I have seen three memorable exhibitions of sculpture in my lifetime. The first, in 1972, in the Forte di Belvedere above Florence, was of work by Henry Moore. The second, in 2022, at the Palazzo Strozzi, also in Florence, was of work by Donatello and his contemporaries. The third was “Brancusi,” at the Centre Pompidou […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/07/16/the-sculptor-of-flight-brancusi/
I devoured The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness in audio format, narrated by Jennifer Ikeda as the author took us to meet the maternal side of Diana Bishop’s family. Magic, suspense, secrets and more await you in this unputdownable edition to the All Souls series!
The Black Bird Oracle
by Deborah Harkness
Series: All Souls #5
Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda
Length: 17 hours and 3 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher, Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.4x
Deborah Harkness first introduced the world to Diana Bishop, an Oxford scholar and witch, and vampire geneticist Matthew de Clermont in A Discovery of Witches. Drawn to each other despite long-standing taboos, these two otherworldly beings found themselves at the center of a battle for a lost, enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782. Since then, they have fallen in love, traveled to Elizabethan England, dissolved the Covenant between the three species, and awoken the dark powers within Diana’s family line.
Now, Diana and Matthew receive a formal demand from the Congregation: They must test the magic of their seven-year-old twins, Pip and Rebecca. Concerned with their safety and desperate to avoid the same fate that led her parents to spellbind her, Diana decides to forge a different path for her family’s future and answers a message from a great-aunt she never knew existed, Gwyneth Proctor, whose invitation simply reads: It’s time you came home, Diana.
On the hallowed ground of Ravenswood, the Proctor family home, and under the tutelage of Gwyneth, a talented witch grounded in higher magic, a new era begins for Diana: a confrontation with her family’s dark past and a reckoning for her own desire for even greater power—if she can let go, finally, of her fear of wielding it.
In this stunning new novel, grand in scope, Deborah Harkness deepens the beloved world of All Souls with powerful new magic and long-hidden secrets, and the path Diana finds at Ravenswood leads to the most consequential moments yet in this cherished series.
* This audiobook edition comes with a downloadable PDF including a family tree.
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The books in All Souls series are ones I own both in hardcover & audiobook. I usually listen first and then read my hardcover copies. To me, The Black Bird Oracle feels like the start of a trilogy and I am hoping we get a new book next year. If you haven’t started the series or watched them, I encourage fans of fantasy, romance, magic, suspense, historical fiction, mystery and well written, addictive, must devour fiction to own them, pet them and feed them your soul regularly.
Could you pick up The Black Bird Oracle and begin here? I think so. Harkness does a wonderful job of acclimating new and familiar fans to Matthew and Diana’s story and world. Of course, I recommend devouring them all from the beginning.
I will try to keep this spoiler free. The tale begins at the beginning of summer. Diana and Rebecca are just returning home when a black bird delivers a message. Then, Diana and Matthew receive a formal demand from the Congregation that their children Pip & Rebecca are to receive their witches test. They say all things come in threes, and Diana also receives a letter from a great-aunt she never knew existed. Gwyneth Proctor’s letter simply reads: It’s time you came home, Diana. And just like that, I was all in. Despite my desperate attempts to make the story last, I lost waaaay too much sleep devouring this tale.
I loved visiting Diana’s paternal side of the family and seeing Diana explore that side of her magic. Ravenswood is situated outside of Salem, Massachusetts, and is an active witch community with family lines dating back to the Salem witch trials. Diana Bishop herself is from the line of the first witch to die. From the witches’ council to the memory bottles, I was all in. As always, Harkness wraps history, prophecy and magic into her tales. The story is brilliantly paced and of course I lost sleeping listening over and over to just one more chapter.
I loved getting to know Gwyneth, the cousins, and Diana’s children. Diana will be tested and face a nemesis, but she will also grow as a witch as she embraces both dark and light.
The tale left us in a good place, but hints of things to come and this fan needs more.
Except for A Time’s Convert, which shares a different perspective, the series is narrated by Jennifer Ikeda. Jennifer has become the voice of Diana, Matthew and all the other wonderful characters in the series. She does an exceptional job of capturing the tone of the story, the character’s emotions, passions, and fears, as well as their unique personalities. Ikeda enhances Harkness’s story, making listening my first choice.
