Blog Archives
Home for the Bewildered
Home for the Bewildered, by Michelle Tobin, masterfully captures a haunting, tender world set against the backdrop of 1974 Lansing, Michigan. We follow Dr. Dorothy Morrissey, the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum, as she steps into the lives of her fragile patients—and, unknowingly, deeper into the wounds she’s spent years hiding from herself. Each of her patients reflects a piece of her pain: Thomas, whose reckless charm is both alluring and terrifying; Ruth, drowning in a sea of trauma; and George, whose mere presence brings up a discomfort she can’t quite explain. As Dorothy’s empathy tangles her fate with theirs, it becomes clear that she, too, is desperately in need of healing.
The storytelling here strikes a perfect, almost poetic balance between sorrow and hope. Tobin writes Dorothy’s journey with a raw intimacy that resonates deeply. We witness Dorothy peeling back the layers of her patients’ suffering, only to have those same layers stripped from her own guarded heart. It’s both heavy and heartbreakingly beautiful. I couldn’t help but think of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, as Tobin offers an unflinching portrayal of trauma and the yearning for connection.
The prose feels like open wounds—painful, vivid, and so delicately human. Reading this book isn’t just an experience; it’s a quiet, aching immersion into the need for acceptance and the long, messy road to healing. The narrative unfolds with depth and care evident in every well-researched plot detail and character arc. Each character is beautifully constructed, with stories that deserve to be felt, not just read.
Despite dealing with heavy, sensitive topics, mental illness, grief, and the stigmas of the past, including homosexuality, Tobin handles it all with a gentle, respectful touch. The result is a kind of immersive tenderness, making you ache for characters who often struggle to even root for themselves. Every chapter feels like peeling back layers to reveal what’s hidden, dismissed, or lost, and the effect is spellbinding.
The historical setting is a triumph. Tobin captures the period with such authenticity that I felt transported, as if I were sitting in the cold halls of the asylum or witnessing every tear and triumph alongside the characters. It reads like genuine historical fiction but is alive with emotional depth. There’s a dual-pull here: you want to savor each exquisite line, but the narrative grips you so intensely that you devour it without meaning to. The portrayal of Dorothy, who finds herself in the fractured reflections of her patients, is astonishingly resonant. It beautifully illustrates the reality that even those who dedicate their lives to healing others often find themselves on the brink of breaking. The characters feel alive, layered, and achingly real.
This book is an unforgettable exploration of what it means to live with an open heart and how the concept of family can emerge in the most unlikely places. If you’re drawn to stories that linger with you long after you’ve finished, that mix historical insight with raw, emotional honesty, Home for the Bewildered is a must-read. It will break your heart and, in its own way, try to mend it too.
Pages: 328 | ISBN : 978-3988320773
Overcoming Bad Decisions
American Jukebox follows a young boy and his father, Dancer, a baseball pitcher whose life takes an unexpected turn, leading them to a small town where he learns life lessons about shattered dreams and the challenges of growing up. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My first novel, American Past Time (published in 2014) is the prequel to American Jukebox. American Past Time is primarily Dancer Stonemason’s story – his fall from grace, and his recovery. It ends in 1973 when Clayton Stonemason has just returned from Viet Nam. American Jukebox, revisits those early years, but from Clayton’s perspective as a boy growing to adulthood. The second half of the novel follows Clayton on his journey.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I think so. Clayton was a challenge. He had idolized his father as a young boy, and when Dancer was disgraced that wounded Clayton, and he didn’t want anything to do with his father. He didn’t want to be compared to him, but as he grows up it is obvious that he is much like his father and despite his protests he doesn’t hate him. He loves him. The challenge was showing his evolution from wounded child to an adult who through his own bad choices and failures comes to understand that no one is perfect.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
All of the Stonemason stories – not just American Jukebox, but also the prequel, American Past Time, and the third book in the trilogy, Everyone Dies Famous are about people making bad decisions and their struggle to overcome those decisions. In Jim Stonemason’s commencement address to his high school, he finishes with this exhortation:
“When we fail, it doesn’t have to be forever. We have to forgive ourselves. Let me repeat that. We have to forgive ourselves. As long as we’re still breathing, we have a chance to make things right. But we can’t if we’re spending all our energy blaming ourselves. So when you stumble, give yourself a break.”
