It took a while for people to grasp what was happening as thousands of pagers beeped then detonated across Lebanon last week: in pockets, hands, and in front of faces; on streets, in cars, at homes; in grocery stores, schools, and offices. “I reported the news as it emerged but did not understand what I […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/09/23/lebanon-memories-of-war/
While admittedly I was never a comic book fan, I do like watching the Marvel movies and picked this up because I wanted to see the world Seanan McGuire imagined. What If… Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings? was a fast-paced story with plenty of heart, action and two of my favorite Marvel characters.
What If… Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings?
by Seanan McGuire
Series: Marvel’s What If…? #2
Narrator: Allyson Voller
Length: 12 hours and 5 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.45x
Wanda and Peter Parker embrace great responsibility in the next adventure of an epic multiversal series that reimagines iconic Marvel origin stories.
So many worlds, so little time. Infinite possibilities, creating infinite realities. Long have I watched death court the Scarlet Witch. But . . . what if Wanda didn’t have to suffer her grief alone?
All Wanda has ever known is her friendly little neighborhood in Queens. As an infant, after her parents died, she was adopted into a family where her doting Aunt May and Uncle Ben would always be at the breakfast table. One that includes her idiot brother, Peter Parker, who thinks hiding a spider bite, joining a secret fight club, and becoming a super hero are somehow good ideas.
When Wanda’s own powers emerge, blood, chaos, and suspicion follow in their wake. But as she learns to harness her power under the guidance of Doctor Strange, Peter is standing beside her in the Sanctum Sanctorum. And as they try to protect New York City, the Parker siblings learn that with great powers, there must also come great responsibilities—and greater losses.
Reeling from tragedy, Wanda finds herself truly alone for the first time in her life. Peter is lost to his own grief, and so she must forge ahead on her own. But on her first solo outing, she runs into a mysterious speedster—a man named Pietro. And everything she has ever known shatters like glass.
Faced with unbelievable truths, Wanda is forced to choose between the life she knows and the life she could have.
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McGuire is an auto-buy for me, as well as her pseudonym, Mira Grant. While I did not read the first What If book, each is a standalone story by a different author. I am glad I grabbed the audio version as Allyson Voller did a wonderful job giving voice to Wanda, Peter, and others.
The story opens with an event in the future that has Wanda on the run and a watcher following her. It sets the tone of the story and doesn’t get closure until the final chapter. We instead travel back and learn about Wanda and Peter’s upbringing and how Wanda learns the truth about her origins.
In McGuire’s reimagined world, the parents of Peter Parker found baby Wanda in her native land of Latveria and adopted her. They brought her back to Brooklyn and raised her as Peter’s sister until their death. Ultimately, the two were raised by their Aunt May and Uncle Ben. We go through their teens as they come into powers, lose Uncle Ben and become superheroes working side by side.
We have the Justice League, Dr. Strange as Wanda’s master, battles with villains and sibling squabbles. It was such a fun read and I imagine if like me you like Peter and Wanda, you’ll enjoy this imaginative twist. Wanda’s powers have always intrigued me and it was fun seeing them develop and watching her harness those skills.
I recommend this to fans of Marvel, McGuire and fast-paced stories of good vs evil, family, and superheroes. The audiobook elevated my enjoyment, and the story worked well in this format.
Amazon | Audible
Seanan McGuire is a native Californian, which has resulted in her being exceedingly laid-back about venomous wildlife, and terrified of weather. When not writing urban fantasy (as herself) and science fiction thrillers (as Mira Grant), she likes to watch way too many horror movies, wander around in swamps, record albums of original music, and harass her cats. Seanan is the author of the October Daye, InCryptid, and Indexing series of urban fantasies; the Newsflesh trilogy; the Parasitology duology; and the “Velveteen vs.” superhero shorts. Her cats, Lilly, Alice, and Thomas, are plotting world domination even as we speak, but are easily distracted by feathers on sticks, so mankind is probably safe. For now.
