Paul Orlando Scott’s memoir, Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But a Word: Conquering Fear, chronicles the tumultuous journey of a man born into a large, complex family in 1954 Chicago. Raised as a Christian Scientist and the sixth of eight siblings, Paul navigated the challenges posed by his father’s post-World War II trauma and resultant alcoholism. With an often absent father, Paul sought guidance from his older siblings and the streets, leading to a youth marked by delinquency, substance abuse, and instability in both his careers and relationships.
The narrative reaches a poignant climax with the loss of his younger brother, Peter, an event that precipitated a profound personal crisis yet eventually spurred a transformative self-reckoning. Paul’s subsequent career path—spanning roles in correctional facilities, teaching, campaign management, and ultimately, a respected consultant and educator—mirrors his journey from chaos to purpose. This memoir offers a recount of personal redemption and an insightful look into the vicissitudes of urban life and the resilience required to overcome them. Paul’s vivid recounting of his youthful escapades, from romantic pursuits to spontaneous adventures with friends, enriches the memoir with both humor and wisdom. Particularly moving is the portrayal of his relationship with his wife, whose devotion played a crucial role during his life-threatening ordeal.
Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But a Word: Conquering Fear is a testament to the idea that one’s future can shine bright despite a shadowed past. Paul Orlando Scott’s life story, characterized by significant adversity but also remarkable recovery, is engaging and imbued with life lessons that resonate long after the last page is turned.
In The Mountain of Gold, Fred Fisher presents a unique children’s book set in ancient Japan. The story, enriched with cultural references and artwork, begins with Kaeri’s ordinary life being disrupted by the raven, who tempts him with unimaginable wealth. As they delve into the mountains, the story evolves into a thrilling adventure, culminating in a lesson about the true worth of wealth and happiness.
Fisher’s writing skillfully interlaces a rich tapestry of cultural references and vivid imagery, bringing each scene to life. The dialogue is engaging and filled with wit and a sense of foreboding that keeps the reader engrossed. One standout moment is the eerie encounter with Akabo, the Alchemist, whose pursuit of transforming things into gold encapsulates the timeless human folly of greed. The moral, subtly woven throughout the adventure, resonates deeply without being moralistic.
Stephanie Cotta’s illustrations in The Mountain of Gold are not just visual aids but integral parts of the storytelling. Her artwork, reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints, enhances the narrative and grounds the story in its cultural context. Each illustration is meticulously crafted, enhancing the mood and tone of the story.
The Mountain of Gold is an excellent picture book for children’s libraries. Its enchanting narrative and charming visuals will likely captivate children and adults alike. Schools and parents looking to enrich their storytelling sessions with tales that entertain and impart significant life lessons will find this book a valuable resource.
Have you ever pondered upon the profound questions of why you are here, where you fit in, what you are born to do, what gift you are born to give? In other words, have you figured out your contribution to the world, the grand tapestry of life, and the symphony of human civilization?
In moments of introspection during his retirement years, Rolland felt as if he had unwittingly ‘wandered in the desert’ for 40 years (1975-2015 or 1980-2020). Yet, in hindsight, his life’s purpose was, at some pivotal points in his career -unbeknownst to him- already staring him in the face. He just failed to appreciate and recognize, much earlier, his life’s true purpose. In essence, the author failed to ‘bloom’ where God had already planted him!
If you are a teen or young adult -but especially if you are an immigrant or a member of a minority group- on a quest for your life’s purpose, this book was written for you. It’s a self-help guide outlining practical steps you can use to find and crystallize your life’s true purpose … sooner, rather than 40 years later!
If you follow the guidance contained in this book, you would hopefully avoid the shame and ultimate embarrassment of a lifetime which befell the book’s author: ‘wandering in the desert for forty years’ without constancy to purpose, to the abject dismay of his humdrum biography.
This book is also a clarion call for all citizens, especially immigrants and minorities, to say GOODBYE to apathy and indifference and, instead, to say HELLO to active participation and involvement in an ailing American democracy.
