Blog Archives
Religious Revival
Like a Lamb to the Slaughter Part 1: The Early Years offers a fascinating look into the founding of Mormonism, tracing the early life of Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Firstly, I grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and had always been taught about Joseph Smith. Secondly, in a priesthood blessing given to me when I was twelve years old, I was encouraged “to study the life of Joseph Smith, because there are many things in his life, which will help you in yours.”
What were some of the ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of main events in the book is the religious revival that swept Western New York in 1820. The once united Christian churches began to argue amongst themselves, as converts were made, which church should these believers belong. Each faith attempted to prove their teachings to be right, and the others to be wrong. Fourteen-year-old Joseph Smith wanted to join a church, but was confused by the arguments of the religious parties. He took the question in prayer to God; and received a marvellous answer, changing not only his life but those of future millions.
What kind of research did you for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I worked out of the two main historical records: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith. I also referenced commentaries on the subject.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I hope to release Like a Lamb to the Slaughter Part 2: Kirtland and Missouri by the end of 2025. Part 2 covers the next stages of Joseph’s life: from 1830-1839. In this period over a thousand believers join the Church. They are called to gather in Kirtland, Ohio; and Missouri. The Old Settlers of Missouri are angered at the “Mormons” invading their homeland; and religiously persecuted them. The Latter-day Saints are driven from the state. In the midst of this, Joseph Smith and other Church leaders are falsely imprisoned; not knowing if they will ever receive a fair trial to clear themselves.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
The night of 26th June 1844, Joseph Smith the Prophet lays awake in Carthage Jail reliving the early years of his life: from his agonizing bone surgery without anesthetic at only seven. To the religious revival in New York in 1820, where Joseph as a youth prayed to God to know which church he should join, that resulted in a Heavenly visitation, changing not only Joseph’s life but future millions. The subsequent religious persecution from ministers of religion, as well as common man, for saying he had seen a vision. And finally organizing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the 6th April 1830, having been given the power and authority of God to do so.
Filomena Abys-Smith Author Interview
A Bit of Myself shares your journey from your childhood in Bagnoli, Italy, to your life in the Bronx, capturing the struggles, love, and cultural richness that shaped your path to self-discovery. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wrote my memoir for my children, hoping that they would read it and gain an understanding of their ancestors, and an appreciation for the struggle that we endured. I attempted to imbue them with the resilience required to thrive. I also wanted to leave a written record of who we are and where we came from, a kind of time capsule for my descendants. My final devotion of love.
How did your experience growing up in the Bronx shape your views on resilience and independence, and how do those lessons continue to influence you today?
Within myself, I carry a torch of determination, a flame that was set in the housing projects that I will not only survive but thrive. I knew that the only way out of the South Bronx was through education and hard work. The South Bronx taught me to be strong, to stand up for myself, and that no matter how many obstacles life places in your way you need to move on. Today I still carry that torch of determination that I will achieve my full potential. That is why I write.
The memoir captures the richness of Bagnoli. How did you go about recreating those memories, and what role does your Italian heritage play in your life now?
Those memories of my life in Bagnoli are always with me, they live inside my very being. All I needed to do was close my eyes and the sights, sounds, and feelings poured out of me onto paper. My Italian heritage is displayed in how I live, from a passion for good food to gardening, and a love of family.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope my readers will take away a sense of self-determination, pride, and love for this great country we are privileged to live in. God Bless the USA.
Author Links: Facebook | GoodReads
The River House
Angela R. Newland’s The River House is a gripping and emotionally charged memoir detailing the trials and tribulations of purchasing and renovating a seemingly idyllic waterfront property in Cape Coral, Florida. The book captures Newland’s journey from the initial allure of breathtaking river views to the harrowing experiences with hurricanes, home damage, and insurance nightmares. It’s a captivating tale of resilience, the human spirit, and the not-so-glamorous reality of homeownership in paradise.
