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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
Social Responsibility: Our Forgotten Obligation by Betty Lou Rogers
Literary TItan Silver Book Award August 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
Sunscreen Shower by JP Rieger
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
My Mother Only Had Me For The Check
My Mother Only Had Me for the Check by Crystal Bass is a poignant and compelling memoir that explores the author’s journey through childhood abuse, mental health challenges, and the pursuit of her dreams. Crystal Bass’s candid recounting of her experiences with depression and anxiety, borne from a traumatic upbringing, paints a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity. Her narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of her life but instead showcases her unwavering determination to build a better future.
The autobiography is structured around a moment of reflection when Bass’s second daughter is born, prompting her to look back on the significant events that have shaped her life. The story unfolds chronologically, interspersed with flashbacks that provide deeper insights into her struggles and triumphs. Bass’s storytelling prowess shines through her vivid and evocative writing style, immersing readers in her world and allowing them to feel her pain and perseverance. One of the standout aspects is Bass’s ability to convey the emotional depth of her experiences. The detailed accounts of her battles with rape, domestic violence, anxiety, and depression are not just tales of suffering but also of survival and hope. Through her honest and heartfelt narrative, Bass becomes a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, encouraging them to remain passionate about their dreams despite the obstacles. It is important to note that the book contains explicit depictions of mental and physical abuse, which could be triggering for some readers. Despite this, Bass’s courage in sharing her story is nothing short of remarkable. Her strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to women everywhere, reminding them that it is possible to overcome even the darkest of times.
In My Mother Only Had Me for the Check, Crystal Bass has created a powerful testament to hope and resilience. Her memoir is a must-read for those seeking an inspirational story of survival and the relentless pursuit of dreams. This book is especially resonant for women who have faced similar adversities, offering solace and strength through Bass’s extraordinary journey.
Pages: 150 | ASIN : B0CVZ4ZXKD
Every Diagnosis is Different
In Welcome To The Bright, you share with readers the challenges you faced as you readjusted to life after surviving a stage 4C colon cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments. What inspired you to share your story?
As I was recovering, I was looking for resources online on how to cope with not only the physical changes that had happened to my body and the emotional troubles I was having but also for how to reintegrate into my former life. I wasn’t finding any help, so I turned to my fellow cancer survivors for advice. It turned out we all struggled with getting back to our previous careers and lifestyles. It became clear that I was not alone in feeling adrift, and it would be important to write about this phase of the cancer journey to help other people navigate this difficult and unexpected time.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
For sure the hardest was sexual dysfunction. The doctors had a hard time talking to me about it, my survivor friends weren’t talking about it, and again I just couldn’t find solid resources out there to help me. It was another thing where I thought, “I’m not alone, so if I don’t talk about it, other women will never know it happens.” It was hard to think that my family and friends would read about this very private situation, but on the other hand, there were bound to be plenty of women out there who had survived cancer to find themselves in the same position as me, and they needed to hear my story. That chapter was written for them so that they knew this wasn’t something shameful to hide and ignore, and that they absolutely are not alone.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had been given when you were diagnosed with cancer?
“Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.” Everyone’s story is different, every diagnosis is different, and even the same kinds of cancers are different. It was difficult in my support group to listen to other people’s experiences and then worry that the same thing would happen to me. I had to accept and believe that I am unique, and none of us have an exact same reaction to the drugs so we shouldn’t all expect the same outcome. Just because one person had terrible pain with a surgery didn’t mean that I would. It took me a while to understand this and just keep my eyes on my own path and not get distracted or frightened by other people’s stories.
What is a common misconception you believe most people may have about cancer survivors?
Many people just expected me to jump straight back into my previous life as if nothing had ever happened. As a musician, suddenly everyone was inviting me to rehearsals, and friends wanted to take me out to lunch. There’s a lot of PTSD involved in having cancer, how it manifests is different for everyone. I was nowhere near ready to get back on stage or sit in a restaurant. The life I lived before cancer was foreign to me, and I was on a path to discovering who I was now, post-cancer. I think people (thankfully!) don’t understand what a profound effect cancer has on us, it literally changes our lives in unimaginable ways, and I was trying to discover who I was now, in the aftermath of cancer. I know people were excited to get me back, but I was a changed person and I felt as if I needed them to acknowledge that and learn about the new person standing before them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
She never expected how difficult it would be to transition from colon cancer patient to colon cancer survivor.
Beginning a new regimen of treatments meant to prevent a recurrence, she faced the daunting task of returning to her former life. Plagued with debilitating panic attacks, she turns to nature to find the strength and inspiration she needs to navigate her rocky post-cancer recovery.
