In August 2023 dead elephant seals washed ashore on beaches in Argentina. First a handful appeared outside Rio Grande, a coastal city on the eastern side of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. The next day there were more. Then the sightings moved up the seaboard, from Rio Gallegos to the Chubut province to Rio Negro […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/04/14/the-next-mass-extinction/
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
The grandkids were off for spring break last week. Despite the cold weather, Sophia’s first soccer game was a blast. Unfortunately for Sophia, she spent the rest of the week sick with the flu. Aside from client work, I got little done this week. Saturday I had a eye exam and have to move to progressives. Aging sucks ya’ll. I came home after and wrote some book reviews. This week we are forecasted to break high temperature records. I say bring it. LOL Stay Caffeinated.
Learn more:
A special thanks to Penguin Audio
Before you link up: Please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Subscribe
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/04/sunday-post-623.html
Rainforest Rescue follows a curious tiger cub whose chase of a butterfly leads him into the rainforest, sparking his journey to find his way back home while navigating the challenges of the wild. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Numerous children have experienced the daunting fear of getting separated in places like malls or grocery stores, or even losing sight of their parents at home. This narrative resonates with many young ones, offering them a source of connection and empowerment as they learn to confront and conquer their fears.
How do you balance incorporating educational elements with storytelling to keep young readers engaged?
By infusing facts, concepts, and lessons within an engaging storyline, a dynamic learning experience is created that keeps young readers absorbed while imparting knowledge.
What inspired you to choose a tiger cub as the protagonist for Rainforest Rescue?
My aim was to acquaint young readers with the Sumatran tiger, fostering love and care for animals and the environment. Additionally, I sought to raise awareness about the habitat challenges and threats confronting these magnificent creatures, such as the perilous effects of oil palm plantation expansion, deforestation, and the grim practice of tiger poaching driven by the demand for tiger teeth, bones, claws, and other commodities.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My upcoming book will focus either on an endangered species, aiming to raise awareness and empathy among children, or on enhancing phonics skills that will foster a love for reading.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/14/92988/
The Reaper’s Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! follows a new reaper going out on her first solo assignment who runs into some complications with a soul and now has to figure out how to put him back in his body. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea actually stemmed from a dream I had. The day before, I had been brainstorming ideas for a new story but was hitting a creative block. That night, I dreamt of venturing into the underworld, battling ghosts and monsters to find my way back to the land of the living. The excitement I felt upon waking was palpable, prompting me to quickly jot down as much of the dream as I could remember. From there, the story began to take shape almost effortlessly.
One of the highlights of this story is the depth of the characters and readers’ ability to relate to them, young and old. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The two main characters, Lyra and Casper, presented both a fun and challenging writing experience.
Casper came more naturally to me because he resembled my own experiences at his age. However, the real challenge with Casper was ensuring he didn’t come across as one-dimensional. While he serves as the typical sidekick archetype and a catalyst for the story, I aimed to give him depth beyond that role.
On the other hand, we have Lyra whose spirited personality and compelling character arc were so much fun to write. Yet, the toughest part was capturing her emotional moments authentically. I understand the struggle of opening up to others, so I empathized with her journey. As the story’s climax approached, I wanted her emotional walls to gradually break down, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level and care for her more intensely.
At the start, we’re drawn to Casper, and by the end, we’re cheering for Lyra. That was always my goal with this story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Exploring the theme of death was a significant aspect I wanted to delve into. It’s a complex topic, especially in children’s media, as it intersects with various cultural beliefs. My aim was to strike a balance between crafting an engaging fantasy adventure while also respecting diverse cultural perspectives on death.
Loss and acceptance are central themes that drive the narrative. The villain’s motivations (without giving away spoilers) are rooted in a profound experience of loss. In contrast, Lyra’s journey towards accepting her past is instrumental in her growth and ability to navigate challenges.
These themes resonate profoundly with both young readers and adults. Loss is a universal human experience that can shape our lives in profound ways, while acceptance is key to resilience and personal development. I believe these themes lie at the core of the story, offering relatable and meaningful insights for readers of all ages.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
At this moment, I’m uncertain whether this book will kick off a new series. On one hand, I’m excited about delving deeper into the world I’ve crafted. However, I’m also content with how it concludes, and I fear that extending it might detract from its impact. If fans clamor for a sequel, though, I’m open to exploring that possibility.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Ever since she can remember, Lyra Corvin has dreamed of becoming a Grim Reaper. So, when her mentor presents her with her first solo reaping, the young girl eagerly accepts, determined to prove she has what it takes to join the agency. Until everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Now, she’s stuck with an (understandably) furious Casper William, a young boy whose soul is caught between the realms of life and death. To put Casper back into his body, the unlikely pair must journey into the Underworld to search for answers. But monstrous creatures and sinister secrets lurk within the land of the deceased that could forever alter the lives of our heroes.Will Lyra and Casper have the strength to thwart the looming threat, or will a long-forgotten secret come back to haunt them?
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/14/loss-and-acceptance/
In Joseph’s Coat, evil enters the home of a young couple when they adopt an orphan following the loss of their own baby. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had written the MC years ago, but I knew something was missing, untold. I finally, after about nine years, realized the MC’s story needed to begin with his childhood. And his situation just created itself, if that makes sense. LOL.
I felt this story was very well written. What’s your experience as a writer?
