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Spiral: Book One Of The Crane Trilogy
Spiral by James M. Fisher is a captivating coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Michael Price, a young man deeply affected by his mother’s loss. His happy life crumbles when his father remarries a Trophy Wife, and Michael is forced to attend a Catholic private school, where he struggles to fit in. He befriends a football jock named Dave, who helps him make school feel less lonely. Michael is once again uprooted from his California life and is moved to Utah. He befriends Tony, who introduces him to the world of punk, self-destruction, and Danielle.
The author takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as we follow Michael through his struggles and triumphs. The story opens on a dramatic note, and I was immediately intrigued. Fisher adeptly highlights the stark contrast between life in California and life in Utah, adding depth to the story and characters. The dialogue feels real, and I began to feel sorry for Michael because of what he dealt with his stepmother and real father. I was sad to see Michael and his father’s relationship deteriorated after the passing of his mother.
Through vivid descriptions and Michael’s nightmares, the author allows readers to understand Michael better and relate to his angsty teenage character. I found it amusing that Michael referred to his parents as “real mom,” “jock dad,” and “trophy wife,” as this shows his true feelings towards the people in his life. This short read moves at a smooth pace, but the tension picks up in the middle of the book, immersing readers into Michael’s world.
This unpredictable and unexpected twist had me guessing until the very end. Overall, Spiral is an enthralling read that many readers will empathize with, as we have all experienced life-changing events that shape us into who we are today. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.
Pages: 268 | ASIN : B07NFBVBZ9
The Rose of Washington Square
The book is a well-written piece of historical fiction that brings to life the extraordinary life of Rose O’Neill, a trail-blazing American artist who lived from 1874 to 1944. Through the writing, the author Pat Wahler explores the social context of the time period documenting how O’Neill forged her incredibly successful career at a time when women were still fighting for fundamental liberties like the right to vote.
The writing itself is easy to read, and Rose’s story is instantly absorbing. I particularly enjoyed how the book brought to life the bohemian artistic community Rose inhabits. It is full of colorful characters living a life full of artistic spirit and exploration. The appealing thing about historical fiction is that it allows the reader to enter the world of the character it is exploring. The Rose of Washington Square is very effective at bringing Rose’s world to light.
Rose’s development as both an artist and a woman from a young age makes for a fascinating subject matter. Her relationships and the unique dynamic of her family in a more traditional time are a pleasure to read and learn about. She is the breadwinner for her family and supports many artist friends, and is incredibly generous with her financial success. In terms of romantic relationships, the book demonstrates Rose’s ability to take control of her own destiny and does a great job of capturing Rose’s headstrong and determined personality. She is a woman in charge of her own life and passions.
The Rose of Washington Square is a fascinating historical and women’s fiction work. Readers will find the writing style to be conversational and easy to follow, with engaging facts mixed into the story. It was a pleasure to be introduced to and learn about the life and work of its central protagonist O’Neill. I would readily recommend this book to other readers.
Pages: 375 | ASIN : B0BSSFDK9Q
Mac Has Hit A Bottom
MacGregor’s Final Battle follows a man who forgoes cancer treatment and sets out on a cross-country trip where he meets a nurse and inspires her to restart her life. What motivated you to write a biographical fiction novel about Mac?
A couple of things came together. I was challenged to write a novel for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMO) in 2020. I had a chapter written in response to a question about my autobiography (not written and never will be). So, initially it was a spur of the moment adventure while I was recovering from writing and publishing Demented. But it led to some serious research about some serious issues. I wanted to write a romance – hence Mac and Kate – but I couldn’t pass on an opportunity to talk about family.
What were some obstacles that you felt were important in defining your characters in the story?
Mac has hit a bottom. He’s old. His wife of 40 years has recently died. He is dying of brain cancer. His family has abandoned him. But he has to do something. He has to make readers fall in love and root for him while accepting that he is going to die. He has to be tough as nails but vulnerable. In Chapter 2, he takes on armed robbers and misguided cops. In Chapter 4, Kate exposes his vulnerability. The great obstacle for the characters in this story is the age and social gap between Mac and Kate. They have to learn to get along together.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share with readers in this book?
Ageing and dying are foremost. What do we do with people who are falling apart before our eyes – perhaps suffering from an incurable disease or a disabling handicap or injury?
