Blog Archives
Places We Left Behind: a memoir-in-miniature
In her riveting memoir, Places We Left Behind, Jennifer Lang crafts an inspiring narrative about love’s resilience in the face of geographical distances, cultural differences, and familial challenges. Lang explores her journey across three continents, juggling the upbringing of three children and managing the complexities of divergent religious beliefs. This tightly packed memoir resonates with poignant undertones of homesickness and self-sacrifice, revealing the remarkable strength of a woman who ceaselessly prioritizes her family’s welfare over her personal needs.
In Places We Left Behind, Lang chronicles her personal trials and tribulations and delves into the complexities of culture, religion and their impact on interpersonal relationships. The memoir is a testament to the immense power of love and sacrifice in holding a family together.
This concise yet deeply emotive memoir is ripe with hidden layers of meaning, making each page a journey in itself. Though Lang’s story is an extraordinary one, readers who have experienced the uncertainties of a new environment or have strived for harmony within marital relationships will find her tale highly relatable.
While it isn’t necessarily a self-help book, readers stand to gain invaluable insights from Lang’s resilient coping mechanisms and indomitable courage in the face of grave adversities, including her experience navigating terrorist attacks to ensure her family’s safety. Amidst all these challenges, her humility and warmth remain intact, creating a strong bond with her readers.
Lang’s unique narrative style, sprinkled with effortless humor and candid confessions, humanizes her as more than just an author – she feels like a familiar friend sharing life experiences. The book is cleverly structured with timelines, diagrams, and footnotes, creating a creatively educational format. This is particularly beneficial for readers unfamiliar with certain key themes in the book, such as Judaism and yoga.
She skillfully alternates between prose and poetry, adding a captivating rhythm to her storytelling. A particularly engaging feature is a series of reflective questions provided at the end of the book, prompting readers to introspect and connect more deeply with her experiences.
Pages: 95 | ASIN : B0C5Y5YY91
The Boy From Boadua: One African’s Journey of Hunger and Sacrifice in Pursuit of a Dream
The Boy from Boadua by Patrick Asare is a captivating chronicle that traces Asare’s journey from his humble beginnings in the small Ghanaian town of Boadua to his accomplished adulthood in the United States. This engrossing narrative is a testament to Asare’s youthful aspirations and his relentless quest to surpass the constraints of his unassuming origins. Readers are treated to a vibrant exploration of Asare’s growth and evolution, skillfully entwined with a rich portrayal of Ghana’s culture, traditions, and adversities.
Asare’s adept storytelling paints an immersive picture that transcends geographic boundaries, allowing readers to journey through previously unexplored terrains, and empathize with unfamiliar struggles. His straightforward, lucid prose, bereft of excessive lyricism or metaphors, serves as a pristine canvas where his compelling narrative unfolds uninhibitedly, with the spotlight rightly shining on the messages he aims to convey.
The characters in the story are imbued with remarkable realism, be it the father’s sacrificial love or the protagonist’s innocent frustrations during his childhood. This authenticity fosters a deep connection with the reader, lending a universal appeal to the story. The Boy from Boadua particularly shines in its nuanced exploration of human responses to varied life circumstances. Asare deftly illustrates the multifaceted nature of circumstances, the diverse elements influencing one’s life, all the while inspiring readers with the tenacity and perseverance that have been the guiding lights of his life journey.
The Boy from Boadua is an alluring novel that instructs readers about perseverance, injustice, resilience, and the boundless potential of life. A stirring emotional journey that delivers its message with unflinching honesty, it comes highly recommended to those seeking to be deeply moved and engaged by a powerful story.
Pages: 270 | ASIN : B0BNXXH9R9
“What Does It Take To Make It?”
Making It in Country Music is a combination of a memoir and a guide to the country music business, providing readers with behind-the-scenes information and life lessons. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Any successful musician will tell you the most common question asked of them is, “What does it take to make it?” It’s no different for me. My (un)healthy coffee habit is financed in part by people asking to sit with me over a cup in Nashville or LA, or in any of the venues we play nationwide every year. Over one too many lattes, I decided to sit down and put all my advice in one place. I spend a lot of my time helping musicians make it to the next level in all sorts of ways.