In these extraordinary times, sitting on the sidelines is simply unacceptable. Do you have a definite purpose? What does it mean for you –with your distinct set of skills, knowledge, passions, and talents– to be here in America at this particular moment in time?
The answers lie within you, waiting for you to bring them to light. May you embrace your uniqueness and align your actions with your deepest strengths, values, and aspirations … so you can experience a deep sense of fulfillment of your life’s purpose.
Yes, You Matter asserts that self-reflection is essential for understanding oneself and living to one’s fullest potential. What inspired you to write this book?
My realization, upon retirement that I failed to ‘bloom where I was planted’ inspired me to write this book. You see, upon retirement, I felt a great sense of regret and guilt when I came face to face with the reality that –having been blessed by the Almighty with the great fortune of life in America, a safe haven and comfortable refuge from the clutches of a burgeoning dictatorship I fled decades ago– I did NOT live my life with a constancy to purpose. With no definiteness of purpose, I, therefore, failed to fulfill my life’s true purpose … I failed to make it in America despite an environment of unparalleled freedom and opportunity for immigrants in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! In hindsight, my successes in the CPA profession and in local electoral politics did not measure up to my true potential.
My intent in writing this book is simple: To be of service, to pass on the key lessons I learned from the University of Hard Knocks so that readers don’t end up ‘wandering in the desert for 40 years’ without definiteness of purpose’ like I did, to the abject dismay of my humdrum biography.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
For me, out of the whole book, the hardest thing to write about was the discussion on Chapter 4, “Passion and Purpose: Are They the Same?” I had to discuss the twin topics of passion and purpose from the intellectual and practical vantage points to be helpful to the reader. With no formal training in psychology or philosophy, Chapter 4 really challenged me.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Yes, You Matter?
The pursuit of purpose can be met with challenges and uncertainties. The expectations of others, the pressures of society, and the fear of failure can cloud your vision and divert you from your true path. In such moments, it becomes essential to quiet the outside noise and listen to your heart’s whispers. Allow your intuition and inner wisdom to guide you, for they are the compass that will lead you toward your purpose. Embrace your uniqueness, nurture your passions, and step forward with courage and conviction.
Can readers look forward to seeing more from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, despite health issues, I’m working on a few more books on the twin topics of K-12 education and American democracy.
Author Website
Have you ever pondered upon the profound questions of why you are here, where you fit in, what you are born to do, what gift you are born to give? In other words, have you figured out your contribution to the world, the grand tapestry of life, and the symphony of human civilization? This book was born out of a great sense of regret and guilt which the author felt after he had retired, when he came face to face with the reality that he –blessed by the Almighty with the great fortune of life in America, a safe and comfortable refuge from the clutches of a burgeoning dictatorship he fled decades ago– had failed to fulfill his life’s purpose, despite an environment of freedom and opportunity for immigrants in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave! In moments of introspection during his retirement years, the author felt as if he had unwittingly ‘wandered in the desert’ for 40 years. Yet, In hindsight, his life’s purpose was, at some pivotal points in his career, already staring him in the face. He just failed to appreciate and recognize his life’s true purpose. The author failed to ‘bloom’ where God had already planted him! If you are a teen or young adult, an immigrant, or a member of a minority group on a quest for your life’s purpose, this book was written for you. It’s a self-help guide outlining practical steps you can use to find and crystallize your life’s true purpose … sooner, rather than later. Hopefully, this book can help the reader avoid the shame and ultimate embarrassment of a lifetime which befell the book’s author: ‘wandering in the desert for forty years’ without constancy to purpose, without definiteness of purpose, to the abject dismay of his humdrum biography. This book is also a clarion call for all citizens, especially immigrants, and minorities, to say GOODBYE to apathy and indifference and, instead, to say HELLO to active participation and involvement in an ailing American democracy. Whatever suits you, in these extraordinary times, sitting on the sidelines is simply unacceptable. What does it mean for you –with your distinct set of skills, knowledge, passions, and talents– to be here in America at this particular moment in time? The answers lie within you, waiting for you to bring them to light. May you embrace your uniqueness and align your actions with your deepest strengths, values, and aspirations … so you can experience a deep sense of fulfillment of your life’s purpose.
