Ninety-five percent of Sudan’s total grain production occurs in November and December. It should be a time of plenty. In the southeastern state of Blue Nile, farmers fashion conical gourds into wazza, horn instruments with a bright clear sound, which they play to celebrate the harvest season. Last year they were silent. In April 2023 a […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/06/23/sudan-starves/
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
All of my doctor visits went as well as expected. I’ve got another this Friday, then I should be good until August. We went to our grandson’s baseball game and ran errands as we prepare for our vacation in July. Stay Caffeinated.
A special thanks to Macmillan Audio & Brilliance Audio
We’ve got a small-town romance open for a book tour. All social media accounts are welcome. ARCs are available now.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/sunday-post-633-hot-days-of-summer.html
Steven Joseph’s latest addition to the Snoodles in Space series, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back, continues the engaging sci-fi adventure of Ricky and Briana. Having previously saved Earth, they are celebrated heroes, honored with the key to the city. However, their new-found fame attracts the ire of Grumpy Grimy Groodleman, a disgruntled inventor. Groodleman’s creation, the Groodle, a pungent and polluting vehicle, has not only tarnished his reputation but also led to his children’s disgrace over a candy scandal. Determined to undermine Ricky and Briana and reclaim his status, Groodleman allies with Evil Kidoodle from Planet Zoodle, setting the stage for a fresh cosmic threat.
Joseph’s storytelling opens with a cinematic recap, a technique that smoothly immerses readers into the current plot while recalling past events. This approach provides a seamless context, making it accessible even for those new to the series. His creative narrative style stands out, offering a world brimming with whimsical names and inventive elements. The plot, filled with unexpected twists and engaging complexities, is bolstered by a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct and well-defined traits that add depth to the narrative. This dynamic ensemble ensures that the story maintains its momentum, keeping readers intrigued throughout.
The comic format of the book is visually compelling, featuring a retro aesthetic that brings a unique charm. The character designs are vibrant and varied, adding depth and interest to the story. The environments are colorful and dynamic, enhancing the visual appeal. The playful language and inventive wordplay contribute to the book’s distinctive and engaging style.
The rich vocabulary and intricate wordplay add to its charm. Fans of imaginative and humor-filled science fiction will find Snoodles in Space a delightful read, rich with humor and a captivating adventure that sparks the imagination of children.
ASIN : B0D3WVVH5K
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/23/snoodles-in-space-episode-2-the-zoodles-strike-back/
Elsa Jacobs’ Rough Edges is a heartfelt contemporary romance that follows the lives of two single parents whose paths cross when their teenage sons become fast friends on the high school basketball team. Laura Fields, a dedicated nurse and single mother, has been navigating life alone since the tragic death of her husband eleven years ago. Bennett Keller, a recent widower and factory foreman, relocates from Cleveland to a small New York town to provide a fresh start for his son Marcus, who has been struggling since losing his mother five years prior. As their sons, Daniel and Marcus, play matchmaker, Laura and Bennett find themselves drawn to each other despite their initial reservations.
The charm of Rough Edges lies in the fresh twist of two teenage boys scheming to unite their parents. This engaging subplot injects a unique and delightful dynamic into the story, offering a departure from typical romantic narratives. The boys’ genuine desire to form a cohesive family unit is palpable and heartwarming; Laura fills a void in Marcus’s life, and Bennett does the same for Daniel, fostering a bond that extends beyond mere friendship between the boys. This interconnectedness leads Laura and Bennett to spend more time together, allowing their relationship to blossom naturally. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and as Laura gets to know Bennett better, her perception of him shifts, revealing the depth of their connection.
While the novel’s ending is satisfying, it left me wishing for an epilogue to glimpse the future of Laura, Bennett, and their sons. Seeing how their newly formed family continues to evolve would have been a delightful addition, enriching the story’s resolution and providing a fuller sense of closure. The early moments of tension between Laura and Bennett add an interesting layer to the narrative. Laura’s initial misjudgments based on Bennett’s tattoos and his job as a factory foreman create a compelling starting point for her character’s growth. Her evolving perception of Bennett, as she comes to appreciate his dedication as a single father, enriches the storyline and deepens their relationship. The author’s writing style adds to the book’s distinctive voice, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the text and its underlying themes.
Rough Edges is a warm and engaging romance that beautifully captures the complexities of blending families and finding love after loss. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy stories centered on family dynamics and personal growth. Jacobs’ novel offers a touching portrayal of second chances and the unexpected paths that lead to healing and happiness.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0CTD61Y82
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/23/rough-edges-a-steamy-single-parents-romance/
In Genuine Faith, Edward Cox offers an insightful exploration of the Epistle of James, presenting practical wisdom on living a life of authentic faith. The book dissects the letter’s tenets through a series of thematic chapters, each addressing key aspects such as faith in action, taming the tongue, and the importance of humility. Cox’s approach is accessible and thoughtful, making this ancient text relevant to modern readers seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.