Welcome to the Bright chronicles the year after Lisa’s first clear scan and her discovery that the path through the second half of her life is going to be a long and winding road. Becoming a survivor is just the beginning.
Manipulative Brainwashing
In Hello Flower, you share with readers your experience as a victim of narcissistic abuse and give them the tools necessary for breaking free from abusive relationships. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I never imagined this could happen to me. Not in a million years. The shocking realisation that I wasn’t alone, that this was a textbook pattern of abusive behaviour carried out by so many made me want to help identify the signs, write in stark personal detail something which people might recognise and realise that their feeling of ‘ something off’ isn’t imagined but all too real. It was also important to dispel the myth that this is yet another ‘label’ and to demonstrate the horrific reality of living with a monster disguised as the person you trust the most.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I think my initial instinctive answer to this question was remembering and writing about my Dad, his hope, belief, and optimism for me and my happiness, then I realised that writing about him was relatively easy. The hardest thing was writing about the original ‘love stories’ going back over and reliving how love-struck and naive I was each time, it made me really angry to see how I had been conned but it was necessary so I could help the reader understand why I fell for him and how that manipulative brainwashing starts. Writing that was sickening but key to unlocking the entire narrative.
What is one misconception you believe many people have about leaving an abusive relationship?
Please let me have two! The first is thinking it is easy to leave, to walk away from something which hurts you seems so straightforward to the uninitiated, I’ve often been asked ‘How come you put up with it for so long?’ a painful but understandable question. The trouble is when you are wrapped up in this sort of relationship you don’t believe you should walk away, you want to try harder, do more which simply results in a deeper entrapment. The other misconception is that once you are out you are fine, it’s over, time to just carry on and ‘let it all go’, if only. It takes a long long time to unravel all that damage, you improve, you do move on, but you are never quite the same.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experience?
If any of it relates if even a tiny part of my book is familiar I hope, going forward, they raise their boundaries because in doing so it is the first step in saying what is and isn’t acceptable. It’s quite the game changer when you had none in place before.
Author Links: GoodReads | Substack | Amazon
Self-deprecating, heartbreaking, and sometimes funny, this is ultimately a realistic and revealing insight into how even the strongest person can be susceptible to the most insidious form of abuse—and yet find the courage to walk away and shine again.
Unwavering Dedication
In When The Bell Rings – A Firefighters Journey, you share with readers your experiences as a firefighter and the mental and emotional challenges you faced throughout your career. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing When The Bell Rings – A Firefighter’s Journey was a deeply personal and essential endeavor for me. As a firefighter, I witnessed and experienced firsthand the intense mental and emotional challenges that come with the profession. Firefighting isn’t just about battling flames; it’s about confronting fear, grief, and the relentless pressure to perform under life-and-death circumstances.
This book allowed me to share the human side of firefighting, providing a window into the inner struggles and triumphs that are often hidden behind the brave exterior. It was important for me to give a voice to the emotional and psychological toll this career can take on some individuals. I hoped to foster greater empathy and awareness among the public, while also providing a source of support and validation for my peers.
What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest part of writing When The Bell Rings – A Firefighter’s Journey was revisiting and recounting the moments of profound loss and tragedy. As firefighters, we are often the first to witness the aftermath of accidents, fires, and disasters. Writing about the lives that were lost and the families that were forever changed was incredibly challenging.
I knew that sharing these experiences was crucial to painting an honest picture of what it means to be a firefighter. It was through this candor that I hoped to honor those who have sacrificed so much and to shed light on the profound impact these experiences can have on our mental and emotional well-being.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the life of a firefighter?
A common misconception about the life of a firefighter is that our job primarily revolves around fighting fires. While responding to fires is indeed a significant and highly visible part of what we do, it represents only a fraction of our daily responsibilities. Many people are unaware of the extensive training, preparation, and variety of emergency responses that fill our days.
Firefighters are often first responders to a wide range of emergencies, including medical crises, car accidents, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters. We also engage in community education, fire prevention, and safety inspections.
Additionally, the camaraderie and the sense of family within the fire department are crucial elements of our lives that are often overlooked. The bond we share with our fellow firefighters is built on trust, shared experiences, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges we face. This aspect of our lives is just as important as the heroics often associated with our profession.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from When The Bell Rings?
One thing I hope readers take away from When The Bell Rings – A Firefighter’s Journey is a deeper appreciation and understanding of the resilience required to be a firefighter. Beyond the physical bravery and technical skills, our journey involves confronting and managing intense emotional challenges, from the trauma of witnessing loss to the constant pressure of making life-or-death decisions.
