Blog Archives
Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future
Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future is a moving and meticulously researched compilation by Lori Ann LaRocco and Abby Wallace. This work delves into the experiences of four African American families across two centuries, tracing their journey through numerous trials and tribulations. The narrative encapsulates both the harrowing aspects of their histories and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a testament to the unrecognized contributions of the enslaved individuals who played a significant role in shaping American history.
The core message, “We are all a product of our past,” resonates throughout the book, emphasizing the importance of historical narratives passed down through generations. LaRocco and Wallace have devoted extensive hours to interviewing descendants and griots, the traditional custodians of these family stories, ensuring an authentic and detailed portrayal of their subjects. The book not only revives forgotten African traditions and histories but also confronts the ongoing issues of dehumanization and discrimination against Black Americans.
The narrative begins with the poignant tale of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to America, and progresses through the establishment of Africatown by Pollee and Rose Allen. It presents the compelling history of the Madison family, descended from an American president, and the enduring legacy of the Quander family, one of America’s oldest documented Black families. The book culminates with the inspiring story of the Brooks family, distinguished by having three Generals within their lineage.
Targeted primarily at the youth, Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future serves as a profound reminder of the importance of understanding one’s heritage to foster a brighter future. However, its reach extends far beyond the young adult demographic. LaRocco and Wallace’s book offers an enlightening perspective on American history, capable of moving readers deeply and altering their perceptions of everyday life in the United States.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0CR8232WM
Break the Chains
In your memoir Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go, readers will find a deeply personal and emotional account of how divorce and personal loss have affected your life. What motivated you to share your story with the world?
I believe we experience loss and other pain in life in order to heal and then help others. We aren’t supposed to keep it for ourselves. I know there are many people suffering the pain of emotional abandonment, grief, and trauma, and I have found healing and a solution that not only sets me free but gives my life purpose. I’m compelled to share this healing with others. It’s as simple as that…something inside pushes me to help others.
I greatly appreciate the candid and transparent nature of the story you have shared. Would you be able to shed some light on the most arduous aspect of the writing process?
Personally, rewriting Chapter 1, “The Catalyst,” about my brother’s overdose, our childhood memories (some pleasant, others, not so much), my anger about his addiction and death, and eventually how his death set me free, was very difficult. I would find myself in disbelief that I was crying, again. It was also challenging to see the truth of my story. Seeing the reality of some painful events, in black and white, was emotionally draining. In general, I didn’t find the writing process arduous. It was a period of divine inspiration and came quite naturally to me. The hardest part was deciding which parts to keep and which parts to toss. I felt much of what was removed was important, but I had to make very honest decisions about if it added or detracted from the main message and the power of the book. It was a humbling process.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger that could have helped you deal with personal loss and grow from these challenges?
You are good, worthy, and loved no matter what. Know that other people’s actions and behaviors are not about you, and you are not responsible for anyone else’s happiness.
I understand that your story is important to you and you want your readers to connect with it. Can you please help me understand what message you want your readers to take away from your story?
Healing your personal pain holds the power to heal the collective. It’s the only power we truly have. Finding comfort in all of your emotions by healing your grief and trauma, building an unshakable foundation of self-worth and self-love, and trusting yourself to show up for yourself in good times and “bad” creates an open heart of unconditional love and compassion, for yourself and others. It’s time to break the chains of generational family dysfunction, address your pain, and do the work to heal. Your life, and the lives of others, depend on it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Everyone leaves you or hurts you. This false myth of generational family dysfunction, compounded through trauma, appeared frighteningly true to Amanda the moment her brother overdosed and died. Devastated, she shined up the emotional armor she wore to protect herself from pain and soldiered on. But a decade of self-reflection and personal growth in 12-step recovery could not save her from herself. Attempting to destroy everything around her, including her troubled marriage, she experienced a spiritual awakening that radically transformed deeply engrained lies about love, loss, and connection. Lies she didn’t even know she believed.
Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go is a pragmatic yet soulful inspirational memoir delivering uncompromising self-love that heals deep wounds. Amanda’s revealing, thought-provoking narrative will guide you to find comfort in your emotions and meaning in your suffering, while organically bridging an inseverable, trustworthy connection with self, others, and the universe.
Do Not Settle
The Virtuous Vagina – How To Leave Lust In The Dust & Find Clarity Through Chastity shares with readers the importance of focusing on self-love and self-worth over finding the perfect partner in life by sharing your personal exsperances and your journey to self-empowerment. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was an important book for me to write because I see so many women desperate to find a meaningful relationship and settling for the wrong guys.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It’s so vital that we take good care of ourselves spiritually, mentally & physically. I want to remind women to prioritize these aspects of living. As women we often put everyone & everything before ourselves.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
At a young age, I made a decision that almost cost me my life. The poem that I wrote explains all that I went through, and because it is so personal, I wasn’t sure about including it in the book. In the end, I thought it was too perfect of an ending not to include it. None of my reviewers have commented on it, and I’ve been wondering if the message is getting through; I hope so.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
I want women to see the necessity of building oneself. Tapping into our creative abilities, our intellect & our spirituality can build an incredible personal foundation of happiness. Society has taught us to believe that we will meet a knight in shining armor, but even if we do, a princess still has to bring something to the table. So why not set a beautiful table and enjoy the bounty whether the prince shows up or not!
Beginning in the summer and ending by New Year’s, join Katie season after season as she navigates life as a New York entrepreuneur, full time employeee and a woman vetting the advances of these men. Grounded in her spirituality, Katie provides detailed insight to the significance of not letting our egos guide our decision making, but instead paying keen attention to the reasons why someone may not be the right partner. She gives her readers real life experiences in New York City, the need to take the high road when working with dysfunctional colleagues, and pointing out the need to truly understand and pour into ourselves as women to achieve what we desire out of life. This memoir encourages women not to wait for Mr. Right to fullfill our dreams, but to be Miss Right whether he shows up or not!
A Great Fit
Tom Murry’s A Great Fit explores the continual journey of self-improvement and personal development, an endeavor aptly encapsulated in Edgar Albert Guest’s quote, “I have to live with myself, and so, I want to be fit for myself…”. Murry’s narrative is a blend of introspection and practical guidance, rooted in the lessons he garnered from influential figures in his life, notably his grandmother, Nana. The book artfully navigates the realms of cultivating personal traits such as taste and charisma, emphasizing the impact these qualities can have in a professional context. Murry draws on captivating stories and examples, including inspirations from iconic figures like Calvin Klein, to illustrate how these attributes can be developed and leveraged in one’s career.
Central to Murry’s discourse is the importance of self-awareness, confidence, and a well-defined sense of purpose. He invites readers to introspect their motivations and passions, advocating for career paths that resonate with one’s core values and interests. His narrative, enriched by his entrepreneurial journeys starting from a young age, underscores the significance of deriving joy and satisfaction from one’s pursuits. Murry draws extensively from his experiences, ranging from his formative years to his tenure in the corporate world, distilling essential lessons for attaining success and fulfillment professionally. Particularly notable is his examination of the interplay between happiness and success, challenging the conventional wisdom that equates financial wealth with fulfillment. He thoughtfully explores the roles of gratitude, purposeful work, and meaningful relationships in nurturing genuine happiness. Murry’s writing style is accessible and engaging, presenting complex ideas with clarity and ease. The fluidity with which he weaves together different facets of his life and career insights is commendable, offering readers a cohesive and immersive reading experience. His authenticity and earnestness foster a connection with the reader, making his experiences and perspectives relatable and impactful.
A Great Fit excels in its pragmatic approach to career growth, touching upon diverse elements such as cultivating success-driving traits, uncovering one’s driving forces, and finding joy in professional endeavors. Murry insightfully balances the discussion between inherent qualities and acquired skills in pursuing success, acknowledging the roles of personal background, environment, and individual choices. This book is a valuable resource for anyone aiming to harmonize career success with personal fulfillment.
