Day: June 18, 2024

The Hollowing of the Eighth Amendment

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In 1991 an inmate named Dee Farmer sued prison officials at the US Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, for violating the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Penitentiary staff had placed Farmer, a Black transgender woman incarcerated for credit card fraud, with male prisoners, one of whom had beaten and raped her. Representing […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/06/18/the-hollowing-of-the-eighth-amendment/

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All Our Tomorrows by Catherine Bybee

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All Our Tomorrows by Catherine Bybee is the first novel in the Heirs contemporary romance series. I loved getting Chase Stone and Piper Maddox’s messy, heartwarming, romantic story and I look forward to the next siblings story.

All Our Tomorrows by Catherine Bybee

All Our Tomorrows
by Catherine Bybee
Series: The Heirs #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

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From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes the story of a reluctant billionaire who takes on his father’s empire, its dark secrets, and a fiery assistant he can’t get out of his head.

When Chase Stone’s estranged father dies, leaving his multibillion-dollar business to his children, no one is more surprised than him. Growing up outside of the high-stakes world filled with human vultures, Chase and his sister, Alex, are less than enthusiastic about stepping into their father’s shoes. That is until they learn of a half brother they didn’t know existed, and must find to share their inheritance with.

Piper Maddox was the elder Mr. Stone’s übercapable assistant—abruptly fired two weeks before his death. She knows everything about Stone Enterprises and the man who built it. But Piper has no desire to work for another member of the Stone family. Even one as down to earth as Chase.

Desperately needing financial security, Piper agrees to return so long as kissing up to Chase and accepting unwanted advances were not part of her job description. A task that becomes a serious hurdle for both of them. Piper and Chase scramble to find the third Stone sibling before the media does, sharing secrets along the way. Secrets that can bring them together or tear them irrevocably apart.

Family MansBestFriend ROMANCE SWOON

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Honestly, I am not a big fan of billionaire stories, but siblings Chase and Alex Stone grew up away from their estranged billionaire father. Each made their own mark on the world before their father died and left his empire to them and a half-sibling they didn’t know they had. The two of them will need to learn their father’s business and secretly find their brother before the board discovers their shares are split three-ways.

I loved the premise and the Stone family from the beginning, and was delighted to meet Piper Maddox and her protective dog. Piper was their father’s assistant before he fired her prior to his death. She knows the ins and outs of the business, contacts and schedule. That is why Chase is determined to rehire her. The chemistry was there from the start, but I loved the back-and-forth banter while they negotiated terms.

I loved Piper and her no sass attitude. Chase is charmed by the woman, but doesn’t want to cross boundaries, making the buildup to that first kiss delightful. Sizzling chemistry, almost kisses and saltine crackers, had me all in.

We meet secondary characters like Alex Stone, and her bestie, along with hotel billionaires who are down to earth, all about family and offer to lend a helpful hand. Meanwhile, we have the mystery of their half brother and Piper’s secret dilemma. I found myself fully invested and hoping for a happily ever after.

All Our Tomorrows was an addictive read filled with spice, heart and a swoon-worthy romance. I highly recommend taking this one along on vacation. I am looking forward to the Forgotten One, the next book in the Heirs series, releasing November 2024.

Amazon* | Audible

*kindleunlimited

About Catherine Bybee

Catherine Bybee

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating from high school, she moved to Southern California with hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the International Bestselling Not Quite series, the MacCoinnich Time Travel series as well as the Internationally Bestselling Weekday Brides series. Her books have been translated in over twenty languages.

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/all-our-tomorrows-by-catherine-bybee.html

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Mr. Flip Flap’s Flip Flop Frenzy

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Outdoor activities offer children both joy and enrichment, a theme Shani T. Night masterfully captures in Mr. Flip Flap’s Flip Flop Frenzy. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant beach on a sunny day, the story follows the effervescent Mr. Flip Flap. His exuberant dance and infectious energy draw local children into a rhythmic celebration by the sea. Together, they revel in the radiant sky and sparkling water, creating unforgettable memories and underscoring the timeless pleasure of summer fun with friends.

