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Literary Titan Book Award – Dec 2023
The Literary Titan Book Award proudly celebrates enchanting children’s books that captivate hearts with fantastic storytelling, radiant illustrations, delightful characters, and innovative concepts. Bestowing well-deserved recognition, we honor their boundless creativity and remarkable talent in crafting stories that ignite imaginations and bring joy to young readers.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Book Awards – Dec 2023
Honoring the talent of brilliant authors who captivated us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, and compelling characters. Delve into a universe of original ideas, celebrating books that stand out with their innovative concepts and extraordinary narratives. Join us in applauding the dedication and hard work of these exemplary authors as we spotlight and praise the magnificent realms they’ve brought to life.
Award Recipients
Shipwreck in Paradise by Konstantinos Gustad C
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Shared Crossing – The Final Journey: A Memoir
Shared Crossing-The Final Journey, by Deborah Harkin, is a reflective memoir that delves into the complex emotional landscape of coping with a loved one’s illness. Harkin, equipped with a background in psychology, navigates the challenging terrain of her mother’s declining health, finding herself at the intersection of caregiver and researcher. Her narrative weaves through the intricacies of the human experience, particularly the nuanced relationship between life, death, and spirituality.
Harkin’s exploration is marked by a deep sense of introspection and empathy as she grapples with the spiritual dimensions of her journey. The memoir thoroughly examines the concept of shared crossings, blurring the lines between the physical and spiritual realms and offering insights into the interconnectedness of life and death. Her honest and emotional narration resonates with a sense of authenticity, inviting readers to share her experiences of love, compassion, and the profound complexities of human relationships.
The book also sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges of caregiving, making it particularly relatable to those who have found themselves in similar roles. Harkin’s journey is not just a personal account but also an in-depth exploration backed by research, offering a unique perspective on spirituality’s role in coping with life’s trials. As Harkin delves into the mysteries surrounding death and the afterlife, her narrative is imbued with a sense of optimism and resilience. Her experiences, which she describes as ‘out of this world,’ offer a glimpse into the profound impact that spirituality can have in understanding and accepting life’s inevitable transitions.
Shared Crossing – The Final Journey: A Memoir is more than just a memoir; it’s a heartfelt exploration of life’s most profound questions, presented through the lens of personal experience and deep emotional connection. It stands as a testament to the power of love and spirituality in facing life’s most challenging moments.
Pages 124 | ASIN : B0CKLVK3JQ
The Presidents’ Tailor
The President’s Tailor, written by Kathleen Smith and illustrated by Nimali Udugama, is a vivid, cheerful biography of a brilliant Frenchman, Georges de Paris. Beautifully illustrated on each page, the book tells the true story of the rags-to-riches life of this man, who, despite the challenging beginning of his life, managed to become the trusted tailor of nine different presidents. Carrying a hopeful, bright feeling on every page, this story inspires everyone, reminding them that nothing is impossible.
Filled with funny anecdotes and awe-inspiring artwork, the author tells the story of this protagonist in a simple, poetic narration. Born in France, Georges de Paris moved to the United States and struggled to survive, even being homeless for a period of time. But he mastered his craft and became a famous tailor who personally dressed nine American presidents– from Lyndon B Johnson to Barack Obama. Through the years, he came to be known as “the President’s Tailor,” who passed away in 2015. As the story progresses, the author gives a brief sketch of each president and what Georges de Paris thought of them. The writing, paired with lively illustrations, makes the nine presidents and their tailor come alive, with their own quirks, right in front of your eyes. His humorous interactions with the presidents will give you more insight into the kind of people they were. While he was merely five feet tall, Georges de Paris was quite a character with skillful hands and witty comments.
The President’s Tailor is easy to understand and well-illustrated; the target audience of this story can be anyone from curious children to adults wanting to know more about the inspirational story of Georges de Paris. I highly recommend this short, fun read to everyone– it might be a cute bedtime story or an inspirational one that motivates you to chase your dreams.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0CJHRPWJ1
Author Website
Bullet’s Adventure: Chasing Sobekneferu
Victoria Ray’s Bullet’s Adventure: Chasing Sobekneferu weaves an unconventional narrative, blending elements of mystery and fantasy with an eccentric cast of characters. The story follows Bullet Harmless, a man whose mundane life is upended when he is unexpectedly employed as a private investigator by a prominent figure in his city. Tasked with unraveling the mystery behind a murdered rare insect and missing diamonds, Bullet finds himself entangled in a web of chaos and danger involving a vast criminal network.
The novel begins with limited context, focusing initially on Bullet’s everyday life, hinting at a conventional plotline. However, Ray rapidly diverges from this path, introducing a surreal world inhabited by uniquely named characters, anthropomorphic insects, and references to Egyptian mythology. The settings and events change rapidly, challenging the reader to keep pace with the evolving narrative.
Ray’s writing style is vibrant and imaginative, though at times, the plot’s complexity and the multitude of characters introduced can feel overwhelming. The central theme of Bullet seeking his ideal companion is a consistent thread, but the continual introduction of new characters and subplots adds layers of complexity to the story. This richness of ideas is ambitious and requires a reader’s full attention.
The book’s distinct style is a departure from conventional storytelling, offering a unique experience. It’s a crime fiction novel that will resonate with readers looking for something out of the ordinary. Ray’s novel has the potential to captivate those who appreciate unconventional and imaginative storytelling.
