Blog Archives
Musings of Mannarkoil Professor: Now and then here and there
Musings of Mannarkoil Professor is a delightful collection of autobiographical essays by G. Srinivasan, a retired academic who traces his journey from a temple village in Tamil Nadu to a fulfilling professional life in Canada. The book skips across time and place with warmth, humor, and surprising insight, offering personal tales that touch on family, education, cultural identity, and the everyday absurdities of life. From playful musings on spelling and name pronunciation to deeply rooted reflections on migration and belonging, Srinivasan stitches together a life story that feels both intimate and quietly epic.
Reading this book felt like chatting with a wise, well-traveled friend who always has something interesting to say. The author’s recounting of being mistakenly addressed as everything from “Spinivasan” to “Scinivasan,” a result of bureaucratic misinterpretations of South Indian naming conventions, was both humorous and revealing. These anecdotes not only elicited genuine laughter but also prompted reflection on how names encapsulate identity, geography, personal history, and the enduring influence of colonial languages. Particularly memorable was his wry response to those inquiring about the pronunciation of his name: “Please don’t. I am alive.” It is uncommon to encounter a writer who so seamlessly blends self-deprecating wit with insightful commentary.
The childhood recollections are rendered with a poignant nostalgia that remains measured and never overly sentimental. The vividness of his descriptions evokes a tactile sense of the era; one can almost feel the cool surface of a slate or hear the distinctive tickticki of the itinerant barber’s clippers. His attention to detail, whether it is feeding pencil shavings to a peacock feather or applying ivy gourd leaves to a slate for their supposed medicinal properties, imbues everyday moments with remarkable vitality. These memories are layered with emotional nuance, effortlessly shifting the reader from quiet amusement to unexpected poignancy. His account of his mother calmly examining a cracked slate and pronouncing it fit for another year of use encapsulates both the affectionate pragmatism and quiet discipline that characterize life in a large, traditional Indian household.
What stood out most to me was how the author seamlessly connects the dots between the personal and the cultural, especially in the later chapters. His story about selling used notebooks to sweet vendors and then getting those same pages back as food wrappers was not just funny, it was such a vivid snapshot of frugality, circular economy, and childhood ingenuity in small-town India. An intimate knowledge of Tamil Nadu is by no means a prerequisite to appreciating his narrative. His storytelling possesses a rare generosity, inviting and inclusive, it resonates across cultural boundaries.
Musings of Mannarkoil Professor is a lovely, gently funny, and surprisingly profound read. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys memoirs, especially those filled with culture, wit, and old-school charm. If you’ve ever migrated, struggled to explain your name, or just reminisced about the weird tools of your schooldays, this book is for you. I’d especially recommend it to diaspora readers and South Asians of all ages. Anyone with an appreciation for well-crafted narratives imbued with warmth and humor will find much to admire in this work. Though now retired, the professor’s storytelling remains as compelling and incisive as ever.
Pages: 161 | ASIN : B0F757C98J
I Still Wish I Could Fly
There is no Shrimp…and Other Lies My Mother Told Me is a collection of creative stories and alternative truths that you were told as a child by your Mother. What inspired you to share these with the world?
I’m a criminal justice professor and one of the classes that I teach is juvenile justice. Among the topics we discuss in that class are drug delinquency and gangs. While talking about those topics, I ask students to discuss their experiences with D.A.R.E. or other drug prevention programs they experienced in their youth as well as positive influences in their lives—for example, parents, teachers, peers, etc. I also share my own personal experiences related to those topics. One example I like to give is how my mom and Pee-Wee Herman were two positive influences in my life and the major factors in keeping me drug free to this day. Every now and then, I’d find myself sharing stories from my childhood, often times involving mom and dad, in relation to the topic of juvenile justice. So one day I thought to myself: “Wouldn’t it be fun to share these stories with the world?” That was the impetus for creating There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me. FYI: The Pee-Wee Herman anti-drug story is featured in the book.
What was the creative process like working with illustrator Yamawe?
I live in the U.S. Yamawe lives in the Philippines. Needless to say, our creative collaboration is very much a long-distance relationship, but one that’s very much a success. In brief, I write the scripts, she does the artwork, we go through rounds of revisions, and then I make the final edits and send the pages off to the printers.
Getting to this point and publishing There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me, as well as Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher, was a four-year endeavor. We both have “real” jobs, so it was a challenge juggling full-time jobs and our other commitments in addition to this side project/hobby of ours. I knew early on that I wanted to release these stories about mom as a graphic novel as opposed to just words on pages… although there’s certainly nothing wrong with the latter option, it wasn’t the approach I wanted to take. I consider myself a fairly decent artist—not great, but decent—however, I’m very much old school; a pen and paper are still my tools of choice. Yamawe, who’s well-versed in both traditional and digital media, is an amazing artist and illustrates in a style that I felt was the perfect fit for my stories. I’m just glad that Yamawe decided to come along with me on this creative journey, because I couldn’t have done it without her. She has been such a joy to work with!
What is one of your favorite stories your mom told you, and what one do you wish was actually true?
