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Brothers for Life: Hoosiers at the Crossroads
M. Franklin Parrish’s Brothers for Life is a heartfelt family memoir that traces over a century of American history through the eyes and lives of two remarkable brothers, Richard and Myles Parrish. The book weaves together tales of grit, sacrifice, family bonds, and small-town values. Spanning from the Civil War to post-World War II America, it shows the deep imprint that hardship leaves on generations. Rooted in Decatur, Indiana, it chronicles the Parrish family’s journey through war, poverty, loss, and triumph. It also offers a broader commentary on what it means to endure and thrive in the face of both historic and personal adversity.
The storytelling is deeply personal, almost confessional, like sitting across from a wise, soft-spoken elder who is sharing memories. The writing itself isn’t flashy or literary. It’s straight talk, steeped in emotion and thick with detail. That’s part of its charm. It’s not trying to impress; it’s trying to remember, and in doing so, it invites the reader to feel a connection. I teared up more than once, moved by the quiet beauty of brotherhood and unspoken family devotion. When Richard gives his car to Myles for a honeymoon or when young boys lead their blind father door-to-door to sell brooms, it struck an emotional chord I didn’t see coming.
What impressed me most wasn’t the history lessons or the political tidbits, though those were fascinating too, but the way the book unpacks the idea of legacy. These men weren’t just living for themselves. They were laying down stepping stones for others, holding up their whole family like scaffolding. The book doesn’t pretend they were perfect. They were opinionated, scarred, and even eccentric at times. But they were fiercely loyal, and that loyalty shows up again and again in small moments that feel big because they’re real. At times, the book dips into family record-keeping, and some chapters lean into formality, but the heartbeat always comes back strong.
I’d recommend Brothers for Life to anyone who wants a story that feels lived-in. If you’ve ever cared deeply about your family or tried to understand where you came from, this book will speak to you. It’s for history buffs. But more than that, it’s for people who believe character matters and small-town stories can carry the weight of a nation’s soul. It reminded me that our past isn’t just in textbooks, it’s alive in the choices we make, the people we love, and the stories we choose to tell.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0F251CZYZ
Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me (Audiobook)
What would you do to defend your youngest sister or brother? This was the case with Teresa Heartchild and her loved ones. The fate of Teresa, a woman with Down Syndrome, is at the heart of her sister Franke James’ moving audiobook Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me. The rights of the disabled, the fight to preserve personal freedoms, and James’ determination to provide a fulfilling life are at the core of this exceptional memoir.
As an audiobook, Freeing Teresa ranks among the most unique in that it utilizes multiple narrators throughout. With a full cast of 13 actors, two of whom have Down Syndrome, this audiobook offers listeners an authentic experience worthy of multiple listens. Having a different narrator for each family member creates smooth transitions within dialogues and allows readers to more readily visualize scenes. James’ cast of actors helps emphasize some of the most harrowing times in the family’s life, breathing life into a story much less impactful with a single narrator.
Franke James does what many people are afraid to do–she stands strong in the face of every obstacle thrown her way as she tries desperately to do what is best for both her sister and her elderly father. When their futures hang in the balance and her siblings’ ideas of long-term care don’t meet Teresa’s needs and their parents’ wishes, she uses every tool at her disposal to ensure Teresa’s life will be filled with opportunity and growth for years to come.
The experience James shares in her incredibly detailed and heartfelt memoir is one from which countless families can benefit. Her focus on personal freedoms is a theme throughout the audiobook, and she makes it clear to listeners that they have options when it comes to the care of their loved ones. I more than appreciate James’ openness and her willingness to share the most vulnerable and painful time in her life with readers.
I am giving Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me, by Franke James, Teresa Heartchild, and Billiam James, a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. Readers looking for a touching memoir that offers invaluable advice on seeking long-term care and planning appropriately for the future will be hard-pressed to find a more lovingly written and thoughtful resource. I highly recommend this work of heart to anyone with a parent, sibling, or child who will ultimately face a portion of their lifetime without their family by their side.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0CJWXVFP3
Phil Was the Real Deal
That Man in the Gold Lamé Suit delves into the complex life and career of Phil Ochs, exploring his steadfast dedication to music and his unwillingness to conform to popular trends. Why was it important for you to tell his story?
There were several reasons why I felt Phil’s story had to be revisited.