Allyson Voller is a SAG-AFTRA actor based in Chicago. She’s worked professionally for many years, in the Midwest theater, on-camera, improv, and voice-over community. Holding a degree in theater, she also studied improv at The Second City Conservatory and iO Chicago. Allyson’s path led her to audiobook narration and she’s never looked back. Her audiobook narration work has been recognized with finalist nominations in the Independent Audiobook Awards and the Audiobook Adrenaline Awards. When not recording in her booth, you can find her walking her local hiking trails, rescuing a wandering turtle, creating silly memorable shenanigans with her kids or just simply reading a book.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/09/what-if-wanda-maximoff-and-peter-parker-were-siblings-by-seanan-mcguire.html
Dragon Queen: A Guide is a motivational book written for women to help them connect with their inner strength, or as the author puts it, their “inner dragon.” The book is structured as a guide to embodying different qualities like dignity, bravery and self-love. It encourages readers to embrace their power, face challenges with courage, and recognize their worth. Through metaphor and encouragement, it aims to uplift and empower women in all areas of their lives, reminding them that they are powerful, deserving and unstoppable.
The writing is informal and is almost like having a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend. It is full of energy, and Christine Downs’s enthusiasm for her message is clear from the start. The dragon metaphor, while imaginative, might feel a bit heavy-handed at times but it adds a fun twist to the usual self-help narrative. I appreciated how she constantly reminds the reader that life’s challenges, no matter how difficult, can be met with dignity. The repeated invocation to “feed your dragon” as a metaphor for self-care is a nice touch.
One of the best parts of the book is its relentless focus on self-love. Downs frames it as the foundation for everything—without self-love, she writes, your “dragon has no flame.” This resonates strongly, and I think it’s a message many women need to hear more often. It’s not about arrogance but about creating a life rooted in confidence and self-worth. The section on being “Aware” is especially poignant, where Downs emphasizes the importance of checking in with yourself, understanding your feelings, and honoring them without judgment. She writes with a lot of empathy, which makes her advice feel personal and real.
The chapter titled “Qualified” stood out for its no-nonsense take on preparedness. Downs points out that being a “Dragon Queen” also means doing hard work and showing up consistently, which adds a grounded layer to the more abstract advice.
Dragon Queen would be a fantastic read for women who are fans of empowering, metaphor-rich narratives that encourage inner growth. It’s especially great for those who need a boost in confidence or a reminder of their worth. While it’s not the most nuanced guide out there, the energy and positivity it radiates are undeniable. If you enjoy self-help with a sprinkle of fantasy flair, this book will speak to your inner queen.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DCW1Z3C8
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/23/dragon-queen-a-guide/
This quirky collection of poems, penned and painted by the creative Dr. D.W. Knight, is like a playground for the imagination. Picture a book brimming with rhymes that twist and turn, packed with punchlines that’ll have you giggling, and characters so zany they could dance right off the page.
Dr. Knight doesn’t just play with words, he juggles them. Take the poem “ROLLER COASTER,” where you’re swooping and shifting through clouds, a wild ride stitched with screams and dreams of being a star. It’s not just fun, it’s a whirlwind of emotions. Then there’s “MESSY ROOM,” which captures a disaster zone of a bedroom so perfectly that you can almost smell the old socks and pizza crusts. Knight’s ability to craft a visual feast with his words is simply genius.
And oh, the cheeky charm of “THE RING”! This poem had me snorting tea through my nose. When the girl dreams of a diamond ring but gets a phone call instead feels like classic humor. It’s this clever wordplay that makes Tongue Teasers a treasure trove of laughs. Plus, the illustrations are the cherry on top, adding just the right flavor of fun to the mix.
Knight’s knack for weaving life lessons into laughter is what truly makes these poems sparkle. “THE SUN,” with its lonely feast set by the setting sun, subtly teaches about solitude and resilience. Each poem is a little life lesson wrapped in witty verse, making you nod thoughtfully one minute and chuckle the next.
If you’re up for a tickle of your funny bone with a side of sage wisdom, Tongue Teasers is your go-to book. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh, from sprightly kids to the young at heart. It’s a hearty meal of hilarity that’ll feed both your mind and your spirit.
Pages: 88 | ASIN: B0D9K6P9WL
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/23/tongue-teasers/
In Nurse Florence, What is Dementia? by Michael Dow, Nurse Florence makes a special visit to Ms. Smith’s class, where best friends Jean, Condi, and Sonia, along with their classmates, learn about dementia in a way that is accessible and engaging. Nurse Florence explains the symptoms, possible treatments, and preventive measures for this complex illness, which affects so many families.
