On April 25 the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Trump v. United States, on whether a former president enjoys immunity from prosecution for crimes committed while in office. The Court did not need to accept the case; it could easily have passed on former President Donald Trump’s extraordinary claims of blanket immunity and allowed […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/05/01/the-immunity-con-donald-trump/
Hey Audiophiles, as the hosts of the yearly Audiobook Challenge, Caffeinated Reviewer and That’s What I’m Talking About are excited to be hosting a mini challenge to celebrate Audiobook Month in June. Anyone can join, sign up below and choose your challenge(s).
We’d like to thank our prize sponsors, Libro.fm, Tantor Audio, Jennifer Estep & Karen Grey! We appreciate you helping us celebrate June is Audiobook Month!
Complete at least one challenge to enter giveaway. See rules listed below.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/05/jiam-audiobook-mini-challenge.html
Going Crazy (Left Foot, Right Foot, Breathe), by Tim James, offers an introspective journey through his life, chronicled with raw honesty and engaging storytelling. Born and raised in Nashville, James’s transition to Los Angeles marks a significant chapter in his life, where he explores a variety of careers, including acting, before finding his true calling as a professional songwriter. This memoir navigates through the intricate tapestry of his career, personal relationships, and mental health struggles.
Tim James’s life story is a testament to the richness of human experience. His childhood in Nashville is filled with adventurous undertones, setting the stage for his later life in Los Angeles. Here, James’s narrative evolves from that of a carefree individual to a multifaceted adult, embracing roles as diverse as a baseball enthusiast, pharmaceutical company employee, aspiring actor, and, eventually, a celebrated songwriter.
James’s memoir is punctuated with captivating moments. His pivotal decision between acting and a stable job showcases his thoughtful nature. Beyond his professional journey, James’s personal attributes—his humor, ability to nurture friendships, and candidness—add layers to his character, making him an endearing figure. The memoir does not shy away from the adversities James faced. His recounting of near-death experiences, legal challenges, and a midlife crisis, alongside turbulent love stories, adds depth to his narrative. These stories, while poignant, are also inspiring, offering insights into resilience and personal growth.
Going Crazy (Left Foot, Right Foot, Breathe) is a compelling memoir that transcends the ordinary, making it a significant read for those who appreciate the genre. Tim James’s life story, rich in experiences and emotions, is not just a recounting of events but a journey of transformation and resilience.
Pages: 212 | ASIN : B0CTRGZRPB
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/01/going-crazy-left-foot-right-foot-breathe/
On a very important day, five-year-old Felicity learns that no one can be perfect all the time, not even a princess. Enjoy this story told in rhyme as Felicity lives her silly adventure and learns we are all imperfectly perfect.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/01/the-princess-has-to-pee-deflocked-fairytales/
Stevland Martin Malcolm Polite’s memoir, Named After Legends, unfolds against the backdrop of the Lehman Village Housing Projects, where, despite the dilapidated conditions, a strong sense of community persevered. The weight of his name, inspired by his father’s heroes and the societal expectations placed upon him as a Black man, frame his early struggles. Yet, a pivotal moment of self-preservation during his youth—a conscious decision to abstain from a gang fight—marks the beginning of his journey toward self-determination.
Navigating through the challenges of his environment, racial disadvantage, and personal loss, Stevland’s narrative is one of overcoming and transcending the barriers seemingly preset for his failure. His pursuit of education, varied global experiences, career development, and entrepreneurial ventures are detailed with a vividness that underscores his resilience and determination. This memoir is not only a personal recount of triumph but also a broader commentary on societal issues. It is an inspiring testament to the power of self-agency and the importance of exploring one’s potential beyond the confines of adversity. Stevland’s story, rich in emotion and introspection, encourages readers to critically assess their circumstances and strive for more, making it a compelling read for a broad audience, particularly resonant for those facing similar societal challenges.
Named After Legends is a vivid chronicle of transformation and defiance against the odds. By detailing his ascent from the Lehman Village Housing Projects to success in various global endeavors, Stevland illustrates that personal history need not dictate future potential. His experiences serve as a powerful testament to the importance of ambition, education, and community in transcending societal limits. His story resonates deeply, offering hope and inspiration to those who may find themselves in similar circumstances and encouraging all readers to pursue their dreams with unwavering tenacity. This memoir is not just a reflection on personal success but a call to action for empowerment and change.