First, one of the courses I used to teach was “Music & Politics.” Phil’s name & music kept popping up as I looked for materials for this class. As I looked at this material and became familiar with his music, politics, and who Phil was as a person, I had the epiphany that Phil Ochs was the person that everybody believed Bob Dylan was in the 1960s. Phil was the real deal–a committed topical songwriter and political activist, neither of which Dylan ever was.
Second, Phil’s story often gets told with too much emphasis placed on his alleged bipolarism, his alcoholism, and his suicide. They became the centrality of how his story was told rather than be presented and understood as simply parts of a very complex artist who struggled with a sense of who he was. These three circumstances in Phil’s life allowed people to glaze over that his very search for self was essential to understanding who he was, how Phil saw himself, and how that search was central to both his artistic creativity & his politics.
Third, I met his older sister, Sonny Ochs who is a force of nature in her own right and a champion in keeping her brother’s music alive and being played at the grassroots level. After my first meeting with Sonny, I knew I had to write about Phil.
Phil Ochs was an influential musician in his time. What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
One of the goals I’ve already mentioned in response to the last question, and that was to address the imbalance in how Phil’s life story is usually told.
Beyond and above that is that I set for myself the goal of telling Phil’s story through his eyes and to present it as much as possible as he would if he was still here. That is why I employed the theory and method of Self Psychology in writing this book. By relying as much as possible Phil’s own words, he was then able to reveal to me what his search for self entailed; the triggers for this search; for what voids he was trying to compensate in this search; how his search manifested in his music, politics, and relationships to others; and how it ultimately led to his suicide.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you or a story that stood out and left an impression?
It’s not too far from the truth to say just about everything stood out and left an impression. Phil was not an easy person for me to get to know. There were times when I would pour over his words for hours only to have it take days for him to reveal what it was that he wanted me to know and write. However, one of the biggest things that stood out was how much his desire to be a hero and to see heroism in others defined his search for self, his music, and his politics. Phil desperately wanted to be like his heroes of the Silver Screen such as John Wayne. He embraced people based upon their perceived heroism. That’s why he could idolize both John Kennedy and Che Guevera. His own politics was defined by heroism. For instance he saw America in heroic terms. His opposition to the Vietnam War wasn’t an opposition to war per se, but to an unheroic war that wasn’t worthy of his heroic America. I could go on and on but I won’t.
Also what also stood out to me was just how much Phil needed and craved affirmation from others. He simply wasn’t secure enough in his self to see how talented he was and how worthwhile his own life was. This need and craving were scars left from early childhood trauma of parents unable to respond with the affection & affirmation their young son needed. That need & craving for affirmation drove Phil as much as did his desire to be a hero. Frankly, they are interconnected. That comes through throughout the various chapters in the book.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will that be published?
Hmmm—this book on Phil took 6 1/2 years of my life so I’m not certain if I have another one in me at the time being. Phil was a calling, a type of destiny, and I haven’t felt a similar calling yet. But never say never. I’ve got a couple of possible subjects if that call ever comes in. One would be a book on Kris Kristofferson. Another would be a book on Michael Nesmith.
In the short term, I’m focusing on music. I’ve got a new band called Calico Bunny, and I am trying to get back into songwriting again. For the curious, I have 3 CDs of original music on Spotify, Apple Music, and the other streaming services. Their titles are “Tequila Lips,” “No Apology,” and “Seeking Calm Waters.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
That Man in the Gold Lamé Suit explores who Phil Ochs was as he saw and understood himself to be; how he wanted to see himself; and how he wanted to be seen by others. In presenting this exploration of Phil Ochs, author Jim Bowers delves deep into Ochs’s personality to craft a narrative that allows the singer/songwriter to tell his own story rather than the story others would impose upon him. In letting Ochs tell his own story, Bowers in That Man in the Gold Lamé Suit provides the reader with insights into how Phil Ochs’s search for self came to define who Ochs really was and how it, in turn, shaped his music, his politics, and his relationships with such contemporaries as Bob Dylan.
That Man in the Gold Lame’ Suit: Phil Ochs’s Search for Self
That Man in the Gold Lamé Suit by Jim Bowers delves into the complex life and career of Phil Ochs, exploring his steadfast dedication to music and his unwillingness to conform to popular trends. Bowers presents Ochs as a musician with a clear vision, unyielding in his artistic integrity. The book intertwines Ochs’ musical journey with his political views, shedding light on his perspectives on notable figures such as Mao Zedong and John F. Kennedy. It also highlights his admiration for icons like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.
