Blog Archives
You’ll See: A Story of Narcissistic Abuse, Survival, and My Journey to Understand
You’ll See, by Suzanne Groves, is a raw and poignant memoir that delves into the author’s experiences with narcissistic abuse, survival, and the arduous journey to understanding. Centered around Groves’ tumultuous relationship with her narcissistic and addict father, the book intricately explores the psychological and emotional toll of growing up in an environment dominated by manipulation and emotional neglect. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflections, Groves chronicles her path to healing and self-discovery, ultimately finding strength and resilience amidst her struggles.
One of the most striking aspects is Groves’ unflinching honesty. She doesn’t shy away from the painful realities of her past, instead laying them bare for the reader to see. This candid approach not only lends authenticity to her narrative but also fosters a deep connection with the reader. For instance, the chapter where she describes her father’s callous disregard for her mother’s wellbeing while she lay incapacitated is both heartbreaking and infuriating. Groves’ ability to convey the depth of her pain and confusion during these moments is profoundly moving.
Groves’ writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book hard to put down despite its heavy subject matter. She balances the recounting of traumatic events with moments of introspection and even humor, providing a well-rounded narrative that feels both genuine and relatable. Her reflection on her mother’s tough love approach, especially in the scene where she is nearly sent away as a child, showcases her ability to understand and convey complex emotional dynamics. This nuanced perspective adds depth to her storytelling, making it clear that she has spent a considerable amount of time processing and understanding her experiences. The epilogue, where Groves gets a tattoo in honor of her mother’s loving words, offers a glimpse of this resolution.
You’ll See is a powerful memoir that will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced narcissistic abuse or emotional trauma. Suzanne Groves’ raw and honest storytelling not only sheds light on the painful realities of living with a narcissistic parent but also highlights the incredible resilience of the human spirit. This book is particularly suited for readers who appreciate candid memoirs and those seeking solace and understanding from similar experiences. Groves’ journey is a testament to the strength required to confront one’s past and the possibility of finding hope and healing on the other side.
Pages: 373 | ASIN : B0CSDZBTK5
Reviews: Essays on Cinema
Reviews: Essays on Cinema, by Robert K. Beshara, is a compelling collection of essays that delve deeply into films and the movie industry. Beshara provides a nuanced exploration of the audience’s experience at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival and examines the ethical implications of the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) voluntary rating system, implemented in 1968. The book scrutinizes works ranging from Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People to Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, which Empire magazine hails as “the greatest independent movie ever made.” Whether analyzing plays or documentaries, Beshara’s essays penetrate the rich layers of film production, touching on psychological and philosophical themes.
Beshara’s book not only rekindled memories of some of my favorite films but also introduced me to remarkable works by various talented creators. His in-depth discussions reveal hidden messages, filmmakers’ intentions, and other elements that offer readers a deeper understanding of several iconic movies. For instance, Beshara’s analysis of Tarantino’s Kill Bill presents a fresh perspective, highlighting how the film empowers young girls, a viewpoint I hadn’t considered before.
Beyond its examination of films and the movie industry, Reviews offers an intellectually stimulating experience. The book intertwines themes of psychology, surrealism, psychodynamics, quantum mechanics, spirituality, discrimination, and philosophy. Beshara adeptly balances audience reception with the intricacies of film, leading to profound insights into human nature and reality. His observations, such as “It is hard to write about reality without thinking about truth,” invite readers to reflect deeply.
Reviews is a treasure for movie lovers, creators, critics, and actors alike. It features captivating characters and creative minds, inspiring both aspiring filmmakers and seasoned professionals. From beginning to end, Beshara’s academic and passionate exploration of films provides a thoroughly educational and entertaining experience. As a lifelong movie enthusiast, I recommend this book.
Pages: 175 | ASIN : B0D61FVCLX
Math is NOT Dry and Boring
What is the Shape of My Ears? follows a miniature horse and a miniature donkey as they discuss how the shape of their ears and find similar shapes around their farm home. What was the inspiration for your story?
What a great question!
