On June 13 the Supreme Court once again sided with a multibillion-dollar corporation over its workers. The case of Starbucks Corp. v. McKinney concerns seven employees, now known as the Memphis Seven, whom Starbucks fired in February 2022 as they tried to unionize their store in Tennessee. (Because federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against organizing, the company naturally claims […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/08/10/misjudging-labor/
Willie Lost, But Not Really, follows a young girl from Maine who discovers a newborn harbor seal pup, and together, they learn about kindness and friendship. What inspired your story?
The inspiration for my story Willie, Lost But Not Really Comes from two main sources. First and foremost, it was inspired by my granddaughter, Alora, who has shown me a new and bright perspective on the world around me, especially a renewed appreciation for nature. Additionally, my deep-rooted connection to Maine, where I grew up on Peaks Island in Casco Bay, plays a significant role.
After spending eight years in the Southwest for school and staying on after graduating from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I returned to Maine and reconnected with my roots as an artist and sculptor. I began creating sculptures of harbor seals, merging them with ceramic and driftwood, and during this process, I educated people on the nuances of harbor seal behavior, particularly about when a seal appears stranded but is simply following nature’s course. These experiences with my granddaughter and my artistic endeavors in Maine inspired the creation of Willie’s story, blending my love for Maine, Harbor seals, and the insights from my granddaughter.
I found Alora to be a fascinating character. What was your inspiration for this character?
The inspiration for my character Alora comes from the beautiful spirit and fresh view of the world seen through the eyes of an eight-year-old. My granddaughter Alora, is a uniquely, insightful, intuitive, and imaginative child, very special and deeply in touch with nature. Alora’s sensitivity extends to her interactions with the environment, for example, she asks permission from a tree before taking anything from its base for our artwork. Spending time with her has opened my eyes to a very pure and appreciative way of viewing the world, which I aim to capture and share through my storytelling.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
One of the most special parts of the story is when Willie, now a mature harbor seal, returns to the harbor to find Alora. In this scene, they are together in the water, with me describing Alora as being up to her chest in the water, face to face with Willie. This reunion is deeply significant because it stems from the respect and kindness Alora showed Willie when he was just a pup. The illustration captures them almost nose to nose, bonding once again. It is a powerful depiction of their enduring relationship highlighting the theme that kindness to nature fosters deep and lasting connections. This scene where they meet again, matured and bonded by past kindness, really encapsulates the essence of the story.
Can you tell us about the next book in the series and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
I am currently working on a new series alongside continuing the Nana Dee and Ari series. This new project is called 12 Months of Harmony It is a collection of twelve interrelated volumes intended for young readers and adults alike. The first 3 months are currently available on Amazon: Grazie’s Peace Pasture, Lady of the Ferns, and Toby Rose.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Join Willie and Alora in a transformative journey that celebrates the wonders of nature and the bonds of friendship.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/10/deep-and-lasting-connections/
Jurgen “Jojo” Appelo’s debut sci-fi novel, Glitches of Gods, offers an exhilarating journey through a troubled future where advanced AI, virtual worlds, and reality-warping “gods” intertwine. The story centers on Julien, a brilliant yet tormented engineer burdened with guilt over an AI malfunction that led to his father’s death. The narrative takes off when a mysterious technical glitch disrupts Julien’s city, propelling him into an alternate timeline. Suddenly, Julien finds himself a single father of twin boys and the leader of a quirky tech team. As he grapples with broken bots, misguided protestors, and an escalating conflict among “gods,” Julien’s world becomes increasingly chaotic.
Delving deeper into the novel’s unique plot risks spoilers, but suffice it to say that Appelo’s writing embraces a mix of genres. Glitches of Gods seamlessly blends science fiction, family drama, and fantasy, creating a disorienting yet compelling read—much like the experience of being thrust into an alternate reality. One of the book’s standout features is its world-building. Appelo crafts a vividly imaginative universe filled with intricate details ranging from futuristic technology to a diverse cast of supporting characters. The sections set in virtual reality are particularly mesmerizing, offering a trippy, immersive experience.
Julien is a captivating protagonist—a complex and flawed hero who evolves from a cynical, self-loathing individual into a natural leader. His journey is organic and unrushed, making him an easy character to root for despite his stubborn and melancholic tendencies. The supporting characters, including Julien’s precocious children and his eccentric interdimensional housekeeper, add depth, humor, and warmth to the story. The plot is well-paced, brimming with twists and turns that grow increasingly bizarre as the narrative progresses. Although the story can become challenging to follow, especially towards the end, the effort is well worth it. Appelo’s tone shifts dramatically throughout the novel. He deftly moves from sharp satire on corporate greed to slapstick comedy and even touches on existential horror. While this tonal variety can cause some whiplash, it underscores Appelo’s commitment to his unique vision. Beyond its entertaining plot, the novel delves into profound philosophical themes. It explores the moral implications of creating advanced AI, simulation theory, and the tension between destiny and self-determination. Appelo weaves these themes into Julien’s journey without becoming overly didactic.