How we relate to others both as individuals and as a society: Tim’s race; Eddie and wound vet with hispanic heritage; our native American neighbors Our wars – Vietnam is especially difficult for Mac and me but it’s a repeating pattern that affects (perhaps defines) Eddie’s life.
Where do you see Kate Graham a couple of years after the story ends?
For the moment, Kate will continue as Eddy’s wife and partner. Their family will grow. She will rise to Nurse Practitioner.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
MacGregor’s Final Battle
MacGregor’s Final Battle is a novel following the last journey of the protagonist Mac MacGregor as he undertakes a cross-country trip to visit his cousin in Alaska after his wife Anne of forty years dies, and he learns he has stage four brain cancer. He chooses to forgo cancer treatment and make the most of his last months alive. On his journey, he follows the Lewis and Clark trail National Historical Trail in his RV, which traces the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1803 to 1806, taking him from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to the Pacific Ocean.
The book is based loosely on the author’s own life. Elements of the recorded history of America and the Lewis and Clark trail are peppered throughout the story. I enjoyed the character development throughout the book. Mac starts off as a depressed, lonely man; he is grieving and intends to shut out the world around him and his own family. Through the first half of the novel, his grief is palpable. He is portrayed as a stubborn, straight-talking character who comes to terms with his own mortality and failing health. He meets Kate, a Nursing Assistant, at a dinner in Saint Louis, where she is working part-time, and she persuades him due to his ill health, he should not be undertaking the journey on his own. Instead, she offers to accompany him as his caretaker. With some reluctance, he agrees, and they continue his trip together.
The novel frequently examines the theme of colonialism in America and the destruction of natural habitats in the name of progress. There is a motif throughout the story of the loss of a simpler life in the face of modernity. Mac is a military veteran of the Vietnam war, and he meets other Veterans on his travels. The ongoing effects of military service are discussed through Kate and Mac’s dialogue throughout the novel. I found the novel to be a slow burner as it takes a little while to get going. Some of the plot is somewhat repetitive as the characters undertake many similar activities as they move along the trail. Hence, the action builds up slowly rather than the tension and interest for the reader increasing as they move along their journey.
However, as the book progresses, you become more invested in the characters. Finally, in the last half of the novel, the story starts to pick up its pace. The relationship between Kate and Mac develops, and Mac’s tough exterior softens. The story ends as a sweet love story between the two.
Pages: 286 | ASIN: B0BQKNG2YN
Paper Roses on Stony Mountain
Paper Roses on Stony Mountain by Diana Stevan is set in early World War II Canada, as Hitler comes to rise and the war begins. It follows Dunya, who falls in love with Peter, and both their Ukrainian families and their dynamics in the early 1940s. Dunya’s family are farmers in Canada. The story talks about their struggles. Peter’s brothers are in the military, where we learn about what it was like for them. Dunya is a very progressive woman who is constantly working and more in control of their money than Peter. It also addresses how immigrants were viewed and the differences in how people tried to cling to their traditions or hide them to better fit in.
Paper Roses on Stony Mountain is a little dry, and I wasn’t sure what direction the story was headed. I kept waiting for a plot twist, but it never happened. However, the writing was very clean and easy to read. I enjoyed the character dynamics. Especially Dunya and her mom or with her husband, Peter. I could feel how her being so progressive rubbed her mom the wrong way at times. As well as how it balanced out Peter’s lack of motivation. I also enjoyed the dialogue and struggles between her brothers. Mike was an alcoholic selling homebrew and gambling family money away, while Egnat was the responsible, hard-working brother who took over the father’s role. I could feel the tension and struggles.
Paper Roses on Stony Mountain is the third book in this family saga series. A work of historical biographical fiction based on the author’s grandmother, readers, will be shown what life was like for an immigrant in Canada during the second world war. It is a testimony to the struggles women faced in this fast-changing time of life, and the struggle to keep family together.
Pages: 363 | ASIN : B0B9RMKX2F
Lies that Blind
After being banished to Calcutta two years prior by his British father, Jim Lloyd decides to leave this place when the opportunity to live up to his ambitions presents itself. Lies That Blind by E.S Alexander is based on a true story taking place in Malaya during the 18th century. Starting off in India, Jim heads to Penang in Malaya to become Captain Francis Light’s new assistant in order to write a chronicle about this fame-driven captain. The readers will follow his new life in this new place where he needs to adapt and make trustworthy friendships.