If you’ve read There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me, you definitely know how much of a creative thinker and truth stretcher my mom is. Of all the lies or “alternative truths” my mom told me when I was a kid, my favorite one would have to be the one that the title of the book is based on: That there was no shrimp in my food. When I was younger, I hated shrimp. Not necessarily because they tasted bad, but because they looked like little aliens, like the ones in the Alien movies starring Sigourney Weaver. Those movies terrified me as a kid, and thus, shrimp did as well. Mom, wanting me to eat shrimp, because it was “good for me,” would always sneak tiny bits of shrimp into my food but tell me that there wasn’t any shrimp in the food. Long story short, I love shrimp now, and I have mom to thank for that.
One of the lies that mom told me that I wish was actually true is that if you keep jumping off a bed with a cape on your shoulders that you’ll eventually be able to fly like Superman. To this day, I still wish I could fly.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the second volume of Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga and a sequel to There is No Shrimp, tentatively titled Dad vs. The World. The first book continues Kenny’s arcade exploits as he continues to liberate plushies trapped in those claw machines. But this time around, his twin sisters, Jinny and Sammy, are tagging along with him on his UFO-catching adventures! The latter book will focus on more of my childhood stories. However, the main character of the book, as you can probably guess from the title, will be my dad… although my mom and her penchant for stretching and manipulating the truth will make cameo appearances in some of the stories. I am delighted to be partnering with Yamawe again for this “second season” of my autobiographical manga. We hope to release the next two books in the Life Lessons series within the next year or two, so stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
If you’ve read Kenny’s autobiographical manga and webtoon series, Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher, you’ve gained some insight into his quirky adult life and UFO-catching adventures. But have you ever wondered what your favorite UFO catcher was like as a kid? Wonder no more as you flashback to Kenny’s childhood and meet the person who shaped many of his unique perspectives on life… his mom!
Why are shrimp so terrifying? How are babies really made? What is the secret to superhuman flight? Discover the answers to these questions and more in UFO Catcher Ken Presents: There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me, a compilation of “alternative facts” a loving mother told her naïve and gullible son.
There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me
UFO Catcher Ken Presents: There is no Shrimp…and Other Lies My Mother Told Me by Kenny Loui is an enthralling manga that showcases the comedic journey of a Ph.D. student, Kenny Loui. His mission is to liberate plush animals from arcade games, but things take a drastic turn when he lands in jail after getting into a fight with a cheating opponent. While serving his sentence, Kenny converses with Irene, a cute plushie that materializes out of thin air, about his childhood in San Francisco. Kenny’s childhood is a kaleidoscope of misadventures and misunderstandings, with his mother’s “creative spin” on the truth adding to the chaos. The book takes you on a lighthearted and humorous trip down memory lane, filled with amusing anecdotes and culinary deceptions that will leave you chuckling.
The book is a continuation of Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher Season One and picks up right where it left off. The Stargate reference on the copyright page sets the tone for the exciting and engaging story that follows. The endearing memories of Loui’s mother’s explanations will resonate with readers, as most of us had someone in our lives who spun creative truths. The illustrations by Yamawe are stunning, with each panel bursting with personality, adding a unique touch to the narrative. The story culminates in Other Lies My Mother Told is a perfect conclusion that leaves the reader eagerly anticipating Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher Part Two. Kenny’s lighthearted adventures are infectious and will leave you grinning from ear to ear even after you’ve finished the book.
This highly entertaining manga is a captivating story and has marvelous art. Fans of slice-of-life manga cannot afford to miss There is No Shrimp…and Other Lies My Mother Told Me. It’s a delightful tale of hilarity and hijinks that will brighten your day.
Pages: 102 | ASIN : B0BW2MGW69
Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher
Kenny Loui, an individual with a Ph.D. who spends his days at the local arcade, is not your typical hero. Instead, his mission in life is to rescue as many plush animals as possible from the claw machines that keep them captive. Throughout his journey, Kenny shares with the reader many valuable life lessons he has learned along the way. However, when someone threatens the tranquility of the arcade, how will Kenny choose to defend his neighborhood oasis?
Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher by Kenny Loui is a surprising and delightful slice-of-life manga that exceeded my expectations. Initially anticipating a gritty account of UFO chasing and local horror, I was pleasantly surprised to find a charming story about a man’s efforts to rescue plushies while sharing wisdom with others. Each chapter is an “episode” in which Kenny demonstrates the significance of perseverance, kindness, and patience through his fight to liberate the plushies. The art by Yamawe is outstanding, with each panel bursting with life and vibrant color and the cute plushies adding their unique magic to the tale. This manga would make an excellent comedy anime, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment of Kenny’s exciting exploits.
Life Lessons of a UFO Catcher is a whimsical autobiographical story with charming art, sage advice, and an entertaining narrative. It’s an excellent choice for a rainy day read, containing mild language, mild violence, and mild fan service, and is recommended for middle-grade readers and up. This delightful tale of one man’s mission to rescue plushies is perfect for fans of slice-of-life anime and comedic, light-hearted adventures.