The narrative brims with energy and positivity, engaging young readers with its dynamic spirit. Night’s language is both simple and rich, balancing short sentences with a robust vocabulary that is ideal for early readers. The rhythmic flow of the plot is a highlight, maintaining a lively pace that captivates and entertains. The playful rhymes stand out, not only fostering a love for reading but also enhancing listening skills and auditory comprehension in young children. The book’s illustrations are equally delightful, using a warm color palette to evoke the essence of a sunny day. The brightness of the characters and the thoughtfully crafted settings perfectly complement the cheerful narrative.

Mr. Flip Flap’s Flip Flop Frenzy, written by Shani T. Night, enchants with its charm and vibrancy. It’s an excellent choice for encouraging a love of nature and outdoor play, sparking young imaginations through its vivid depiction of a joyful beach adventure.

Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CF2S2VP6

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/18/mr-flip-flaps-flip-flop-frenzy/

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The Fine Art of Grieving

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In The Fine Art of Grieving, Jane Edberg guides readers through the deeply emotional landscape of mourning her son Nanda’s untimely death. Through evocative vignettes, Edberg captures the profound depths of maternal grief, using photography and various art forms to navigate her emotions and memories. The narrative seamlessly intertwines past and present, illustrating moments with her family and her solitary struggles with loss. This culminates in a powerful exploration of personal transformation and acceptance.

Edberg’s The Fine Art of Grieving is a moving exploration of a grieving mother’s journey. One of the book’s most compelling aspects is Edberg’s use of art as a means to process her grief. Her vivid descriptions of photography sessions, art installations, and spontaneous artistic creations offer a unique and engaging framework for understanding her experience. This artistic lens not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the transformative power of creativity in the face of profound loss. While the book’s emotional intensity and detailed grief rituals powerfully enhance its authenticity, I feel some readers might find these aspects deeply resonant and immersive. For those experiencing similar losses, these elements may evoke a sense of connection, underscoring Edberg’s genuine and heartfelt portrayal of her mourning process.

The varied settings—from the intimacy of the family home to the expansiveness of natural landscapes—serve as poignant backdrops that echo the themes of life, death, and rebirth. Supporting characters like Rachel, Roger, and the friends who participate in Edberg’s art projects add depth to the narrative, underscoring the importance of community and shared experiences in the grieving process.

The Fine Art of Grieving is a beautifully raw and inspiring work. Edberg’s heartfelt prose and innovative use of art make this a significant read for those interested in the impact of grief and the cathartic power of creativity. Her courageous exploration of pain stands as a testament to the enduring strength of love.

Pages: 418 | ASIN : B0CW2RS699

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/18/the-fine-art-of-grieving/

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Crossing the Centuries

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Crossing the Centuries, by Brenda Hammon, is a fascinating journey into her ancestry’s spiritual and historical realms. Hammon connects with 165 spirits and energies from her family tree, offering readers an intricate tapestry of stories that span centuries. Through these connections, she brings forth a rich blend of personal anecdotes, spiritual encounters, and historical narratives that create a unique and compelling read.

Hammon’s writing is deeply personal and engaging. From the beginning, she invites readers into her world with vivid descriptions of her spiritual experiences. For instance, the account of her first angelic encounter at age five sets the book’s tone, illustrating her early connection with the spiritual realm. This blend of memoir and spiritual exploration makes the book relatable and thought-provoking. Her candid discussion of her struggles with accepting her gifts, such as the intense vertigo episode described in the first chapter, adds an authentic and human touch to the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of Hammon’s book is her ability to bring historical figures to life. The chapters dedicated to specific ancestors, like Stephen Hammond and Benjamin Hammond, are particularly compelling. Stephen Hammond’s recounting of his sudden heart attack and subsequent spiritual existence provides a poignant and introspective look at life after death. Similarly, Benjamin Hammond’s detailed descriptions of life in early 19th-century Connecticut and his soft-spoken demeanor make his story both informative and heartwarming. These chapters serve as a window into the past and highlight the enduring human spirit and its ability to transcend time.