The writing style is engaging and personable. Newland doesn’t hold back, and I felt her stress, hope, and humor as if I were going through the journey alongside her. One of the book’s strengths lies in the vivid descriptions. Newland’s knack for humor, even in the face of disaster, makes the story relatable and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny. The way she paints the picture of the house “mooning the river” with a Neptune statue is just one delightful example of her ability to find humor in the most unexpected places. The relentless sequence of problems, from broken air conditioning units to an all-out hurricane, left me feeling the weight of their ordeal. For instance, the recounting of Hurricane Irma’s impact is intense. The way she describes preparing for evacuation, packing three carloads of belongings, and driving for twelve exhausting hours only to discover, days later, that her beloved River House had sustained severe damage was heart-wrenching. The emotional toll is palpable, and I found myself sympathizing deeply with Newland’s situation. Her frustration with the insurance company, Supremo, and their constant delays and incompetence left me as exasperated as she was. The emotional highs of witnessing beautiful sunsets over the Caloosahatchee River juxtaposed against the lows of discovering mold infestations or dealing with a malfunctioning oven that spontaneously turns on, keep the narrative compelling.
The River House is a raw and honest account of what can go wrong when your dream home turns into a nightmare. I believe Angela R. Newland’s memoir will resonate most with homeowners, renovators, or anyone who’s had to battle insurance companies and bureaucracy. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate real-life stories of resilience, and it offers an insightful, albeit cautionary, tale for anyone considering a renovation project near the water. Despite the adversity, Newland’s spirit shines through, making it a memorable and engaging read.
Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0C4QCSRK8
A Mad Box of Rain
A Mad Box of Rain by Brian J. Quattlebaum is a deeply moving and unflinchingly honest account of the author’s turbulent early years. Set against the backdrop of Memphis, Tennessee, Quattlebaum recounts a childhood shadowed by trauma yet marked by resilience. He narrates the lasting impact of the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of a teenage family friend, a secret he carried into adulthood. Interwoven with this painful reality is the chaos of his family life, shaped by an older brother’s destructive spiral into alcohol and addiction before even reaching his teens. Their parents, well-meaning and devout Christians, fought to anchor their sons amidst this turmoil, balancing AA meetings with church in a desperate bid to keep their family afloat.
Quattlebaum’s story isn’t simply one of hardship. It’s about survival, strength, and the extraordinary will of a young boy who emerged from a brutal world determined to be something greater. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to heal, even when wounds run deep. Reading this memoir is not just witnessing a life but experiencing it: the humor, the heartbreak, and the unsettling truths that come with growing up in such circumstances. The book challenges the reader with its raw, unvarnished depiction of abuse. Quattlebaum doesn’t shy away from the discomfort or confusion that victims often feel, candidly sharing how he grappled with the complexity of his body’s reactions and the emotional weight of keeping such a dark secret. A particularly poignant moment describes his first attempt to run away at just nine years old, overwhelmed by his silence and guilt. His admission that his parents didn’t deserve the pain his escape caused is a line that strikes with full emotional force. Despite the darkness, Quattlebaum infuses his narrative with Southern humor and irony, making moments of levity shine through the grim reality. This juxtaposition brings a layered complexity to his writing, balancing the heaviness with a uniquely human touch. The author’s reflections reveal how he survived and has healed, speaking with bravery and self-awareness that inspires.
A Mad Box of Rain is both a challenging and rewarding read, punctuated by moments that will make you laugh unexpectedly and others that will leave you reflecting deeply. Brian J. Quattlebaum’s courage to share his story is commendable, and his hope of reaching those who might feel alone in their struggles is palpable. This book serves as a powerful reminder to remain vigilant and compassionate; after all, unseen battles often rage behind the faces we encounter every day. For that reason, I urge everyone to read this remarkable memoir; it leaves you with a greater sense of awareness and a renewed commitment to treating others with kindness.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0CZT4SN28
A Bit of Myself
A Bit of Myself by Filomena Abys-Smith is a captivating memoir brimming with vivid, heartfelt, and often heartrending anecdotes. From her roots in Bagnoli, Italy, to her family’s migration to the United States, Abys-Smith paints a rich tapestry of memories. Her early years in America were marked by the struggle of learning a new language and adapting to an unfamiliar and often challenging environment. Television and the unforgiving streets of her Bronx neighborhood became her unexpected tutors. Growing up in the Mott Haven projects, she learned quickly to navigate bullies and stand her ground among troublemakers.