Amazon | Audible
Deborah Harkness is the number one New York Times bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life. A history professor at the University of Southern California, Harkness has received Fulbright, Guggenheim, and National Humanities Center fellowships. Her publications include works on the history of science, magic, and alchemy. Her most recent scholarly book is The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution. She lives in Los Angeles.
Jennifer Ikeda is a two-time Audie Award winner who has narrated dozens of audiobooks. She has appeared in numerous TV and film roles, On- and Off-Broadway in both classical and contemporary plays, and as a narrator for NPR’s Selected Shorts. Jennifer is a graduate of the Juilliard School.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/07/the-black-bird-oracle-by-deborah-harkness.html
The Bird Caper by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson is a heartwarming tale about embracing change and overcoming fears. The story follows Brandon, a boy who cherishes his friends, family, and a host of pets, particularly his beloved pigeons and a crow named Ralph. His world is turned upside down when his parents announce an unexpected move, forcing Brandon to confront uncertainties about his relationships and his cherished pets. As he navigates his new reality, Brandon embarks on a journey filled with surprising adventures and challenges, from dealing with a friend’s disappointment to standing up to bullies who mock his passion for birds. Along the way, he discovers his knack for solving mysteries.
Moving can be a daunting experience for many children, often seen as a negative disruption. However, The Bird Caper beautifully illustrates how such transitions can be opportunities for growth and new friendships. Brandon’s gradual adaptation process, narrated from his perspective, allows readers to deeply connect with his emotional journey. The plot is rich and engaging, covering various aspects of school, family life, and social interactions, providing a multifaceted view of Brandon’s experience. The story’s mystery elements add an intriguing layer to the narrative. Brandon’s involvement in small but significant mysteries, like when Ralph the crow steals computer chips from his best friend, showcases his problem-solving skills and adds excitement to the plot. These episodes, while rooted in everyday occurrences, maintain a dynamic and relatable storyline that keeps readers invested in Brandon’s adventures. While the plot revolves around the move, it remains lively and authentic, portraying real-life situations that children can easily relate to. Some might find the story’s calm, realistic approach different from more fantastical tales, but this groundedness makes this book captivating and encouraging. It may even inspire young readers to embrace new experiences and challenges.
Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson have crafted a delightful and engaging story that will undoubtedly capture the interest of young readers. The Bird Caper is a must-read for children facing changes in their lives and for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, realistic adventure.
Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0D3Q4VW84
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/16/the-bird-caper/
In the vast expanse of the ocean, Arty the Betta Fish yearns for companionship. As a misfit among his fellow bettas and shunned by nearly everyone he encounters, Arty finds himself profoundly alone. Determined to find answers, he seeks the wisdom of an old snail, embarking on a journey fraught with dangers. Alongside Slug, his unexpected companion, Arty discovers the true essence of friendship as a new adventure unfolds.
ARTY by Penny Schneider is an utterly charming graphic novel for children. The illustrations are captivating, with each character bursting with life and humor, drawing readers into a vibrant underwater world. The narrative is compelling; Arty’s unwavering determination to find a friend despite his differences is heartwarming. Slug’s optimistic outlook on life and the delightful interactions between the two characters are consistently laugh-out-loud funny. The story concludes satisfyingly yet leaves ample room for future adventures. An added bonus of “bloopers” following the main story amplifies the humor, and interspersed pages encourage young artists and authors to envision the story’s next steps.
ARTY contains a heartfelt message of friendship, hilarious storytelling, and vividly joyful characters. This graphic novel is ideal for readers aged six and up. It is perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted stories about unlikely friends. A delightful read for a hot summer day, the adventures of Arty and Slug are bound to enchant readers as they continue to explore their enchanting world.
Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0CZYNXF3G
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/16/arty/
Regina of Warsaw: Love, Loss, and Liberation by Geri Spieler is a powerful historical novel that vividly portrays the devastating events of 1906, particularly the harrowing pogrom in Poland. Through the eyes of sixteen-year-old Regina Anuszewicz, we are given a deeply moving recollection of this grievous period.
The novel captures a time of intense turbulence as angry Russian soldiers violently raid Regina’s town and the boarding house she once considered a safe haven. Spieler skillfully builds tension as Regina, hiding in a closet, hears gunshots and the heavy footsteps of soldiers around her. The suspense is palpable, leaving readers anxious about whether Regina will be discovered. Drawing inspiration from actual events, Spieler’s writing is both clear and vivid, effectively conveying the harsh realities her grandmother faced.