Forgiveness. Perseverance. The opportunity for redemption if we keep trying. If we stay in the game. I guess I would call those the themes I explored in all of these novels.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The novel I am working on now is titled, “Nothing Left to Lose” and it is the sequel to my novel, “Freedom’s Just Another Word…” which are lines from the late, great Kris Kristofferson’s classic song, “Me and Bobby McGee”. I am hoping it will be available next fall, but I have a lot of work to do.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Clayton Stonemason idolized his father, a hometown hero in their small Missouri town. But when his father’s life unravels, Clayton loses his way, too. He tries to escape his father’s legacy but discovers he can’t run from his destiny.
AMERICAN JUKEBOX, a story of small-town America in the last decades of the twentieth century, explores the many ways our relationships, hopes, and dreams can alter the course of our lives.
River Town: Wellsville Ohio
River Town: Wellsville Ohio, by David Navarria, is a multi-generational historical narrative set in a small industrial river town that was essential to America’s growth. Based on his mother’s memoirs, diaries, and dictations, Navarria chronicles the lives of various families in Wellsville, Ohio, with a focus on themes of survival, war, and humanity’s darker side. The book spans pivotal moments in American history, from the town’s contributions to two world wars to the struggles of settlers and immigrants. The story moves between personal accounts, romance, crime, and war, shedding light on the human condition and the costs of building a nation.
What stands out to me is the sincerity and passion Navarria pours into recounting his family’s history. The writing, especially in the early chapters, does an excellent job of capturing the grim realities of life in a small industrial town, with vivid descriptions of Wellsville’s growth, its atmosphere, and its people. For example, in the opening scene, the fog-covered streets and the interaction between Pip and the towering Irishman McElhenny evoke an eerie, mysterious mood. Navarria’s style can be heavy at times, but the detail adds richness to the setting, pulling readers into the life of this river town.
Navarria shifts between narrative styles, sometimes diving into lengthy historical exposition, then moving to personal anecdotes, like Luigi Massaro’s escape from a vengeful duel in Sicily. While the historical context is interesting, I found myself more drawn to the personal, emotional stories of individual characters than the broader history of Wellsville.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its portrayal of complex characters and their moral struggles. The violence, especially in the context of war and survival, is unflinchingly depicted. Navarria doesn’t shy away from showing how brutal life could be for both men and women, as seen through the brutal duels and raw family conflicts. I appreciated that the author remained true to his mother’s accounts, not sugarcoating the harsher aspects of life. While the book is filled with darkness and hardship, there is also a strong undercurrent of redemption and resilience, particularly in the characters who are fighting for survival.
River Town: Wellsville Ohio is a heartfelt and dense historical account that would appeal to readers interested in American history, family sagas, and personal stories of redemption. The historical accuracy combined with the emotional weight of the personal narratives makes this book particularly meaningful for anyone with a love of family history or small-town America.
Pages: 562 | ASIN : B0DBKJ9719
American Jukebox
American Jukebox, by Len Joy, is a heartfelt exploration of childhood, family, and the bittersweet transition into adulthood. Set in mid-20th century America, the story centers on Clayton, a young boy, and his father, Dancer, a baseball pitcher whose life takes an unexpected turn. Through snapshots of Clayton’s childhood, the narrative delves into his relationship with his father, who eventually leaves baseball and faces a series of personal and financial hardships. As Clayton navigates the complexities of family life, he learns tough lessons about shattered dreams, harsh realities, and the inevitable challenges of growing up. The story vividly portrays small-town life and the struggles families face when their aspirations falter, weaving a tale of resilience and emotional growth.
