Blog Archives
Someplace Besides Nowhere
Someplace Besides Nowhere, by Brian D. Holloway, is a captivating exploration of one family’s quest to uncover the hidden truths about their father’s mysterious origins. The story centers on Brian, the author, who is determined to unravel the secrets of his father Paul’s past. The challenge? Paul was an orphan, and the trail of clues is anything but straightforward. As revelation after revelation comes to light, Brian begins to question just how far people would go to keep their secrets hidden. Could the truth be so dark that someone would kill to protect it?
The narrative is built around a riveting mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Who were Paul’s parents really? Will Brian finally uncover the truth, or are some secrets better left buried? The suspense is palpable, making for a deeply engaging read. Brian quickly becomes a character you root for—his determination and commitment to finding the truth make him instantly likable. His siblings, serving as a supportive and encouraging team, add warmth and depth to the story, reflecting a strong family bond that drives the narrative forward. Their unwavering support underscores the importance of family and the lengths to which they will go for closure.
The tone of the story maintains a constant element of tension, which effectively draws the reader in. What stands out is Brian’s resilience; despite numerous setbacks in his search for answers, he never truly gives up. There are moments when it seems like he might, but in the end, his love for his family and desire for closure keep him going. The revelations uncovered in the story are nothing short of shocking, made even more compelling by the fact that this is a true story. The blend of romance, drama, and mystery, coupled with a cast of characters who genuinely steal your heart, makes this book an unforgettable read.
From the very beginning, Someplace Besides Nowhere hooks readers, and it is an epic journey that is both immensely enjoyable and emotionally gripping. This beautiful, shocking, and daring true story is as stunning as it is captivating, delivering a powerful narrative that will leave readers deeply moved.
Pages: 562 | ASIN : B0D53JGWX7
Making Democracy Count: How Mathematics Improves Voting, Electoral Maps, and Representation
Making Democracy Count is an intellectually stimulating exploration of how mathematics underpins the fabric of our democratic processes. Author Ismar Volić takes readers on a journey through the mathematical principles that govern voting, districting, and representation, revealing how these often-overlooked aspects are crucial to the fairness and functionality of democracy. From the nuances of voting methods to the complexities of gerrymandering, Volić unravels the intricacies with clarity and enthusiasm, making a strong case for the importance of mathematical literacy in civic life.
What struck me most about Volić’s writing is his ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible without sacrificing depth. The opening anecdote about a classroom movie vote is a perfect example of how he distills abstract ideas into relatable scenarios. The discussion about the flaws in plurality voting is both compelling and eye-opening. Volić’s knack for storytelling shines as he connects everyday experiences with broader, systemic issues, effectively engaging readers who might not typically be drawn to mathematical discourse.
While the book is enlightening, it can occasionally feel overwhelming in its detail. The chapters on different voting methods and their mathematical justifications are fascinating but may require multiple readings for those not well-versed in mathematics. The depth of analysis, particularly in chapters like “The Impossible Democracy,” where Volić delves into Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem, is impressive but can also be dense. This level of detail provides a thorough understanding for dedicated readers.
Volić’s examination of gerrymandering and districting is a section that really stood out to me. The author explains the mathematical tools used to detect and prevent gerrymandering, such as symmetry and compactness tests, in a particularly insightful way. His discussion of the impact of these mathematical strategies on political representation is both timely and crucial.
Making Democracy Count is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of mathematics and democracy. It’s particularly well-suited for readers with a background in mathematics or political science, as well as educators and policymakers who want to deepen their understanding of how to improve democratic processes. Volić succeeds in showing that mathematics is not just a tool for scientists but a powerful framework for creating a more just and equitable society.
Pages: 394 | ASIN : B0CKPHRLHD
The Life of Lee Lye Hoe: An Unsung Woman Hero
The Life of Lee Lye Hoe, by James A. Wolter, is a poignant and compelling fictional account that draws from real-life events, chronicling the life of Sister Amah, who is forced to leave her home in South Canton due to the ravages of war. The narrative follows her journey from being a small landowner of a prosperous farm to becoming a servant in a war-torn world. In this new, harsh environment, she discovers love and compassion through her bond with a small child, beginning a new chapter in her life. Lee Lye Hoe’s story is emblematic of the countless sisters and mothers who, fleeing from Japanese or English soldiers, sought refuge far from their homeland. Wolter skillfully presents her life story, from childhood to her transformation into a domestic helper, capturing the resilience and strength of women in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Wolter’s writing is both accessible and deeply engaging, making it difficult to put the book down once you begin. The narrative is driven by a strong, determined plot that captures the reader’s attention from the very start. The book opens with a heart-wrenching challenge faced by Lee Lye Hoe and her mother, immediately immersing the reader in their struggles. However, this is not just a tale of war and migration; it is the story of a woman’s resilience as she overcomes every obstacle life throws her way. Even when she had no obligation to do so, she devoted herself to helping others, showcasing the vast reservoir of compassion within her. This book captivated me entirely, holding me in its grip from beginning to end. It reminded me of Pachinko, a novel that similarly explores the plight of Korean-Japanese people during times of conflict. The Life of Lee Lye Hoe stands out as a powerful addition to the canon of literature that portrays the harrowing experiences of those displaced by war. Wolter’s portrayal of Cantonese society and the hardships endured by its people during these tumultuous times offers readers a vivid glimpse into a world upended by conflict.
