Annie Baker’s first film is a slow burn. Much of the action unfolds patiently, in real time, whether it’s a child running down a hill or her blintz warming in a microwave. But its long takes also cut abruptly, interrupting the feeling they’ve built: Baker’s scenes, slyly cued to Rainer Maria Rilke’s Fourth Duino Elegy, […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/08/11/be-yourself-janet-planet-annie-baker/
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
The Royals started school. Both like their teachers and classrooms. They went back on Thursday, so next week will be the first full week of school. Hazel misses her cousins, but she’ll start pre-school next year. It’s been unseasonably cool and I am walking around freezing…lol. Cleanup continues in the neighborhoods and chainsaws are a constant background noise. I am behind on reviews and hope to catch a spark of motivation soon. It will be my thirteenth year of blogging this week and I am in a bit of a funk. Stay Caffeinated.
A special thanks to Tantor Audio & St. Martin Press
Before you link up: Please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Subscribe
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/sunday-post-340-cooler-temps-back-to-school.html
Stonechild follows a teenage girl living in London who is determined to discover how and why the city’s statues are coming to life. What inspired the setup of your story?
As a mountain guide, I was already involved in the climate crisis and sharing the word on what needs to be done. This particular day, I was working in London on some corporate training. It was a hot day, we had walked a lot and my clients were taking a long time in solving a clue, which was based around the Royal Tank Regiment Memorial statue in Whitehall. I pictured the statue coming to life with the answer to the clue, and the idea grew from there. I sometimes joke that, as in the story, the statues share a telepathy, and so perhaps they gave me the idea!
Molly has lived her life traveling and exploring, giving her a unique perspective on the mystery but still allowing her to grow and learn from the experiences. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Molly is a combination of my own experiences and those around me. My own son travelled extensively from a young age, and I have friends who home-educated their children. Being curious has opened many doors for me during my life. I used to work in youth development and so I wanted to briefly touch on the subjects that affect us as teenagers, and in doing so, Molly’s character developed further. It was also interesting to explore Molly’s relationship with her brother and how that was changing when he had a girlfriend.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
This was a really interesting and at times, an exciting journey for me. I had ideas of why the statues would come to life and how. Climate was to be the reason behind the plot. The rest just grew as I wrote. I did a lot of research and ideas often sprung from that research. Sometimes, I would wake up at four in the morning with an idea, and would just have to get up and write. I was a police officer in the UK, so quite methodical in what I do. My writing place had files on each character and a map of London on the wall placing where the statues are and Molly’s adventures.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Stonechild finishes with the opening to the sequel, which I am currently researching. We will have moved on by about five years, and as readers might guess, we still haven’t done much to stop climate change. The story won’t be a repeat of what happens in Stonechild, I have something different in mind and it won’t be in London. As with Stonechild, I want a really good story that also makes us reflect on what we should be doing with this beautiful planet and how we live our lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/11/an-exciting-journey/
Of Ashes and Dust follows a Vietnam Veteran, now a professor, who is haunted by his past only to discover as the world is headed to Armageddon that the conspiracy theories he questioned are, in fact, truth and nothing is as it seemed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your novel?
There’s an obvious long-term cover-up by the US Government regarding the existence of ETs & UFOs, dating back to 1947. This, in part, served as an impetus for my “inspiration” to weave this narrative thread into the story arc. Also, I work with US military retirees, combat vets, many suffering from PTSD, as well as having served in the Army myself. This also added impetus to incorporate these elements into the plot.
The relationships that the characters form and, ultimately, the betrayals hook readers into watching everything unfold. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
It came naturally. I’ve lived the majority of my life overseas having worked with the US military during almost all this time. Dealing with stress-related combat vets almost daily has led me to come face-to-face with their problems, often getting personally involved with their emotional trauma & healing.
What was the chosen theme of the novel, or did it develop organically as you were writing?
It pretty much “develop[ed] organically.” The story, except for one or two events toward the end, naturally unfolded for me. Wish all story arcs would do that!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Working on publishing a chapbook (small poetry book), then a children’s book, and then the sequel to Of Ashes and Dust (OAAD). The OAAD sequel will most likely be more psychologically-driven & deeply delving into the troubled mindset of the protagonist & first-person narrator, Prof. Will Watson, rather than mostly event-driven as in the original.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Their tale traces back to two covert operations from the Vietnam War era–a revelation about UFOs from the U.S. Air Force and the clandestine Project Sixty-Seven.
At the heart of the story is Professor Will Watson–a war-ravaged Vietnam veteran, a fervent activist of the New Hampshire Liberty Militia, and a man haunted by specters of his past. As the world edges toward Armageddon, he seeks solace in the arms of his Japanese graduate student assistant, Kimiko Tanimoto. Amidst escalating pursuit by the State Police and FBI, Watson is confronted with the harsh realities of his traumatic past and the imminent downfall of a world crumbling around him.
However, the truth about his “friendship” with Mark Mercotti, a fellow militia member with a hidden sexuality, proves to be more sinister. During their service in VIetnam, Mercotti had Watson enlisted in the enigmatic Project Sixty-Seven and arranged for a covert implant to be placed in Watson’s head. This unsettling revelation forces Watson to question his sanity, but he soon learns that Mercotti’s web of deceit runs deeper.