I want readers to see the human side of firefighting—the vulnerability, the camaraderie, and the unwavering dedication to serving the community despite the personal sacrifices involved. By sharing my experiences candidly, I hope to inspire a greater sense of empathy and respect for those who put their lives on the line every day.
Ultimately, I hope my story serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of firefighters everywhere.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Forget Hollywood. This isn’t a story about glory. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at life as an NYC firefighter.
More than just burning buildings. Join a veteran firefighter with 27 years under his gear. Witness the adrenaline rush of the unknown, the camaraderie that sustains you through the firestorm, and the quiet toll it takes on the men and women who answer the call.
This book isn’t just for firefighters. It’s for the spouses who hold down the fort, the adult kids who wait by the window, and anyone who wants to understand the invisible scars left by heroism. This is a collection of stories of courage, of family, and the unspoken battles fought after the flames are out.
When the Bell Rings takes you inside the firehouse, onto the frontlines, and into the hearts of those who risk it all.
Are you ready to step into the heat?
A 2024 FIREBIRD BOOK AWARD FIRST PLACE WINNER
Power of Self-Love
Back to Loving My 1st Wife is a deeply personal and emotionally charged memoir that explores the trials and tribulations of caring for your wife who battles severe mental health issues. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Great question, thank you for asking.
One of the main ideas I wanted to drive home was the importance of educating oneself when it comes to caring for someone with a serious medical condition. I wanted to stress the significance of proper, extensive research and share the resources I came across. It wasn’t just about understanding the medical jargon; it was about grasping the emotional and psychological impact her illness had on her and our marriage. The more I learned, the better I could empathize with her experiences and anticipate her needs.
Understanding her medications was another critical aspect. I needed to know the purpose of each medication, their side effects, and how they interacted with her mind and body. This knowledge was vital in managing her care and ensured I didn’t endanger her life. It also allowed me to communicate effectively with her doctors, making sure they had all the necessary information to adjust her treatments when needed.
But perhaps most importantly, I wanted to share what I learned with others. I knew there were other husbands and caregivers out there facing similar struggles, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. By sharing my journey, I hoped to provide some guidance and reassurance. I wanted to let them know that they weren’t alone. I wanted to be a resource for others in similar situations.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Wow. Another great question but a tough one.
Reliving the delicate and frail nature of my wife’s health was an emotional rollercoaster. Every day, I was reminded of her struggles and the immense toll her illness took on her. But what made it even harder was grappling with my own mental health challenges.
As my mental health began to deteriorate, the flashbacks and the visual and auditory hallucinations I experienced were intense and terrifying. These weren’t just fleeting moments; they were vivid and intrusive, making it hard for me to focus on anything else. The constant worry and stress took a toll on my mental well-being, and for a while, every day felt like a battle just to be present for my wife.
There were days when it felt like the weight of it all was too much to bear. I struggled to maintain my composure, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility and the fear of what could happen next. It was a dark and lonely place, and I often felt like I was fighting an invisible enemy.
But revisiting and sharing my mental health decline became a crucial part of my journey. By sharing my experiences, I began to process my emotions and understand the impact they had on me. It wasn’t easy, but somehow, I knew it was necessary.
Opening up about my mental health struggles also allowed me to seek the support I needed. I started seeing a psychologist, who helped me develop coping strategies and helped me manage my depression and PTSD. I learned the importance of self-care and making time for myself.
Through it all, I discovered that being present for my wife didn’t mean ignoring my own needs. In fact, taking care of myself was essential to being a better caregiver. By acknowledging my struggles and seeking help, I was able to find a balance that allowed me to support my wife while also taking care of my mental health.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
This is perhaps, my favorite question of all.
As I reflect on my journey as a husband and caregiver, I hope the main takeaway from my story is the importance and power of self-love and unconditional love. These two forms of love have been my anchors, guiding me through the toughest times and helping me find strength I didn’t know I had.
Self-love is something we often overlook, especially when we’re focused on caring for someone else. But I learned that taking care of myself was crucial. It wasn’t about being selfish; it was about ensuring I had the energy and emotional stability to support my wife. Self-love meant recognizing my limits, seeking help when I needed it, and giving myself permission to rest and recharge. It was about treating myself with the same compassion and kindness that I showed my wife.
Unconditional love, on the other hand, was the driving force behind everything I did. It’s the kind of love that remains steadfast through the highs and lows and doesn’t waver when things get tough. This love was my motivation to keep going, even when it felt like everything was falling apart. It gave me the patience to handle difficult days and the courage to face the unknown.