Pages: 150 | ASIN : B0B9KD2G4W
The Apapa Six
Author John Berryman takes the reader on a trip down memory lane, in the 60s. As you read this book, you realize how different the world is today from how it was back then. In The Apapa Six: West Africa from a 60S Perspective, the reader is enlightened about West Africa in the 1960s, how African nations fought for freedom and the impact colonization has, even, today, after African countries gained independence. John Berryman writes about historical events, his encounters with different nationals, and his experience in the continent.
Readers of this book will love how the author makes you feel like you are living in the moment. When talking about family, food, leadership, policy and many other subjects, John Berryman gives a brilliant description of events. This book is an opportunity to learn about various cultures and how different societies live. One major lesson the author offers is learning how to integrate with those from different backgrounds from you. Living away from home may not be as challenging as one could imagine. Reading this book will give you the urge to travel more. By traveling, you expand your mind and become more tolerant of things that you may previously not subscribe to.
The Apapa Six: West Africa from a 60S Perspective has history, real life experiences, and the personal reflections of John Berryman. Reading this book will help you understand the African struggle. As a reader, you get exposed to a different world and understand how the African struggle is a universal struggle. This enlightening book will appeal to readers of history, autobiography’s, travel, and those that love experiencing culture from the eyes of those that have lived it.
Pages: 139 | ASIN : B091TB727Q
The Addiction Manifesto
The Addiction Manifesto, by Jerry Weaver, provides readers with an impassioned retelling of his experience battling addiction. Weaver is a former addict who shares his personal story and the story of other individuals throughout this book to reveal and examine the real struggle with addiction.
The book depicts Weaver’s battle with addiction and his personal experiences, what led to the addiction and how he overcame this battle. The addiction is referred to as its own entity, something that only cares about its next fix, something that controls the individual until they no longer recognize themselves. The novel includes multiple individuals account of their own battle with addiction and where they are now in recovery. This provides a wholistic view of addiction through multiple perspectives.
The writing style in this book is very personal and stirring, but it is also edifying and provides readers with coaching and mentoring to help them. Weaver writes about his own experiences and then gives his opinion and advice on how others struggling can recover. Weaver shows that no matter your background, what type of addiction, or where you hit rock bottom, there is always a path to recovery and always a lesson to be learned. This was a profound moment for me, to see someone so low, and pull themselves from the depths like a phoenix, and the way that is portrayed in the book is enthralling.
I admire the strength of the individuals who told their stories and are on a path to recovery. I believe anyone who reads this book will gain insight into the battle of addiction and the path to recovery.
The Addiction Manifesto is an inspiring book that provides a fascinating look at addiction and provides practical advice on how to overcome it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction or to anyone who knows some struggling with addiction. This book can give insight into what individual’s go through to get their next fix, how they struggle daily, and what you could possibly do to help.
Pages: 178 | ASIN: B08KY52VJK
Love and Human Desire
Thomas Duffy Author Interview
One Love is an emotional novel that explores the different lives of people struggling with their own challenges in life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This is the book I identify with most of all the books I have written. It is a book that enables me to share my life experiences with others and, hopefully, shows people the pain and passion in life as well as the complexity of love and human desire. I needed to tell this story for my own personal reasons as well. I believe the family element of the story is also very strong and easy to relate to.
I enjoyed the truth behind many of your characters and how I could relate to them. Is there anything you took from your own life and put into this story?
Yes. The book is semi-autobiographical. There are real people behind all the central characters. I, of course, am Timothy. I met someone many years back, almost 20 years ago, who I fell instantly in love with. All the prior people I had met just didn’t matter after I met this girl. She’s called Melody in the book. I imagined the consequences of meeting her later in life and starting anew despite the fact that we’ve both moved on. Of course, I moved on not by choice but because of rejection. All the main characters in the book have identical counterparts in real life.
This book is filled with a cast of interesting characters. If Hollywood came knocking, who would you cast as the leads in the movie?
Good question. I was thinking Oscar Isaac and Reese Witherspoon initially. Reese Witherspoon, definitely. She has the charm and charisma that Melody would need to have as an on-screen character. Maybe Giovanni Ribisi instead of Oscar Isaac, though, because Reese and Giovanni are closer in age. For Cindy, Carey Mulligan for sure. Cindy is the love of Timothy’s life and Mulligan would capture the essence of Cindy to a tee. I would want Vince Vaughn to play Louie if possible.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I put my sci-fi series, “The Separation” books on hold temporarily to work on a new book for my Truly Moving Book series which “One Love” is a part of. The new book is going to be my best yet! It’s due later this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
![One Love by [Duffy, Thomas]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51srA77oYFL._SY346_.jpg)
One Love begins as a young man named Timothy meets a girl named Melody. She seems to be the girl of his dreams but when things don’t go as planned, he moves forward and settles down with another girl named Cindy. As years pass, Timothy reconnects with Melody who is now married with children. He begins an affair with her that will change both of their lives and force him to evaluate the decisions he has made in his life. One Love is a story of family, romance and heartbreak. It will make you search your soul to discover what the right thing is for the characters to believe in.
LITERARY TITAN 