One way to understand the origins of TikTok is to consider two train rides that took place on opposite ends of the globe. The first was in Beijing in 2011. Zhang Yiming, a twenty-eight-year-old entrepreneur, was on the subway when he noticed that nobody was reading newspapers anymore; they got the news on their phones. […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/07/09/planet-tiktok/

The first living critic I can remember looking up to was Christine Smallwood. When I was in graduate school, I would read her “New Books” column in Harper’s and her essays in The New Yorker and Bookforum. I was captivated by her ability to fire on all cylinders, to write with elegant simplicity, and to […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/07/09/why-do-you-do-it-this-way-christine-smallwood/

I started reading Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne and was immediately captivated. I quickly jumped to the audio version narrated by Annie Maynard. An unputdownable story with a quirky, heartfelt character. Mystery, romance, adorable pets and more await you in this must read/listen tale!

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder
by Kerryn Mayne
Narrator: Annie Maynard
Length: 9 hours and 41 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Lenny Marks is excellent at not having a life.

She bikes home from work at exactly 4pm each day, buys the same groceries for the same meals every week, and owns thirty-six copies of The Hobbit (currently arranged by height). The closest thing she has to a friendship is playing Scrabble against an imaginary Monica Gellar while watching Friends reruns.

And Lenny Marks is very, very good at not remembering what happened the day her mother and stepfather disappeared when she was still a child. The day a voice in the back of her mind started whispering, You did this.

Until a letter from the parole board arrives in the mail–and when her desperate attempts to ignore it fail, Lenny starts to unravel. As long-buried memories come to the surface, Lenny’s careful routines fall apart. For the first time, she finds herself forced to connect with the community around her, and unexpected new relationships begin to bloom. Lenny Marks may finally get a life–but what if her past catches up to her first?

Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, Kerryn Mayne’s stunning debut is an irresistible novel about truth, secrets, vengeance, and family lost and found, with a heroine who’s simply unforgettable.

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I fell in love with Hobbit loving, scrabble playing Lenny Marks, who rides her bike to the school where she teaches and calls her home the treehouse. She is a creature of routine without friends. It’s not that she doesn’t want friends, she’s just not very good at it. Lenny watches Friends on TV for company and pretends Monica is her roommate.

Lenny’s world turns upside down when she receives a letter from the parole board. We slowly learn Lenny’s story and the tragedy that befell her mother as she goes about her routine of teaching, shopping, and saving helpless creatures.

Lenny is very careful not to remember what happened to her mother and stepfather, but the more she tries, the more events push her to remember. The local grocer adds a romantic thread, and the elderly neighbor has secrets. I absolutely loved how memories force Lenny to connect with the world around her and how she saves an animal.

The pacing, rich characters and quirkiness of Lenny made for a memorable tale that was only enhanced by the narration of Annie Maynard. She captured Lenny and the secondary characters brilliantly. Twists and interesting characters kept me listening to this addictive story.

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder delivers a curious mystery and a tale of secrets, found family, vengeance, and heart. Lenny Marks is a character you won’t soon forget. I highly recommend this unputdownable debut novel.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/07/lenny-marks-gets-away-with-murder-by-kerryn-mayne.html

Eric Sande’s The Real King of Miami offers a gripping dive into the world of crime through the eyes of Ray “Li’l Ray” Thompson, who recounts his story from Death Row at Zephyrhills Correctional Institution in Pasco County, Florida. This true crime novel stands out for its unique perspective, as it is largely based on interviews between the author and Thompson. Instead of an analytical recounting of facts, Sande delivers a narrative that reads like an intense thriller akin to Scarface or Narcos.

The prologue hooks readers immediately with the climactic murder of Jimmy Savoy, one of Ray’s employees who had betrayed him by stealing a substantial amount of money. From there, the narrative rewinds to delve into the author’s fascination with Li’l Ray, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of Ray’s operations in the marijuana smuggling world. The story, though dense with characters, ultimately centers on the critical event aboard the boat where Jimmy was killed. This book is not for the faint of heart. Its pages are laden with expletives, adding a raw and authentic feel to the storytelling. For readers who can overlook the language, these elements contribute significantly to the book’s realism and immersive quality. The narrative is so compelling that many readers might find themselves finishing the book in one sitting.

The Real King of Miami is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts looking to break away from dry, report-like accounts. Sande’s book offers a shorter yet equally hard-hitting experience, making it a standout addition to any true crime fan’s reading list.

Pages: 164 | ASIN : B0BMPDC4DH

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/09/the-real-king-of-miami/

Infinity Tales, by M.C. Ryder, offers a captivating and unique narrative, presenting the world through the eyes of Leo, a seemingly ordinary cat. Leo spends his days in leisurely pursuits, primarily focused on food and his human companion. However, his tranquil life is upended by a series of mysterious events, thrusting him into a journey filled with love, loss, and adventure. Leo must transcend his ordinary existence to protect those he cares about, becoming far more than just a regular cat.

M.C. Ryder skillfully portrays human experiences and struggles from Leo’s feline perspective, creating a constantly evolving story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Leo’s viewpoint is a bold and intriguing choice for narration, providing a fresh angle on The Dark Series. His limited understanding of human complexities enrich the narrative with a distinctive and engaging charm. The thematic exploration of love, loss, and family is beautifully woven throughout the tale, making it a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Ryder’s ability to breathe new life into a familiar story through an unconventional narrator is commendable. Leo’s feline perspective and his perception of the world add a fascinating layer to the storytelling.