In this literary fiction piece, Len Joy captures the essence of how personal choices, family ties, and unforeseen events shape one’s future. Readers are taken on Clayton’s emotional journey as he wrestles with his father’s downfall, his mother’s endurance, and his own coming-of-age. The book’s nostalgic tone, coupled with its vivid depiction of 1950s and 60s America, paints a picture of a time when baseball symbolized not just sport, but hope and heartbreak. Each chapter is concise, making it an easy read, yet packed with emotional depth.
The theme of a dysfunctional family makes for a poignant and, at times, difficult read, with Clayton’s relationship with his father serving as the novel’s emotional core. Dancer’s fall from the pitcher’s mound to working in a factory is a tragic arc, one that resonates with anyone who’s experienced the disillusionment of seeing a parent’s dreams crumble. Clayton’s idealization of his father is gradually dismantled as he confronts the painful truths of adulthood. This depiction of family turbulence and childhood disillusionment is delivered in a subtle yet powerful manner. Joy’s writing is simple yet descriptive, offering vivid imagery without over-complication. Clayton’s emotional growth is paced perfectly, making his journey feel both intimate and relatable. The book touches on universal themes: the fleeting moments of childhood, the bonds within a family, and the inevitable loss of innocence.
American Jukebox is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with relatable characters and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged. Len Joy’s storytelling brings to life the joys and sorrows of growing up in a world where dreams and reality often collide. It’s a touching and simple read, deeply resonant with anyone who’s ever grappled with the complexities of family and the passage of time.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0DF5B3QV4
The Immigrant’s Wife
J.B. Harris’s The Immigrant’s Wife masterfully weaves a poignant tale set in the early 1900s, following the life of Anna, a 19-year-old American girl who falls in love with Charles Patrinos, a Greek immigrant. Their love defies societal expectations, inciting disapproval from Anna’s family and friends. In an era marked by rampant xenophobia, their relationship exemplifies the classic struggle of star-crossed lovers. Anna’s decision to choose love over her upbringing thrusts her into a world of harsh consequences, forcing her to constantly reaffirm her love for Charles while drawing on her inner values for strength.
The novel is not just a story of romance; it delves deep into themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and resilience. Harris has crafted an emotionally charged narrative that resonates on multiple levels. The novel explores the profound impact of loss and the way it can erode both mental and physical well-being. Anna’s character transformation is particularly compelling. From a sheltered young girl, she blossoms into a strong, determined woman who must navigate a world devoid of familial support. Her journey of self-discovery and survival makes her an inspiring protagonist, and her resilience leaves a lasting impression. What sets The Immigrant’s Wife apart is how it examines the dual nature of love—its capacity to both uplift and devastate. Harris does not shy away from showing the emotional toll of difficult choices. Furthermore, the novel shines a light on the immigrant experience, capturing the harsh realities immigrants faced during a challenging period in American history.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is its personal connection to Harris’s own family history, infusing the story with authenticity and emotional depth. This personal touch elevates The Immigrant’s Wife from a mere historical novel to a deeply affecting exploration of love and identity. It is a heart-wrenching read that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers with much to reflect upon.
Pages: 393 | ASIN : B0C63KGNXF
History and Classic Cinema
Janszoon follows Hollywood icon Humphrey Bogart through his tumultuous personal and professional life who longs for adventure and a lasting legacy while learning about his ancestor, pirate Jan Janszoon van Salee. What inspired you to write this story?
At the heart of all of my historical fiction writing is my soon-to-be-published series about German immigration in the early Eighteenth Century. As the family historian, my wife and I undertook a journey tracing the path of my German ancestor, Hans Heinrich Gruber (no relation to the Die Hard Hans), from Basel, Switzerland, up the Rhine River to Rotterdam. From there, Hans embarked on a ship to New York City. While researching the New Netherlands, specifically the island of Manhattan, I stumbled upon the story of the infamously famous, fabulously wealthy Dutch Barbary pirate Jan Janszoon Van Salee. His sons were among the earliest settlers, and their descendants now number in the millions. Among these descendants is believed to be the Hollywood legend Humphrey Bogart.