I think we often underestimate the power of love. It can move mountains, mend broken hearts, and potentially save lives. When my wife was at her most vulnerable, it was love that kept us both going. It was love that made the impossible seem possible, that turned despair into hope.
Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that love isn’t just an emotion—it’s a force of nature. It has the power to heal, to inspire, and to transform. When we embrace self-love and unconditional love, we tap into a strength that can carry us through the darkest times.
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away from my story, it’s this: never underestimate the power of love. Whether it’s love for yourself or love for someone else, it can make all the difference. It can be the light in the darkness, the reason to keep going, and the force that helps you overcome any obstacle. So,
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Continuing the saga from the author’s award-winning autobiography, “In Love with My 5 Wives, A Broken Man’s Journey on How to Love His Broken Wife,” this poignant narrative underscores the transformative power of love and support within a marriage. It powerfully demonstrates how the author’s unwavering commitment became both a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of selfless sacrifice, inspiring men with the potential of these elements in a marriage.
The book vividly portrays the author’s emotional and psychological challenges, taking readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. Through a delicate balance of heartfelt storytelling and agonizing reflections, “Back to Loving My 1st Wife” is an inspiring tribute to the strength and enduring impact of a husband’s love.
Control is an Illusion
In Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey, A Daughter’s Pain., you share some of the most challenging aspects of your mother-daughter relationship and the fears and traumas that preceded your amazing healing journey. What inspired you to share your story with readers?
Melanie- I wanted to help other moms avoid the mistakes I made because of fear. I also wanted to help the moms who already made those mistakes make efforts toward repairing the damage. I knew that if I shared my experience, it would only be half of the story. That’s when I asked Amanda to write the book with me. She of course said yes.
Amanda- My mom approached me with the idea and felt like the work we had done to heal ourselves and our relationship could be beneficial for others to find freedom in their own stories. We had multiple people make comments on our relationship and how they wished they had the type of connection with their mom or daughter as we did. I have always wanted to write a book and loved the idea and said yes without hesitation.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you both told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Melanie- Chapter 6 titled Rootbound was the hardest for me. I share some heart-wrenching awakenings and losses in that chapter.
Amanda- I think the depth of vulnerability we get into throughout the book felt very scary to share with the world. You can’t take those things back once it’s out there. I was very aware of the potential backlash that may come with sharing various traumatic life experiences in such a candid way.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Melanie- I wish someone would have told me about control being an illusion and taught me how to have boundaries instead.
Amanda- I wish someone had told me to take the pressure off myself and helped me understand how to do that.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your experience?
Melanie- I want the reader to know they are not alone. I hope they can take away a little bit of bravery to face the unaddressed parts of their story.
Amanda- I hope they can connect to it and find themselves in our story. And for those that do connect to it, I hope that it brings a sense of feeling seen and that they are not alone in this journey, and that restoration in parent/child relationships is possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Synopsis:
In “Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey. A Daughter’s Pain,” we share the poignant story of a mother and daughter who courageously embarked on a path to healing. This book is not a how-to guide for achieving a perfect relationship; it’s a testament to the power of love and healing, offering hope to those seeking reconciliation and true connection within their own families.
What to Expect:
A Sense of Wholeness: Find solace in knowing you are not alone in facing the myriad of challenges that can arise within family life. Our experiences may mirror your own, and our shared journey will make you feel seen and understood.
An Inside Peek into Our Healing Journey: We offer you an intimate look at our healing process, both together and separately. Filled with photos, tips, and resources, our story will inspire and guide you on your own path to understanding and growth.
A New Perspective: Discover not only new insights into your family’s history but also the potential for transformation in your future. Witness the power of love, healing, and reconciliation that brought us together and see how it can happen for you too, with dedication and effort.
Beliefs and Topics Covered:
Breaking the Chains of Control: Our family was shaped by a parenting style rooted in fear and control, and we explore how it affected us and our relationships.
Navigating Faith and Family: Our beliefs influenced our family dynamics and life views. We share how faith played a role in our healing process and how the systems of religion gave fear a highway.
Conquering Shame and Pain: Delve into the emotional challenges we confronted, how we worked through them, and how healing is an ongoing journey.
Our journey was never easy, but we believe that healing and reconciliation are within reach for everyone. “Rootbound” is an invitation to join us and find inspiration and encouragement, wherever you may be in your life. Pick up your copy today and let our story inspire you to embrace growth, love, and connection. Click the buy now button and start your healing journey!
LITERARY TITAN 