This fascinating story is written using rich details and historical facts. The readers are brought into what life was like in Penang as if they were the ones settling there, and they witness the growing friendship between Jim and Light. It is clear that the author did a lot of research about the Malaya culture, embracing it without disrespecting it. This shows through Jim’s love for other cultures and mainly towards the Malay’s religion and ways of living. Furthermore, being a historical novel, this book contains a lot of trade and military tactics, allowing the readers to understand how trade used to work during colonial times.
While I enjoyed the book, I felt that the story seemed slow in some chapters; being told from Jim’s point of view, he describes some details that seem irrelevant and/or slightly dull. But I also appreciate how this gives the story an air of authenticity and shows how one’s interests and opinions can differ from another’s.
The author teaches readers a lot about this time period and about Malaya colonization while being respectful and not overlooking the harsh facts surrounding colonization. This exciting adventure novel gives readers a look at the trading aspects of the colonization of Malaya through a compelling coming-of-age narrative.
Pages: 278 | ASIN : B09HKXYT12
A Winding Path to Flat Water
A Winding Path to Flat Water by Rob Soles tells the story of his great-grandpa, Henry Soles, who was taken from his parents when he was just a baby. Nishkiinzhig was Henry’s nanny and kidnapped him when she left with her tribe. Henry and Nishkiinzhig are forced to move around several times and to different places to get away from white settlers and other tribes. They stay at a home for widows and orphans where Henry, now known as Niniij, learns to hunt and help out around the home. Nishkiinzhig learns she has cancer, so she sends Henry out into the world to become a man and live his life. Soon after she passes away, Henry sets out to find the family he was taken from. He must also now reintegrate and reestablish himself in a white society.
Rob Soles has written an unpredictable, historical tale of Henry’s journey of finding a place for himself in society. The novel moves at a smooth pace and follows the different experiences that Henry goes through. Readers will love Henry as he is not angry at what happens to him, instead he still loves Nishkiinzhig and considers her his mom. His character is intelligent and capable and builds friendships with people along the way. Soles’ descriptions allow the reader to imagine what the characters in the story look like along with the surrounding areas. I enjoyed the many interesting characters in this novel; however, I would have liked to have heard more of what they were thinking and the motives behind their actions to connect more with them. The ending of this engaging novel leaves readers with much to think about, allowing them to take the story with them after they read the last page.
A Winding Path to Flat Water is a riveting story about American history, and western expansion told from a biographical fiction viewpoint. It gives readers an interesting look at Native American culture and what it could be like to live across two very different worlds.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B09N8LH21H
The Winds of Change: Making Peace with Asperger’s
There comes a period in every person’s life when things just fall into place– quite surprisingly. All the hard work and struggles culminate, resulting in nothing but pure life-changing events. And that’s what this novel is about. In Winds of Change: Making Peace with Aspergers, author Keiron Austwick creates an imaginary persona to reflect his own life story, narrating how one year significantly turned the direction of his life.
Written in a diary format, this novel is a beautiful read. The author documents each month of the year 2018, recording the important life events that took place during this time. As the reader progresses through the novel, they come to realize that the year has been nothing less than ‘revolutionary’ in Rhys’ life.
As someone living with Asperger’s, he has faced multiple challenges in life, which he managed to handle bravely. With every month unfolding before the reader’s eyes, it’s not difficult to realize that Rhys is slowly making peace with Asperger’s. He lands a new job, makes smart investments, and gets a new car– happily embracing the winds of change, or in other words, positive beginnings that are about to transform his life. The book brings along a feel-good ray of hope.
The language is straightforward, easy to read, and flows smoothly. The monthly records help the reader keep track of the series of incidents. Asperger’s is a condition that affects one out of a hundred people, and this book is a brilliant example that it’s possible to accept and overcome the hardships it brings with it and live a good life. This inspirational account compels readers to find the light at the end of the tunnel– something that’s perhaps going to come in their life like the refreshing winds of change.
Winds of Change: Making Peace with Aspergers is the fictional biography of the author. The story itself, the flow of language, and the message it carries are all simple yet vital to living a happy and fulfilled life, especially when you’re struggling with a condition such as Asperger’s.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B08L6Y1536
LITERARY TITAN 