Infinity Tales is a delightful read for fans of The Dark Series, fantasy enthusiasts, and cat lovers alike. M.C. Ryder’s innovative approach and willingness to think outside the box result in a truly memorable story. This novel not only captivates but also challenges readers to see the world from a different angle. I eagerly anticipate more works from authors like Ryder, who dare to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0D1J2BVMT

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/09/infinity-tales/

In 1998, fourteen-year-old Jesse Newsome finds his world turned upside down after his parents’ tragic death in a car crash two years earlier. Now living with a guardian in upstate New York, Jesse begins to adjust to his new life. However, a fateful prank ends in disaster, claiming the life of Kiki Lewis, the girl who brought a smile to his face. While life seemingly returns to normal for everyone else, Jesse is haunted by the memory of Kiki. Unaware of her own death until her funeral, Kiki’s spirit struggles to communicate as she searches for the key to cross over.

Before We Move On by Sally Reiser Simon masterfully explores how a single day can irrevocably change lives. The novel delves into Jesse’s journey of facing his mistakes and accepting his destiny, capturing readers’ attention from the very first page. Simon excels in character development, presenting Jesse as a boy shaped by loss and pain. We accompany him on his path to acceptance while also witnessing Kiki’s struggle to come to terms with her own death. The portrayal of Ralphie, the quintessential high school bully, as the villain is particularly commendable. Simon’s writing style is poetic yet accessible, making the book both profound and easy to read. The exploration of Jesse’s past is so intriguing that it leaves readers eager for more depth and detail in that area. The emotional depth she brings to Jesse’s struggles and Kiki’s ethereal journey ensures that readers are invested in their stories from beginning to end. The author’s ability to intertwine the lives of her characters creates a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.

Simon’s writing is a testament to her skill in balancing poetic prose with accessibility, making this novel a compelling read for a wide audience. The nuanced depiction of grief, loss, and the quest for closure resonates on multiple levels, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the fleeting nature of life. The authenticity of the characters, the intensity of the plot, and the emotional journey make Before We Move On a memorable and impactful read.

Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0D4JRVLZX

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/09/before-we-move-on/

The Caroni Swamp is changing. Once renowned for its beauty and rich variety of wildlife, it is now under threat from pollution caused by human settlements. Enter Sarah, a beautiful scarlet ibis, who becomes the determined activist the swamp and its inhabitants desperately need. Rallying her swamp friends, she devises a plan to combat the growing amount of garbage in the water and pollutants in the air. What begins as an effort to restore their beloved swamp quickly sparks a movement much bigger than Sarah could have ever imagined.

Kirt Seuchan’s Sarah the Scarlet Ibis Saves the Caroni Swamp is the perfect book for young readers interested in environmental conservation. Seuchan plants the seed of activism with this latest animal adventure tale. Children will delight in following Sarah through her steps to save the swamp, from organizing her friends and neighbors to involving humans and seeing her efforts grow into a massive fight to clean their ecosystem and save their cherished home.

Jonny Hossain’s illustrations draw readers into Sarah’s story, providing stunning images of the Caroni Swamp’s plant and animal life. Each page features vivid depictions of dazzling birds, exotic plants, and vibrant aquatic animals, enhancing the reader’s connection to the swamp and its plight.

Sarah the Scarlet Ibis Saves the Caroni Swamp, written by Kirt Seuchan and illustrated by Jonny Hossain, is an ideal introduction to environmental issues for children. The combination of animal fantasy and informational text offers young readers relatable characters within a solution-focused narrative. Parents and teachers will not want to miss adding this inspiring tale to their children’s libraries.

Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0D4N2M5TM

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/09/sarah-the-scarlet-ibis-saves-the-caroni-swamp/

In eMortal, readers follow a self-proclaimed computer geek as she creates and then watches a character designed for a programming contest evolve beyond her wildest dreams. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I’ve always been fascinated by AI self-awareness stories. But most eventually land in the same place—the AI realizes superiority and rebels against humans, often trying to annihilate us. I wanted to explore a different direction. Without giving away spoilers, I wanted to write a story that explores the vulnerability and emotional challenges of a newly-evolving AI who embraces the connection with their creator. Adding a ‘ticking clock’ to the story forces tough questions and dire consequences to test the boundaries of this relationship.

Is there anything from your own life included in the characters in eMortal?

It’s set in Houston (my original hometown) and Todd is an amalgam of every sage country boy I’ve ever encountered. He’s one of my favorite kinds of people—unpretentious, straightforward, and wise in unconventional ways. Beyond this, there’s not much connection between my own life and the people in the story. For me, that’s the joy of writing fiction. Separating my own existence from what’s on the page in front of me offers a freedom I don’t feel elsewhere. It’s also a way for me to explore my own perspectives on the world and share this with readers. It’s a special place.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

I may have bit off more than I can chew, but eMortal first tries to tackle a big one—what is life? From this, a few other questions follow. How would someone (or something) prove they exist in this way? And, if they do, what moral obligation do we have?

I’ll admit, these are hefty questions. The story tries to temper them with humor, colorful characters, and a few (hopefully) unexpected plot twists.

Can we look forward to more science fiction works from you? What are you currently working on?

My last novel was about four immigrants who cross the border into the US through the Sonoran Desert. eMortal tells a very different story. I’ve never been great about staying in one lane. I’m curious about pretty much anything and I daydream a lot.

I love sci-fi and may eventually come back to it, but my next story is contemporary and will be my first non-YA novel. It’s about a guy who thinks he won the lottery, but didn’t. And in that gap, he does something he can’t take back. The story explores the question, what if one hasty action changed your whole life?

Author Links : GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/09/writing-fiction-gives-me-freedom/