This book offers an excellent introduction to a challenging subject. Dementia, often a frightening topic for many, is handled with care as Nurse Florence guides the children through the nuances of the illness. Her approach is gentle yet informative as she walks the class through the signs of dementia and demystifies the spectrum of conditions that fall under its umbrella. While the illustrations by Lindsay Roberts may not be my preferred style for children’s books, they are detailed and complement Nurse Florence’s biology presentation effectively. What truly sets this book apart is Nurse Florence’s interactive teaching style. She doesn’t simply lecture; she engages the students in meaningful dialogue, encouraging them to think about prevention and care. This approach helps soften the intensity of the topic, making it easier for young readers to process without feeling overwhelmed. Nurse Florence’s emphasis on maintaining the dignity of those affected by dementia and the importance of supporting caregivers adds a thoughtful and compassionate touch to the lesson, bringing the discussion to a well-rounded conclusion. Approaching a subject as difficult as dementia is no easy task, and Michael Dow deserves recognition for this thoughtful and educational introduction. By providing clear facts, practical advice on prevention, and meaningful guidance on how to support those affected, this book answers many tough questions in a way that is accessible for young readers.
For its remarkable educational value and ability to address dementia without inducing unnecessary fear, Nurse Florence, What is Dementia? is ideal for readers aged 8 and up. This book is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about dementia, its causes, and potential treatments. It serves as a valuable tool for understanding a common yet complex illness in a way that encourages curiosity and compassion.
Pages: 240 | ISBN : 1312012390
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/23/nurse-florence-what-is-dementia/
Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp is a delightful children’s picture book that captures the essence of summer camp adventures. With vibrant illustrations and a charming narrative, this book takes young readers on a journey filled with sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Join Gigglet, the lovable little piglet, as she and her friends explore the great outdoors, play games, paddle canoes, make friendship gifts, and much more! This heartwarming tale encourages imagination, appreciation for nature, and the simple joys of childhood. Gigglet Goes to Summer Camp is the perfect addition to any little one’s summer reading list, creating cherished memories that will last long after the final page is turned.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/23/gigglet-the-happy-little-piglet-goes-to-summer-camp-2/
The process of invention often seems mysterious, leaving many to wonder where new product ideas come from. Do they flash into our minds like lightning, or is there a more methodical process behind them? How does an inventor take an abstract concept and turn it into a tangible product that can change lives? In Research: Make Impossibility Possible, Peter James Kpolovie demystifies this journey, showing how even the least likely among us can become inventors with enough determination. What once seemed incomprehensible is now broken down into clear, manageable steps, making this book an essential guide for anyone with an idea waiting to take shape.
Kpolovie’s Research: Make Impossibility Possible reads like a practical manual for aspiring inventors. It lays out a roadmap for anyone starting with just a spark of inspiration, helping them navigate the path from idea to finished product. And it’s not limited to physical inventions—services and creative concepts also fall within the author’s framework. The book guides readers through each stage, making the daunting process of invention feel attainable. Whether your idea is for a revolutionary gadget or an innovative service, Kpolovie offers a structured approach to bringing it to life. As a 2021 Scientist of the Year, Kpolovie is well-equipped to offer this advice. He recognizes that many people have the potential to be inventors but don’t know how to begin. The key, as he explains, is research—though not just any research. Kpolovie emphasizes the importance of targeted, specific research that can turn a vague idea into a viable product. By breaking down these concepts into bite-sized, digestible chapters, he makes the process both engaging and persuasive, allowing readers to see the feasibility of their own ideas. What makes this book particularly compelling is Kpolovie’s ability to connect with the reader’s inner creativity. As an inventor himself, he speaks directly to the creative spark within us, offering a guide that feels both motivational and actionable. His clear, step-by-step advice invites readers to follow along, making the leap from dream to reality seem not only possible but inevitable. By the end, you’re left wondering what remarkable inventions you could create with the right guidance.
Research: Make Impossibility Possible is an invaluable resource for anyone with a creative idea. Whether you’ve always dreamed of creating something or you’ve just had a fleeting thought about a new product, this book is the guide you need. Kpolovie’s insights, coupled with his down-to-earth writing style, make the process of invention accessible and inspiring. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to leave their mark on the world through innovation.
Pages: 344 | ASIN : B0BTGSY5R1
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/23/research-make-impossibility-possible/