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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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
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 VOID by Safdar Ali
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Going Crazy (Left Foot, Right Foot, Breathe)
Going Crazy (Left Foot, Right Foot, Breathe), by Tim James, offers an introspective journey through his life, chronicled with raw honesty and engaging storytelling. Born and raised in Nashville, James’s transition to Los Angeles marks a significant chapter in his life, where he explores a variety of careers, including acting, before finding his true calling as a professional songwriter. This memoir navigates through the intricate tapestry of his career, personal relationships, and mental health struggles.
Tim James’s life story is a testament to the richness of human experience. His childhood in Nashville is filled with adventurous undertones, setting the stage for his later life in Los Angeles. Here, James’s narrative evolves from that of a carefree individual to a multifaceted adult, embracing roles as diverse as a baseball enthusiast, pharmaceutical company employee, aspiring actor, and, eventually, a celebrated songwriter.
James’s memoir is punctuated with captivating moments. His pivotal decision between acting and a stable job showcases his thoughtful nature. Beyond his professional journey, James’s personal attributes—his humor, ability to nurture friendships, and candidness—add layers to his character, making him an endearing figure. The memoir does not shy away from the adversities James faced. His recounting of near-death experiences, legal challenges, and a midlife crisis, alongside turbulent love stories, adds depth to his narrative. These stories, while poignant, are also inspiring, offering insights into resilience and personal growth.
Going Crazy (Left Foot, Right Foot, Breathe) is a compelling memoir that transcends the ordinary, making it a significant read for those who appreciate the genre. Tim James’s life story, rich in experiences and emotions, is not just a recounting of events but a journey of transformation and resilience.
Pages: 212 | ASIN : B0CTRGZRPB
The Silent Paralyzer – A decade of life disrupted
In The Silent Paralyzer, Natasha Chai offers an intimate and educational glimpse into her life with hemiplegic migraine. This memoir navigates through her relentless journey of hospital visits and treatments, delving into the challenges of managing a condition that often felt relentless and enigmatic. Chai’s narrative encompasses the physical and emotional complexities of paralysis, as well as the societal implications of enduring visible symptoms in public spaces, including her workplace and her son’s martial arts events.
Chai’s introspection extends beyond her personal experiences, offering insights into broader issues within Western healthcare. Her book serves not only as a memoir but also as a guide for understanding the nuances of living with hemiplegic migraine and other chronic health conditions. Particularly noteworthy is her advice on balancing medical guidance with one’s own bodily awareness, a topic that will resonate with many readers. The memoir stands out for its detailed exploration of the symptoms and emotional toll of hemiplegic migraine. Chai’s vivid descriptions, such as the intense sensation of burning in her neck and face, offer a stark window into her experience. The book skillfully documents a range of emotions from fatigue to embarrassment, fostering a deep connection between the reader and Chai’s journey. Despite its exploration of serious themes, the narrative is interspersed with moments of joy and gratitude, highlighting the importance of finding happiness amidst adversity.
The Silent Paralyzer is a valuable read for anyone directly or indirectly affected by hemiplegic migraine. It not only illuminates the complexities of living with the condition but also serves as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Chai’s candid sharing of her story and thoughtful advice are both enlightening and inspiring, making this book a meaningful addition to the conversation around chronic illness.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B0CVJQ99P9
A Chef on Ice
In A Chef on Ice, author Sebastien JM Kuhn invites readers to embark on a remarkable journey to the remote and enigmatic continent of Antarctica. Drawing from his unique experience as a chef in this icy realm, Kuhn narrates the challenges of enduring extreme weather conditions, long days, and nights while basking in the serene beauty of Antarctic nature, observing penguins and seals in their native habitats. His narrative extends beyond the Antarctic landscape, delving into his culinary ventures in Australia, discoveries about his family history in South Africa, and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This book is rich with captivating elements. Kuhn’s eloquent descriptions bring the Antarctic wilderness to life, complemented by photographs that illustrate the landscapes and moments he describes. The book skillfully intertwines themes of nature’s majesty with gastronomic delights. Kuhn’s vivid portrayal of battling the “intense coldness right inside my bones,” even with layers of clothing, highlights the book’s immersive nature. A key feature of A Chef on Ice is its culinary focus. Kuhn shares tantalizing food descriptions interspersed throughout the narrative, culminating in a collection of special recipes. These are sure to entice both culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike. The narrative is also a testament to Kuhn’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit as he navigates the complexities of running a food business in various challenging environments. The book introduces readers to memorable people, such as Tina, whose warmth and friendliness shine through, and Sharon, known for her unflappable nature in stressful situations.