The ever-evolving country music business that has been mostly confined to Nashville but is expanding rapidly, especially post-pandemic. In the book, we address the toll taken by the pandemic and what expectations and predictions we have found for the future of country musicians—which will apply to much of the entertainment industry.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I’ve worked hard to be able to pivot with the needs of the industry that keeps me busy even when I’m not on tour. I moved to Nashville about twenty-five years ago with my drums, a cat, and a vision, and I’ve made those dreams come true. For almost twenty years, I have played on some of the world’s biggest stages with country superstar Jason Aldean. But that’s only part of my experience. My deep involvement in the music business has really promoted a long career, not just the single aspect of being an “entertainer.” And that’s what I want to be able to share with anybody who wants to create a long-lasting mark in the industry. You have to be part of the community and do your part to maintain tradition, even while blazing new paths. We hope that this book will find those people who want to make their mark in country music and that it will provide guidance and reassurance that entertainment is still crucial to the nation’s psyche.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish someone had said, “Hey kid…it’s all about relationships!” I learned that in my later years, but my early years were all about one thing…practice! Human beings make the world turn and you just can’t have enough professional relationships.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Many country music “how-to” books focus on the Nashville side of the business, and a good deal of them are aimed at songwriters or are memoirs of people who have been successful in different aspects of country music. This book is a true insider’s guide; there are many interesting facts and stories from other successful country musicians, and even from some up-and-coming artists, who can provide a sense of what things are like before you “make it.” But you can love this book even if you aren’t considering a career in music. If you are interested in country music and find the behind-the-scenes workings fascinating, you’ll love the details of all the different kinds of jobs in the industry and the tour of places and people who are important in the history of country music. Along with practical advice, I provide many of my own experiences to learn from, as well as stories, advice, and predictions from other well-known musicians and professionals in the country music industry. This is a behind-the-scenes book that’s fun to read, as well as informational.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter: @RichRedmond @jendellazanna | Facebook: richredmond, JenDellaZanna | Website: richredmond.com, jen-dellazanna.com
Any successful musician will tell you the most common question asked of them is, “What does it take to make it?” Rich Redmond is no different. He moved to Nashville more than twenty-five years ago with his drums, a cat, and a vision, and he’s made his dreams come true. Over one too many lattes, he decided to put all of his advice in one place.
Making It in Country Music is filled with practical advice, stories of how Redmond did it himself, and insights from a chorus of other musicians. This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes and fun-to-read book looking at the country music industry and music careers.
Redmond takes you on a tour of Nashville and many other country music meccas: from the massive stadiums to the honky-tonks and the wide variety of jobs that make the industry go. You’ll learn the various skill sets needed to become successful in the industry as well as predictions for the future of country music among many other things. There is no better guide to the country music business than Redmond with his unique blend of encouragement, detailed advice, humor, and experience.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award July 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
They Were All Loyal by Melissa Burrowes
Under His Divine Gaze: A Spiritual Memoir by Monique Pilon-Fraschetti
Buried Aces by Staci Andrea
Literary Titan Book Award July 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
A Collection of Tears by Houa Lor
Desiderata: Ultra-Violent by Norville Parchment
The Road to Nowhere by LaRae L Ivy
Lake Laps by Staci Andrea
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
THE WAY IT WAS
In his remarkably poignant memoir, The Way It Was, Alvin Fuhrman intricately threads the lines of personal history, technological evolution, corporate progression, communal bonds, and cultural inheritance. The book stands as an intimate examination of Fuhrman’s life, charting his path as a telecom pioneer and community stalwart while also exploring his experiences in the army and his personal ebbs and flows.
One of the most captivating aspects of the book emerges when Fuhrman recounts the vibrant narratives of the Muenster community. This includes the inception of the Germanfest and the lasting influence of the Muenster Men’s Choir. The very essence of the memoir serves as a tribute to the industrious and committed individuals who shaped Muenster into the community it is today. It’s not all joyous recollection, however, as Fuhrman confronts the heartbreaking loss of his son, Gene. These poignant moments contribute a profound emotional depth to the memoir, reminding the reader that life is an intricate dance of happiness, victory, loss, and resilience.
The narrative occasionally delves into the more technical aspects of Fuhrman’s life, specifically when discussing the evolution of telephone technology and the trials of cablecasting. Yet, the unadulterated sincerity of Fuhrman’s voice within The Way It Was renders it an enthralling read. His memoir skillfully encapsulates the spirit of the times it navigates—the simplicity of the pre-digital era, the rigors of war, and the leaps of technology that have reshaped society. The backdrop of Muenster, with its deep-rooted German lineage and tight-knit community, becomes a lively participant in the narrative, enhancing the overall allure of the memoir.
Alvin Fuhrman’s The Way It Was is an eloquent and engaging memoir. It transcends the boundaries of a single life, narrating the broader tale of a community and a bygone era that bore witness to significant transformation. Despite the occasional foray into technical discourse, the memoir resonates on a human level, offering a deeply meaningful exploration of life, loss, community, and the unstoppable advance of technology.