Pages: 217 | ASIN : B0CYQM7DPL
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/01/named-after-legends/
In My Dream Guy, author Vilincia G. Patrick crafts a vivid tapestry of dreams and reality, weaving the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and emotional upheaval into the colorful life of protagonist Amana Fitzgerald. The novel follows Amana as she navigates her tumultuous youth filled with vibrant dreams that blur into her reality, which is equally chaotic and filled with vibrant characters that shape her journey.
The story is a whirlwind of emotions and settings that captured my imagination with its intense imagery and compelling dialogue. The author has a unique ability to infuse her scenes with a mix of humor and drama that keeps the pages turning. The prose is densely packed with metaphors and similes, enriching the text but, at times, potentially obscuring the clarity of events. Similarly, the dialogue is authentic to the setting and characters, yet its frequent colloquialisms may pose challenges for readers unacquainted with the specific language used.
I found the book’s exploration of dreams as a window to one’s desires and fears particularly intriguing. Patrick delves deep into the psychology of her protagonist, presenting dreams as a parallel universe where Amana confronts her inner demons and desires. This narrative choice is compelling and offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the function of dreams within literary narratives. The transition between dreams and reality in the narrative is often abrupt, which may be an intentional stylistic choice but can interrupt the narrative flow. The book’s strength lies in its character development, particularly Amana, who is portrayed with a rich complexity that invites readers to empathize with her struggles and growth.
My Dream Guy is an imaginative romance novel that offers a deep dive into the protagonist’s emotional landscape. Readers who enjoy psychological dramas and Coming of Age stories that blend reality with the surreal will find this a compelling book. The novel will particularly appeal to those who appreciate explorations into the subconscious and are intrigued by the interplay between dreams and life’s realities.
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B0BW4Y59MF
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/01/my-dream-guy/
The Invisible Ones follows a young woman who, after being separated from her siblings and institutionalized, strives to overcome abuse and reclaim her freedom amidst a backdrop of eugenic oppression. What was the inspiration for the idea behind your story?
Growing up, I had heard stories about female family members who were institutionalized. The stories never seemed to add up. The women were never released and their reasons for being there didn’t seem to make sense to me. I decided to research the topic of women and institutionalization and found a vast history of the practice of locking away women and those who were poor or considered “undesirable” dating back to the American eugenics’ movement. The goal at the time was to take those people considered inferior out of the general population and prevent them from having families of their own so they did not propagate their inferior genes. Essentially, the goal was to improve the population by removing those who didn’t seem to fit a high standard set by those in power.
Anna Wilson’s character is resilient. Can you share more about your process for developing her character and ensuring her experiences felt authentic?
Before creating Anna’s character, I researched women who had been impacted by the eugenics movement by reading first-person narratives, manuals for implementing the practice of eugenics, and accounts of women who had been institutionalized. Eventually, her voice came to be, and the story itself is a mixture of many of the women featured in the narratives I read. I blended their experiences to create one that would have been likely in Pennsylvania in the early 1900s.
How did you approach the research for this novel, particularly the historical aspects of institutional practices and societal attitudes during that era?
The research part of this novel was interesting, and there was no lack of information if you knew where to look. I started by reading every book I could find on American eugenics and the institutionalization of women, such as Imbeciles, War Against the Weak, and Women of the Asylum. From there, I visited the Vineland Historical Society and toured the grounds of the former Vineland Training School. I learned that New Jersey had a more progressive approach to individuals who were institutionalized, and they did not practice forced sterilization. This prompted me to move my story to Pennsylvania, where the practice was not uncommon. I also found interesting information about daily life in the early 1900s in old, local newspapers. Further, I watched video interviews of people who were institutionalized due to their undesirable traits, whether it was because they were poor, inebriates, women of loose morals, or uneducated. The eugenics movement lasted into the 1970s, so there were interesting video accounts of how people lived in these institutions that informed much of my book, including the scenes involving punishment and daily routines.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently finishing up a draft of a thriller, which is very different from The Invisible Ones. I’ve had a lot of readers ask about a possible sequel to The Invisible Ones. People want to know what happens with Anna’s mom, and I think that would be an interesting topic to explore. It would also give me an opportunity to delve into the impact long-term institutionalization had on those locked away in asylums.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/01/undesirable/
A method of judicial interpretation that looks only to the original meaning of legal texts risks producing a Constitution and laws that no one would want.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/05/23/choosing-pragmatism-over-textualism-stephen-breyer/
Are you traveling this summer? This is the perfect thriller to listen to. One of Our Own by Lucinda Berry delivers a suspenseful and well-executed story narrated by A.J. Cooke & Tessa Albertson. I devoured it and look forward to listening to more by this author.