In other words, why Pearl? Why Duke? Truth be told, I have a host of critters to choose from!
I knew prior to writing the storyline, it would be a challenge to explain the meaning of triangle, starting with the term angle.
With this in mind, I needed a character who is clever, someone who could “think outside the box” to break down the meaning of triangle then apply it in ways that make sense to early math learners.
Pearl—hands down—landed the part!
Duke, her faithful sidekick, may not be the perfect student, but he’s willing to follow Pearl’s lead.
Minus grazing!
Your stories focus on math concepts, a subject that not all children are excited about. What is about math that excites you and makes you want to write books for children on this subject?
Safe to say, I understand why many people across age groups find math to be dry, boring, and often question its relevance. However, I truly enjoyed math stemming back to my elementary years, and I enjoyed teaching it. I tutored starting in high school well into my first year of college. However, across domains, geometry was the one area that I did not enjoy. Oddly enough, this became a focus in my research program as a graduate student—not geometry per se but (in part) the challenges that US students often face in learning geometric concepts from an early age. As a new venture in my academic career, I decided to shift gears so to speak and apply what I learned in my research (and the work of others). As is the case with many children’s books on mathematical learning, the goal is to engage children: give them reason to believe that math can be fun, and how it is so much a part of our everyday lives. In the words of Silkie and Pearl, you just need “to look closely.”
The art in this book is fantastic and draws the readers in, making the math concepts less intimidating. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Gabriela Vega?
Unlike writing an article for an academic journal, there are many challenges to writing a children’s book, particularly for a debut, self-publishing author. The learning curve is nothing short of steep! That said, I credit Gabriela for our accomplishments with the series—What Is the Shape of My Egg? 15 honorable mentions and awards to date!
She is incredibly talented in addition to her outstanding work ethic and willingness to take on challenges.
Do you have more adventures and learning experiences planned for the Farm Friends? If so, what can young readers look forward to in the future?
We do! What Is the Shape of My House? is set to be published for 2025. This final book of the Shape Friends series focuses on squares and rectangles. Fern, a Nigerian dwarf goat, is the main character. I will be posting updates on my website by year end. A supplemental activity book that will feature all of the characters in the series is a possibility as well.
Author Links: Website
A horse’s ears?
A cat’s ears?
If you’re thinking triangle, that’s correct!
BUT … there are all sorts of triangles.
Triangles can be long, short, skinny, fat—even stubby!
In What Is the Shape of My Ears?, the second title in the Shape Stories with Farm Friends series, children are introduced to the properties of triangles. The storyline stars Pearl (a clever miniature donkey) and her sidekick Duke (a humble miniature horse) who questions why ears―whether long or short―can still be the same shape. Together, the “Minis” explore the basic elements of triangles and learn that when you look closely, you find triangular shapes are EVERYWHERE!
The Primitive Instinct To Survive
In And They Marched Up, a devil and an angel are fighting for survival against both their enemies and members of their own kind. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
The predominant themes found in this series come from my background in psychology. The story begins with Anorexia in possession of a mortal who is auditing an evolutionary psych seminar. We hear discussion of modern maladaptive traits having historically beneficial attributes and the evolutionary justification for In-group favoritism. In-group favoritism is based on the belief that in-group bias gives rise to strong cultural groups and that these groups would be better equipped to compete for scarce resources. Yet, history is filled with instances where membership within a strong in-group is just as treacherous as the out-group opposition. Examples can be found stretching from the First Triumvirate all the way to the Night of the Long Knives. With the primal instinct of survival being a key theme in this book, I wanted to explore how an individual navigates a system designed to pit her against merciless foes, while standing alongside unreliable allies. The isolation in such a situation is meant to draw focus to the notion that in the end, nobody cares as much about your survival as much as you do.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
The fight between Anorexia and Chu Hua during the Battle of Teutoburg Forest really encapsulates many of the main themes of the story. The scene pits two close friends against one another in a life and death struggle, testing the bonds of friendship and their loyalty to their respective causes. It asks the questions: What does it mean to be a good soldier? What is a true confidant? How will the characters comport themselves when their survival is set against the survival of their loved one? I wanted to illustrate the notion that even the strongest of bonds may falter when put to an extreme test, and to explore the idea that the primitive instinct to survive has the ability to override even the strongest of ties.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
It’s very difficult, but if I had to pick a favorite it’s the battle of Thermopylae. I enjoy weaving the story of The Saga of Fallen Leaves into specific historical events, so the reader can see an event they may already be familiar with through a different lens. I also very much enjoy the parallel between the mortal, Ephialtes, and the Demon, Anorexia, both using the battle for intensely personal and selfish reasons, as opposed to romantic notions like patriotism or bravery. The last stand of the three hundred Spartans gets a new spin in this scene and there is a very detailed illustration depicting the culmination of the battle.