Thank you! I’m honored for you to say that. I’ve written since I was small. Sketching comic strip-style stories as a way to tell these stories. Then, during high school, I started to actually write them instead of sketching them. And have not been able to stop. I’ve had three novels/novellas that were published for which the contracts expired. Joseph’s Coat is my first novel since 2015.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I love this question. I’m not sure I ever had guidelines for emotions or morals. It all seemed to dictate itself. I did want to create a couple, though, who were deeply in love enough to withstand the pain of loss, and grief, and yet allow them high emotion that I hoped was real and relatable and, most of all, very human. As for morals, each character dictated their own if that makes sense. And, now that you mention it, maybe subconsciously incorporate a strong line between good and evil where, of course, the goodness of humanity would triumph.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside book 2? When can fans expect to see it released?
Oh, this has been a trial! I had planned to skip in years for the child in the story to be much older; however, I felt I was missing too much of his history that ought to be told. SO…Book Two will be the growth of the newly adopted child in his new environment and a new antagonist to be introduced, this time one who will be a highly trusted friend who will be a huge threat to the family. And I’m working on it now, hoping to finish by the end of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Amazon
Brooklyn, New York. 1924.
Giovanni and Kate Di Paolo are a young, affluent couple. They are wildly in love, devoted to each other, but are mourning the death of their infant son.
When Kate volunteers at Saint Hyacinth’s Orphanage, she is especially drawn to one of the orphans.
Enrico.
He entered the orphanage with no last name, no history. A mysterious child, strange but gifted, teased by the other children with the Italian name, Jettatore—evil eye, one who brings bad luck.
With Enrico’s arrival into their world, the Di Paolos’ lives will be altered forever. Secrets will be exposed. Entities of evil and darkness will battle light. Love will be tested, especially when the biggest mystery of all is revealed.
The advent of this enigma could bring the curse of division and further loss, or it could be the force to bring healing, acceptance, answers to prayers which had never been spoken.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/14/93018/
Karl Dehmelt’s debut science fiction novel, Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness (Or, How to Travel Near America with Friends), offers a sharply satirical take on contemporary American society. The novel artfully blends humor, absurdity, and sharp critique, making it a standout piece in the genre. The story introduces an alien leader, known as The Daft One, who lands on Earth during the COVID-19 pandemic disguised as a 14-year-old boy named Daft Mejora. Accompanied by a group of eccentric aliens, their mission to decode the human brain is humorously misguided, relying solely on the internet’s darkest nooks for research.
The plot thickens as The Daft One befriends DJ Jones, a high school student from Florida. This friendship serves as a gateway into a tumultuous world marked by political unrest, rampant conspiracy theories, and deep societal divides—mirrored in DJ’s father, a fervent conspiracy theorist and QAnon follower. Through these interactions, the novel paints a vivid portrait of the current American landscape. Narrated from The Daft One’s perspective, Dehmelt employs this outsider’s view to cleverly spotlight the absurdities of American life. His observations range from the comical resistance of anti-mask protestors to the bizarre world of online misinformation, capturing the mundane and the extraordinary with equal finesse. While Dehmelt’s narrative is unapologetically bold and may not cater to all—particularly those with conservative views or sensitivities to specific language—it is precisely this fearless approach that underscores his adeptness at satire.
The book’s use of surreal elements, such as the quirky character of the Wise Owl, adds a unique flair to the narrative. While distinctively imaginative, these elements enrich the novel’s vibrant tapestry, underscoring its successful fulfillment of the author’s intent. Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness is a provocative exploration of modern America, appealing to readers who appreciate a blend of satire and science fiction.
Pages: 294 | ISBN : 978-1627205009
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/14/daft-mejoras-infinite-madness-or-how-to-travel-near-america-with-friends/
Reigning Cats and Frogs, by V.F. Diefenbacher, is an intriguing middle-grade historical Christian fiction novel set in Ancient Egypt during the Biblical Exodus. Centered around Kafele, a 13-year-old boy grappling with societal expectations and personal identity, the book offers a refreshing perspective on a well-known biblical narrative. The intertwining of Kafele’s journey with the plagues of Egypt paints a vivid picture of life during a tumultuous time, providing a backdrop for a story that is rich in historical detail and cultural depth.
Diefenbacher’s writing style is both accessible and engaging, successfully catering to a middle-grade audience while offering enough complexity to captivate older readers. The character development, especially Kafele’s, is skillfully executed, allowing readers to connect with his internal conflicts and growth.
What sets this book apart is the unique lens through which Kafele views historical figures like Moses, Aaron, and the Pharaoh. This perspective brings a fresh and intriguing dimension to familiar tales. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that, at times, the narrative pace seemed to slow somewhat under the weight of historical accuracy, which may affect its flow for some readers.
The themes explored in the book, such as faith, authority, and the nature of divine protection, are thoughtfully presented. These elements provoke reflection on the part of the reader, elevating the book from a simple historical retelling to a deeper exploration of spiritual and moral dilemmas.
Reigning Cats and Frogs is a great blend of historical fiction and biblical narrative that succeeds in bringing Ancient Egypt to life through the eyes of a young protagonist. It’s a recommended read for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical fiction and for older readers interested in a new perspective on the Exodus story. The book’s appeal lies in its ability to provide a fresh take on a familiar story, making it a valuable addition to the genre of historical Christian fiction.
Pages: 319 | ISBN : 978-1960982001
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/14/reigning-cats-and-frogs/