I was excited to return to the Rip Through Time series with Disturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong. This is the third mystery novel about modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson, who solves cases in Victorian era Scotland with the handsome undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray. A fantastic case and reveals.
Disturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong Series: A Rip Through Time #3 Source: Publisher Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
Disturbing the Dead is the latest in a unique series with one foot in the 1890s and the other in the present day. The A Rip Through Time crime novels are a genre-blending, atmospheric romp from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.
Victorian Scotland is becoming less strange to modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson. Though inhabiting someone else’s body will always be unsettling, even if her employers know that she’s not actually housemaid Catriona Mitchell, ever since the night both of them were attacked in the same dark alley 150 years apart. Mallory likes her job as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray, and is developing true friends―and feelings―in this century.
So, understanding the Victorian fascination with death, Mallory isn’t that surprised when she and her friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. When their host is missing when it comes time to unwrap the mummy, Gray and Mallory are asked to step in. And upon closer inspection, it’s not a mummy they’ve unwrapped, but a much more modern body.
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I absolutely love spending time in Victorian Scotland with Mallory, Duncan, Isla and Hugh. They make quite the team as they solve murders. I would love to take tea with them in the afternoon and discuss clues while enjoying cakes.
Disturbing the Dead proved to be an interesting story with a murder-mystery, Egyptian mummy and clever plot twists with the murder at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. Armstrong weaved in historical fact, women’s issues and the plunder of Egypt into the tale.
As you know Mallory is trapped in the body of housemaid Catriona Mitchell. Fans of the series will be excited to learn we are enlightened about what happened and how Mallory handles it. Another side thread that wove in nicely was about local serials depicting their adventures.
With recent discoveries, the romantic thread shows more promise. I didn’t dare to hope, but am excited to find out what develops. While each book in this series has its own unique murder mystery, I recommend reading them in order.
I was a tad worried that this might be the last of our adventures with Mallory, Duncan, his sister, Isla, and Detective Hugh because of events surrounding Mallory’s time-slip, but every indication suggests we will get more mysteries and romance. I for one cannot wait!
Amazon | Audible
About Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers’ dismay. All efforts to make her produce “normal” stories failed. Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She’s the author of the NYT-bestselling “Women of the Otherworld” paranormal suspense series and “Darkest Powers” young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Beneath the Smiling Moon by Devon Jeffers Valdes is an engaging narrative that interweaves the complexities of adulthood, mental health, and personal growth. The novel follows Izzie, a 29-year-old art history major and barista grappling with depression and bipolar disorder, and her childhood best friend, Annie, who seems outwardly successful in her tech career. As Izzie endeavors to improve her mental health and mend strained family relationships, she faces a poignant setback as a result of an accident.
Valdes, in her debut novel, skillfully explores a spectrum of weighty themes such as mental health, domestic abuse, and body image. She does so with a deft touch, blending raw emotional depth with nuanced storytelling that captures the reader from the first page. Each character is crafted with care, allowing readers to resonate deeply with their journeys and struggles. The portrayal of Izzie’s mental health challenges stands out, particularly in its authentic depiction of manic episodes and the fluctuating intensities of her condition. This honest representation extends to the ensemble of characters, each of whom is given space to evolve beyond their central roles. Valdes also approaches the depiction of intimacy with sensitivity, focusing on emotional connections rather than graphic details, which enriches the narrative.
Beneath the Smiling Moon is a commendable work that offers a fresh perspective on the intricacies of human connections and the little moments that shape our lives. It is a novel that promises to resonate with those who are interested in profound, character-driven stories about overcoming life’s hurdles. Devon Jeffers Valdes is certainly an author to watch, and I look forward to her future contributions to literature.