Pages: 388 | ASIN: B09ZQ1K354
Jigsaw Puzzle in a Vortex (A Collection of Memoirs)
In her remarkable memoir, Jigsaw Puzzle in a Vortex, author Aurora M. Lewis narrates a compelling account of her life, unfolding from childhood to young adulthood. The tender warmth of her familial relations, notably her connection with her mother and grandmother, form the backbone of her story. Yet, her journey is not without its tumult. Encountering racism in her formative years, Aurora’s view of white men is tinged with this early, painful experience. Further, being regarded as a young beauty exposes her to unfortunate harassment from her male peers and colleagues, a predicament compounded by the void of a paternal figure in her life.
Lewis weaves together an enticing collection of her memoirs that map out an intricate blend of joys, pains, personal trials, and triumphs. Her narrative includes an array of events, including cherished moments with her adored grandmother, the incident of a family vacation going awry, instances of friendship, workplace encounters, and her personal struggle with clinical depression and bipolar disorder.
This memoir emerges as a profound, emotionally charged, and heartening exploration of life-altering experiences that mold her adult identity. Lewis showcases her gift for capturing moments with crystal clear vividness that transports readers directly into the scenes. The book is a testament to her exceptional writing prowess, evident in its fluid narrative and eloquent prose. Despite its brevity, the memoir succeeds in imparting insights and lessons, particularly addressing the grave issues of racism and sexual abuse, highlighting Lewis’s unwavering commitment to raising consciousness about these subjects.
The memoir draws readers into the labyrinth of Aurora’s life. They witness her battles and victories and gain a deep appreciation of her unique bond with her grandmother. While the succinctness of the book may leave readers craving more, it serves as a commendable introduction to Lewis’s repertoire, stoking curiosity for her future work.
Aurora M. Lewis’s Jigsaw Puzzle in a Vortex is a must-read recommendation for a broad audience, particularly those who find non-fiction and memoirs engrossing. Readers will undoubtedly immerse themselves in Aurora’s riveting narrative, gaining a sense of gratitude for the privilege of partaking in her life journey. The book stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, affection, and personal evolution, inspiring readers to introspect on their own experiences and the wisdom they offer.
Pages: 104 | ASIN: B0C2SJ3JP8
Families Are Complicated
“Every Other Weekend” is a captivating memoir that explores the challenges and self-discovery of growing up with two fathers in 1950s L.A., offering a vivid glimpse into the complexities of family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Forty years ago, Dorris Halsey, a family friend and literary agent representing luminaries like Aldous Huxley, Ring Lardner, Henry Miller, and Upton Sinclair, urged me to write about my biological father and my stepfather. She saw a story there, but I was too busy practicing law. Then I became a judge and was too busy hearing cases. What’s more, I didn’t think my life was exciting enough that people would want to read about it. Dorris passed in 2006, and I dropped all thoughts about the project. But years later, at the Community of Writers (f/k/a Squaw Valley Writers Workshop), an editor urged me to put both men on the page and light up the times in which they lived: the Southern California of the 1950s and early 1960s. The light went on, and I decided to “compare and contrast” my two fathers, Gerald and Stan. The result was Every Other Weekend.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Despite my love and gratitude for both fathers, I had to discuss their faults, of which there were plenty. Writing about my father’s second marriage and his subsequent affair proved difficult. While I don’t blame him for the tryst—his mistress provided him with needed warmth and support—I found it confusing to be dragged into the affair. As for Stan, I felt obligated to show how, in a flash, he could pivot from peace to anger, even violence. To this day these memories hurt, but I felt an obligation to include them.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
To paraphrase Leo Tolstoy, families are complicated for their own reasons. They face their own unique demons, but their troubles don’t necessarily rule out successful child raising. My stepsiblings on both sides turned out well, and I think I did too. I hope a reader will take away the story of two men who tried their best.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Every Other Weekend focuses on my blended families in the Southern California of the 1950s and early 1960s. My next project will turn the lens outward and focus on life in the Southland during the same time period. Many consider those years California’s “golden era.” Maybe they were, but I hope to show the details of what it was really like to be a child of purported privilege during those years. I am hoping to finish the project next year.
Author Links: Twitter | Website
As his stepfather’s career rises and his biological father’s eases downward, Anthony tries to find his place. One weekend he’s sailing on his stepfather’s fifty-eight-foot catamaran; the next, his Swedish stepmother tells him that they’re poor. Coming of age in a time when divorce is rare and viewed as shocking, Anthony lives at the edges of what others regard as a dream world, a place where reality and fantasy blend, maps lead to the homes of the stars, and obstacles abound.
LITERARY TITAN 