Blog Archives
Literary Titan Gold Book Award
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Awards February 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their masterful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. Explore a universe of boundless creativity, recognizing 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 writers 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
Late Bloomer, Late Bloomer, Late Bloomer by James Young
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Growing Up, Rocky
The experiences we have during our formative years have a profound impact on our lives and shape us into the adults we become. For Patty Beecham, a unique childhood and being the youngest of five siblings led to a journey that was not always smooth but ultimately instilled in her a deep sense of reflection and appreciation for her unusual circumstances. In her emotionally-resonant memoir, Growing Up, Rocky, Beecham takes readers on a fascinating journey through her childhood as the daughter of a missionary family living in rural Australia.
From her father’s transition from missionary to priest to unexpected tragedies that shook her family, Beecham’s life was defined by tumultuous waves that shaped her character and relationships with her parents. Despite knowing her path in life, Beecham found herself yearning for more from an early age, driven by an unfulfilling educational experience.
Growing Up, Rocky offers a captivating glimpse into a time, place, and situation that most people will never experience. One theme that recurs throughout the book is the complex relationship between Patty and her mother, which is beautifully described in a relatable and human way. The book’s relatability is one thing that I truly enjoyed about this memoir as it showed how connected we all are despite our differences. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Australia as well, from the cities to the family’s home and yard. The narrative reads more like a personal reflection than a cohesive story, but the constant internal struggle of self kept me engaged, hoping to see the little girl find her way.
Growing Up, Rocky exemplifies the idea that life is about the journey, not the destination, and is recommended for anyone who appreciates a unique perspective on life.
Pages: 263 | ASIN: B0BKCJ7KMH
Deputy While Immigrant: The Story of a German Who Became a Deputy Sheriff in Arizona
Deputy While Immigrant by Tom Peine offers a reflective and engaging look into the life and career of a German immigrant who navigates the challenges and triumphs of working as a police officer in the United States. Peine’s journey from exploring various professions to becoming a dedicated policeman is presented with an honest and grounded perspective, highlighting the rigorous testing and physical confrontations he faced, especially as a 40-year-old entrant into law enforcement.
Peine’s memoir stands out for its blend of personal anecdotes, detailed crime scene descriptions, and insightful reflections on his mental and emotional experiences. His narrative style is engaging, bringing to life high-adrenaline moments of vehicle pursuits and home raids while acknowledging the less glamorous realities of police work that often contrast with their cinematic portrayals. This authenticity is evident in stories like the noisy trailer home raid, which diverges from the stealthy operations commonly seen in films. The book also delves into the more somber aspects of law enforcement, such as handling sensitive cases involving minors and attending a fellow officer’s funeral. These moments are presented with sensitivity, adding depth to the narrative. For those interested in action-filled memoirs or considering a career in law enforcement, Deputy While Immigrant offers valuable insights. Peine’s advice, such as maintaining professionalism in adversity and using police jargon, immerses readers in the law enforcement.
This memoir is more than just an account of a police officer’s life; it explores resilience, adaptability, and dedication. It resonates with current, former, and aspiring police officers, providing a multifaceted look at the profession. Peine’s compelling storytelling and richly detailed experiences make Deputy While Immigrant an absorbing and enlightening read.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0CNQRV7QL
The Flight Home: Nine Journeys, Nine Lessons
Veronica Llorca-Smith’s memoir The Flight Home: Nine Journeys, Nine Lessons is an engaging journey that captivates a wide array of readers, whether you’re a wanderer at heart, a professional navigating the business world, or a parent. It’s a narrative that resonates universally, drawing readers into its embrace regardless of their background.
Llorca-Smith, whom I’ve come to admire immensely through her writing, crafts a poignant and humorous narrative. Her skillful storytelling makes for an effortless and enjoyable read, blending an extraordinary life story with relatable human emotions. The memoir delves into her childhood and teenage years, marked by a nomadic existence due to her father’s career. This backdrop sets the stage for a tale of resilience, joy, and the challenges of growing up in various cultures. Her experiences in countries like Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Brazil, and various Asian nations are not just travelogues but are imbued with deep cultural insights and personal growth. Llorca-Smith’s vivid descriptions bring these places to life, allowing readers to experience the world through her eyes. Beyond a story of geographical journeys, this book also explores themes of adaptability, the strength of women, and the power of determination. It’s a testament to setting goals and the relentless pursuit of dreams. This memoir is not just a recounting of Llorca-Smith’s life; it’s an inspiring narrative encouraging readers to embrace their journeys.
The Flight Home: Nine Journeys, Nine Lessons is more than a memoir; it is an enriching experience, offering both a window into diverse cultures and a mirror reflecting our own potential. It comes highly recommended for anyone seeking inspiration, cultural exploration, or simply a beautifully told life story.