Pages: 168 | ASIN : B07WRT1NVS
Unchecked Abuses of Government Power
The Broken Whistle: A Deep State Run Amok is more than a memoir; it is a look at the corruption of the whistleblowing process within the Intelligence Community. Why was it important for you to tell your story?
Like so many others, I am just an ordinary American. I worked diligently to get an education and volunteered to serve our nation to defend and protect our beloved country from foreign and domestic enemies. Yes, it is my story, but I am not alone. It is a story that others could have also written. I am just one out of many who have witnessed the abuse of government power, but unlike others, I spoke up and had to tell it because the abuse of government power threatens the existence of our Constitutional Republic.
President Ronald Reagan said during his inauguration as the governor of California, “Freedom is a fragile thing, and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. And those in world history who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again.”
Therefore, it is crucial for the citizens of the United States to witness my firsthand story on the consequences of unchecked abuses of government power. My story shows the abuses I suffered for seeking to hold the CIA and Intelligence Community accountable for violating US laws. Just like it happened to me, it could happen to any and all ordinary Americans. If these abuses of power are left unchecked, tyranny will come knocking on their doors.
Your years working for the CIA gave you a front-seat look at the corruption of power and the way those in power twist policy to suit their needs. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There is a well-known saying that, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Attributed to 19th-century British politician Lord Acton. I witnessed firsthand the absolute perversion of power in the CIA and the Intelligence Community. The lust for power and influence drove senior leaders to betray the Constitution and the laws of the land. An attitude as if they were saying, “This is my CIA and my position. What I say and do is right, regardless of the law.” The truth is they trampled laws to cover up their abuses of power. That is the main storyline written in the book’s narrative. And I wrote as raw and real as possible with many examples to show the reader what I witnessed firsthand.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about Whistleblowers?
The revelations brought forth by most whistleblowers and the abuses they suffer cause many of these individuals to be mischaracterized as disgruntled and troubled individuals—troublemakers, snitches, rats, poor performers, vindictive, etc. It is nearly impossible to counter the coordinated assaults and attacks against a whistleblower’s character. Those who take reprisals literally have an army of attorneys and surrogates to defend them. Meanwhile, the whistleblower is like a lone Spartan in the Battle of Thermopylae on top of the hill, facing a massive onslaught of slander and defamation. It is a no-win scenario for the whistleblower. Almost all whistleblowers never recover from the reprisals.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Broken Whistle?
My Epilogue ends with a poem by Martin Niemöller, a German theologian who lived before, during, and after the Nazi German regime. The title is “Who Will Speak For You When They Come Looking For You?” Unchecked abuses of government power have consequences. It is only a matter of time, not if it will, to affect many others outside of the DC establishment. We, the People of the United States of America, must demand that our government authorities obey the laws of the land and the Constitution and preserve our Constitutional Republic. As President Reagan said, failure to speak up and act to hold those in power accountable will lead us down a path of tyranny. Therefore, The Broken Whistle is a call to action for Americans to stand up and demand robust government oversight to defend and protect the laws of the land—to reign in abusive government institutions like the US National Security bureaucracy also known as the “Deep State.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Broken Whistle is a searing exposé that unveils a chilling chapter in American history, a narrative meticulously recounted by Pedro Israel Orta. Plunged into the heart of power and deception, Orta emerges as a force to be reckoned with. On September 23, 2019, his single Twitter thread ignited a tempest, tearing through the sinister underbelly of the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act (ICWPA), which had been perverted for political ends. In this gripping account, Orta fearlessly shines a light on a corrupt system that brazenly weaponized the very process designed to uphold truth and accountability.