I highly recommend The Life of Lee Lye Hoe to anyone interested in exploring the profound impact of war on individuals and societies. This book is not only a tribute to the resilience of women like Lee Lye Hoe but also a stark reminder that, in the end, it is always the common people who bear the brunt of war’s devastation.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0DDR3X4ZS
Content in the Present
Eithanjewel follows a celestial being on a quest for self-discovery who, along with his soulmate, visits Earth to uncover the answers he is looking for. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was to create a self-help book that wouldn’t be an instruction manual with specific steps on how to live one’s life but rather show one how to identify one’s life lessons and appreciate the steps or missteps one has to make to learn them.
This book is a genre-crossing with elements of Fantasy, philosophy, and imaginative fiction as well. Did you start writing with this in mind, or did this happen organically as you were writing?
I did intend for the genre-bending nature of the book as I wanted to showcase the polarity of the incarnations and deal with multiple topics and themes.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The biggest theme that I wanted to explore in this work was acceptance. This was important to me because it is a necessary theme in everyone’s life. To accept yourself, the people around you, and your circumstances is the first step towards living your most fulfilled life. Acceptance does not mean that you cannot strive for more but it allows you to be content in the present moment.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I have not decided if I will write a sequel. However, a sequel has been requested by most of the beta readers. I am currently working on a YA series. The first book looks like it may be published towards the end of the year or beginning of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Eithanjewel is a celestial being who wakes up at the moment of creation. Unlike his siblings and soulmate, Eithanjewel cannot find contentment within his existence without fully understanding the meaning of his life and universe. He relentlessly follows around his creator nagging him with questions until God offers him an opportunity to go to Earth and search for his own answers.
Eithanjewel is a story of self-discovery, love, invention and magic. It is a collection of universal truths hidden within fiction. It is a great companion for those who seek out old magicks.
Gratitude
Pixie and the Elethunk follows a young girl who believes having an exotic animal as a pet would make her unique and special and the adventure she goes on to learn an important lesson. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I was quite small I begged my grandparents to get me a monkey. Believe it or not, they did. I was so excited, but the monkey for its part was not thrilled to meet me. It was very aggressive and I saw clearly that some animals weren’t capable of being gentle pets. I realized that the perfect pet would have to be as sweet as my two dogs were. They were black labs. To be honest, this is a lesson from my own childhood, a value that I seem to return to daily.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Gratitude is my favorite theme. I believe that if we live in gratitude we won’t want for much. There is an exercise that I love called, “Gimme five.” That means when you awaken, every morning think of five things that you are thankful for. The thing I love most about the exercise is that once it becomes daily, for the rest of the day you’ll have blessings popping into your head. It’s awe-inspiring!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite scene was, of course, the giraffe that’s stuck in the fireplace. I giggled the whole way through!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve just finished releasing a tween novel called, On The Wings Of Wishes It is by far my best writing. Pick it up on Amazon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Or will she discover that the love that’s right under her nose is even better?
Award-wining artist, author, and poet, Angel Dunworth has penned a story with an interesting moral, that can soothe kids of all ages. The story, “Pixie and The Elethunk” asks kids to find the blessing that they already live in. Dunworth’s colorful, cut-paper illustrations bring this imaginary tale to life. Best of all, this lesson in gratitude is valuable every day of the year. “Pixie and The Elethunk”
is an amazing addition to any library.
Residual PTSD
The Meaning of Okay follows a woman healing from a sexual assault who meets a man that she connects with and wonders if she can heal enough to be open to a new relationship. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I read lots of romance novels, and it seemed like a certain situation was underrepresented. I’ve read novels where the focus is the assault, but I haven’t found many where the residual PTSD is the focus. I wanted to show that women still struggling, consciously or subconsciously, can still find their happy ending.
Kennedy and Rhys are both looking to start over and heal from their pasts. Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about Dillon – more than I’ve received about Rhys. Also, Rhys is the only character I’ve received negative feedback about. I thought I achieved everything I wanted with the characters, but apparently Rhys is not as developed as I aimed for.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Sexual assault and PTSD were the main themes, but I also wanted to touch on how people treat others with mental health issues, specifically how it can be hard to recognize and hard to understand if you’re unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m not working on a book-length piece at the moment. I’m finishing up a short story dealing with time and decision-making. I don’t have an anticipated release date yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Rhys Curran moved to Texas to refocus on his career and start a new life not soured by his past. Soon after he meets Kennedy, his open mind and big heart unravel her ability to distance herself. As their friendship evolves, Kennedy’s secrets begin to surface and she’s forced to face each one. Will she ever be able to overcome her past―and will Rhys stick around if he finds out the truth beyond her story?
