Blog Archives
My Grandmother’s Life
Augusta follows a thirteen-year-old farm girl forced into marriage and motherhood who, after being abandoned in the city, must find a way to survive for herself and her children. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
This novel is based on my grandmother’s life. The image of her on the cover was from a 2.5×3.5 inch daguerreotype. When my aunt Ivon gave it to me, she said it was taken on her wedding day, and she was wearing her eighth-grade graduation dress. EEEK.
You went into great detail to get the setting right, especially in regard to money, life in the city, and even the emergence of home appliances. Did you do a lot of research to maintain the accuracy of the subject?
I researched life in Arkansas at the turn of the twentieth century. Finding out what it was like for the very poor in 1920s Detroit was a surprise. My mother told me that my grandmother came to Detroit wearing a feed sack as a dress.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My father was Buddy. He told me that his mother made him share, with other children, the goodies he received when he was in the hospital. I made a point of discovering what candies were popular at the time and what toys children may have received.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book will be out in April 2023. Big Guy is a middle-grade children’s book. Like Black Beauty, this story is told by the horse. I trained horses and gave riding lessons for many years. The personalities that I convey are my imagining of the personalities of horses that I knew and loved.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The historical novel begins in 1906 on a rural farm in Arkansas, where Augusta was raised on a hard-knock farm and married off to the widowed father of one of her classmates at the age of thirteen. They flee the failed cotton crops for factory work in Detroit, and Augusta must navigate city life alone as a new mother. Abandoned by her second husband, Augusta works as a waitress, but with four children to provide for, she is forced into a decision that will haunt her forever.
A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving
A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving by Blair Sorrel is a captivating memoir that dives into the author’s journey through an over-parented childhood, leading to the discovery of her schizoid personality disorder (SPD). Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, Sorrel’s narrative vividly portrays the era’s music and social dynamics, growing the reader’s experience. The memoir opens with Sorrel in a memoir writing class, struggling to put her thoughts on paper. She reflects on her upbringing, marked by a distant father and an overly strict mother who emphasized even the smallest wrongs. Despite her intellectual gifts, Sorrel faced social anxiety and difficulty forming connections with her peers. Her solace was found in the music of the time, which is beautifully woven into the narrative.
The book shines in its candidness and depth of self-exploration. Sorrel bares her soul, going through her family dynamics and their contribution to her suffering. Her diagnosis of SPD in her thirties adds another layer to her narrative, shedding light on a condition that often goes unnoticed. Sorrel’s purpose is twofold: to share her unique perspective and to caution parents against the negatives of overparenting.
On the positive side, the memoir is a heartfelt and emotional journey. It offers valuable insights into the impact of overparenting on a child’s psyche and serves as a cautionary tale. The addition of music and cultural references from the 60s adds depth to the storytelling. However, at times, the narrative can feel somewhat scattered, moving between different time periods and aspects of Sorrel’s life. While this may reflect the author’s inner turmoil, it could potentially confuse some readers.
A Schizoid at Smith is a touching and introspective memoir that is a must-read for those facing similar challenges and a valuable resource for parents seeking guidance in raising their children with a balanced approach. Blair Sorrel’s honesty and resilience shine through her storytelling, making this book a compelling read.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0CGPYW9XT
The Teaching Guarantee: Each Day is Different
In The Teaching Guarantee, Ken Darvall delves into the heart of the education system, weaving his own experiences into a narrative that is both enlightening and evocative. Schools may share common foundations, but Darvall highlights the nuances that give each institution its unique essence. At the core of it all is the unwavering belief that teaching transcends the confines of a profession; it’s a vocation powered by passion, commitment, and the transformative power of shaping young minds.
Darvall’s memoir offers an intimate, first-person account. While his background is rooted in education, his book feels less like a classroom lecture and more like a personal journal brimming with reflections and insights. He journeys through his career, recounting his early days as a novice teacher to his evolutions in philosophy and practice. The precision in his prose reflects his educator’s discipline, with concise paragraphs and clear, thoughtful sentences, ensuring no detail is left unexplored.
One of the standout lessons from Darvall’s narrative is the significance of intentionality in life. Whether discussing the nuances of job interviews or broader life decisions, Darvall emphasizes that our motivations ought to be profound and purposeful.
Readers may find his frequent use of bullet points reminiscent of an academic paper rather than a memoir. Despite this, Darvall’s straightforward language and insightful commentary on contemporary education create a compelling narrative. His critiques, especially on the limitations of using academic results as the sole measure of student aptitude and the quality of learning, resonate deeply.