As I traveled through the Northeast, from Philadelphia to Canada to Boston, gathering facts for my series, the idea for this book struck me. I envisioned Bogart, amid his career, exploring his connection to Jan Janszoon Van Salee. The story became a journey of self-discovery, legacy, and adventure as Bogart delves into his heritage to understand what it means to leave a lasting mark on the world.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Bibliography
Widing, Roy. Sluggy: Bogie’s Other Baby. Mayo Methot – Star of Stage, Screen & Wife of Humphrey Bogart. Orlando, Florida: Copyright 2019 Roy Widing. (pgs 131, 142-4)
Thompson, Verita, and Donald Shepherd. A Love Story: Bogie and Me. Pinnacle Books, Inc., 1982. (pgs. 10-14, 17-25, 27-33, 45-49, 53-56)
Hyams, Joe. The Humphrey Bogart Story: BOGIE. The New American Library, Inc., 1966. 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. (pgs. 63, 72, 79-80, 87)
Sperber, A.M., and Eric Lax. Bogart. HarperCollins Publishers, 1997. 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007. (pgs. 227, 235)
Meyers, Jeffrey. BOGART: A Life in Hollywood. A Peter Davison Book, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, New York, 1997. (pgs. 138, 160-163)
Bogart, Stephen Humphrey, and Gary Provost. Bogart: In Search of My Father. Penguin Books USA Inc., 1995. 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Humphrey Bogart and the rest of the gang.
…and of course, lots of old movies.
What draws you to the Golden Age of Hollywood and makes it ripe for you to write such a great biographical fiction story in it?
My draw to the Golden Age of Hollywood stems from a deep love for the silver screen and history. As a longtime fan of classic films, I’ve always been captivated by the larger-than-life personalities and stories that shaped that era. The glitz, glamor, and drama of Hollywood’s golden years offer a rich world for storytelling, where real-life legends like Humphrey Bogart navigated personal and professional challenges while leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
Retired from dentistry, I now have the luxury of immersing myself in history and letting my imagination run wild. Daydreaming about the lives of iconic figures allows me to blend factual history with fictional narratives, creating stories that entertain and explore the human side of these legends. Writing biographical fiction set in this era is my way of paying tribute to the stars who shaped our cultural landscape while indulging my passion for history and classic cinema.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
There are several thrilling historical fiction projects in the works, each offering a unique dive into the past and beyond. First up is an ambitious eight-book series that will take you on a journey through German immigration from 1700 to 1780, capturing the trials, triumphs, and enduring spirit of those who shaped the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Spinning off from this series is an intriguing standalone novel set around 1715, centered on a girls’ school that spurred the transfer of none other than Yale College to New Haven—a story rich with secrets, ambition, and early American history.
But that’s not all! There’s also the first installment of a gripping murder mystery series, promising twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And if that weren’t enough, a mind-blowing multi-book sci-fi saga is in the works, ready to transport readers to worlds and dimensions that defy imagination.
The funny thing about crafting a long series is that by the time you’re knee-deep in books, new revelations or ideas often pop up, prompting rewrites and tweaks to earlier volumes. It’s a creative journey that truly only ends once everything falls perfectly in place. One day, these stories will be polished, perfected, and released as a complete set, and I hope readers will enjoy them as much as I’ve loved bringing them to life.
Author Links: Amazon
It’s 1942 and Humphrey Bogart seems to have it all. By day, he’s reading lines for Casablanca with Ingrid Bergman; by night, he’s drinking bourbon on the Sunset Strip with friends like Peter Lorre and Leslie Howard.
But to Bogart, life is not so glamorous. High-profile fights with his wife Mayo and a rigid studio contract committing him to a series of mediocre films have him feeling personally and professionally trapped.