Can fans expect a fourth installment in the Saga of Fallen Leaves?
Yes, absolutely. Volume IV continues with the focus on Anna and Anorexia. It tracks through the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first century, reaching as far as the war in Ukraine. As always, the next volume offers a unique view on historical conflicts while following the stories of the heavenly and hellish cast of characters.
The citizens of both Heaven and Hell must find their place in the ongoing supernatural conflict. Readers will follow the adventures of the angel Anna Gold, and the demon Anorexia Nervosa Perplexus as each struggles to make her way through an ever-changing and dangerous world. Across their travels both warriors face treacherous foes and conniving members of their own brethren.
This novel of the epic struggle between Celestial forces covers great spans of human history from the building of the pyramids to the construction of cathedrals. Anna and Anorexia witness consequential battles and monumental events as they fight for their respective causes and make difficult decisions, while trying to survive.
Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure
Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure, by Shani T. Night, beautifully reinforces the values of unity, generosity, and friendship, making it a perfect Christmas read. The story follows Mr. Nap A. Lot as he strolls through streets lined with cozy houses, feeling the special magic of the nighttime air. He observes families living in harmony, laughing and singing together, their love for one another highlighting the true spirit of the season. This confirms that giving without expecting anything in return and being kind are essential aspects of Christmas. Enveloped in this magical atmosphere, Mr. Nap A. Lot shares in their joy.
Night’s unique writing style, characterized by melodious rhymes, perfectly captures feelings of happiness and kindness. The book’s varied messages emphasize that Christmas is not just about toys but also about the comfort of being at home with family. The short, positive phrases and simple language make it ideal for children learning to read. The festive theme and fun tone will undoubtedly captivate young readers. Additionally, the beautiful illustrations capture the essence of Christmas, with magical nighttime scenes, comforting moments, and joyous interactions between children and adults. While the story lacks a traditional conflict, its straightforward narrative is part of its charm, allowing parents and children to focus solely on positive thoughts.
Shani T. Night successfully reinforces family values through a fun and inspiring story that encourages imagination and creativity. The book highlights the importance of sharing, appreciating each other’s company, and keeping traditions alive. Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure is highly recommended for its ability to maintain joy, enthusiasm, and love for family during the holiday season.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0CKWHZ79N
Squish & Squeam’s Daily Routines
Squish and Squeam’s Daily Routines, written by Dee Rand and illustrated by Imani Maco, introduces readers to the delightful twin sloths, Squish and Squeam, who have a passion for music. This charming duo guides young readers through their daily routines with memorable songs, transforming ordinary activities such as breakfast, brushing teeth, playtime, and bedtime into engaging, rhyming adventures.
Parents of young children will find this book a delightful tool for incorporating rhyming into shared reading sessions. The sweet sloth twins, with their catchy tunes, capture readers’ attention from the very first mention of a sing-along. The repetition of lines within the verses is a powerful technique that Dee Rand utilizes effectively, encouraging young children to develop their reading skills.
Rand and Maco form an exceptional team, combining beautifully crafted illustrations with captivating characters and highlighted text. The vibrant imagery and strategically emphasized words in colorful fonts make the book both meaningful and visually appealing. Emerging and beginning readers will experience a sense of achievement as they read aloud the highlighted phrases, reinforcing their learning and boosting their confidence.
