In James, Percival Everett’s smart, funny, brutal retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Everett takes readers deeper into the capricious yet certain violence of American slavery, giving the characters a life that seems to lift off the page.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/a-story-of-his-own-james-percival-everett/
I feel an obligation not to cryaround my dogelse she gets frightened and shakes. I’m not comparingchildren to dogs like Israel does,but they share emotionality and deep sensitivity and her shakingreminds me of the videos I downloadedonto my phone of Gazan children shaking in fear in hospitalsthat had only weeks left untilUS-made bombs destroyed them. […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/x-days-since-the-genocide-began-edward-salem/
For the fixers, enablers, and vassals who surround Donald Trump, the rewards of his friendship are not worth the risks.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/like-being-friends-with-a-hurricane-fintan-otoole/
The short fiction of Ángel Bonomini possesses a lightness that sets him apart from contemporaries like Borges and Cortázar.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/the-watercolorist-the-novices-of-lerna-angel-bonomini/
Gary Saul Morson is the world’s leading authority on Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. In his latest book, conceived as a stocktaking magnum opus, wonder confronts certainty and triumphs decisively. But is the contest fair? Certainty is represented by the nineteenth-century Russian intelligentsia and its Bolshevik successors, wonder by the questions posed in Russian realist prose. Both […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/a-sacred-scripture-of-doubt-wonder-confronts-certainty-morson/
A steamy romance about two troubled souls who meet when he is trying to take over the company she works for. Narrated by Callie Dalton and Jason Clarke, Hazelwood offered an enjoyable listen, but I confess I was more interested in the takeover.
Not In Love
by Ali Hazelwood
Narrator: Callie Dalton, Jason Clarke
Length: 11 hours and 55 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
A forbidden, secret affair proves that all’s fair in love and science.
Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down.
Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through—and he’s a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can’t stop thinking about. The woman who’s off-limits to him.
Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business—one that plays for keeps.
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I found Hazelwood’s STEM romances enjoyable and appreciated the corporate takeover element in the plot. The romance in this book is hotter than her previous ones, and I’m all for it. The problem was that there was very little time to focus on building relationships. While I enjoyed the confessions, I don’t think I’ll remember their story in three months.
The takeover stems from revenge, and the storyline was intriguing. We are left in the dark in the beginning and slowly learn the whys. I confess I was concerned for Rue and her current project.
I loved the banter and secondary characters who added to the story. Both Rue and Eli’s backstories were interesting and enough that I felt like I knew where they were coming from. The romance while sizzling lacked a genuineness I felt previously from this author.
Callie Dalton and Jason Clarke narrated in duet. They did well voicing the characters. I preferred the parts read by Dalton and liked both her male and female voices.
While not my favorite Hazelwood novel, I enjoyed the banter, takeover story, and characters.
Amazon | Audible
Ali Hazelwood is a multi-published author—alas, of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. She recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies her. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, crocheting, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her two feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/not-in-love-by-ali-hazelwood.html
In Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming, a young girl sheds light on the inhumane treatment of slaves as she narrates the harsh realities of her family’s experience. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of my story is my love for African American History and God. I aspire to educate everyone a little about African American History while encouraging them to hold on to their faith amid their difficulties.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character Betsy. What was your process to bring that character to life?
My inspiration for bringing the main character Betsy to life was for the story of an enslaved family to be seen through the lenses of a young child and for it to be told from their perspective.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goal while writing this book was as my first book in this series was getting published, I was writing this book. I wanted to be done writing this book by the time my first book was published.
Can readers look forward to a third installment in the Joy in Sorrow series? Where will it take your characters?
Yes, I am currently writing the third book to the Joy in Sorrow series. My goal is for this book to be published by this time next year. My characters are on an adventurous journey to their final destination.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
This book will encourage you to have faith during your most difficult situation. It is an inspiring, entertaining, and educating book. It uplifts you with its Christianity foundation, as well as enlighten you a little about African-American history. Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming continues to exemplify the importance of having faith and not giving up
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/28/aspire-to-educate/
William E. Jefferson’s 2102: Pretense, The Play offers an intellectually stimulating exploration of the intricate relationship between humanity and technology in the wake of artificial intelligence. Set in the futuristic Onglander, where much of the story centers on Theater Pretense in 2102, the novel follows protagonist Quillingsworth as he narrates his observations of a courtroom process, accompanied by the enigmatic trio of Margin, Shadow, and Lesser Light.
