On a warm spring day last March, I visited Ali Mohammad Sagar at his home in Humhama, a middle-class neighborhood in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. As we sat inside his high-walled compound, in a well-tended garden below cypress hedges, he cast a dismal glance at heaps of debris that lay to one side of […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/07/21/kashmir-crackdowns-and-plunder/
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
Vacation!! We spent time in Washington D.C., Ocean City, Maryland & Virginia Beach. We are now in North Carolina visiting family on the coast. Stay Caffeinated.
A special thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/07/sunday-post-637-on-the-east-coast.html
Hello Flower: A Real Life Story of Narcissistic Love and Invisible Abuse, by Martina Gruppo, is a compelling and insightful non-fiction biographical account that delves into the pervasive and insidious nature of narcissistic abuse. Gruppo’s narrative is a stark reminder that narcissism, an often unseen and underestimated form of abuse, can ensnare even the most resilient individuals. The subtlety and unpredictability of this psychological manipulation make it a particularly dangerous form of harm.
In Hello Flower, Gruppo provides victims and readers with the tools to recognize and recover from narcissistic abuse, offering practical advice for those currently in abusive relationships or those who have managed to break free. Her writing is raw and genuine, showcasing her talent as a storyteller and her bravery in recounting her own harrowing experiences of manipulation, humiliation, and mental abuse at the hands of a narcissist. Gruppo’s candid reflection on her youthful naivety adds a poignant layer of vulnerability to her story. Gruppo’s publicized recounting of her experiences is both urgent and captivating, making the book a gripping read. Her words serve as a soothing balm for those who have endured similar trauma, helping them to identify and understand the disorder. She encapsulates the despair of dealing with a narcissist in a powerful statement: “It doesn’t matter what you do, say, how you dress, or how hard you try—you simply aren’t there. You don’t matter.” This painful truth, especially when the narcissist is a close family member or partner, is the first step toward healing.
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand narcissism and its effects. Gruppo’s work is not only an educational tool but also a guide for those looking to reclaim their lives and self-worth after enduring narcissistic abuse. Her insights and encouragement help readers emerge stronger and ready to live life to the fullest.
I highly recommend Hello Flower to anyone seeking to learn about narcissistic abuse or to find solace and guidance on their path to recovery. Martina Gruppo’s book is a testament to resilience and a beacon of hope for those striving to heal from invisible wounds.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0D4VTQLDK
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/21/hello-flower/
Book three of the Dianis: A World in Turmoil series, The Citadel, immerses readers in a world where a diverse cast of characters battles for supremacy. The story is rich with fantasy elements embedded in a science-fiction framework, creating an epic adventure. As resources are sought, battles waged, and intrigue unfolds, readers will find themselves drawn into a complex and dynamic narrative.
Every aspect of The Citadel embodies the term ‘epic’. Comparable to A Song of Ice and Fire or The Iliad, this book is brimming with international and intergalactic conflicts, espionage, politicking, and combat. Dravis demonstrates an exceptional understanding of his world, dedicating significant effort to ensuring each event influences the broader narrative. A captured man’s liberation by factions seeking his knowledge ignites a conflict that escalates the already intense storyline. This intricate weaving of events showcases Dravis’s dedication to creating a believable and immersive world, populated with detailed races, ideologies, organizations, and governments.
With an extensive cast of characters and multiple plot threads, I feel the storyline can sometimes be challenging to follow, particularly for readers new to the series. While the detailed world-building is commendable, I believe it can sometimes slow the momentum in certain sections. The action sequences are well-crafted, with vivid descriptions that bring the battles to life. The stakes are continually raised, keeping readers engaged as the characters navigate their dangerous and unpredictable universe. The blend of science fiction and military strategy will particularly appeal to fans of space operas and those who enjoy detailed, immersive storytelling.
The Citadel is a compelling addition to the Dianis series, offering a rich tapestry of interstellar politics, war, and personal struggle. While its complexity might be daunting for some, those who appreciate intricate world-building and multifaceted characters will find much to enjoy. This book is highly recommended for fans of military science fiction and those who have followed the series from the beginning. Its detailed narrative and high-stakes drama ensure that it stands out in the crowded field of space operas.
Pages: 410 | ASIN : B0D5L3LL7W
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/21/the-citadel/
Jason Wagner, a renowned pro hockey player, faces a crisis both on and off the ice. As he grapples with the possibility of his career ending, he clashes with his agent and fights to secure a new contract. With his dream of lifting the Stanley Cup slipping away, Jason must confront the harsh realities of his sport and the demons that haunt him. Alongside his professional challenges, Jason contends with personal struggles, including an estranged brother, a new love interest with a troubled past, and a dangerous addiction that threatens to destroy him. Will he achieve his dreams and find happiness, or will the pressures of his sport and personal struggles prove too much to overcome?