The Teaching Guarantee merits its place as a useful guide for educators. Darvall’s legacy, distilled into this book, offers invaluable insights for both budding and seasoned teachers. From glimpses of teaching in the 1970s to its evolution today, readers will be riveted by the educational landscape’s constants and transformations. Beyond its insights, this book is a treasure trove of engaging stories that captivate and inspire. Highly recommended for educators and enthusiasts alike.
Pages: 275 | ASIN : B0CF1QYF71
Literary Titan Gold Book Award Sept 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge these brilliant authors’ hard work, dedication, and writing talent.
Award Recipients
The Mole Vol VII by Ron Raye
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award Sept 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are granted to children’s books that have enchanted and delighted us with their distinctive storytelling, vibrant illustrations, engaging characters, or innovative concepts. These books merit extraordinary recognition, and we are thrilled to applaud these exceptional authors’ tireless efforts, commitment, and creative talent.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Book Award September 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge these brilliant authors’ hard work, dedication, and writing talent.
Award Recipients
The Spectre of Psyche by Blair Wylie
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Child of the 1960s: A Day in the Life
“Child of the 1960s: A Day in the Life” is a captivating memoir by Craig J. Carrozzi. Focusing on a single, pivotal day – December 18, 1966 – the book invites readers to step into the shoes of a 12-year-old boy attending a football game at the NFL stadium. The tale expands beyond the stadium as he navigates the culturally rich streets of San Francisco’s Mission district, illustrating an intense and transformative youth experience during a turbulent era.
Carrozzi’s memoir serves as an honest and insightful lens into the broader societal shifts of the 1960s. The author captures the changes of the times, touching on significant moments like the Kennedy assassination, gang violence, the influence of abusive nuns, and the emerging prevalence of drugs.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco’s Mission district, Carrozzi skillfully and authentically captures the essence of the neighborhood. Its diverse ethnicity and culture play a vital role in shaping the story, becoming characters in their own right. Through Carrozzi’s meticulous detailing, the reader is transported to that particular Sunday, feeling the heartbeat of the place and the pulse of its history.
The characters in “Child of the 1960s” are not just figures in a story but reflections of a multi-generational narrative. From a father scarred by war to a grandfather who survived the 1906 earthquake, each character is endowed with a rich, moving history that resonates with the reader.
One of the standout aspects of Carrozzi’s writing is his skillful use of literary devices such as flashbacks and flashforwards. These techniques breathe life into the story, adding intrigue and depth. Despite the complex weaving of timelines and events, Carrozzi handles it all with finesse, ensuring the reader never loses sight of the overall narrative thread. The author has an engaging and vibrant writing style, and his attention to detail paints a vivid picture that goes beyond mere storytelling.
Child of the 1960s: A Day in the Life is an engaging read and a complex and thoughtful exploration of a defining era. With its rich characters, intricate settings, and masterful handling of themes and timelines, it is a book that warrants attention. I recommend this memoir to those interested in a literary journey that skillfully navigates the human experience within the context of historical change.
Pages: 265 | ASIN: B0C9SP2KWL
Mental Health Mayday: A Firefighter’s Survival Guide From Recruit Through Retirement
Mental Health Mayday: A Firefighter’s Survival Guide from Recruitment to Retirement by Gregg Bagdade is a revelatory investigation into the oft-neglected mental health tribulations that firefighters face throughout their professional journey. This book has been a valuable, enlightening beacon for a novice like myself, presenting an empathetic narration of the adversities and victories these brave souls encounter.
Bagdade, a veteran firefighter, employs his intimate knowledge of the profession to delve deep into the unique stressors associated with it. He discusses the exacting aspects of firefighting, examining both the physical requirements of the occupation and the emotional strain it places on firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who grapple with trauma, loss, and the imperative to preserve lives. Bagdade successfully humanizes these daily warriors via personal anecdotes, illuminating the mental toll this honorable profession can impose.
The book’s undeniable strength lies in its candid and captivating writing style, paired with a pragmatic approach. Bagdade communicates his insights clearly and effectively while offering practical solutions and resources to address mental health challenges. He underscores the significance of self-awareness, debunking the stigma tied to mental health in the profession and advocating for firefighters to reach out for help when necessary. This theme extends beyond the firefighting context, resonating with anyone working in a high-stress environment.
Bagdade courageously tackles the organizational and cultural issues within the firefighting community that potentially exacerbate mental health challenges. He champions systemic transformation, advocating for the bolstering of support structures and mental health programs within fire departments. This broader discourse elevates the book from being just a survival guide to a clarion call for action and awareness regarding mental health in firefighting.
I recommend this enlightening book to anyone interested in the subject, particularly those considering or already in high-stress professions like firefighting.
Pages: 117 | ASIN : B0CC6RZHV4
LITERARY TITAN 