As Watson navigates the aftermath of his military service, he stumbles upon a reality beyond his wildest dreams: the implant was a government ploy to monitor him. Meanwhile, Mercotti is far from the friend he claims to be. His conspiracies are more than mere theories; they’re cold, hard facts.
“Of Ashes and Dust” is a relentlessly intense tale of alternate history set against the backdrop of global Armageddon. It’s a thrilling exploration of conspiracy, survival, and unforgiving intrigue, culminating in a finale as explosive as it is unexpected.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/11/emotional-trauma-healing/
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems is more than a collection of poetry; it is the story of a woman who was unjustly impressed and her story of survival against inhumane conditions. What inspired you to share her works with the world?
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems is inspired by a deep commitment to honoring Friddie’s incredible journey of resilience and hope amidst the horrors of unjust imprisonment. Her powerful story of survival against inhumane conditions needed to be shared to give voice to the silenced and highlight the enduring human spirit. By sharing her works, I aim to preserve her legacy and shed light on the historical atrocities she endured.
How did you go about deciding what photos and quotes to include along with Friddie’s poetry?
Deciding which photos and quotes to include with Friddie’s poetry involved meticulous curation to ensure each element complemented and enhanced the emotional depth of her poems. I selected images that visually represent the themes of her poetry, such as survival, hope, and resilience. The quotes were chosen for their ability to encapsulate the essence of Friddie’s experiences and to provide context, creating a powerful and immersive reading experience.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Friddie’s poetry collection?
I hope readers take away a profound sense of empathy and awareness of the historical injustices faced by Friddie and countless others. Through her poetry, I aim to inspire readers to recognize the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Additionally, I hope Friddie’s story encourages reflection on the importance of preserving and sharing personal histories to ensure that such stories are never forgotten.
Are there more poems or writings from Friddie that you plan to publish in the future?
Yes, I plan to publish more of Friddie’s poems and writings in the future, but for a different audience. While in prison, Friddie also wrote books and poems for children, each carrying a greater message about pursuing justice, kindness, and dealing with adversity. I am currently working on this project to ensure that her inspiring words reach a broader audience and continue to impart important lessons and values.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | Amazon
Friddie’s story was first told in the award-winning novel Where the Lilacs Bloom Again(StoryTime World, 2022). Now, her powerful words are brought to life in this collection.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/11/survival-hope-and-resilience/
Little Joe enjoys taking naps in his basket on his front porch. One day, his friend Hopper invites him to his house to make fly soup. Being naturally curious and adventurous, Little Joe eagerly agrees. On their way to Hopper’s house, it starts to rain, forcing them to seek shelter from the storm. In their search, they encounter a hungry bear named Roxy. Little Joe helps Roxy, and in return, she provides them with shelter and tea until the storm passes. Afterward, Little Joe rushes home to tell Anna all about his exciting day.
One of the most engaging aspects of Mike Darcy’s Little Joe and the Big Rain is its delightful character development. Little Joe’s curiosity and bravery are infectious, making him a relatable and inspiring protagonist for young readers. Hopper’s enthusiasm and big-heartedness bring a light-hearted energy to the story, while Roxy’s nurturing nature adds a comforting presence. Their interactions are heartwarming and often humorous, illustrating how different personalities can complement each other perfectly. The narrative flows smoothly, with each chapter presenting new adventures and lessons.
The book’s gentle teachings on diversity and friendship are seamlessly integrated into the plot. The characters’ differences are highlighted in a way that celebrates uniqueness rather than division. This thoughtful approach helps young readers appreciate and embrace diversity naturally.
Little Joe and the Big Rain, by Mike Darcy, is a delightful read that offers more than just an adventure; it’s a journey into understanding and embracing diversity. The story’s engaging characters, smooth narrative, and gentle yet profound lessons make it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf. It’s particularly well-suited for young readers who are just beginning to navigate the complexities of friendships and differences. This book is sure to encourage children to look beyond the surface and discover the friend in everyone they meet.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 978-1964544007
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/11/little-joe-and-the-big-rain/
The Long Way Around, authored by Leon Mecham, is a deeply moving memoir that delves into the author’s experiences growing up as a Mormon, grappling with poverty, and navigating the complexities of a challenging family life. Through vivid storytelling, Mecham takes readers on a journey through his tumultuous childhood, marked by abuse from drug-addicted parents and the harsh realities of a loveless household. At the tender age of 18, he was sent away to support his family, yet he remained steadfast and true to himself, overcoming the adversities that life threw his way.
Mecham’s narrative style is both engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the vivid landscapes of his early life. His ability to describe intricate situations and daily struggles with graphic detail creates a profound connection with the audience, allowing them to experience his hardships and triumphs firsthand. The memoir is set against the backdrop of farm life, highlighting the strong influence of the Mormon religion and the rural environment on his upbringing.
The content of The Long Way Around is nothing short of inspirational. Mecham’s life story is a testament to resilience and determination. His accounts of enduring poverty, dealing with his parents’ addictions, and the absence of affection offer readers a powerful role model who exemplifies staying true to oneself despite overwhelming obstacles.
This memoir is particularly impactful for those who may be facing similar struggles, providing not only a sense of companionship but also a beacon of hope and optimism. Mecham’s courage in sharing his story is commendable, and his survival tale is one from which we can all draw valuable lessons. The Long Way Around is a remarkable narrative of perseverance that leaves a lasting impression on its readers.
Pages: 276 | ISBN : 978-1667869292
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/11/the-long-way-around/