A Human Story
SiP follows a twelve-year-old boy with aquaphobia whose father’s naval ship is sucked up a giant drinking straw into space, leading him to join forces with his uncle, pirates, and aliens to try and save the Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had one of those daydream “Wouldn’t that be a cool idea” moments where I imagined an enormous straw drinking the oceans, like a juice box, and the idea grew from there. Earth is mostly water after all, and water is relatively rare in the universe so the idea that something might come and drink it was an interesting starting point.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
I’m not the strongest swimmer. I can swim, but I don’t float. My body is not naturally buoyant. Jim in the story is slightly different, in that he is a strong swimmer who experiences a trauma that creates a fear of the water. I think some of Jim’s fear stems directly from my own lack of confidence in the water, and from the challenge it creates for him as the hero in the situation he ultimately finds himself in.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Family, friendship, humanity, inner strength, love. I wanted the story to be a positive, uplifting one. I tried to avoid violence or the ‘good vs evil’ trope in favor of telling a human story.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The story deviates in book two and introduces new protagonists, a new conundrum, and an adventure that at first glance isn’t linked to the events of SiP. That all changes, however, when the story leads to the mysterious location which is also the title of the next book – AREA 52. The series is going to span seven books and will continue in the same vein as SiP – telling a human story using non-human, and extremely odd circumstances.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Teaming up with his wacky inventor uncle, a bunch of fishermen (who think they’re pirates), and a group of bizarre alien castaways, Jim’s incredible journey takes him from a sleepy village in Portsmouth, England, across the Atlantic and into the very edge of space.
If that wasn’t enough, the President of the United States is trying to stop everyone from blowing the straw to pieces, while the Earth could well be doomed if Jim can’t convince the mysterious presence in orbit that the world is worth saving. SiP by Marius Trevelean. The last straw for Planet Earth.
SiP is a science fiction mystery adventure for tween girls and boys thirsty for new and exciting books to read. Suitable for middle school kids ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 and even parents, teachers, grown-ups with a sense of humor, and anyone who loves adventure stories, science fiction, and funny books! All content is good, clean, fun, and age-appropriate for school grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th.
Changing Your Destiny
Depression follows siblings during the Great Depression who leave home and move to New York City in hopes of a better future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration comes from my fascination with history. Ever since I was 12 years old, I have been a history fanatic because it has always been an interesting subject to me. To me, it is nice to learn about how past events can affect our current moment in life. In terms of the Great Depression, I felt that it was always a major stepping stone in American history because of its global impact (Ex: World War 2).
What many people tend to forget or leave unnoticed is how the Great Depression impacted those in the southern states. Agriculture was failing so badly for farmers that they needed help from the government but it still wasn’t enough to save their agriculture business. I’ve been wanting to write a story around this idea for 12 years now, but never got around to it until now.
Wade and Ruby both take different paths once they reach the city, struggling in their own ways to figure out themselves and how to get by. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I believe the idea for Ruby and Wade was to show everyone how even though we want to achieve the same goal in life, we will still go on a different journey to get there. Sometimes it can be a good path or a dark path.
For Ruby, she was always the tough, strong-minded country girl who never wavered from anything and always protected her little brother. Getting to New York City was her way of finally realizing that there was more to life than farming and Wade. Her main thing was finally growing up and stepping out of her Mississippi bubble.
For Wade, even being the ambitious one and wanting a better life for himself and his sister, he quickly learns that dreaming about something is very different than experiencing something. His dreams meet reality which caused a huge character shift for him.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important thing that I want readers to take away from this book is hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. We as humans and society have our troubling, depressing moments in life, so sometimes hope is all we need. Overall, If there is anything you can learn from Wade and Ruby’s journey is that you have the power to take a step towards changing your destiny.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. We can expect a sequel to Depression. Ruby’s story is not finished just yet. I won’t spoil too much of the next book, but I will say that Ruby will now learn the true meaning of love, loss, and healing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Set in the rustic backdrop of rural Mississippi, our story follows Wade and Ruby, two siblings
who must grapple with a life of impoverishment. Wade and Ruby are introduced to the harsh
realities of life at a tender age, as they toil on their barren land, trying to salvage their father’s
dream agriculture business.
Their parents, trapped in dead-end jobs, paint a bleak picture of their future.
However, their narratives take a turn when the siblings decide to break free from the chains of
their circumstances. They aspire to redefine their destinies and escape the shackles of their
poverty-stricken existence by moving to the bustling, promise-filled streets of New York City:
“The City of Dreams.”
Their journey to New York City will be a transformative one for the siblings, as they will be
forced to step out of their comfort zone and experience a new life beyond the confines of their
old rural lifestyle.
Once Wade and Ruby reach the promised land, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in
their lives, but it won’t be easy.
To survive, Wade and Ruby must quickly learn to navigate through NYC’s cutthroat environment
while also facing the darkness of their family’s past mistakes in a place that can either catapult
them to their dreams or shatter them entirely.
Immerse yourself in a narrative that pushes the limits of emotion and suspense, as “Depression”
peels back the curtain on the darkness of life itself.
The Smiths’ journey will be filled with a whirlwind of emotions while offering you a compelling
narrative that will linger in your mind long after the final page is turned.
LITERARY TITAN 