Agreeing to Our Harm
We ignore at our peril the rage that animates Trump voters and threatens Biden’s chances this fall.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/agreeing-to-our-harm-marilynne-robinson/
Day: June 25, 2024
‘This Head, These Limbs’
Some years ago, a student brought me an image of a painting in the style of the Italian Renaissance. He had no knowledge of its provenance, but thought it would intrigue me, given my work on the history of racial representations. It depicts two men with halos—saints? holy men? priests?—presiding over the amputation of a […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/06/25/this-head-these-limbs-patricia-j-williams/
The Tuning Fork in the Ear
While I hesitate to use the word “delicious” to describe anything other than food, Carina del Valle Schorske writes delicious essays. One in particular, which won a 2021 National Magazine Award, is about Covid-19 grief and postapocalyptic dance floors. “In Plato’s ‘Protagoras,’ Socrates argues that dancing girls have no place in philosophical gatherings,” she writes. […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/06/25/tuning-fork-in-the-ear-carina-del-valle-schorske/
A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey
A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey offers a modern day romance and a look back at 1976 and the romance of Keaton Smith’s grandparents. This tug at your heartstrings tale swept me up and transported me to the seaside town of Beaufort, North Carolina where I found love, mystery and more. An absolute must read!
A Happier Life
by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Genres: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
The historic houses in the seaside town of Beaufort, North Carolina, have held the secrets of their inhabitants for centuries. One of the most enduring refuses to be washed away by the tide: What happened to Rebecca and Townsend Saint James on that fateful night of their disappearance in 1976?
Now, the granddaughter they never knew, Keaton Smith, is desperate for a fresh start. So when her mother needs someone to put her childhood home in Beaufort on the market, she jumps at the chance to head south. But the moment she steps foot inside the abandoned house, which has been closed for nearly fifty years, she wonders if she’s bitten off more than she can chew. Wading through the detritus of her grandparents’ lives, Keaton finds herself enchanted by their southern traditions—and their great, big love. As she gets to know her charming next-door neighbor, his precocious ten-year-old son, and a flock of endearingly feisty town busybodies, Keaton begins to wonder if the stories she has been told about her grandparents are true.
Keaton’s grandmother, Rebecca “Becks” Saint James’s annual summer suppers are the stuff of legend, and locals and out-of-towners alike clamor for an invitation to her stunning historic home. But, in the summer of 1976, she’s struggling behind the facade of the woman who can do it all—and facing a problem that even she can’t solve.
As Keaton and Becks face new challenges and chapters, they are connected through time by the house on Sunset Lane, which has protected the secrets, hopes, and dreams of their family for generations.
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I have family near Beaufort, North Carolina and have walked its streets. In fact, I am heading there this summer! So of course I was curious to read A Happier Life. Harvey pulled me in, made me laugh, cry and fall in love with the house and the characters.
We meet Keaton Smith, who finds herself homeless & jobless and in need of a fresh start. When her mother and uncle offer her the chance to close up their parent’s home, she jumps at the opportunity to spend the summer at the beach as she learns about the grandparents her mother refuses to talk about.
Keaton and her dog arrive to find a time capsule. While her mother and uncle have paid for maintenance, the home is exactly as it was the night her grandparents left it, the night they died in a car accident.
I loved the story that unfolded as we moved between present day and the summer of 1976. We learned about Rebecca “Becks” Saint James’ marriage and life in Beaufort from her famous summer suppers to their tragic end. We also got to know townsfolk, including the handsome neighbor and his adorable ten-year-old son.
Harvey had me equally invested in both timelines, but Becks is the one that tugged at my heartstrings from her blessed marriage to events that unfolded that summer. The characters were wonderfully developed, as was the suspenseful thread and outcome.
A Happier Life is a story I will revisit and the perfect book to bring along to the beach or include in your book club. I plan on grabbing copies for holiday gift giving. Perfect for fans of women’s fiction, chick-lit, family stories, and cute romances.
Amazon | Audible
About Kristy Woodson Harvey
Kristy Woodson Harvey is the author of Dear Carolina. She blogs at Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life and loves connecting with readers at kristywoodonsharvey.com. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism and holds a Master’s in English from East Carolina University. She is a regular contributor for The Salisbury Post, Domino magazine and Houzz. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three-year-old son.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/a-happier-life-by-kristy-woodson-harvey.html
Biting Sarcasm
In James Bong – Agent Of Anarchy, a former M16 spy and his team embark on high-stakes missions charged with espionage, controversy, and infused with humor. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve been a fan of the James Bond franchise for a long time. One thing I notice with mainstream heroes in big publications and Hollywood movies is that the “good guys” almost always work for the state and ultimately have good intentions. I love a good parody, so I thought it would be interesting to “flip the script,” so to speak. Bong is a freelancer, and the villains are affiliated with various global institutions.