Building reading confidence and creating relatable content for young readers are cornerstones of a successful children’s book, and Rand and Maco excel in both areas. Preschool teachers, parents, and early readers will find Squish and Squeam’s Daily Routines a valuable addition to their libraries. This heartwarming tale is sure to become a favorite, enjoyed together time and again.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0D9QXXYSD
Dying of Lassitude and Ennui
Phil Fletcher-Stokes’ Dying of Lassitude and Ennui is a striking collection of prose poems that confronts a multitude of personal and political themes with unflinching bluntness. This hard-hitting compilation captures the zeitgeist of our contemporary world, touching on topics as diverse as Putin, Ukraine, COVID-19, and Blanche Monnier.
The poems offer a vivid snapshot of current times and culture, characterized by an immediate and pervasive bitterness. Fletcher-Stokes’ personal struggles—microphthalmia, mental illnesses, loneliness, and decades of marginalization—resonate deeply through his work. His exclusion from the mainstream poetry scene and the limited success with his written word have profoundly shaped his voice. Particularly poignant is ’60 Years of Loneliness,’ a piece that elicits both laughter and deep sympathy for the poet. At first glance, the collection may seem dominated by bitterness and complaints, with a directness that eschews conventional stylistic flourishes. However, a more thoughtful engagement reveals the richness of Fletcher-Stokes’ reflections on a broad array of subjects. His candid musings range from critiques of Louise Glück and political correctness to contemplations on public infrastructure, lost love, failure, and his own isolation. Fletcher-Stokes’ life as a ‘keyboard warrior’ is neither romanticized nor trivialized. His experiences are presented plainly, encapsulating his belief in being ‘cursed’ and pursued by ‘evil entities.’ This raw, unembellished portrayal adds to the authenticity and gravity of his work.
The poet’s unfiltered narrative and at times graphic descriptions impart a raw power to his poems. His strong opinions, backed by 77 years of a profoundly lonely life, lend immense weight to his reflections. Dying of Lassitude and Ennui is dark, sad, twisted, wry, and intensely real, making it a compelling and truthful reflection of the times we live in.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0CVNGTCBK
Cadence
Cadence, by David Loermans, is a thrilling ride through a dystopian world where crime, corruption, and a peculiar religious order intertwine. The story follows Darius, a hardened criminal with a bounty on his head, as he navigates a city rife with chaos and decay. Paired with Lisha, an enigmatic and powerful entity bound to him through a mysterious tattoo, Darius takes on dangerous missions that bring him face-to-face with religious leaders, corrupt officials, and deadly adversaries. The book mixes high-stakes action, dark humor, and philosophical musings on power, faith, and human nature.
Loermans’ writing style is gritty and immersive, perfectly capturing the grim atmosphere of Sorel. The vivid descriptions of the decaying cityscape and the brutal reality of life within it are both compelling and haunting. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with dark humor, adding depth to the characters and making their interactions authentic. The relationship between Darius and Lisha is particularly intriguing as it evolves from mere necessity to a complex partnership marked by mutual dependence and a shared thirst for mayhem.
One of the standout aspects is its exploration of the Earthdawn religion and its influence on the city and its inhabitants. The Earthdawn, with its emphasis on light and purity, stands in stark contrast to the darkness and corruption that pervades the story. This juxtaposition raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of faith, power, and morality. The scenes involving the Earthdawn leadership, particularly the tense negotiations, and violent confrontations, are some of the most gripping in the book, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to maintain control and protect their beliefs. Some chapters feel packed with action and intrigue, while others slow down significantly, delving into Darius’s internal struggles and his complex relationship with Lisha. These introspective moments add depth to his character.
Cadence is a captivating read for those who enjoy dark, dystopian thrillers with a philosophical edge. David Loermans crafts a vivid and unsettling world populated by complex characters and driven by a relentless, often brutal narrative. Fans of cyberpunk and gritty crime fiction will find much to appreciate in this book, while those interested in exploring themes of faith, power, and human nature will be drawn in by its deeper questions.
LITERARY TITAN 