Blog Archives
You Are Allowed: A Story of Finding Where You Belong, Not Where You Began
Esther’s journey toward self-discovery begins in her mid-thirties, when she travels to France in search of her birth mother, hoping to unravel the mysteries of her past. As she delves deeper into her roots, she is forced to confront haunting memories of her rebellious teenage years, particularly her complicated friendship with her father’s coworker. This relationship led her down a dangerous path of recklessness. With the unwavering support of her husband and the protective concern of her aging adoptive mother, Esther is determined to piece together her fractured identity. But as she inches closer to the truth, a troubling question arises: does her birth mother even want to be found?
In You Are Allowed, Odelia Elgarat tells a powerful story of self-discovery, emphasizing the profound impact of family on personal identity. Elgarat’s storytelling is rich and evocative, drawing readers into Esther’s emotional turmoil as she searches for her birth mother. The vivid descriptions and heartfelt moments bring each scene to life, making Esther’s journey feel intimate and raw. The way Elegarat weaves together past and present gives the story depth and complexity, keeping readers emotionally invested in Esther’s quest.
The characters are subtle yet effectively crafted, each playing an essential role in Esther’s life. The adoptive mother stands out, embodying quiet resistance that is deeply rooted in unconditional love for Esther. Her character is carefully layered, revealing her silent struggle with Esther’s journey without overshadowing it. Elgarat’s ability to create believable and relatable characters adds weight to the story, making Esther’s emotional highs and lows feel all the more poignant. The plot twists are handled with finesse, adding unexpected turns to Esther’s search that make her journey unpredictable and gripping. The story’s pacing sometimes feels uneven, but this variation mirrors the real-life process of self-discovery, which rarely follows a straight path. Elgarat masterfully captures the emotional nuances of this process, allowing readers to empathize with Esther’s struggle to piece together her past while balancing the emotional needs of those closest to her. The attention to detail in the characters’ emotions enriches the story, allowing the narrative to resonate on a deeply personal level.
You Are Allowed is a beautifully crafted exploration of identity, family bonds, and the courage to face uncomfortable truths. Odelia Elgarat’s compassionate storytelling and thoughtful portrayal of Esther’s journey make this a heartfelt and thought-provoking read, perfect for anyone who enjoys introspective, character-driven narratives that explore the complexities of belonging and self-discovery.
Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0D7J6KGNF
BLITZED: What I Learned Reading 100 Books in 100 Days in My Target Language
Blitzed, by Jason S. Comely, is a fascinating and somewhat eccentric dive into language learning through an intense, self-imposed challenge. Comely embarks on a 100-day journey to read 100 books in Polish, a language he is just beginning to learn. The book chronicles his experiment, blending personal anecdotes, language-learning tips, and reflections on the books he blitzes through in this mental marathon. It’s a quirky mix of language-learning guide and memoir, offering insights into the highs and lows of this unconventional approach.
One thing that stands out immediately is Comely’s relentless drive and creativity. His creation of the “Bimodal Blitz” method—reading while simultaneously listening to audiobooks—shows a commitment to hacking his way through the frustrating walls of traditional language learning. For instance, when he tackles classics like Animal Farm and Candide, the struggle is palpable. He often loses his place, gets mentally exhausted, and admits to barely understanding chunks of the text. Yet, there’s something inspiring in his persistence. He doesn’t sugarcoat the experience. That honesty makes the book relatable and motivating for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by learning a language.
Comely is open in sharing his thoughts througohout this experience. When he blitzes through Lolek, a memoir about the bond between a man and his dog, Comely notes improvements in his Polish comprehension but doesn’t seem to connect emotionally with the content. In some cases, the rapid-fire consumption of literature sometimes reduces the books to mere stepping stones in his language journey rather than meaningful experiences.