While I enjoyed the book, I felt that the number of spirits and energies Hammon connects with can sometimes feel overwhelming, and keeping track of the various characters and their stories requires careful attention. The process of spirits revealing their stories, Hammon transcribing them, and the subsequent verification through research is a cycle that, though interesting, I believe can become somewhat predictable over time.

Crossing the Centuries is still a captivating read for anyone interested in spiritualism, genealogy, or personal narratives that bridge the gap between past and present. Brenda Hammon’s heartfelt writing and dedication to honoring her ancestors make this book a remarkable tribute to family history and spiritual connection.

Pages: 454 | ASIN : B0D443WTJB

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/18/crossing-the-centuries/

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Light Fright

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Light Fright is a whimsical journey into the nighttime world of Marley, a lovable little monster with a big imagination. As darkness falls, Marley’s mind is racing with fears. Unlike typical bedtime stories that calm children’s fears, this one flips the script by exploring the notion that even monsters can be afraid of children hiding in the shadows. Marley’s family tries everything to help him sleep, from magical nightlights to cozy blankets, but it’s Marley’s own bravery and a touch of humor that finally calm his fears.

I enjoyed this book so much! First off, the writing is absolutely charming. Judy De Young has a knack for blending light-hearted humor with gentle reassurance, making this book a delightful read for kids and adults. The way she depicts Marley’s fear of children hiding under the bed or in the closet flips the usual monster-under-the-bed trope on its head. Such a clever twist brings a fresh perspective to common bedtime anxieties.

What really stands out is the relationship between Marley and his family. The various attempts by Marley’s family to help him fall asleep are both fun and heartwarming. Plus, the amusing names of all the family members add a fun dynamic to the story, making it engaging from start to finish.

This picture book is filled with stunning illustrations by Nathalie Kranich. The vibrant and cute artwork captures the essence of Marley’s world perfectly. Each page is filled with intricate details that bring the monster family to life in a way that’s endearing rather than frightening. I especially loved the page where Marley is reminded that there is a child “staring straight into our picture book!” The illustrations do a fantastic job of balancing the eerie with the adorable, making it a visual treat.

Light Fright is a fantastic read for children who might be dealing with their own bedtime fears or even young readers who love a good monster tale with a twist. It’s perfect for bedtime reading with a comforting, funny message that even monsters have fears, but with a little courage and support, those fears can be overcome. If you’re looking for a children’s book that mixes humor, heart, and a dash of the spooky, Light Fright is definitely one to add to your bedtime story collection.

Pages: 64 | ASIN : B0CLSZ47T3

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/18/light-fright/

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Our Fate Is In Our Own Hands

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Author Interview
Aeternus Costin Author Interview

The Eye of God is an exploration that encourages readers to reconsider their understanding of reality, bridging the gap between science and religion. Why was this an important book for you to write?

For most of my life I had struggled trying to reconcile the teachings of religion with science and my understanding of the world. That all changed when it occurred to me that how science describes the force called Gravity corresponds to the way the greatest minds in philosophy and theism have described God for almost 2500 years. During all that time, great thinkers such as Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Avicenna, and Baruch Spinoza described what are called incommunicable attributes which God alone can possess. These incommunicable attributes include transcendent, omnipresent, simple, immaterial or not made of anything, eternal, unchanging or immutable, responsible for the creation of the universe or spacetime, and not being contingent or coming from something else. When I realized this is also how science describes the force called Gravity, I knew I had to get that into a book and get that non-personal universal truth out into the world. 