As the pages unfold, Orta unflinchingly reveals how the Intelligence Community (IC) whistleblowing process was perverted to target a sitting president, while genuine whistleblowers endured unimaginable torment and abandonment. With chilling detail and unyielding determination, Orta pulls back the curtain on the U.S. National Security Bureaucratic State, exposing the rampant abuse of power by the Deep State, shielded by Congress’s deafening silence.
Delving deep into the heart of darkness, Orta uncovers the unsettling saga triggered by the enigmatic “Ukraine whistleblower,” whose disclosures unleashed a political storm, despite falling outside the jurisdiction of ICIG and DNI, as confirmed by the Department of Justice. These allegations, detached from intelligence activities, were shamelessly exploited—an elaborate ruse orchestrated to manipulate public opinion and orchestrate the impeachment of a president.
Through the pages of The Broken Whistle, Orta lays bare his own harrowing journey, navigating the treacherous corridors of the Central Intelligence Agency. Within these walls, truth becomes an enemy, and those who dare to speak out face ruthless retribution and termination. As Orta’s unwavering voice rises above the cacophony of corruption, readers are led on an odyssey that unveils a bureaucratic machine bent on crushing dissent and preserving its shadowy secrets.
The Broken Whistle is an unapologetic chronicle of one man’s fight for justice—a clarion call that reverberates through the darkest corners of power. Prepare to be captivated by Orta’s unflinching courage as he peels back the layers of deception, exposing a broken system that has forsaken its sacred duty.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award March 2024
The Literary Titan Book Award celebrates books with creative ideas and honors authors skilled in transforming words into exquisite prose. These remarkable books elevate the craft of storytelling. Here’s to the talented authors who’ve turned original concepts into wonderfully crafted books. Your extraordinary skill merits every ounce of this acknowledgment.
Award Recipients
Black Coffee by Verity Grey
ZAINAB! by Tajudeen Bioku
I DECIDED by Wahiba C.Rekkab
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award March 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 Maidservant in Cabin Number One by Chrysteen Braun
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Virtuous Vagina – How To Leave Lust In The Dust & Find Clarity Through Chastity
In Katie Slade’s candid memoir The Virtuous Vagina, Slade shares her transformative journey from being dismissed from a 15-year career to bravely venturing into entrepreneurship. The story delves into the intricacies of her transition from a stable 9-to-5 job to the unpredictable realm of building her own business, notably through the development of a mobile app. Throughout the book, readers are privy to Slade’s personal evolution, marked by various encounters that shape her perspective on life, love, and self-worth.
The narrative touches on contemporary social dynamics, particularly regarding attitudes towards sex and relationships. The author contrasts the present-day openness around sexuality with past conservatism, highlighting a shift towards more liberal attitudes. Slade’s story becomes a conduit for discussing the challenges women face in modern dating landscapes, including navigating toxic relationships and societal pressures.
Slade shares her struggles with men who range from a detrimental ex-boyfriend to those with purely physical intentions, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and caution in romantic pursuits. A central theme of the book is the encouragement of chastity and self-empowerment for women. The author’s experiences serve as a mirror to the often tumultuous and demanding nature of contemporary dating, where encounters with narcissistic or manipulative partners are not uncommon. The narrative advocates for women to recognize their worth, resist being objectified, and cultivate strong personal and spiritual foundations. Slade emphasizes the significance of pursuing personal and professional success and seeking partners aligned with one’s values and beliefs. I found myself drawn to the story of an ambitious woman navigating these complex societal norms. Slade’s journey is not only about her entrepreneurial aspirations but also her stance against the diminishing regard for values like chastity and fidelity in today’s society.
The Virtuous Vagina – How To Leave Lust In The Dust & Find Clarity Through Chastity balances serious themes with moments of romance and humor, creating a multifaceted reading experience. Discovering that this book is part of a series was a pleasant surprise, and I am eager to continue following Katie Slade’s journey in subsequent installments. The narrative offers a thought-provoking reflection on modern social mores, corporate culture, and the pursuit of personal authenticity.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0CQTJLZFZ
LITERARY TITAN 