The book is also full of moments that resonate emotionally. Comely’s reflections on books like Anne Frank show a more introspective side. He finds himself moved by Anne’s unwavering optimism despite the grim historical context, a sentiment that clearly touches him on a personal level. It’s in these moments that Blitzed transcends from being just a log of a language experiment to a heartfelt exploration of human resilience and connection through the written word.
Blitzed is not your typical language-learning book. It’s raw and sometimes chaotic. Full of triumphs and stumbles. Comely’s journey is a testament to the power of immersion and persistence in learning a new language. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in learning a new language, especially through an unorthodox method. It is also great for people who enjoy stories of personal challenges and growth, with the added bonus of discovering new books along the way.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0D8BLRXJN
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.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Depression by Christian Martin
Murder With Malice by Deirdre Oliver
The Coffee Traveler
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award September 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
A Drunk in the Midnight Choir by Jim Jensen
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.’s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir
The Velvet Hammer by former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. offers a unique perspective within the true crime genre. It sets itself apart from the usual narratives penned by detectives, third-party authors, or perpetrators. Instead, it is written by the judge who presided over some of the high-profile cases detailed within its pages. The title, a nod to his courtroom nickname, will be familiar to those who recognize Perry as the judge in the infamous Casey Marie Anthony case.
Perry acknowledges that many readers will be drawn to the book because of his role in the Anthony trial, and he does not disappoint. A significant portion of the book delves into this case, revealing behind-the-scenes details that even avid followers may have missed. Perry shares insights from the courtroom, including moments that weren’t captured by cameras or recorded in transcripts, offering a fresh perspective on a case that captivated the nation. Beyond the Anthony case, The Velvet Hammer explores Perry’s personal life and other significant cases he handled, such as the Judy Buenoano case, also known as the Florida Black Widow. These accounts provide valuable context for understanding Perry’s approach to the highly publicized Anthony trial. The book paints a picture of a judge who, while emotionally detached in his professional capacity, also grapples with the isolating nature of his role. Perry presents certain elements of the case in a matter-of-fact manner, avoiding excessive graphic detail. This makes The Velvet Hammer accessible to a broad audience, including those new to the true crime genre.
For seasoned true crime enthusiasts, the book is a must-read, offering a rare viewpoint from the bench—a perspective that is both judicially objective and personally reflective. Perry’s account sheds light on the complexities of the justice system and the inner workings of a judge’s mind. The Velvet Hammer is a compelling read for true crime aficionados and an excellent entry point for newcomers to the genre. Its balanced approach, combining legal insight with personal narrative, makes it a standout work that offers something unique in true crime literature.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0D98XVXB3
It Was Time to Tell His Story
Near the Danube Bridge introduces readers to the life of Kalman Hartig, a man of deep faith and conviction in Yugoslavia during World War II. What inspired you to tell his story?
Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo and I have been good friends for a long time. Before he died, her father asked her to write his story. A year after his passing, and the same year Russia invaded Ukraine, Elisabeth felt it was time to include her father’s experience with other stories of persecution. She’d read some of my academic writing and descriptive writing and asked me to write the story. The more information she gave me, the more inspired I became to also tell the world what had happened to him.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Equally important to me were:
1. Including the effects of religious differences within families as well as countries.
2. How music calms the soul and provides peace and sustenance even in the direst of situations.
3. How one’s faith provides strength to endure.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Elisabeth provided the information obtained from her father’s recorded talks, diaries, and letters. She also interviewed cousins and shared her own memories.
I listened to two DVDs of her father speaking to an audience about his incarceration, torture, and two years of hard labor. I organized the stories Elisabeth provided. I did my own research on the history behind the entire life of Kalman Hartig and his wife Hermina Kirchner. I also researched the countries’ customs to make sure all information was included correctly within the story.
It took me 14 months to complete.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Near the Danube Bridge?
I want lovers of biographies and memoirs, historians, and scholars to gain a greater understanding of what occurred in the Balkan area before and after WWI and II. By including the horror of the Pancevo Massacre, I hope to help awaken a desire to learn more.
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