In High and Out, author Justin Weber crafts a captivating slice of life and sports fiction novel that masterfully explores the highs and lows of a professional hockey player’s journey. Initially, the book’s laid-back tone may suggest a leisurely pace, but it soon reveals a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the struggles athletes face, both on and off the field. The sports industry’s toxic underbelly is laid bare, and Jason’s heart-wrenching struggles will leave readers emotionally invested and eager to see him overcome the odds. Weber demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting vivid descriptions of ice hockey gameplay. The action is so detailed and immersive that lovers of the sport will be engrossed in the glorified action. The book’s emotional rollercoaster is expertly woven, oscillating between moments of joy and sorrow, creating a deep sense of empathy in readers. Weber’s writing is both sensitive and courageous, refusing to shy away from the harsh realities of Jason’s journey.
High and Out is a gripping novel that delves deep into the life of a professional hockey player navigating the tumultuous waters of his career and personal life. Justin Weber’s storytelling is both poignant and vivid, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the highs and lows of the sports world. Through Jason Wagner’s journey, the novel explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the search for redemption. It is a must-read for sports enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted tale of personal struggle and triumph.
Pages: 278 | ASIN : B0D5863QB5
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/21/high-and-out/
In The Camaro Murders, Ian Lewis crafts a compelling narrative centered around a murder in a small town, told from four distinct perspectives, including one from beyond the grave. The driver of the Camaro, a man straddling the line between the living and the dead, is tasked with gathering murdered souls. As he navigates this eerie realm, he uncovers the identity of a young girl’s killer, who poses an imminent threat. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must choose between following his orders and saving a boy’s life by intervening.
Lewis excels in creating an otherworldly atmosphere while grounding his characters in relatable human experiences. Each perspective is uniquely rendered, with narratives in the first person that are well-crafted and thoughtfully developed. The multi-faceted storytelling draws readers deeper into the plot, making it a gripping read from start to finish. The book’s non-linear timeline, which shifts back and forth, enhances the plot’s complexity and intrigue. This narrative technique adds depth to the story, making it more engaging as the reader progresses. The careful construction of these shifts in time demonstrates Lewis’s skill in maintaining a coherent and compelling storyline.
Notably, The Camaro Murders is a clean read, devoid of lingering graphic violence. Lewis’s sensitivity in handling violent themes with caution and restraint is commendable, ensuring that the story remains impactful without unnecessary gore. This thoughtful approach allows the reader to focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of the narrative.
The Camaro Murders is an excellent read, earning a solid four out of five stars. Ian Lewis’s experimental technique as a writer complements the plotline effectively, making the book a standout in its genre. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read with a unique narrative structure.
Pages: 153 | ISBN : 978-1976976339
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/21/the-camaro-murders/
Ironborn follows an orphan living on the street, surviving off his wits, who has a deal go sour and winds up on the open sea as part of a naval crew fighting an oppressive tyrant. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always loved stories of people who start out with nothing and overcome overwhelming odds in real life and in fiction. Crutch starts as low as you can get, literally, surviving on rats and cockroaches in the sewers of Ironbay. He has no friends and the people he has contact with, like the gangs or the city guard, steal from him or try to kill him. Crutch is also crippled in one leg.
On the surface of it, there is no way someone like Crutch could succeed or even survive. But somehow he finds a way. That’s a story I love telling. Trodden down people society has written off finding some way to succeed when everything looks impossible.
Crutch is not as strong as other members of the crew, but what he lacks in physical strength he makes up for with intelligence and sharp wit. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
At the beginning of Ironborn Crutch is not just physically weaker than everyone around him, he’s also friendless. He has never really had a close friend in his life. One he had for a short time was hanged and another was eaten.
I wanted readers to see Crutch’s journey learning how he could use his intelligence to win over opponents stronger than him. But even more importantly, I wanted readers to see Crutch grow emotionally, learning to be part of a team, to trust people around him, and to find real friendship and comradeship.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
That there are thousands of solutions to every problem and you just have to find one that works for you. That the most powerful and important thing in life is the people around you, the friendships you make, and the people you stand with and stand by when challenges come and your back’s against the wall.
Most important of all, that no matter how bad things look there’s always a way to survive and push through.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
There are already five books in the Ironborn Saga available on Amazon with more to come (the sixth is almost finished as I write this). In the second novel, Our Blood Our Land, mutiny is afoot and the pirate captain Wyld Dog takes back the Auld Faithful. Wyld Dog uses Crutch as a pawn to pillage merchant ships.
Meanwhile, Estovia, ruled by the power-hungry tyrant, Emperor Solokov, invades Papageenar, the agricultural heartland of the Ironborn territories. The Ironborn have to find a way to stop his army from cutting off Ironbay’s supply of food and starving them into submission.
Wyld Vengeance is a fun, fast-paced romp of a prequel revealing how the mild-mannered noble William Wyld became the ruthless king of the pirates Wyld Dog. You can get the novella Wyld Vengeance free at my website: http://andrewcavanagh.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/21/always-a-way-to-survive/