That is, until one day a mysterious note arrives on set.
Heeding the strange invitation, Bogart finds himself in a series of long, secret conversations with his aunt and cousin about the swashbuckling tales of their ancestor, the pirate Jan Janszoon van Salee. These tales of the high seas ignite a fire within Bogart to carve out a path that is uniquely his own—even if it means shedding the roles and people who made him famous.
Janszoon is more than a Hollywood fantasy; it’s a journey into the heart of a man wrestling with ambitions and desires, an actor who yearns to balance his on-screen personas with his off-screen reality. From his tumultuous marriage and infamous USO tour, through his affairs with Verita Patterson and Lauren Bacall, Janszoon imagines a life in which the enigmatic Humphrey Bogart seeks a legacy that transcends the ephemeral glow of stardom.
Changing Your Destiny
Depression follows siblings during the Great Depression who leave home and move to New York City in hopes of a better future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration comes from my fascination with history. Ever since I was 12 years old, I have been a history fanatic because it has always been an interesting subject to me. To me, it is nice to learn about how past events can affect our current moment in life. In terms of the Great Depression, I felt that it was always a major stepping stone in American history because of its global impact (Ex: World War 2).
What many people tend to forget or leave unnoticed is how the Great Depression impacted those in the southern states. Agriculture was failing so badly for farmers that they needed help from the government but it still wasn’t enough to save their agriculture business. I’ve been wanting to write a story around this idea for 12 years now, but never got around to it until now.
Wade and Ruby both take different paths once they reach the city, struggling in their own ways to figure out themselves and how to get by. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I believe the idea for Ruby and Wade was to show everyone how even though we want to achieve the same goal in life, we will still go on a different journey to get there. Sometimes it can be a good path or a dark path.
For Ruby, she was always the tough, strong-minded country girl who never wavered from anything and always protected her little brother. Getting to New York City was her way of finally realizing that there was more to life than farming and Wade. Her main thing was finally growing up and stepping out of her Mississippi bubble.
For Wade, even being the ambitious one and wanting a better life for himself and his sister, he quickly learns that dreaming about something is very different than experiencing something. His dreams meet reality which caused a huge character shift for him.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important thing that I want readers to take away from this book is hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. We as humans and society have our troubling, depressing moments in life, so sometimes hope is all we need. Overall, If there is anything you can learn from Wade and Ruby’s journey is that you have the power to take a step towards changing your destiny.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. We can expect a sequel to Depression. Ruby’s story is not finished just yet. I won’t spoil too much of the next book, but I will say that Ruby will now learn the true meaning of love, loss, and healing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Set in the rustic backdrop of rural Mississippi, our story follows Wade and Ruby, two siblings
who must grapple with a life of impoverishment. Wade and Ruby are introduced to the harsh
realities of life at a tender age, as they toil on their barren land, trying to salvage their father’s
dream agriculture business.
Their parents, trapped in dead-end jobs, paint a bleak picture of their future.
However, their narratives take a turn when the siblings decide to break free from the chains of
their circumstances. They aspire to redefine their destinies and escape the shackles of their
poverty-stricken existence by moving to the bustling, promise-filled streets of New York City:
“The City of Dreams.”
Their journey to New York City will be a transformative one for the siblings, as they will be
forced to step out of their comfort zone and experience a new life beyond the confines of their
old rural lifestyle.
Once Wade and Ruby reach the promised land, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in
their lives, but it won’t be easy.
To survive, Wade and Ruby must quickly learn to navigate through NYC’s cutthroat environment
while also facing the darkness of their family’s past mistakes in a place that can either catapult
them to their dreams or shatter them entirely.
Immerse yourself in a narrative that pushes the limits of emotion and suspense, as “Depression”
peels back the curtain on the darkness of life itself.
The Smiths’ journey will be filled with a whirlwind of emotions while offering you a compelling
narrative that will linger in your mind long after the final page is turned.