One of Our Own
by Lucinda Berry
Series: 3 hours and 54 minutes
Narrator: A.J. Cook, Tessa Albertson
Length: 3 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
A suicide prevention hotline volunteer answers a call that turns her world upside down in this edge-of-your-seat audio original thriller by the bestselling author of The Perfect Child and The Best of Friends, performed by A.J. Cook (Criminal Minds) and Tessa Albertson (Younger).
Felicia, a single mother and lawyer by day, volunteers at a local crisis center to give back to her tightknit community in a small Wisconsin town. One night, she answers a horrifying call: through tears, a frantic teenage girl tells her that she was a victim of sexual assault at a local house party.
Felicia is shocked, and breaking protocol, she begins communicating with the girl on her own, determined to keep her safe and hold her assailants accountable. But as she gets closer and closer to the truth, she can’t shake the feeling that she and the girl are connected by more than the phone call. As the girl shares more details, Felicia begins to think the unthinkable—someone close to her may be involved in this heinous crime.
As Felicia earns the girl’s trust and more facts emerge about the incident, she faces a gut-wrenching battle between her protective instincts and the moral responsibility to do what’s right. This taut thriller is the perfect listen for fans of The Push, Wrong Place Wrong Time, and We Need to Talk About Kevin.
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Felicia is a single mom and lawyer who volunteers for a crisis hotline in small-town Wisconsin. One night, she gets a frantic call from a young teenage girl who claims to have been sexually assaulted. Breaking protocol, she communicates with the girl on her personal cellphone. The tale that unfolds held me captive as Felicia begins to suspect she may know the perpetrator.
Wow, this was an addictive tale from beginning to end. The author shares Felicia’s past as she frantically tries to help this young girl who is becoming suicidal. Berry kept me on edge from one suspenseful moment to the next. The author will have you questioning your own actions if you found yourself in Felicia’s shoes.
Fair warning, there are plenty of triggers in this one dealing. Nothing explicitly detailed, but rape, bullying, and suicide are central to the story. I went into this cold and avoided spoilers. I recommend you do the same.
Brilliant, addictive and suspenseful. One of Our Own was unputdownable and one I recommend listening to. A.J. Cooke and Tessa Albertson brought Felicia and the young victim to life.
Audible
Dr. Lucinda Berry is a former clinical psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. Now, she spends her days writing full-time where she uses her clinical experience to blur the line between fiction and nonfiction. She enjoys taking her readers on a journey through the dark recesses of the human psyche. Her work has been optioned for film and translated into multiple languages. If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon.
AJ Cook is a Canadian born actress best known for her role as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau in the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds.
Tessa Albertson is an American actress. She plays Caitlin Miller on the television series Younger.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/04/one-of-our-own-lucinda-berry.html
Thrown to the Wind by Amanda M. Cetas transports young adult readers to 1660s France, introducing us to Etienne Gayneau, a young boy whose aspirations soar beyond his father’s wishes for him to continue the family stove-making business. Set against a backdrop of religious persecution, this historical fiction novel traces Etienne and his family’s harrowing exodus from France to Amsterdam and finally to America. Etienne, grappling with familial expectations and the loss of his brother, discovers strength in the steadfast love of his relatives. This emotional support becomes his anchor as they endure the hardships of their journey. Along the way, Etienne encounters numerous perils that test his fortitude, compelling him to either conform to family expectations or forge his own destiny.
Thrown to the Wind is an enthralling narrative of endurance, love, and the relentless pursuit of one’s future. It skillfully combines historical richness with the essence of human resilience. The tale is a testament to hope, with Etienne navigating the storms of fate in his quest for redemption and a new beginning. As a devotee of historical fiction, I approached this book with high expectations, which were not only met but exceeded. The author’s meticulous research enriches the narrative, blending historical precision with engaging storytelling. The vivid descriptions and dynamic pacing make it difficult to put the book down. Etienne’s evolution from a hesitant boy into a cornerstone of strength for his family is profoundly moving, illustrating the power of human connections formed under the most challenging circumstances. The relationships Etienne forms—whether with his cousin, a girl he bonds with, or comrades on a ship—highlight the significance of interpersonal connections across life’s tumultuous journey. His sacrifices and the poignant moments of relinquishing personal dreams for family resonate deeply, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. The recurring motif, “Everything will look better in the morning,” poignantly underscores the family’s daily struggles with a sense of enduring hope.
Thrown to the Wind is a captivating exploration of historical events through the lens of personal struggle and growth. It not only entertains but enlightens, leaving readers more connected to the past and reflective of the human condition.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B07VBHD217
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/30/thrown-to-the-wind/