A Chef on Ice is more than just a travelogue or a culinary journal; it is an engaging compilation of exploration, cooking, culture, business acumen, and personal growth. This book promises to inspire readers with a taste for adventure and a love for the culinary arts. Sebastien JM Kuhn’s journey is not just a culinary exploration but an invitation to experience the convergence of diverse worlds through his eyes.
Pages: 273 | ASIN : B0CW1LNGQG
Outside Voices: A Memoir of the Berkeley Revolution
Outside Voices by Joan Gelfand is a candid memoir that delves into the author’s experiences during the vibrant and transformative 1970s in Berkeley. Gelfand navigates through her adventures, marked by involvement in the feminist movement, an exploration of her sexuality, and the pursuit of her artistic passions. Her narrative oscillates between her carefree social life, including encounters with drugs and diverse romantic relationships, and her deeper, more introspective struggles with family loss and societal expectations.
Gelfand’s prose is notably rich and evocative, breathing life into her experiences with a flair that goes beyond mere storytelling. Her ability to convey complex emotions and thoughts is particularly striking, as she uses vivid imagery and poetic language to share insights, such as her introspection about mortality and fear. The memoir gracefully weaves through various phases of Gelfand’s life, from an idyllic childhood marked by a close relationship with her father to the sorrow and adjustment following his passing. The narrative is peppered with captivating anecdotes, encompassing fleeting romances, detailed observations of her surroundings, and reflections on art, history, and culture. This blend offers readers a textured and multi-faceted view of the era and Gelfand’s journey within it. While the book’s multifaceted nature can occasionally feel overwhelming due to the multitude of themes and elements introduced, this complexity also contributes to the richness of Gelfand’s story. Her evolution from a youthful, rebellious spirit to a more grounded individual seeking stability and self-identity is a compelling aspect of the memoir.
Outside Voices is particularly resonant for readers interested in historical contexts, especially those pertaining to women’s roles and societal changes in the 20th century. Gelfand’s story is a blend of the personal and the historical, offering both an intimate look at her life and a broader reflection on a dynamic period of social change. The memoir stands out for its vivid storytelling, historical insights, and its exploration of personal growth and identity in times of societal upheaval.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0BYXGCQXZ
Hope and Inspiration
Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor shares your story of battling cancer, your daughter’s diagnosis and treatment, and your decision to become a cancer nurse helping others. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Scarily, one in two of the population will be given a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives and it remains the greatest fear in society. So, at the risk of sounding contrite (that is definitely not my intention) I wanted to give something back to society – to deliver a meaningful book that would help cancer patients and their loved ones.
I decided that if this piece of work was to achieve its objectives, then it had to be written from three perspectives in order that it would be different from any other survivorship chronicle. Firstly, my experience as an immature adolescent facing the turmoil of both the physical and psychological battle with cancer. This was then followed by the unimaginable trauma of having to confront and accept a cancer diagnosis of my four-year-old daughter and watch helplessly as she underwent chemotherapy, followed by the emotional journey of her terminal diagnosis. Third, I wanted this to provide an educational angle for healthcare professionals working in the challenging field of cancer services. Sadly, at the risk of sounding critical, there are nurses (and some in senior positions) who do not understand the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis – I have witnessed this with my own eyes during my working career in cancer nursing.
I never intended to ‘just write my story;’ it had to have meaning and provide inspiration to not just the cancer patients themselves, but also their loved ones who are often left out of the cancer equation. Like me, they will need inspiration.
Moreover, I felt this would be a cathartic experience and would eliminate once and for all the demons that lurked in the canyons of my mind. Sadly, it failed to do that.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Everything, it had to be warts and all if it was going to have an impact. It was, however, important to include some humour along the way. Sadly, you cannot sugar-coat a cancer diagnosis, and although the treatments we deliver today are very different from the treatments I received in the seventies – today, we use less traditional chemotherapy and use more immunotherapies, immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and a few vaccines, making them less aggressive by way of side effects. Nonetheless, cancer instills fear and like I did, everyone needs inspiration.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you
to write about?