In When You Called My Name, Hermione Lee presents a poignant exploration of adolescence through the story of sixteen-year-old Logan Smith, who grapples with autism, depression, and anxiety. The narrative begins at a critical moment in Logan’s life, as he faces severe bullying at school that pushes him to the brink of despair. The arrival of a new student, Andrea Goldstein, marks a turning point. Andrea not only stands up to the bullies but also becomes a steadfast ally, helping Logan see his own worth and fostering feelings of self-love and acceptance.
This young adult novel carries a profound message beneath its straightforward narrative. Lee’s writing style strikes a balance, sophisticated enough to engage older readers yet accessible for younger ones, making the book suitable for a broad audience. The characters are crafted with realism and depth: Andrea embodies hope and resilience, while Logan reflects the struggles of anyone who has ever felt marginalized. Lee skillfully addresses themes of bullying, the potential for victims to become perpetrators, and the transformative power of self-acceptance. The plot weaves together issues of mental illness, toxic family dynamics, and the journey toward forgiveness and personal growth, making the narrative both comprehensive and compelling.
When You Called My Name is notable for its focus on male adolescence and the specific challenges of bullying within this context. It offers a fresh perspective on young adult literature. Hermione Lee’s thoughtful and impactful approach provides valuable insights for readers navigating similar challenges.
Katie Slade’s The Victorious Vagina takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of modern relationships. Framed as a series of poems preceded by narrative segments, this memoir delves into the emotional rollercoaster experienced by a woman navigating the complexities of love and intimacy in today’s dating landscape. Through her book, Slade underscores the importance of self-love and caution in romantic engagements, offering a candid exploration of her own vulnerabilities and triumphs.
Slade’s writing style is both raw and evocative, adeptly capturing the fervor and despair of her relationships. While the directness of Slade’s language and the rich detail of her personal anecdotes are vivid and engaging, they create an immersive reading experience that vividly brings her emotional journey to life, allowing readers to feel a deep connection with her. The integration of narrative with poetry enriched the text and allowed me to deeply connect with the emotional context behind each poem. The themes are universal, but the execution feels distinctly personal, sometimes bordering on a diary-like confessional.
The Victorious Vagina presents intriguing ideas about gender dynamics, emotional labor, and the societal pressures shaping romantic interactions. I think Slade challenges the reader to reconsider what it means to engage in modern love, pushing against the commodification of intimacy.
Katie Slade’s memoir is a passionate call for self-empowerment in the realm of dating and relationships. I recommend it to readers who appreciate a straightforward and heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. Those who enjoy poetic narratives that are deeply personal and anyone navigating the intricate world of modern relationships will find this book particularly resonant.
Daniel MacRae’s journey through a turbulent relationship with his alcoholic father forms the heart of this compelling narrative. From the outset, Daniel’s life is fraught with challenges as he and his father grapple with a fraught relationship marked by misunderstanding and emotional distance. The depiction of his father’s struggles with alcohol adds a layer of complexity, highlighting the profound impact of addiction on family dynamics.
This novel, Return to the Lion’s Den, written by Gregory Treakle, resonated deeply with me, echoing the complexities of my own familial relationships. It reminded me of the difficulties I faced in my youth, offering a poignant reflection on the universal quest for familial harmony. The story is imbued with a sense of hope, suggesting that healing and reconciliation are within reach for those who contend with similar challenges. The plot excels in portraying the intricate nature of human connections and the slow, often arduous path toward forgiveness. It realistically depicts the reluctance to forgive that can characterize strained family ties yet ultimately affirms the potential for recovery and reconciliation. I found this book profoundly moving, particularly as it drew toward a conclusion celebrating the possibility of amends and healing. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and an inspiring call to those seeking to mend rifts within their own families.
Return to the Lion’s Den is the ideal book for anyone navigating the rough waters of family estrangement or simply in search of a captivating story that grips from the first page. It is both a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope for personal restoration and understanding that will stay with readers long after they have finished the novel.
