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When It All Falls Down
When It All Falls Down by Chinedu Achebe is a poignant exploration of the Nigerian American experience through the lens of a family navigating the complex landscape of contemporary issues. The story follows Obi Ifeanyi and his wife Nkechi as they grapple with personal and societal challenges, ranging from raising their children to dealing with the fallout of past mistakes. Achebe weaves a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, touching on themes of identity, resilience, and the unending quest for understanding in a world that often feels fractured.
Achebe’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking. I found myself particularly drawn to the authentic dialogue between characters, which brings their personalities and struggles to life. The opening chapter, ‘Mamba Out,’ sets the tone with a lively debate between Obi and Nkechi about the NFL boycott in support of Colin Kaepernick. This scene not only highlights the couple’s dynamic but also roots the story in real-world issues that many readers will find relatable.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book was the reflective nature of Obi’s journey. His interactions with family, especially his uncle Ugo, provide deep insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shape his identity. In the chapter ‘Revisiting Biafra,’ Ugo’s recounting of his experiences during the Nigerian-Biafran war is both heartbreaking and enlightening. It underscores the importance of remembering and learning from the past, a theme that Achebe skillfully integrates throughout the book.
I enjoyed this book, but I felt there were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some chapters, like ‘Black Nostalgic,’ delve deeply into personal anecdotes and reflections, which, while enriching, sometimes slow the narrative’s momentum. Despite this, these moments are rich with character development and offer a deeper understanding of the familial bonds and individual growth that define the Ifeanyi family.
When It All Falls Down is a compelling read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in contemporary fiction that tackles real-world issues with sensitivity and depth. Achebe’s storytelling is heartfelt and honest, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. This book is perfect for readers who appreciate stories about family, cultural identity, and the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CYY8C66N
Sow Seeds of Wisdom: A Collection of Poems and Prose…With a Little Wisdom Sown In
K.A. Bloch’s Sow Seeds of Wisdom transcends the typical poetry and prose collection. It serves as a compelling call to action, urging readers to cultivate and harness their innate knowledge for collective growth. From the opening poem, Bloch encourages us to tap into our inherent wisdom to better society. “Things I’ve Learned Along the Way,” a reflective piece on her personal journey, emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who inspire positive choices, thereby shaping our life’s trajectory.
Bloch’s poetry delves into the universal human experience—daily struggles, emotional landscapes, our actions, and cherished aspirations. Her innovative blend of prose and poetry tackles themes such as common sense, betrayal, the power of letting go, and the quest for meaning. Each piece is enriched by a compelling backstory, offering a glimpse into the inspiration behind the creation. These personal anecdotes breathe life into the words, providing a relatable and insightful guide for young minds navigating life’s complexities. Bloch’s storytelling prowess is evident throughout. She masterfully uses narratives to forge a deeper connection with readers, fostering understanding and empathy. As you read, you may find, as I did, surprising commonalities with the author. Her sharp observational skills and love for psychological thrillers, for example, struck a chord with me. The book’s central theme, “Pass On Our Wisdom,” resonates deeply. By sharing our knowledge, we pave the way for future generations. Bloch has certainly contributed to this mission through her remarkable collection. By reading, recommending, and discussing this work, we each become agents of disseminating these invaluable lessons.
K.A. Bloch is a phenomenal storyteller, effortlessly engaging her audience. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and gained much from her journey and life experiences. I highly recommend adding Sow Seeds of Wisdom to your reading list.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0D5JS5F3Y
Stonechild
In a London that crackles with hidden magic, young Molly Hargreaves stumbles upon a world where statues of historical icons come to life. These awakened figures deliver mesmerizing performances and cryptic messages, presenting an enticing mystery. As the city’s residents revel in this new phenomenon and the authorities scramble to suppress it, Molly embarks on a thrilling quest across the city to uncover the statues’ secrets. What profound truths will she unveil in her pursuit, and how will they change her life forever?
Stonechild, by Kevin Albin, is a masterfully crafted audiobook that seamlessly weaves together the richness of history and the profound messages of life’s journey. From the very first chapter, Albin captivates listeners by introducing central “figures” whose stories unfold with a blend of familiarity and mystique, setting the stage for an unforgettable narrative. The plot unfolds with a delicate balance of suspense and revelation, punctuated by moments of humor that make the narrative easily digestible despite the wealth of information presented. The characters in the book resonate with remarkable depth and authenticity, each one intricately developed to draw readers into their world. Among these compelling characters, Molly stands out. As a teenager with a profound sense of purpose, her thoughts and actions strike a chord with the audience. Molly’s extraordinary upbringing, rooted in a family of travelers, has endowed her with an out-of-the-box mindset that is both lovable and endlessly fascinating. Her perspective on life, shaped by diverse experiences and a constant quest for meaning, adds a unique and refreshing dimension to the story. Molly’s journey is not just a path she walks but a testament to the transformative power of seeing the world through a lens of curiosity and intention. The main message masterfully straddles the line between the expected and the unexpected, delivering a revelation that made me laugh at its surprising clarity while simultaneously driving home its profound significance. This duality underscores how easily such crucial insights can be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life, yet how imperative it is to keep them in mind. The narrative delves deep into a web of themes that resonate with our very existence, unlocking key reflections on identity, legacy, and the passage of time. Each chapter peels back another layer, inviting readers to ponder their own lives and the symbols that populate them.