The narrative begins with Ochs’ early influences, chronicling his struggles with addiction, turbulent relationships, and the challenges he faced with his fan base. Bowers meticulously portrays Ochs’ life, connecting his emotional experiences to his lyrics and providing readers with a deep understanding of the stories behind his songs. For instance, the song “First Snow” is illustrated to depict Ochs’ acceptance of his role in a romantic breakup, adding depth to his musical expressions. Several features make this book particularly engaging and informative. Each chapter opens with a quote that sets the tone, and a comprehensive reference section at the end offers additional resources for further exploration. Bowers effectively weaves together opinions from various individuals, Ochs’ own words, and insightful analyses, creating a rich tapestry of historical, political, and cultural contexts. Reading Bowers’ detailed account of Ochs’ life feels like a personal journey, fostering empathy for his struggles with depression and alcoholism. Despite these challenges, Ochs emerges as an admirable figure, passionate about his art and committed to authenticity. This book serves as a poignant tribute to Ochs’ legacy, emphasizing the importance of artistic integrity and balance in life, free from the pressures of public approval.
That Man in the Gold Lamé Suit stands as a comprehensive, creative, and enduring homage to Phil Ochs, offering valuable lessons for musicians and artists worldwide. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the heart and soul of a true artist who remained unwavering in his commitment to his craft.
Pages: 360 | ASIN : B0CLKYF15N
Small Acts of Caring
World Citizen follows a seasoned humanitarian as she navigates war-torn regions, aiming to foster resilience and compassion while grappling with the harsh realities of conflict and displacement. Why was this an important memoir for you to write?
Conflicts continue to erupt in regions where I traveled with international humanitarian and human rights organizations decades ago. The stories in World Citizen provide an historic context and put a face on victims and survivors, invoking compassion and understanding. Small acts of caring can provide hope and healing to those who have lost everything,
Throughout your travels, you’ve encountered diverse cultures and hardships. Which experience had the most profound impact on you personally?
In 1984, I went to Central America during the height of the “Contra Wars” in Nicaragua and El Salvador. I met with Sandinista leaders, with peasant farmers working their fields under gunfire, people sheltering in a church severely damaged by a recent earthquake, and with women who were selling their bodies in order to feed their children. The journey taught me the consequences of war and ignited a lifelong passion to support humanitarian intervention and promote peace and justice around the world.
What were some ideas that were important for you to convey in your book?
We are all World Citizens and should be aware and responsive to the needs of others. At the end of my book, I included the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. After World War II, all United Nations member countries signed the UDHR and agreed to uphold the basic human rights of their people. As World Citizens, we must hold them responsible.
What do you hope readers take away from your book about their role in the global community, and what steps can individuals take to contribute positively to humanitarian issues?
I hope that readers will see themselves in my stories of survival and resilience and will understand that we are connected as a global community, more alike than different. What affects one impacts all. Love and hope can be powerful healing agents.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Interrupting Violence: One Man’s Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself
Interrupting Violence: One Man’s Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself by Cobe Williams and Josh Gryniewicz is both a memoir and a powerful call to action for change across American cities. The book chronicles the life of Cobe Williams, who was born into the gang Black Disciples and faced tremendous adversity from a young age. Despite the odds—losing his father to gang violence at age 10, dealing drugs in high school, and being wrongfully imprisoned for murder—Cobe managed to turn his life around. He became a violence interrupter, dedicating himself to saving the lives of young people on the brink of falling into the same destructive patterns.
This touching memoir is not only about personal growth but also serves as a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for those who believe they can make a difference. As a reader from a different background, I had only encountered gang-related content in movies. It was eye-opening to learn that such gangs exist in reality, with violence as pervasive as portrayed on screen. Coming from a psychology background, I recognize that these issues are deeply rooted in society and manifest globally in similar forms. Addressing violence and problematic behavior requires time and effort, much like the work Cobe and his colleagues are doing, as described in this book. Their stories will undoubtedly reach and inspire many. Reading about real-life events and the life trajectory of someone like Cobe is incredibly impressive. His transformation is a testament to the possibility of change and growth. His story teaches us that better times are always within reach if we remain determined and disciplined in our goals. The book is written in an engaging, conversational style, making readers feel as if they are hearing Cobe’s story firsthand. The authors use slang and informal grammar to reflect authentic spoken language, effectively drawing readers into the narrative.
Interrupting Violence has broadened my perspective, exposing me to realities I might not have otherwise known. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling read that transports them into the lives of others around the world. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and the enduring possibility of positive change.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0C9W7JJNX
LITERARY TITAN 