Glitches of Gods is an ambitious and thrilling debut novel. Appelo’s work is highly recommended for readers who appreciate a genre-blending, thought-provoking adventure.
Pages: 526 | ASIN : B0D5NPZY8Y
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/10/glitches-of-gods-playspheres-book-1/
Imagine if everything you knew about your life was shattered in a single day. What if you discovered you’ve been living a lie? And what if you couldn’t even trust yourself? In Mindfarm: The Harvest, Andrew DiVincenzo takes us on a journey with a man on the brink of losing his sanity, desperately trying to stay grounded.
The story unfolds mostly within one day, centering around Jetson Stewart as he uncovers a truth too bizarre to believe. Despite its serious themes of mental health, the book is infused with a delightful sense of humor. It’s rare for contemporary sci-fi to make me laugh out loud, but this one did, repeatedly. DiVincenzo introduces the sci-fi elements in a refreshingly unique way, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. His skill in world-building and character development is evident; the characters come alive, resonating deeply with readers. The blend of comedy, sci-fi, heroism, and psychological fiction keeps you guessing at every turn, making the story both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
One of the standout aspects of Mindfarm: The Harvest is its ability to entertain while offering insightful commentary on mental health. Through Jetson’s experiences, readers gain a better understanding and empathy towards bipolar disorder, a testament to DiVincenzo’s writing prowess. When a reader can empathize with the characters, the author has truly succeeded.
The writing itself has a nice rhythm and pace, making the pages turn effortlessly. If you’re looking for a light-hearted yet meaningful sci-fi read, Mindfarm: The Harvest is an excellent choice. It entertains, educates, and leaves a lasting impression, embodying the essence of what great art should achieve.
Pages: 383 | ASIN : B0D21PQWVQ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/10/mindfarm/
Morris Hoffman’s Pinch Hitting is a heartfelt tribute to baseball, woven into a narrative that explores the profound struggles of disability, grief, trauma, and loss. The novel artfully blends the emotional weight of these themes with the exhilarating intensity of baseball, creating a compelling and multi-layered story. The structure of Pinch Hitting is particularly intriguing, as it features a story within a story. The novel’s central character, Joe Skelton, becomes an unlikely narrator when he is diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. This tumor manifests in an unexpected way—Joe begins narrating a vivid and original story in his sleep, surprising both himself and his wife, Katherine. They start documenting this tale, which evolves into Tales of Harold. As Joe races against time to finish Harold’s story before his own life ends, an invisible clock ticks away, adding tension and urgency to the narrative.
At the heart of Joe’s tale is Harold Fungo, affectionately known as the “Joltin’ Janitor.” Harold is a disabled janitor who unexpectedly finds himself thrust into the national spotlight as a professional baseball player, thanks to his remarkable pinch-hitting abilities discovered by a minor league team. The reader is taken on an emotional journey through Harold’s life, from his challenging childhood with a loving, deaf mother to the discrimination and betrayal he faces as an adult in the world of professional sports.
Hoffman enhances the storytelling with each chapter, beginning with a newspaper clipping that updates the reader on the latest happenings in Harold’s baseball world. This clever device adds authenticity to Harold’s rise in the sports world, while the alternating narratives of Joe and Harold create a rich, layered experience. The emotional journey of Joe and Katherine as they confront his illness is paralleled by Harold’s tumultuous path in baseball, where themes of racism, discrimination, and the deep bonds of teamwork come to the fore.
Pinch Hitting, by Morris Hoffman, offers something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to its deeply touching emotional core or the gripping excitement of baseball. Even those with little interest in the sport will find themselves captivated by the novel’s powerful storytelling and complex characters. This is a book that will resonate with readers, winning hearts regardless of their familiarity with the game.
Pages: 349 | ISBN : 978-1685134389
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/10/pinch-hitting/
Self Love, by Natalie Bears, is an insightful guide on creating the life you desire through the power of self-love. Bears explains the scope of self-love and how it can transform your life by exploring essential topics like gratitude, routines, and mindset. Each chapter includes a journal section, providing readers with the opportunity to reflect and engage deeply with the material.
The book delves into the relationship between self-love and respect, as well as self-love and emotions. Bears reinforces her concepts with thought-provoking quotes from thought leaders and famous personalities, adding depth and resonance to her messages. One of the most compelling themes of the book is the impact of others’ opinions. Bears discusses how external views affect our self-perception and why this can be detrimental to our well-being. She further explores the importance of positive self-talk, emphasizing how the way we communicate with ourselves is crucial for maintaining a healthy mindset.
