The Irish columnist Megan Nolan began writing fiction under the spell of Karl Ove Knausgaard. She read little else while starting her first novel, Acts of Desperation (2021). Nolan is hardly a newcomer to self-exposure: her columns and personal essays, animated by breezy, humane candor, tackle intimate subjects light and heavy—often sex, romance, and drinking […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/09/19/major-details-ordinary-human-failings-megan-nolan/

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/09/19/82-sentences-each-taken-from-the-last-statement-of-a-person-executed-by-the-state-of-texas-since-1984-joe-kloc/

The party of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro maintains a strong hold on power, but it has lost the people’s mandate. Will there be a transfer of power to the opposition candidate Edmundo González — the true victor of this summer’s election?

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/09/19/chavismos-chokehold-venezuelan-election-neuman/

Kamala Harris’s campaign asks: Who is a normal American now?

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/09/19/kamalas-moment-fintan-otoole/

In his new book, Reading the Constitution, Stephen Breyer criticizes recent Supreme Court decisions on issues such as abortion and gun rights as the product of rigid and imperfect reasoning rather than of ideology, and he argues for a more pragmatic jurisprudence.

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/09/19/the-most-conservative-branch-reading-the-constitution-stephen-breyer/

Things are getting intense in the Chronicles of Shadow Bourne with Drow Magic written by Martha Carr & Michael Anderle. Narrated by Stephanie Savannah, half-Drow, Ellis Burton is reunited with her mother and working to save those she loves from the DRI. Intense, action-packed with plenty of twists perfect for fans of urban fantasy.

Drow Magic
by Martha Carr, Michael Anderle
Series: Chronicles of Shadow Bourne #4
Narrator: Stephanie Savannah
Length: 5 hours and 16 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

The half-Drow, Ellis Burton has finally reunited with her mother, Claire but something’s not right. Her mother is hiding something where the agency, DRI is concerned, and Ellis isn’t sure she can trust her.

But she’s willing to give her the benefit of doubt for now. Trust, verify, and then bring out the magic.

Charlie is still locked up in the DRI offices. The director, who looks strangely familiar offers him a job. Question is, is he considering it to help Ellis or to save his own skin?

Before he answers, he’s got a plan to check out the facility, while no one is watching him. It’ll be an easy in and out job.

Until Ellis shows up in a daring rescue attempt.

A rescue attempt that may just put an end to the DRI.

Can Ellis and her friends reveal just what the DRI is doing to the senator and put an end to the capture and torture of Drow citizens?

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At just around five hours, this series is a blast to listen to. Ellis is half-Drow and can use Shadow Magic, and works with mushrooms. She also has been sneaking out into the human world to search for her mother. Because this story builds on the overall series, I recommend listening to them in the order of their release. Drow Magic is the fourth audiobook in the Chronicles of Shadow Bourne.

Ellis and her found mother escaped the DRI, but her brother and Percy have not. To free them, she’ll need the help of the Drow. Ellis breaks a rule and brings her mother to their home. Twists, confrontations, and questions of whether her mother can be trusted, combined with an escape plan, kept me listening into the wee hours. To be honest, I wasn’t sure who to believe. Who can you trust? Will Ellis free those she cares about?

Things are far from over, and I cannot wait for the next installment, Drow Rising. Stephanie Savannah narrates the series and has really captured Ellis and key characters, like Percy and Charlie. If you are looking for a fun, fast-paced, light urban fantasy set against the City of Los Angeles, this is it.

Amazon* | Audible

*kindleunlimited

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/drow-magic-by-martha-carr.html

We’ve Got This by Ritu Bhasin is a call to embrace the often-challenging journey toward authentic belonging. Drawing from her personal experiences as a child of immigrant parents and her professional expertise in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Bhasin crafts a narrative that is both a memoir and a manual. Her stories of battling racism, understanding cultural identity, and ultimately finding her place in the world resonate deeply, offering readers of diverse backgrounds a mirror and a map.

Bhasin’s writing style mixes vulnerability with vigor. She does not shy away from discussing the pain and confusion of her early years. Moments of racism, cultural dissonance, and personal doubt are laid bare with a raw honesty that is as compelling as it is educational. Her transition from a successful lawyer to a DEI leader is not just inspiring but also instructive, providing practical advice for anyone looking to make a significant life change or to find deeper meaning in their work and relationships, empowering the reader and equipping them for personal and professional growth.