Cox’s writing is engaging and clear, which makes the complex theological concepts within James approachable. One of the book’s strengths is its blend of scholarly insight and practical application. For instance, in the chapter “Faith and Works,” Cox navigates the often-debated topic of faith versus deeds with clarity and nuance, offering a balanced view that highlights the necessity of both. He references Martin Luther’s critique of James as an “epistle of straw” but skillfully counters this by emphasizing the practical outworking of faith that James advocates.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Cox’s writing is his personal connection to the material. His reflections on how James’s verses have impacted his life add a relatable and authentic touch to the book. For example, Cox shares how memorizing the entire book of James influenced his daily decisions and interactions, bringing a unique and personal perspective to his analysis. This personal touch not only enhances the book’s relatability but also encourages readers to consider how they might integrate James’s teachings into their own lives, inspiring them to deepen their faith.
Cox also excels in providing historical and cultural context, which enriches the reader’s understanding of James. In the chapter “Divided Hearts,” he delves into the socio-political environment of early Christian communities and how their struggles mirror our contemporary issues of division and conflict.
Genuine Faith is not just a compelling read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Epistle of James and its application to daily life. It’s a book that caters to both individual study and group discussions, making it a valuable resource for a wide range of readers. Cox’s thoughtful commentary, combined with his personal anecdotes and historical insights, makes this book a must-have for anyone seeking to live out their faith more genuinely and effectively. Whether you are a seasoned theologian or a curious layperson, Genuine Faith offers a wealth of wisdom that is both timeless and timely. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their faith journey, no matter their background or study preferences.
Pages: 98 | ISBN : 978-0997132656
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/23/genuine-faith-thoughts-on-james/
In Valtoha, you ask readers to join you on a journey from Singapore to Valtoha as you examine your family’s history beginning with your late grandfather. What inspired you to share your family history with readers?
When I went in search of my grandfather’s village, I did not intend to turn the adventure into an actual book. However, after the experience, I felt it was an amazing story in itself and that people would want to hear about it. I shared the experience with some close friends and they championed the idea of turning it into a book. Then the next questions were: how I was going to stylise the entire account and what parallels did my grandfather share with me? With these starting points, I began to craft the text that is now VALTOHA. On some levels, this may have been a personal project and on other levels, it was meant to give a voice to a seemingly insignificant person who actually is something of an important figure of subaltern history.
How long did it take you to research and put together your family’s history and write Valtoha?
I began writing the bulk of it while I was still travelling around India, so over the course of a month or so. That was just the first draft of the text we have now. Over the next three months, I began asking for information from the various sources and speaking to Dr. Kirpal Singh about the foreword of the text. Unearthing some information was easier than others but I think good fortune did play a huge part in the way some of the information fell into my lap.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
An enjoyable tale and nothing more because that is all it really is, I think? I know questions will inevitably be raised about identity, belonging and assimilation, as always with stories of transmigration. However, the truth is that these things really don’t matter. Most of us tend to spend a large portion of our lives trying to define identity for ourselves. The truth is that once we have a sense of the answer, we don’t really know what to do with it. Yes, I’m a third-generation Indian immigrant to Singapore but so what? My wife is Mexican, and I can’t relate to most things Indian or Singaporean. So what? The identity that I’ve constructed for myself doesn’t matter at all as much as the experiences that I have been through. Therefore, the search for identity is an absolute utter waste of time. I am a storyteller, and all this text is bringing to readers is just a story.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a speculative poetry collection about music and sound with American poet, Garrett Carroll that should be out sometime in 2025. Ikhṓr, my art/poetry collaboration with Irish artist Shane Reilly, will be released at the end of October this year. Also, at some point in 2025, I will be releasing Shadows with Sauroctonos Publishing. This is a grimoire about Southeast Asian supernatural entities and the dark magic used to invoke, banish and protect against them.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/23/define-identity/
James Grimm’s The Power of Water is an exhilarating dive into a richly imagined historical world where Atlantis, blessed with Aether-powered weapons from the gods, has flourished for millennia. The Aether’s gifts have granted the Atlanteans immense wealth, knowledge, and power, but they have also sown seeds of arrogance and envy among rival empires. These tensions set the stage for a high-stakes narrative as the Rama empire devises a plan that threatens to upend the balance of power. The Atlanteans, facing existential threats, must grapple with the sacrifices and duties required to preserve their once-great empire.
Grimm crafts a story of mythic proportions, seamlessly blending action with the rise and fall of this legendary civilization. The narrative unfolds through various perspectives and battles, immersing readers in the dynamic world of Atlantis. This multifaceted approach provides a panoramic view of the empire and its adversaries, enriching the story with diverse viewpoints and experiences. To enhance the reader’s journey, I believe a glossary at the beginning could offer valuable context and deepen the understanding of the complex relationships and settings.
Grimm’s talent shines in his compelling battle scenes and engaging dialogue, creating a vivid and action-packed tale. I feel a bit more background development would further enrich the characters and their motivations, offering readers a more profound connection to the unfolding drama. Grimm’s organizational prowess shines through with a timeline-structured chapter layout that effectively tracks the ebb and flow of the plot.
James Grimm’s The Power of Water offers an exhilarating journey through the legendary world of Atlantis. With its dynamic storytelling, thrilling battles, and a richly imagined setting, the novel captures the essence of a mythic civilization in turmoil. The book’s strengths in action and intrigue make it a captivating read. Fans of historical fiction and epic tales will find much to enjoy in this engaging exploration of Atlantis’ rise and fall.
Pages: 292 | ISBN : 978-1963553017
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/23/the-power-of-water/