Queen’s early reign a whole new branch of study once thought to be well taken care of by two methodologies, which taking an Authoritarian line tell all “We are the cure”, yet lacked scientific basis and resulted in no effective improvement in the state of life for the individual human being or Mankind no matter how they claimed otherwise.

The second of these extraordinary people was a man, a curious and adventurous fellow, who would one day become The Queen’s Adventurer of this story, who with his foresight and scientific acumen brought into sight and practice this new branch of study tapped into the evident facts regarding the Human Mind and even embraced the spiritual realm so long separated from science.

This story is fictional although fact based, and told in epic poetry. Because one cannot factually know the true specifics when not present, much of what is included alludes to but does not expressly tell what decisions, discoveries and developments were made yet can and does express results, instead this epic examines what turns of events occurred due to the presence of each of these figures and demonstrates the development of hope, a hope long held by Mankind that life would come to the best of places, but which dreams of enrichment and success had not previously come to exist.

This story and series takes the reader from the depths of fear and hopelessness through many twists and turns of social interplay as events seem ever to dim the light of hope within mankind. Yet unknown to most people, quietly, except for the very first general announcement, adventurous studying into the very nature of mind, body, spirit and world is progressing toward a world where the unimaginably fruitful and happy future is becoming possible for all of mankind.

In this tale I have taken a liberty unexpected, I have not directly identified either of my protagonists, although they would be obvious to many, but have taken up the narrative for those affected by the existence of each.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/the-queens-adventurer-2/

In Valuepreneurs, the author provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a clear, step-by-step roadmap to transform product ideas into successful ventures. Waddell’s writing is deeply rooted in practicality, drawing from his extensive experience covering crucial aspects of entrepreneurship, including idea validation, leveraging freelancers for team expansion, protecting intellectual property, and the importance of ongoing learning.

The systematic approach to product development is a central theme, illustrating how this process is foundational to creating value. The author highlights the importance of identifying and overcoming potential obstacles, offering readers a comprehensive framework for navigating these challenges. This is further enriched by in-depth discussions on topics such as non-disclosure agreements and assessing market viability, providing valuable insights into protecting ideas and achieving commercial success. One of the book’s strengths lies in its use of real-world examples and case studies. These enrich the learning experience and contextualize key concepts, ranging from the success stories of renowned companies like Dyson and GoPro to the journeys of lesser-known startups. These narratives offer readers a tangible understanding of value-driven entrepreneurship.

Valuepreneurs is a comprehensive and indispensable resource for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and product development. Its textbook-like format, with clear chapter delineations and outlines, makes it accessible to both novices and seasoned professionals. In an era when entrepreneurs often grapple with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, this book emerges as a valuable tool to bolster confidence in one’s abilities and ideas. Its timely insights and practical advice make it a crucial addition to the entrepreneur’s toolkit.

Pages: 279 | ASIN : B0CLT7ZGBX

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/valuepreneurs/

Jack O’Brien’s The Last U-Boat is a gripping dive into the depths of history, seamlessly blending the past with the present. This novel invites readers on a thrilling journey, starting from the tumultuous times of World War II to the explorative curiosity of the modern day. Centered around the discovery of a long-lost Nazi U-boat by a group of adventurous teenagers, O’Brien crafts a narrative that switches between the lives of Gunther Kraus in 1943 and the LeClair family in 2023, unveiling a mystery buried for decades under their home.

O’Brien’s writing is smooth and engaging, making The Last U-Boat a page-turner. His ability to weave two distinct timelines into a cohesive story is one thing I really enjoyed about this story. The juxtaposition of the past and the present is handled with finesse, allowing readers to draw parallels and contrasts between the eras. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that the novel’s pacing can feel uneven at times, particularly in the transition from the high-stakes espionage of the 1940s to the more explorative, yet less urgent, modern-day treasure hunt.

I enjoyed the character development in this story, particularly the portrayal of the Kraus family. Their internal conflicts and loyalties, depicted through Gunther’s perspective, add depth to the narrative. The novel’s most compelling aspect is the thematic exploration of history’s impact on the present. O’Brien skillfully raises questions about legacy, the moral ambiguities of war, and the lasting impact of decisions made by previous generations. These themes resonate well with the dual narrative structure and are thought-provoking.

The Last U-Boat is a fascinating read, particularly suited for those who enjoy historical fiction blended with modern-day adventure. It’s an excellent choice for readers who appreciate a mix of history, mystery, and a touch of youthful adventure and those intrigued by the lasting echoes of the past in the present.

Pages: 295

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/the-last-u-boat/

The Reversible Mask follows an ambitious man deeply devoted to the Catholic church who becomes a spy for the church before changing his mind and becoming a double agent serving patriotism and religion. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I was fascinated by the notion of a compartmentalized life, an inner conflict that could not be reconciled. Most of us deal with pulls in opposite directions. As an insurance agent I occasionally felt torn between the need of the institution and the needs of my clients. Today, most work and personal conflicts are resolvable. I sold my practice and now write.

But my spy, Edward Latham, couldn’t achieve resolution. He’s loosely based on a double agent of the time, Sir Anthony Standen. His was a pure lifetime experience of compartmentalization. Crawling around in his psyche was irresistibile, then I put Latham at the center of the iconic struggles of the turbulent Elizabethan era. My take on Standen from his letters is that he spied out of a principle of wanting the opposing sides to moderate their violence. Which drew me into an absorbing exploration of moral choices. Being a spy requires some level of betrayal; becoming a double agent doubles it. So how does an idealistic spy construct an individual moral code with individual red lines. Latham achieves this through his adventures.

I was helped in this framing by an interview I saw with a modern spy. In the video The Green Prince, the son of a Hamas leader who spied for Israel for 10 years talks about his new red lines.

What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?

Many years. A lot of primary sources and secondary sources, Standen’s letters and dispatches to his handlers. There’s still no biography of Standen to the best of my knowledge. There are several academic articles and the authors have diverging views of him, some as a near traitor, self-deluded opportunist, others as one of Elizabeth’s most enterprising and courageous spies abroad. Again, irresistible to get my fix on a fictionalized spy inspired by him.

What is it about the Elizabethan era that makes it a great setting for your spy story?

To me it’s a time that resonates today. Upending of the Catholic Church’s dominance, the discovery of the New World, the beginning of science, traditional alliances between states and between mercantile organizations like the Hanseatic League and the emerging nation states, and the beginning of the idea of the companionate marriage that went beyond property acquisition. Excitement, anxiety, backlashes of violence and superstition. What’s NOT relevant? How can anyone not love the Elizabethan era?

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

Thank you for that question. A totally different adventure. I’m just back from a long trip to Papua New Guinea and Australia. My novel (just retitled) Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss is due for release in June also by MadeGlobal Publishing. The protagonist is an Australian Jewish doctor who volunteers to join the Army and is posted to Rabaul, the capital of Australia’s Mandated Territory of New Guinea, in 1941. He’s part of Lark Force, the lone and under-resourced battalion defending the town and its strategic environs. They face the full Japanese invasion. It’s a tale of love, betrayal, redemption and heroism. Lots of battle scenes, tropical medicine and polio treatment, two forbidden love stories, and diverse characters drawn from the complex society that was Rabaul in 1941. It won an International Firebird Book Award for War Fiction in July 2023.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/12/a-compartmentalized-life/