The memoir traces Filomena’s journey through the complexities of love in various stages. Moments of bliss contrast sharply with those of heartbreak, each leaving a lasting impact that shapes her journey of healing, self-discovery, and resilience. Readers witness her evolution as she navigates relationships, loss, growth, and the experience of motherhood. Readers walk beside Filomena through a life brimming with love, pain, and transformation.
Abys-Smith’s descriptions of life in Bagnoli are imbued with evocative imagery and lyrical storytelling. Her recollections conjure a landscape alive with “sparks of sounds, smells, laughter, and vivid colors,” capturing the magic of her Italian upbringing. Her account of New Year’s Eve in Bagnoli is a particular highlight: “Bagnoli would be dressed with tall poles holding wheels of brightly colored fireworks.” This poetic rendering transports readers, immersing them in a world brimming with cultural richness and sensory delight. Her essays detailing life in America are equally engaging, filled with striking detail and candid reflections.
Filomena’s tenacity shines as she forges her own path, challenging the expectations placed on women of her generation. Choosing a career over the conventional role of a stay-at-home mother, she pushed back against societal limitations, asserting her right to independence and self-fulfillment. From motherhood and migration to love triangles, sexism, and the pursuit of education, the narrative unfolds with complexity and grace. Abys-Smith explores topics like politics and activism while also delving into the bittersweet aspects of love. Her romantic entanglements are full of drama, reminiscent of a thrilling Telemundo series. The reader is pulled into her experiences, from falling in love at work to being caught between two men and grappling with difficult decisions.
A Bit of Myself is a sensational and beautifully crafted memoir that resonates deeply with those who know the joy and anguish of love. It will captivate anyone with a passion for culture-rich stories and the richness of personal history. Culinary enthusiasts will also delight in the recipes scattered throughout the book, such as the delectable fried zucchini with fresh mint dressing.
Pages: 364 | ASIN: B07GTFF38S
Five Trips: An Investigative Journey into Mental Health, Psychedelic Healing, and Saving a Life
Kendis Gibson delivers an unforgettable memoir in Five Trips, charting the author’s journey from a turbulent upbringing in Belize to a remarkable career in American media. Gibson’s narrative grips readers with a blend of humor, raw vulnerability, and heartbreak, addressing themes of resilience, healing, and the pursuit of self-acceptance. The vivid settings—from the lush landscapes of Belize to the frenetic pulse of Brooklyn and the spiritual depths of the Peruvian Amazon—set the stage for a story that feels deeply alive and profoundly moving.
Gibson’s gift for storytelling stands out, marked by his fearless honesty. He masterfully balances humor with moments of intense emotional gravity, creating an authentic portrayal of his struggles. The memoir shines as he delves into pivotal relationships, like his friendship with Manny, and transformative experiences, notably his powerful ayahuasca ceremony in Peru. These moments reveal layers of trauma, love, and the ongoing quest for inner peace.
Gibson’s narrative voice is introspective yet animated, inviting readers to feel the highs and lows of his journey. It is worth noting that transitions from professional triumphs to spiritual and emotional crises can sometimes feel jarring, and the pacing occasionally wavers. Sections devoted to deep introspection or explorations of psychedelics may feel drawn out for those less familiar with these themes. However, these instances are overshadowed by the raw, insightful depth Gibson offers throughout.
Five Trips emerges as a courageous and thought-provoking memoir. Gibson’s candid reflections resonate with anyone grappling with identity, career hurdles, or the pursuit of healing. His story transcends surface-level narrative, making it a must-read for those who appreciate memoirs that lay bare the human experience with grace and grit.
Pages: 224 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DB2PCVY9
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
System Upon Systems in the Bible by William OuYang
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award November 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
The Stanton Falls Mysteries – Undercurrents of Betrayal by Susan Reed-Flores
Ravenswwod by Anthony James
Justified Homicide by Kelly Marshall
HARD ROAD TO FREEDOM by Stephen Carter
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 