Self Love offers valuable insights. I would love to have seen the inclusion of real-life case studies or additional information on the psychology behind self-love. While the content occasionally revisits similar themes, this repetition helps reinforce key messages. Bears’ uplifting ideas and positive approach make the book a worthwhile read.
Self Love is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore self-love without getting bogged down by technical information. It’s particularly suited for readers who appreciate Natalie Bears’ unique perspective on self-improvement.
Pages: 83 | ASIN : B0D5FS2Y15
Manda and the Fish, by Noah Bella Michaelis, is a beautifully crafted story about resilience and determination. The narrative follows Manda, a young Oneida girl named after a river near her village, as she recounts a pivotal experience from her youth to the children of her tribe. Bound by the traditional gender roles of her culture, Manda watched her brothers and father hunt and fish while she planted seeds, made clothes, and performed other tasks. Despite this, her interest in fishing never waned. When she asked her father to teach her, he refused, citing tradition. However, after a poor fishing day for her family, Manda decided to defy convention and try fishing on her own, unaware of the potential consequences.
Noah Bella Michaelis has written a simple yet profound story that explores themes of self-confidence, facing fears, and the importance of communication and collaboration. The narrative is both exciting and intriguing, with well-defined characters whose interactions feel authentic and relatable. Manda’s story highlights the love within her family, despite differing opinions, and underscores the significance of courage, initiative, and curiosity. The text was reviewed by the Oneida Indian Nation, ensuring an accurate and respectful representation of Oneida culture. This cultural authenticity provides readers with valuable insight into Oneida traditions and values. While some character names may pose a challenge for readers, a pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book enhances its realism and accessibility. The illustrations beautifully capture a range of emotions and settings, further immersing readers in the story. The book’s exploration of gender equality and opportunities for all is truly inspiring, making Manda and the Fish a captivating and thought-provoking read.
Manda and the Fish is a captivating and thought-provoking tale that beautifully addresses themes of resilience, self-confidence, and the breaking of traditional gender roles. Noah Bella Michaelis weaves an engaging narrative that is both culturally authentic and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the importance of bravery and curiosity.
Audio recordings spoken by an Oneida Indian Nation language instructor can be found here: https://www.livelikenoah.org/manda-and-the-fish
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 978-1665737210
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/09/manda-and-the-fish/
Sow Seeds of Wisdom is a poetry and prose collection that serves as a call to action for readers, urging them to share their innate knowledge for the collective growth of society. What inspired this collection of poems and writings?
When I started writing my second book, Scatter Seeds of Kindness, I didn’t have a name for the book but as I was reading through the poems, I started to notice the theme of kindness emerging, so that book named itself. The same thing happened with my third book, Gather Seeds of Hope when I noticed the theme of hope that kept appearing in many of the poems. So when I started to write this book, Sow Seeds of Wisdom, I wanted to keep with the theme of sharing good things in life, like kindness and hope. So I asked myself what other good things could be shared, and I thought about knowledge and wisdom. What better gift is there than to be able to share your life experiences and what you have learned, which could possibly help someone out in a similar situation, or just give someone some hope and inspiration? Not every poem or prose has to do with finding wisdom in every situation, but many do. I think there is a lesson to be learned or shared in most of the writings in this book. Even the fun “The Morning After” has a lesson of drinking too much the night before. So the theme of this book was more intentional and deliberate than the last two in the same series.
What was one of the hardest parts of this collection for you to write?
Just finding the wisdom, or the lesson, in each poem. Sometimes it was obvious and other times I had to look a bit deeper within myself or into the world around me to find the lesson or the wisdom. Other times I drew on my own past experiences, so some got a bit personal which is a little outside my comfort zone. The other challenging part was just putting out a book about spreading wisdom when I can sometimes be a bit of a silly person. I was not sure friends and family who know me best would take me seriously. I can be self-deprecating sometimes. I am clumsy (I trip over my own two feet), or I open my mouth and something really silly comes out. But every now and then I have some wisdom to impart, and I hope that shines through in this book.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Sow Seeds of Wisdom?