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The main idea I just mentioned is that there cannot be two or more different things which possess these Incommunicable Attributes. By the very definition, Incommunicable, there can only be one. We have scientific evidence proving Gravity possessing these attributes. The law of identity, which is one of the three laws of logical thought, requires that each thing be identical to itself. So, if we prove through science that Gravity possesses these attributes, and then we say that God alone may possess them, logic then dictates that when we talk about God we are talking about Gravity and vice versa. Another important idea also involves a law of logical thought, the law of non-contradiction, and what are referred to as the communicable attributes of God, which are attributes that we all could possess. The law of non-contradiction states that things which are mutually exclusive cannot be true in the same way. There are many communicable attributes used to describe God, some of the most popular include loving, knowing, wrathful, jealous, and just. I propose that God cannot possess these attributes because doing so would make God patient, or dependent, on the actions of humans, which would violate the law of noncontradiction. God cannot possess these attributes which we all possess, as well as possess the incommunicable attributes which God alone possesses, because these different attributes contradict one another. God loving us, being angry with us, or showing us mercy would make God dependent on our actions for God’s own feelings. God would have to have a mind, which would need to retain thoughts, God would need emotions, God could no longer be immaterial, simple and without parts. God could no longer be immutable as all of this would require God change. Basically, I believe humans projected onto God what we know of ourselves. But instead, the truth is that God (Gravity) being transcendent, omnipresent, simple, immaterial, eternal, unchanging, noncontingent and responsible for the creation of the universe all means that God is nothing like humans or anything else in the universe. The final idea is that this new paradigm frees us from harmful religious dogma while reconciling spirituality, philosophy, logic and science, a project which was started in the Axial Age and carried on during The Enlightenment.

What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?

The Eye of God is first thing I have ever written. And the lack of sales has had the biggest impact on my writing. I imagined that if I produced a quality, thought-provoking, philosophical text, people would read and discuss it. Here at Literary Titan, you gave The Eye of God a 4-star review, which for my first book was very encouraging. Kirkus and Blue Ink gave me a good balanced review as well. Readers’ Favorite gave it 5 out 5 stars, OnlineBookClub 4 out of 5 stars, Outstanding Creator gave it 9.1+ out of 10. I sent almost 400 free ARCs to Philosophers, Theists, Scientists and Influencers. Only one college student influencer downloaded a copy and gave it 3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads. No one else has downloaded a free copy. I posted my Press Release to r/Philosophy on Reddit and a half dozen people immediately attacked The Eye of God based solely on the press release alone I suppose. Before I could even respond to all their assumptions, the post was frozen by the mods for breaking a rule that didn’t seem consistent with other posts which had basically done the same thing without issue. I spent a few hundred dollars on Ads with Reddit and Amazon which drove 400 – 500 people to my web site for a month. No one bought a book. Even though I read about countless number of similar experiences from so many authors while I was writing The Eye of God, I naively thought somehow that I would be different. I never asked “Why?” Why would someone spend money to buy my book and take the time to read it? People do not know who I am, and most already have their mind made up about God, one way or the other. It doesn’t matter how good my book is, unless of course a celebrity like Bill Gates puts it on their summer reading list. So, writing this book has made me into a writer. The Eye of God is not going to sell itself. I must build my brand, which means writing articles on platforms such as Medium, X and LinkedIn. No one gets to cut to the front of the line.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Eye of God?

I hope readers realize this new paradigm frees us from prior superstitions and religious dogma. Of course, as I wrote in the book “This will require that we think for ourselves, and thinking is hard, but our ability to reason is one of our greatest attributes and key to our continued survival. Luckily, our success or failure is not in the hands of some wrathful deity whom we could anger, or who could destroy us on a whim. Our fate is in our own hands, the fate of the planet itself is in our hands. This is a tremendous responsibility, and nothing should be taken more seriously now.”

Author Links: GoodReads | X | Medium | LinkedIn | Website

Aeternus Costin, a self-taught philosopher, finds enlightenment at the crossroads of science, technology, and deep metaphysical inquiries. Beginning with an epiphany during a casual summer day in 2019, Aeternus’ intellectual voyage spans across centuries of philosophical thought, from Plato to Einstein.
This book stands as both a challenge to conventional religious dogma and a fervent call to reconcile logic with spiritual beliefs. By tenaciously arguing for the existence of God using logic and science, it aims to free humanity from antiquated religious ideologies while bridging the chasm between rationality and transcendence.
Dive into a transformative exploration that not only seeks universal truths but also hopes to inspire readers to reflect upon reality and their role within it. Join in on a pursuit of knowledge, reason, and an unwavering quest for truth.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/18/our-fate-is-in-our-own-hands/

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