Pages: 190 | ASIN : B0CNK1BCVG
The In-Between: Life in the Micro
The In-Between: Life in the Micro by Christian Espinosa elegantly merges memoir and self-help, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of the author’s personal transformation. Espinosa’s narrative is richly grounded in the appreciation of life’s smaller moments, often unnoticed yet fundamentally shaping our experiences. His approachable storytelling reveals his transition from focusing on broader life goals to appreciating the intricate, everyday occurrences that impart significant impact.
Spanning ten chapters, the book skillfully navigates Espinosa’s journey from a broader perspective to a more nuanced understanding of life. This shift personalizes his story and turns the book into an inspirational and practical guide for readers embarking on their own self-discovery journeys. One notable chapter focuses on redefining personal identity, providing insightful strategies for personal development. Espinosa’s openness and sincerity in this section particularly resonate, offering a powerful and relatable resource for anyone seeking meaningful change. The discussion on aligning with core values is another highlight, presenting moments of realization that reinforce the book’s profound influence. Espinosa combines practical advice with actionable steps throughout, presenting a clear guide to discovering life’s deeper meaning and value. His emphasis on mindfulness and awareness serves as a potent tool for those seeking fulfillment and peace.
Espinosa’s narrative echoes Robert Brault’s sentiment, “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things,” illustrating this philosophy across the book’s pages. The In-Between: Life in the Micro is a valuable source of insight for individuals at various life stages, filled with wisdom from Espinosa’s life and teachings. It stands as a significant contribution, meriting recognition for its ability to inspire readers to value life’s transient moments and find joy in the mundane.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0CP8RYV55
When I Was A Boy: A Personal History
Jerry Thomas Caplinger’s memoir, When I Was a Boy: A Personal History, offers a vivid and introspective journey through his upbringing in 1940s Hope, Arkansas. Born to a blue-collar family, Caplinger navigates a life marked by stark contrasts. He finds solace in the wild beauty of southwestern Arkansas yet grapples with a tumultuous home life characterized by poverty and a harsh, sometimes cruel, father.
Caplinger’s narrative skillfully interweaves his personal struggles with the broader Southern Gothic tradition, reminiscent of the works of William Faulkner and Cormac McCarthy. His writing style, predominantly spare and forthright, particularly when addressing his family’s hardships, occasionally shifts to a more expressive tone. This change is most notable when he recounts the pastoral landscapes of his youth, offering a poignant counterpoint to the daunting tales of his father. The complex relationship between Caplinger and his father is a central theme of the memoir, drawing parallels to other literary figures with difficult parental relationships, like the alcoholic father in “Angela’s Ashes.” Caplinger’s conflicted emotions—simultaneously seeking his father’s love and acceptance while harboring deep-seated resentment—add depth to the narrative. Caplinger’s ability to evoke such detailed and vivid recollections from his early life is remarkable, providing readers with a window into the world of a man shaped by humble beginnings and challenging circumstances.
When I Was a Boy: A Personal History is a memoir that tells the story of Caplinger’s life, but it’s much more than that. It’s a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and an exploration of the ways in which we can find strength and meaning in the face of adversity. This is a deeply personal and moving work that speaks to the universal struggles we all face and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for a brighter future.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0BG14XCN4
Crank It Up! Harnessing The Synergies of Team Belief
In Crank It Up! Harnessing The Synergies of Team Belief, Dwane Fritz Gerald offers up a unique guide that dives into the complexities of port operations. Readers are invited to journey alongside Aubyn as he evolves from a novice to a seasoned leader, mastering the nuances of management and the art of fostering team spirit through the innovative CRANK IT UP initiative, which notably enhances productivity. While Aubyn’s achievements may not be as widely celebrated as those of figures like Elon Musk, they are equally impressive. His story is one of efficiency and breakthroughs, marked by the morale-boosting Crank It Up prints that adorn helmets and stickers, lifting the spirits of his dedicated team.
Gerald’s narrative style is novelistic, employing a third-person viewpoint that enriches the storytelling with depth and perspective. The book not only offers a window into the operational details and milestones of the shipping world but also celebrates the personal growth and resilience of its characters. Gerald notes, “Aubyn’s presentations had evolved into a highly anticipated part of the weekly management meetings,” highlighting the transformative journey of Aubyn.
While the detailed exploration of port operations might seem daunting to some readers, the book is thoughtfully punctuated with Key Personal Introspection sections at the end of each chapter. These sections distill the core lessons and reflections, offering readers valuable takeaways. Crank It Up! does more than narrate Aubyn’s journey; it illuminates the intricate labor and collective effort that underpin the shipping industry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the often-unseen work behind the products we enjoy. The insights on teamwork and productivity enhancement presented in the book have universal applicability, offering valuable lessons for a wide range of industries beyond shipping.
Crank It Up! Harnessing The Synergies of Team Belief, by Dwane Fritz Gerald, is the perfect read for leaders who want to focus on team dynamics, leadership, and instilling a collective belief in achieving goals amongst their team.
Pages: 73 | ASIN : B0CN63ZMFM
LITERARY TITAN 