Quillingsworth’s journey into the future serves to highlight the central conflict of the story: the shallow nature of a world dominated by technology versus the enduring power of human connections, art, and poetry. Jefferson’s narrative delves into what a technologically saturated future might look like and its profound impact on human values. A recurring theme in the novel is Jefferson’s portrayal of a future overly reliant on technology. This dependence creates a world where human values coexist uneasily with technological advancements.
The novel begins with a thoughtful, deliberate pace, featuring rich conversations, and soon becomes thoroughly engaging. Jefferson’s writing is marked by its poetic prose and elaborate language, making it a delight for those who appreciate literary grandeur. As the characters develop, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own use of technology and its impact on human relationships, offering an instructive and unique experience. Jefferson masterfully blends traditional drama and theater elements with a futuristic narrative, even as the plot becomes increasingly complex.
2102: Pretense, The Play is a pleasing blend of science fiction and realism. It offers a refreshingly original and entertaining read, grounded in factual information while maintaining a realistic portrayal of life. Jefferson’s novel is a compelling addition to the genre, perfect for readers looking for a thought-provoking exploration of our technological future.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0CW1C7HSM
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/28/2102-pretense-the-play/
In Remember Me, Rachel Vogel celebrates her mother, a woman who was the wittiest, funniest, and most delightfully chaotic person she’s ever known. From standing up to insufferable, thankfully not, in-laws to causing a scene at the zoo to playing the role of a shameless matchmaker, Rachel’s mother was everything to her—a beacon of light and, most importantly, her unwavering defender. To honor her memory and inspire others, Vogel journals some of the most iconic and beloved moments they shared.
Transcending the realm of mere tributes with impeccable humor, deep affection for her mother, and incredible storytelling skills, Vogel transforms cherished memories into tales that could easily belong to a hilarious stand-up routine. From the first memory to the last, Vogel sweeps readers into a whirlwind of emotions, leaving a lasting impression. Her witty and engaging writing style makes this book an intriguing and captivating read, leaving readers craving more stories. Her anecdotes will have you laughing out loud, gasping in shock, and nodding in admiration.
While her mother was undoubtedly quirky, Rachel also highlights her mother’s strength and resilience. She paints a vivid picture of a superwoman who was her rock and inspiration. Through her portrayal, Vogel expresses her love and respect for all super moms. Ultimately, she has crafted a wholesome work of art that not only preserves the memory of her eccentric mother but also underscores the importance of journaling.
Remember Me, by Rachel Vogel, is a heartfelt and humorous homage to a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on her daughter’s life. Through vivid storytelling and engaging anecdotes, Vogel captures the essence of her mother’s vibrant spirit and enduring love. This book is not only a celebration of an extraordinary mother but also a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing and documenting our own precious memories.
Pages: 84 | ISBN : 978-1955568432
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/28/remember-me/
The Road to Courage is a compelling autobiographical journey through Roy Taylor’s formative years in the remote wilderness of rural Alaska. Taylor’s vivid narrative captures the essence of his adventurous childhood, filled with encounters with Alaskan wildlife and the rugged beauty of his surroundings. His accounts of learning to fish and hunt moose in the Alaskan backwoods offer a fascinating glimpse into a life far removed from modern conveniences.
Taylor’s recollections go beyond mere adventure. He beautifully describes his family’s adaptation to the rhythms of rural Alaskan life. One particularly joyous memory he shares is the experience of being snowed in during winter—a moment that captures the stark yet enchanting reality of living in such isolation. A significant aspect of the book is the portrayal of his father’s experiences as a new church-planting pastor. The narrative reveals the challenges and pressures his father faced, underscoring the demanding nature of ministry in a remote setting. This aspect of Taylor’s story is both heartfelt and relatable, especially for readers familiar with the personal sacrifices associated with pastoral work.
The book resonated deeply with me. Taylor’s storytelling triggered my own childhood memories of exploring the backwoods of my neighborhood, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection. His vivid imagery and relatable writing style engaged me from start to finish, making me wonder if he ever experienced moments of fear akin to my own childhood adventures.
The Road to Courage is a richly engaging memoir. Taylor’s ability to weave a compelling narrative with vivid imagery makes it a captivating read. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a relatable and immersive personal memoir that promises to hold your attention throughout.
Pages: 296 | ASIN : B0D42WR751
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/28/the-road-to-courage/