Feral Maril & Her Little Brother Carol follows siblings as they navigate a tumultuous childhood, striving to maintain their bond and survive within the foster care system amidst constant challenges and uncertainty. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Over the course of several years when I was a toddler, my parents decided to become foster parents to children of varying ages. Suddenly adding strangers to an already busy household of six takes a lot of love, but it also takes compromise and adjustment. While my memories of those children are somewhat vague, the memory of what they represented has never disappeared. Marilyn, the main character, came to me slowly over time. After a few years, and in between other projects, she evolved into a person I could visualize and a person I wanted to save. Not only because she represents all of the lost children in the United States (and around the world) but because of her bravery. I wanted to create a young girl who is unassuming, but with enough guts to do what she has to do to save her sibling, who, as it turns out, is in a worse situation than she. I do not have my own children, and Marilyn morphed into, perhaps, the child I never had.
How did you approach developing the characters of Maril and Carol, especially in ensuring that their growth and experiences felt authentic?
I fell in love with Marilyn right away, and she led me to Carol. I tried to see both of them through each others’ eyes, while keeping the story in Marilyn’s perspective. I read diaries of former and current foster children (gut-wrenching stories) and I used those feelings to make the story authentic. Every one of us has known a foster child; many of us just don’t know it. They are in every school, in every Wal-mart, in every corner of the American fabric. You really don’t have to look far to find those hopeful faces, the ones that aren’t part of a family but yearn to be. They just want what every child wants: stability and a loving home. I wanted Maril and Carol to be a team. To go through their trials together. To find “home” together.
What do you hope readers take away from the story of Maril and Carol, and what discussions do you wish to spark with this novel?
Honestly, I hope that some people who read the book will decide to become foster parents. I can’t wait to visit book clubs, libraries, and schools to share the statistics I uncovered while writing the novel (some of them are listed at the end of the book). I want people who read this book to understand that not every family is the same, not all children have the same privileges as others, and most parents are simply doing the best they can. I want readers to remember Maril and Carol the next time they see a child who looks like he or she could use a friend; to be kind to that child because one never knows what they are going through; to treat each child with care and kindness, no matter what.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am an author of seven published books, across many genres. Currently, I am working on an historical fiction novel that spans from 1950-1969. Very specific dates, for a reason! It’s so much work, but it’s fun doing the research. While I work on that book (three hours a day, four days a week), my agent is busy shopping another book to publishers, with fingers crossed. Up until now I am independently published, so we are hoping to get a traditional contract. That particular book is super long and somewhat dark. But it would make a really cool streaming series, so here’s hoping!
Bright but unassuming Marilyn Jones has some grown-up decisions to make, especially after Mama goes to prison for drugs and larceny. With no one to take care of them, Marilyn and her younger, mentally challenged brother, Carol, get tossed into the foster care system. While shuffling from one home to another, Marilyn makes it her mission to find the Tan Man, a mysterious man from her babyhood she believes holds the key to her family’s happiness.
But Marilyn’s quest is halted when her daddy, an ex-con she has never met, is chosen by the courts as the new guardian. Caleb Jones wants something more than a father-daughter relationship. He sends Carol far away, where the boy won’t be a hindrance to his plans. Marilyn devises a plan of her own: to locate her little brother, kidnap him, and run away.
Independence, however, often comes at a high price.
As Marilyn weathers the unexpected and often brutal storms of her childhood and adolescence, hope becomes her ally as she winds through small southern towns, wrapping herself around an assortment of hearts along the way. With a little help from a caring social worker, a carnival of misfits, her first true love, and even the elusive Tan Man himself, Marilyn will discover that “family” isn’t always what we imagine it to be.
The ambiguous hero of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People is a man of science who insists on the primacy of truth and evidence. But he’s also, possibly, a bit of a fascist.
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The ambiguous hero of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People is a man of science who insists on the primacy of truth and evidence. But he’s also, possibly, a bit of a fascist.