The book shines brightest when Bhasin discusses the concept of “Performing Self,” the facade we often present to fit in or feel accepted. Her insights into how this performance can drain one’s sense of self and belonging are poignant. The personal anecdotes she shares, such as her reflective moments in an ashram or interactions with her parents, are not just relatable but are also used effectively to illustrate broader truths about human nature and societal expectations.

We’ve Got This is a compelling guide to living authentically. Bhasin’s book is a powerful testament to the beauty and complexity of forming a true sense of belonging. This self-improvement book is highly recommended for anyone feeling adrift in their cultural, professional, or personal identity, but it particularly resonates with activists and advocates of DEI, validating their work and inspiring them to continue their efforts.

Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0CZFVNSN5

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/29/weve-got-this-unlocking-the-beauty-of-belonging/

Immortal Wounds emerges as Angie Barton’s masterful confluence of historical fiction, fantasy, and gothic mystery. She captivates with a narrative where history and magic converge with haunting results, smudging the boundaries between epochs. The novel plunges into a gripping ordeal as Isobel confronts the gruesome murders of her mother and husband. A startling revelation follows when a vampire, claiming to be her father, confesses to the crimes. Driven by desperation and the magic at her disposal, Isobel flees through time to unearth her origins, only to land in an era not her own.

Navigating through this alien century, Isobel peels back layers of her history, finding herself woven into a dire prophecy that has shaped destinies for ages. Angie Barton’s narrative prowess shines as she transports readers to a time rife with witch burnings and supernatural schemes. Every element of the setting contributes to an ambiance filled with suspense and enigma, turning each shadow into a repository of secrets. Barton’s fusion of immediate danger with timeless conflict ensnares readers, propelled by twists that keep them perched on the brink of revelation.

Character development is rich; every figure is imbued with intricate motives and emotions, rendering them both authentic and engaging. The historical backdrop not only enriches the tale’s fantastical elements but also reflects the grim realities of past persecutions, mirroring modern themes of injustice and societal fears. Witch burnings become a grim metaphor for the perils of ignorance, while the seamlessly woven supernatural facets like time travel and prophecy amplify the narrative’s resonance.

Approaching its finale, Barton skillfully resolves crucial conflicts yet hints at more to come, hinting at a sequel that many will await with keen interest. Immortal Wounds transcends the typical vampire story, offering a deep exploration of human endurance, the tangled skein of fate, and the ceaseless potency of familial bonds and love. It stands as a compelling recommendation for readers of historical fantasy and those seeking a narrative that reverberates beyond the last page.

Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0D9XTF25K

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/29/immortal-wounds/

The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence is an evocative memoir by Gary Trew that delves into the harrowing experiences of his youth at Knoll School for Boys in Hove, Sussex. Set in the 1970s, the book captures the brutal reality of a boyhood overshadowed by relentless bullying, a toxic school environment, and the enduring trauma that came with it. Trew narrates his story with a raw honesty that draws the reader into the bleak halls of “Knollditz,” a nickname derived from the Nazi prison camp, revealing a world where survival often came at the cost of one’s spirit.

The memoir’s strength lies in Trew’s ability to convey the sheer terror and helplessness of his formative years while maintaining a sense of dark humor and resilience. His writing is candid and unflinching, offering a vivid portrayal of a school culture that normalized violence and dehumanization. The chapter titled “Playground Holocaust,” for instance, stands out for its disturbing recount of a ritualistic game where younger boys were subjected to mock concentration camp scenarios by their older peers. This chapter, among others, exemplifies the memoir’s disturbing yet necessary exploration of the long-term effects of unchecked aggression and the failure of adults to protect the vulnerable. While Trew’s recounting of events is gripping, his writing includes richly detailed passages that enhance the vividness of his memories, adding depth to the narrative. These moments offer readers a more immersive experience, allowing them to fully engage with the story. His comparison of Knoll School to infamous historical sites like Auschwitz might seem jarring at first, but it effectively communicates the intensity of the fear and oppression he felt as a child. One of the most compelling aspects of the memoir is Trew’s reflection on the psychological impact of his experiences. He does not merely recount his past but also delves into the lasting scars it left on his psyche, demonstrating a deep understanding of trauma and its complexities. His ability to articulate the silent suffering of his youth, while also finding moments of hope and resistance, makes this memoir not just a story of survival but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence is a powerful and disturbing memoir that will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity or struggled to overcome the demons of their past. It’s a must-read for those interested in understanding the darker side of school life and the enduring impact of childhood trauma. Gary Trew’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of empathy, intervention, and the need to confront bullying in all its forms. This book is particularly recommended for educators, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in memoirs that explore personal resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0D9J21WGD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/29/the-hate-game-screaming-in-the-silence-a-memoir/