Your novel is filled with memorable characters. What was your favorite character to write for and why?
That’s a great question. I’d have to say the nerdy hacker K. I’m a little bit of a nerd, love my coffee, and often use biting sarcasm, just like him. There’s a lot of me in that character. Actually, we’re almost identical, except the tech genius part.
What is it that draws you to writing satire?
I’ve always been a fan of absurdist comedy. I grew up with Monty Python, Mel Brooks, and Adam Sandler. The thing I really like about satire is that it is funny and absurd, but also carries a message. When I look at the society we live in, there’s certainly no shortage of material for satire. Satire makes people laugh, but also carries powerful messages that can reach people. It’s an important and often overlooked medium of influence.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
To be perfectly honest, I’ve been so busy trying to promote the work I’ve already published, that I haven’t had much time to write recently. One idea I’ve been kicking around, though, is an absurdist time travel murder mystery. I’ve also thought about writing a sixth book for The Evolution Saga series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
This gripping tale combines the best elements of espionage, humor, and heart-pounding action for an unforgettable reading experience.
Follow the daring exploits of James Bong, a former MI6 spy turned renegade, as he defies authority and takes on daring missions alongside his trusty team. With the brilliant hacker K, the fiery blogger Miss Moneybit, and the mysterious AI Symphy at his side, Bong navigates a world of danger and intrigue, leaving a trail of laughter in his wake.
But as Bong and his team push the limits of what’s possible, they soon find themselves pursued by their former employers, determined to put an end to their rebellious antics. Will Bong outsmart his adversaries and emerge victorious, or will he be caught in a web of deceit and betrayal?
Packed with cutting-edge technology, pulse-pounding suspense, and laugh-out-loud humor, “James Bong” is a must-read for fans of sci-fi adventure and spy thrillers alike.
Don’t miss out on the ride of a lifetime – grab your copy today and join Bong on his quest for freedom and justice!
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/25/biting-sarcasm/
Reclaim My Voice
Scholar of the Arts and Inhumanities is a collection of modern poetry that explores the themes of love, loss, and reclamation of self. Why was this an important book for you to share?
I wanted to release the trauma that had been caged inside me. Writing this book and sharing it was a way to reclaim my voice that had been silent for too long.
Do you have a favorite selection in your collection? One that especially resonates with you?
My favorite would have to be “Canary”. I wrote it about a dear friend and mentor of mine. She was my canary. She was brave enough to sing the truth, even when it hurt.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you express yourself through your poetry. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Besides all of it? I would say the hardest part to write was the truth. It would have been easier to change details or just not write certain poems, but then the authenticity would have been lost. I do want to write sanitized poetry.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on a psychology thriller about a young woman who discovers the man she loves is a monster. It’s written in an epistolary format where the reader is a member of the jury. I hope to have it finished before the end of summer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
The collection opens with a series of poems that grapple with the multifaceted nature of love and loss. It navigates the terrain of heartbreak, longing, and the unexpected twists that life often presents. The poems in this section serve as a testament to the enduring power of the heart, even in the face of profound sorrow.
These verses celebrate the healing potential of the natural world, where a canary’s song becomes a catalyst for profound revelation. These poems resonate with the gentle interplay between inner and outer landscapes, inviting readers to find solace in the embrace of the world around them.
This collection confronts themes of empowerment and triumph over adversity. Poems such as “Vengeful Spirit” embody a spirit’s quest for justice, unearthing the echoes of wrongs committed against her. “Trauma Bond” delves into the intricate dance between vulnerability and strength, illustrating the arduous journey to break free from a suffocating past.
Throughout the collection, timely societal issues find voice in poems like “Lockdown,” providing a stark reflection on the toll of trauma within a generation accustomed to violence. “Unfair” challenges established notions of fairness and inclusion, encouraging individuals to forge their own paths when denied a place at the table.
“Reclaim” and “Chokehold” echo themes of empowerment, urging individuals to seize control of their destinies and cast off the shackles of past traumas. “Until We Kiss Again” encapsulates the poignant yearning for a return to normalcy in a world forever transformed.
Haunted by the echoes of betrayal, “The Tears You Gave Me” lays bare the lasting scars of trust shattered, while “Indelible Mark” delves into the struggle to release the weight of past trauma. “Thief” contemplates the blurred lines between inspiration and appropriation, inviting introspection.
“Victim Blaming” courageously confronts harmful narratives surrounding survivors of abuse, dismantling stereotypes with unflinching truth. “Maiden Name” champions the autonomy of women to define their own identities, challenging traditional conventions.