Regina’s ordeal deeply affects her, driving her to convince her family to emigrate to the United States in hopes of escaping the lingering trauma. Spieler’s descriptive talent shines through, particularly in scenes where Regina grapples with guilt over her inability to save her sister, Chaja Fajga, from the soldiers’ brutality. This emotional depth ensures that readers feel Regina’s anguish and helplessness, creating a powerful and immersive experience.
Regina’s character is meticulously crafted. Her passion for languages and her job translating documents from Polish to Yiddish or Russian set her apart in a community dominated by mill workers. Her political awareness and attempts to warn her family about the rising antisemitism in Poland and Russia add layers to her character and underscore the novel’s historical context.
Regina of Warsaw: Love, Loss, and Liberation is a poignant testament to the importance of preserving family histories, no matter how painful. Spieler’s novel is a compelling read that I highly recommend to anyone of high school age and older. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Pages: 308 | ASIN: B0D5SVQ7CZ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/16/regina-of-warsaw-love-loss-and-liberation/
Anatomy of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit offers readers a compelling and thorough account of your quest to comprehend the intricacies of Florida’s legal system and medical malpractice laws, all while advocating for reform. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The book was written to educate the citizens of Florida on the state’s Sovereign Immunity Statutes and to show why many medical malpractice incidents go unpunished: because the injured party cannot get legal representation to litigate their case.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The unnecessary suffering and death of my wife caused by the insertion of a catheter, in violation of Medicare mandates about their use, for economic and not medical necessity reasons.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Suing a deep-pocketed Sovereign Immunity entity is a long and tedious process if one can find an attorney foolish enough to litigate it.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
It took four years to accomplish what I set out to do, which was to get the defendant to settle a “wrongful death case.” Monetary awards received are just written off as a cost of doing business by the defendant, and the public will never know; by settling the case in mediation, the defendant pled guilty to the “wrongful death” charge. We will also never know if catheter insertion is still standard practice since K gave the defendant the right to continue the practice.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/16/john-siko-author-interview/
In Dancing in the Ring, you highlighted the story of a couple in 1920s and 30s Detroit who became known for their fierce commitment to social justice as they gained fame in dance halls and the boxing ring. What inspired you to write this story?
The story of my great aunt and uncle was one that my father shared quite often when I was growing up. Every time I heard it, or some part of it, I was amazed by these two relatives whom I had never met. While my father wasn’t the best storyteller, he talked about them with such passion that I could easily envision them. When I was younger, I probably romanticized Kate and Bob—their tragic passion. My father always encouraged me to write about them. I never thought I would until a few years ago. At that time, I had several vivid dreams about them, as well as my paternal grandparents. This was before I gave serious thought to writing the book. I guess you could say, the dreams inspired me, as well. As I was doing research for the book I was struck by their commitment to social justice and knew I wanted to incorporate it into the book. I didn’t want it to be simply their romantic courtship followed by their difficult marriage. Their lives were so much more than that. I was also inspired because I felt a need to honor their short lives.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I did a fair amount of research. I spent several months poring through family notes, photos, a few newspaper articles, and my father’s written account. I had a fair amount of information about my great uncle, but less about my aunt. There was very little I could find online, though I did find a few photos, as well as her college yearbook and some about his boxing career. While most of the characters were based on real people, some were not. I had no choice but to fill in the gaps with my imagination. Researching Detroit history online, as well as in a few books, helped me visualize the era. I spent close to a year on research, and almost two years writing the book. I worked from extensive notes and more of an outline than I usually do.
Were there any characters that you especially enjoyed writing for?
I especially enjoyed writing about Bob because I had more information about the Sage side of the family. Piecing it together made me feel like a sleuth. And yet I loved imagining what Kate must have been like, too. Since her family members were completely fictitious, I worried that it would be obvious. I wasn’t sure I could effectively fill in all the gaps. From the feedback I’ve received, I think I managed to do so. Another character I had a lot of fun writing about was Nana, Bob’s mother, who was my great-grandmother.
Can we look forward to more historical fiction from you soon? What are you currently working on?
This was my first attempt at writing historical fiction. I do have an idea for another one, but I’ve only written preliminary notes. My latest book will be published by Black Rose Writing this December. It’s a madcap river trip set in the 2030s. Magic Realism/Dystopian fiction probably best describes the novel’s genre. I’m currently working on a sequel.
Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/16/their-tragic-passion/