Find the Courage to Keep Going
Big Love and War Horse follows a family in North Carolina at the start of WWII who struggle to heal from the death of their wife and mother and the secrets that have been kept hidden. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We all have family stories we hear growing up. When we share them with others we gain new understandings and form new connections. I began writing Big Love and War Horse in 2015. Life has a way of happening though, and I could not work on my manuscript consistently. This delay benefited me greatly. As time went on I found more and more inspiration from hearing new family histories, and from the historical research I did for my book. With each bit I learned, the story naturally grew.
Although Big Love and War Horse is a work of fiction, many of the characters and stories within the book are loosely based on my family’s history. I will say the original inspiration for the novel was the death of my grandmother. She sadly took her own life when I was very young. All of us have experienced loss and grief during tumultuous times. I wanted to share the emotions of a broken family surviving the same adversities many of us face today. No matter where a person is from, or who they are, there will be moments in life where they need to find the courage to keep going.
What inspired and guided your thinking in telling this family’s story through the eyes of their beloved dogs, and how did you get into the mindset to do this?
Sometimes I think no one knows you like your pets do. Anyone who has a dog can tell you about the unconditional love their furry friend has for them. For a lot of us, our dogs are with us during some of our most vulnerable moments. They witness us in private when no one else is around. I truly believe they share our joy and empathize with our pain. Although she has passed now, my Great Pyrenees, Big Love, was always a comfort to me. My Doberman, War Horse, is still always at my side. I have often wondered what my dogs are thinking as they experience life with me. I think a lot of people wonder about that. It seemed only fitting to add the dogs’ perspectives. I felt telling parts of the story through the eyes of Big Love and War Horse added a level of intimacy and understanding that we would not otherwise have.
As for getting into the mindset to write from the dogs’ perspectives, it wasn’t much different than developing my other characters. That may sound funny, but I had to imagine what it would be like if I were a dog. I live on a small farm, so I spend much of my time surrounded by animals. I actually have six dogs. All of them have very different personalities. I spent time observing each of them and learning to understand their behaviors.
Writing from Big Love and War Horse’s perspective was one of my favorite parts of writing this novel. Even during the heaviest moments in the book, I found writing from the dogs’ perspectives refreshing. A dog’s actions are based solely on survival, loyalty, and love. They have the freedom to be who they are with an unbridled spirit.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
All of us in some way have felt the impact of war, financial crisis, racial injustice, or the loss of a loved one, just as the Deacon family does in the novel. I wanted to write a story reminding us of the strength of family bonds and the unwavering friendships that lift us up in our darkest moments. There were many themes I explored and touched upon as I wrote. Jonas and Kay coming of age through tragedy, Luke questioning his self-worth and morals, Linnie weighing what is good versus evil as she tries to find her place in the world, and of course, the unconditional love and loyalty of Big Love and War Horse were just a few themes I felt were important. Most of all, I hoped my novel would be a story of love, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity, where justice and redemption give the readers hope.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I spend a lot of my time writing. I love to explore new genres, and I always let my creativity take me where it wants to. I have several children’s picture books written that I am hoping to publish. I have three novel ideas I am outlining and researching for future projects. Currently, I am working on two different manuscripts. The first is a children’s chapter book that tells the fictitious life story of a crow. However, my main focus is on a novel I am co-authoring with my husband. The genre is contemporary literary fiction. This next book will be a comedy. Be prepared to laugh as much as you probably cried while reading Big Love and War Horse. I am uncertain when my next book will be available, but be on the lookout for The Summer Beard.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Abandoned by their father, Luke, after the sudden death of their mother, fifteen-year-old Jonas and his younger sister Kay are coming of age in a world shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty. Luke’s sister Linnie steps in to help mend the broken family, but haunted by her own hidden truths, her life is shattered by the past.
Through the intimate perspectives of the Deacon family and their dogs, this intricately woven tale of tragedy and love reminds us of the power of the human spirit to rise above seemingly impossible circumstances.
LITERARY TITAN 