That everyone, no matter how young or old, has something to share in the way of knowledge. Sometimes the older people brush aside the younger generation because they think they are flighty and unfocused, but now that I am diving into more technology via YouTube and social media, I rely on their vast knowledge and how they can figure stuff out so quickly. And the younger generation sometimes views the older folks as stuck in their ways and rigid, but there is so much that generation can teach; history, money tips, working on older cars, etc. I wrote about this in the last poem in the book, Wisdom…Pass It On, about how we can all learn from each other if we would put our preconceived notions or limiting beliefs aside.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am taking a little break this summer after putting out four books in four years. But I just recently started working on some new stuff so hopefully within a year or so. I am really just taking my time to see what evolves and what theme the next book will bring forth.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Told in her usual lighthearted, slightly self-deprecating manner, the author shares wisdom through both prose and poetry on such topics as common sense, betrayal, things we keep hidden—or choose not to reveal, things we hold onto long after we should have let them go, and spirituality, among many other topics. Sometimes deep and profound; sometimes lighthearted and humorous; the poems in Sow Seeds of Wisdom always provide fresh insights for the reader to learn from and ponder.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/09/sharing-good-things/
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist, by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis, is an engaging and educational children’s book that follows Coco on her first day of kindergarten. Eager to make new friends and learn new things, Coco’s excitement is palpable. However, during lunchtime, she finds a bag of fruit candy on the floor and, with no one around, decides to take it and hide it in her pocket. She brings the candy home and hides it in her closet, planning to indulge in the sweet treats whenever she wants. As Saturday arrives, Coco is thrilled about a sleepover at her grandmother’s house. That night, after her grandmother falls asleep, Coco helps herself to more candy from a jar on the table without asking for permission, intending to add it to her secret stash at home. But soon after consuming the hidden candy, Coco starts experiencing pain in one of her teeth. She confesses to her parents, who then make an appointment with a children’s dentist to check for cavities. Aware of her wrongdoing, Coco decides to come clean to her parents about sneaking the candy. During her dentist appointment, Coco learns she does indeed have a cavity. Despite her mistakes, she feels relieved that God has forgiven her and grateful for the strength and courage to face the dentist.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Coco’s journey. She made mistakes by taking the candy from school and her grandmother’s candy jar, but deep down, she knew it was wrong. This story is highly relatable for children and teaches them that actions have consequences. Through Coco’s experience, young readers can understand the importance of honesty and the inevitable consequences of their actions. Parents, grandparents, guardians, and school staff will appreciate the valuable lesson conveyed in this delightful children’s book.
The illustrations, by Viona Betzy and C. Lola, are vibrant and captivating, perfectly complementing the story. The pictures bring the narrative to life, making readers feel as if they are right there with Coco. Each page features beautiful illustrations that enhance the overall reading experience.
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist is a wonderful story that teaches children the importance of making the right choices to avoid negative consequences. This book serves as an excellent teaching tool, delivering an essential lesson in an engaging and memorable way.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 978-1667892337
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/09/cocos-courage-meeting-the-dentist-2/
Counterblow Clemency follows a rebellious sixteen-year-old boy who, with his friends, faces the consequences of his actions and is drawn into a conflict far beyond their control. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had a wild dream one night about being on a freeway covered in blinding digital advertisements. Then the dream shifted to the aftermath of a giant house party. I wandered through this mansion with tons of empty alcohol bottles and dirty wine glasses scattered about until I found a small office with a woman inside, crying at her desk. I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to give anything away, but it was November, so I decided to explore this world full of advertising pollution during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and it grew from there.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My characters in Counterblow Clemency are universally on an amoral spectrum. I think it’s more productive to appeal to whatever drives a person, rather than making them feel that they need to measure up to a societal standard. Bjorn and the lads are only guided by loyalty to each other. They do things their own way, which explains why they’re constantly being chased by the authorities. This is a story about finding purpose and something to believe in. Their world is full of people who have given up hope and these kids are careening around trying to find something to do with all of their energy—the energy that humans typically expend striving to leave a legacy. No one ever taught them that they could make a difference. These ideas are important to me because kids need to internalize that they never need to be perfect—they just need to persevere.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Counterblow Clemency explores the themes of dignity, entitlement versus social responsibility, teamwork, and the kinship of chosen family. The main character, Bjorn, is 16 and doesn’t understand why his parents feel increasingly foreign to him as he moves through adolescence—he just knows that he’s angry about it. But he can count on his friends. The important thing is that this kid isn’t alone when his whole world crumbles. Part of his journey is learning that he’s worth saving. And as he grows, he faces the fact that he’s in a position to help people—if he can stay alive. Finding self-worth, accepting help, and helping others are important milestones for young people that I wanted to honor.
I find a problem in well-written stories in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I hope so! I deliberately ended Counterblow Clemency with enough going on that there could be a sequel or even a series. I have ideas about what adventures the lads will have next, just in case.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Promo City is blazing with advertising pollution, but all sixteen-year-old Bjorn Bear cares about is having fun, until the city’s deadliest assassins attack him. With his motley gang of friends by his side, Bjorn must evade a crime boss with a vendetta, overcome genetically-engineered mini hippos, and race against time to discover and stop whoever is out to get him—all while facing the possibility that the only family he’s ever known isn’t real.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/09/finding-self-worth/