“Ghost” encapsulates the lingering aftermath of a toxic relationship, exploring the enduring echoes of a love that refused to let go. “Teacher’s Pet” exposes the painful reality of betrayal in a mentorship, unveiling the predatory nature of a once-trusted figure.
Concluding on a note of self-reclamation, “Pieces of Me” demands the return of the fragments of self that were relinquished in the pursuit of another’s healing. “Echoes of Resilience” resonates as a powerful anthem of self-discovery, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. It invites readers on an emotional odyssey, leaving an indelible mark long after the final verse is read. This collection is an intimate testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/25/reclaim-my-voice/
The Orphan Maker
The Orphan Maker, by D.A. Chan, is a gripping thriller that plunges readers into a world where vampires lurk in the shadows and revenge is a dish best-served cold. The story follows Damien Shaw, a hardened vampire hunter, who is obsessed with tracking down the sadistic vampire responsible for the death of his family. Armed with a set of strict rules and a burning desire for vengeance, Damien’s relentless pursuit brings him face-to-face with dangerous adversaries and moral dilemmas, making for a page-turning adventure that blends horror and suspense.
From the outset, this book hooks you with its intense prologue, setting the stage for Damien’s quest for retribution. The author masterfully portrays Damien’s inner turmoil and his struggle to stick to his own rules, which often adds a layer of tension to the narrative. Each chapter reveals more about Damien’s character and his relentless drive, making it easy to sympathize with his plight even when his actions toe the line between heroism and madness. The pacing is swift, and Chan does an excellent job of keeping readers engaged with well-timed revelations and cliffhangers. The author’s writing shines in the detailed battle sequences and the dark, atmospheric settings that enhance the story’s sense of danger and urgency.
The narrative alternates between fast-paced action and quieter, more introspective moments, giving readers a well-rounded experience. The character dynamics are intriguing, particularly the interactions between Damien and his allies and adversaries. The complexity of Damien’s relationships, especially with characters like Jess and Bishop, adds depth to the story. Jess’s interactions with Damien are filled with tension and unresolved feelings, as shown in “Glass Half Empty.” Meanwhile, Bishop, the rival vampire hunter, brings an additional layer of conflict and unpredictability. These relationships keep the plot dynamic and add emotional stakes to Damien’s mission.
The Orphan Maker is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and supernatural thrillers. D.A. Chan combines elements of horror, action, and psychological drama to create a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Readers who enjoy intense action sequences, complex character interactions, and a touch of macabre will find this book to be an exhilarating addition to their bookshelf.
Pages: 177 | ASIN : B0D254F1KZ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/25/the-orphan-maker/
Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo
Family moments have the power to create enduring memories for children, a theme beautifully explored in Dr. Shon Shree Lewis’s delightful book, Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo. The story begins with Coco, an inquisitive young girl, watching TV with her faithful dog, Chico. Captivated by a cartoon featuring tigers, Coco’s curiosity is piqued, prompting her to ask her mother about these magnificent creatures. Her mother explains that tigers live in various places, including the zoo, which sparks the idea for a family outing. With a visit to Grandma Sarah already in the plans, Coco’s dad agrees to a family trip to the zoo on the Fourth of July, setting the stage for a day filled with fun, learning, and celebration.
Dr. Shon Shree Lewis’s narrative shines through her use of concise sentences and clear concepts, making her storytelling accessible and engaging for young readers. She effectively weaves in themes of courtesy, good manners, and proper behavior, presenting her characters as excellent role models. The story depicts a family working together harmoniously to create a memorable day, a portrayal that reinforces positive family dynamics. The adventure at the zoo is both educational and enjoyable, as Coco learns fascinating facts about animals such as tigers, lions, and giraffes. The vibrant illustrations complement the narrative, capturing the joy and wonder of the zoo visit. The family’s Fourth of July celebration culminates in a splendid display of fireworks, adding a festive touch to their special day.
Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo is a charming read that fosters a love for learning and family bonds. Dr. Shon Shree Lewis crafts an engaging tale that celebrates children’s curiosity and the joy of discovering new things. This book is a delightful way to spend time with children, inspiring them to ask questions and embrace the excitement of new adventures.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0C4T66BVD
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/25/cocos-fourth-of-july-at-the-zoo/
The Revenge Paradox
In The Revenge Paradox, Buttner surpasses expectations, delivering a thriller that is both captivating and meticulously crafted. Her innovative approach and superb writing elevate the book, making it a standout in the genre. The plot is a remarkable blend of family drama, suspense, and mystery, demonstrating Buttner’s skill in crafting a compelling narrative. Her ability to weave intricate details into the fabric of the story not only captivates but also lends authenticity to this fictional tale.
Pages: 268 | ASIN : B0D5WXX7WP
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/25/the-revenge-paradox/