Pages: 193 | ASIN: B0CJP8BL9H
Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere
Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere, by Terry A. Repak, offers an insightful and captivating account of her family’s life during their time overseas. Repak’s narrative style is engaging and eloquent, drawing parallels between their international experiences and the challenges akin to scaling a mountain – demanding yet extraordinarily rewarding. The memoir skillfully intertwines her personal journey with her husband Stefan’s professional endeavors in addressing the AIDS crisis. It presents a rich tapestry of experiences, evolving from her initial days as a new mother in Ivory Coast to becoming a seasoned traveler settling in Seattle.
Repak’s memoir stands out for its honesty and emotional depth, particularly in depicting family and friendship dynamics. Her interactions are not limited to fellow expatriates; she equally values her relationships with locals like Gladys, Adama, and Ousmane, showcasing the enduring connections formed despite geographical relocations. The narrative poignantly covers challenging times, such as her father’s illness, with a rawness that deeply resonates with readers.
Repak’s portrayal of her relationship with her daughter, Elena, is an especially compelling aspect of the book. Parents who have adopted will find comfort and understanding in Repak’s reflections on parenthood and the unique experiences of expatriate children. The portrayal of Elena’s growth is handled with nuance, acknowledging the complexities of her experiences thoughtfully and respectfully.
Circling Home is a commendable memoir, particularly for those intrigued by travel and life in foreign lands. Repak’s narrative is a reassuring guide for anyone navigating the intricacies of living in unfamiliar territories, providing a sense of kinship and understanding for those who have ever felt like outsiders. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the enduring strength of human connections, regardless of physical distance.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0BQDTBVSJ
Unspoken Love: An Orphan’s Journey
Unspoken Love: An Orphan’s Journey, by Jack McCabe, offers a heartfelt and inspiring look into the life of a man who overcame significant challenges to become a dedicated math teacher. This autobiography traces Jack’s journey from a tumultuous youth in an orphanage to his eventual success in a 55-year teaching career. Through candid storytelling, Jack reflects on the hurdles he faced, including a lack of guidance during his formative years and a challenging stint in the Air Force.
This book is a testament to the power of resilience and optimism. Jack’s transformation from a young man facing arrest to a respected educator and Air Force veteran is nothing short of remarkable. His narrative, rich in life lessons, is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that one’s past does not dictate their future.
The memoir is presented in straightforward, relatable language, adding to its authenticity. Jack’s willingness to share both the ups and downs of his journey resonates deeply, reminding us of the shared human experience.
While the narrative is engaging, I found myself longing for a more in-depth exploration of certain chapters of Jack’s life, particularly his military and teaching experiences. I believe expanding on these aspects would enrich the reader’s understanding and connection to his story. However, those interested in education, military life, and personal growth narratives will find much to appreciate in this account.
Unspoken Love: An Orphan’s Journey, by Jack McCabe, is a compelling read, offering valuable insights into perseverance and the pursuit of one’s passions. I eagerly anticipate a sequel that delves deeper into the intriguing aspects of Jack’s life, further satisfying the curiosity this memoir has ignited. This book is especially appealing to those interested in mathematics, teaching, or anyone who has navigated the complexities of growing up in an orphanage or serving in the military.
Pages: 97 | ASIN : B0975W4SC1
Stories of the Soldiers
In Chop That Sh*t Up!, you share both the highs and lows from your time serving in the US Army along with your reflections on leadership and the challenges faced by veterans. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Chop that Sh*t Up! became another chapter of therapy for myself. Over the years I have been fortunate to speak at several graduations, conferences, and engagements, and each one I would either tell a funny story, an inspiring story (to me), or a deep meaning story about my soldiers. Every single time, someone would say “You have to put this into a book and tell your story.” More importantly, I needed to tell the stories of the soldiers I lost. I failed them by not recognizing them properly, by not being better as a leader, and I needed others to see what I saw and served with – Heroes. This book is for them.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Myself. Although I was used to being in front and in charge, I truly hate talking about myself. I would much rather spend every day talking about my family and soldiers. All day and every day. Telling their stories was easy. Talking about my failures was easy because I have always used my mistakes to help others learn from it, as I did. Trying to write about myself in a positive light was hard for me, as I do not view myself as such. To this day, I cannot finish the beautiful foreword written about me without crying.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about life after the military?
That we are ok because we are tough. Some are tough but most are like me, we survived and we struggle every day to continue to survive. We did what we were asked and volunteered to do, but I do not wish war, the things I have done and seen, on anyone. Ever!
Can readers expect to see more from you in the near future?
The original idea was to put together a collection of stories from several soldiers and veterans. That is one of the ideas of how this book came about. Take a group of veterans and sit them down and just listen to their stories. Each and every one has a hilarious or gut-wrenching story they tell. My next book, I want to put those stories together. Tell their story!
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | Amazon
Chop that Sh*t Up! is a collection of stories by a military veteran with deployments ranging from Bosnia-Herzegovina to tours in Iraq. Follow along his twenty-eight-year career from private to command sergeant major, and learn how a young, gullible private became a battle-hardened soldier to an emotionally broken leader on his journey back to civilian life. Whether you served, are thinking about serving, or know or care about someone who has served, this book will make you laugh, cry, or both. A true warrior and backbone of the Army, CSM (R) Pinion shares the highs and lows of his life serving our country in this soul-sharing book about him and his men.
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