As you would expect, recalling and writing about my daughter’s diagnosis, treatment, and then being told that she would not survive, brought about some chilling memories. I requested access to my medical records, and I was fortunate enough to be given that access. I needed that information to ensure I got the correct chronological order of the treatments, but paradoxically I wanted to confirm the actual terminal nature of my disease. So reading that, did hit me very hard, even though I clearly knew my own story – seeing it written in a legally binding document confirmed to me how fortunate I am. But, to be totally honest, even today, my cup is often half empty. I am burdened with a number of health-related issues (all as a consequence of the salubrious chemotherapy and radiotherapy I received almost fifty years ago), including another cancer battle, and I cannot help but wonder where my health will take me, luckily, my wife is constantly topping up my cup to make me realise how fortunate I am. ‘If you are fortunate enough to survive a cancer diagnosis, that legacy lives with you forever.’
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Undoubtedly inspiration – Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor is not a prescriptive guide in respect of how to deal with a cancer diagnosis – no such prescription exists. However, I would say to readers, take from my book whatever you can, hopefully, hope and inspiration, but feel free to criticise where you feel is appropriate because the cancer experience is an individual one and we all cope in different ways.
Finally, I would like to share a few words from the final chapter of my book. ‘Life is not a rehearsal – it is for living, a once-only opportunity to enjoy. Our future is uncertain; no one knows what lies ahead, what fate has planned. Never look back on your life unless you are prepared to smile and be reflective, never look forward unless you can dream–we all need dreams and we all need hope.’
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Award-winning author, John Walker Pattison has created an inspirational chronicle. A book that anyone touched by a cancer diagnosis should read. It has fifteen independent reviews (all five stars), plus more than thirty reviews on Amazon (all five stars) and over a dozen reviews on Goodreads (all five stars).
This is a true chronicle from three perspectives – he was diagnosed with cancer at eighteen years of age. After years of failed treatments, his parents were told that he would not survive. Yet eight years after his unexpected recovery, his four-year-old daughter is diagnosed with terminal leukaemia – he went on to become a cancer nurse specialist at the hospital that made his diagnosis decades earlier.
Today, he is one of the longest cancer survivors in the UK and recently has once again embarked upon another cancer battle of his own. A remarkable memoir that is poignant, funny and most of all, inspirational.
Today, he is once again, facing a cancer battle – but he remains philosophical and determined.
I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf: A Young Woman’s Journey With Liver Cancer
I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf offers a poignant and intimate glimpse into the life of Adrienne, a naturally gifted artist with a passion for drawing, writing, and music. This personal journal, meticulously curated by her older sister, Andrea Wilson Woods, covers the period from May 2000 to September 2001, encompassing Adrienne’s pre-diagnosis life, her grappling with the devastating news of liver cancer, and her subsequent journey through treatment.
Andrea Wilson Woods has crafted this diary into a moving tribute, allowing readers to intimately experience Adrienne’s world. The diary is rich with her notes, drawings, photographs, and poems, painting a vivid picture of a vibrant teenager with a distinctive sense of humor and a strong sense of self. It’s through these personal artifacts that we come to know and appreciate Adrienne’s unique personality and her journey of self-discovery. The authenticity and honesty in Adrienne’s reflections are striking. Andrea, while forewarning readers of Adrienne’s eventual passing, ensures that this knowledge does not overshadow the narrative. Instead, it provides a lens to better understand Adrienne’s evolving perspective on life and her emotional and mental growth.
The diary is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of her experiences, from her artistic pursuits to the rigors of chemotherapy and transfusions. Her unadorned account presents life as it is, without any embellishments, making for a deeply affecting read. The structure of the book, devoid of a traditional narrative and chronological storytelling, offers a realistic and unvarnished look at Adrienne’s life. Time jumps are part of its fabric, but they do not detract from the overall cohesiveness of the content. The diary chronicles Adrienne’s continuous learning, her efforts to improve herself, and her reflections on her favorite music, alongside her struggles and triumphs. This inclusion of diverse elements, such as a poetry portfolio and short stories towards the end, further enriches the narrative.
I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf is not just a memoir; it’s an exploration of a life lived with intensity and introspection. This book is a compelling account that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, making it a significant read for a wide range of readers.
Pages: 442 | ASIN : B0CXLPKZJ5
LITERARY TITAN 