Each chapter offers new layers of intrigue, compelling one to ponder the interconnectedness of past and present, fiction and reality. Stonechild isn’t just a book—it’s an experience that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter is done, leaving one eager to explore the nuanced messages woven throughout its narrative.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B08B5FSNST
Oddly and Eve: Magical Addition Pairs
In the whimsical world of Additupia, numbers come to life and embark on adventures of mathematical discovery. Oddly and Eve: Magical Addition Pairs introduces young readers to the characters Oddly, an odd number, and Eve, an even number, as they navigate the complexities of addition and friendship. Through vibrant illustrations by Barry Davian and engaging storytelling by Victoria Winifred, this picture book brings the basic principles of addition to life in a way that is both educational and delightful.
The story begins with Oddly feeling frustrated that when he and his odd friends combine, they always make even numbers. This initial conflict is both cute and intriguing, setting the stage for a series of lessons about cooperation and acceptance. The character development is subtly woven into the plot, making Oddly’s transformation from a mischievous number to a cooperative friend both believable and heartwarming. The moment when Oddly and Eve make an unexpected discovery together is particularly touching and effectively conveys the book’s message about the power of collaboration.
Victoria Winifred’s writing is wonderfully accessible for children. The language is simple yet expressive, and the dialogue between characters feels natural and engaging. For instance, Oddly’s interactions with Eve are both humorous and insightful, reflecting the curiosity and innocence of childhood. The story’s pacing is also well-managed, with each page bringing a new twist or a revelation that will keep children captivated. Additionally, the integration of basic math concepts into the storyline is seamless, making learning feel like a natural part of the adventure rather than a forced educational segment.
Each page is filled with colorful and lively depictions of the characters and their environment, enhancing the reader’s connection to the story. The visual representation of numbers as characters with distinct personalities helps to make numbers more approachable. One of my favorite illustrations is when Oddly and his friends block the road, creating a scene that captures the tension beautifully. The use of visual cues to support the narrative is a clever technique that ensures young readers remain engaged and can follow along with ease.
Oddly and Eve: Magical Addition Pairs is a delightful and educational read that I would highly recommend to parents and educators of children aged four to seven. Its blend of engaging storytelling, charming characters, and fundamental math lessons make it a valuable addition to any child’s library.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0D9WQ85W5
Children and Adults Have Fears
Dread in the Dark follows a little boy that has a new sister and a new room, but the new room is scary at night. What was the inspiration for your story?
It must be admitted that I am fascinated by different fears. That’s why I have written a whole Little Fears Series! Both children and adults have them, and the ways to cope with them vary. I think that adults have a great responsibility to ensure children’s welfare. This does not mean growing up in cotton wool and removing all difficulties, but sensitivity to recognize situations where help is needed. In this book, on the one hand, I deal with the common fear of the dark, but as a side plot, I also deal with the significant change that the birth of a little sibling causes in the family.
I remember trying to sleep in the kitchen for a while as a child – with no success. Although I wasn’t afraid of the refrigerator, its vibrations and noises in the middle of the night made it difficult to fall asleep. The birth of a new child also creates confusing contradictions in the lives of many families. Older children often feel that they are losing something in their status and may worry about their parents’ feelings for them. Fortunately, as a child, I was thrilled to be a big sister, so that side of the story is not based on my experiences.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Dread in the Dark is a book in the Little Fears Series that addresses various situations of wise parenting – seven books so far! So, the book’s target group includes both children and their parents. Little ones can best overcome their fears with adults’ encouraging and calm attitude.
With my book, I want to highlight the importance of cooperation between adults and children when fear disturbs a child’s life. When viewed through the eyes of an adult, recognizing the need for help may be complicated because fearful situations often seem pointless from their perspective. The little person doesn’t always get the parent’s patient attention and calm handling in a problematic situation.
A child’s fear may unexpectedly appear in an everyday situation where the adult’s attention is on other, more important things in his opinion. In the middle of a rush, he may ignore the child’s fear lightly, even irritably, or postpone dealing with it to a more suitable time from his point of view. Of course, giving the case enough time is a good idea, but this promise must not go unfulfilled. A few friendly words of encouragement, even in the middle of a rush, might help as first aid. So the child will be noticed and feel valued.
Children may also be reluctant to confess their fears and talk about them. The pressure of coping alone and being brave is also there. Building trust and revealing even sensitive thoughts is a long-term process. You could also write a whole book about it under the parenting title!
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Elliot and his dad?
It is no coincidence that I chose a child and his father for this book. My relationship with my father was the bedrock of my childhood. Although Father was an old-fashioned man in many respects, he also could understand a child’s sensitivity and need for security. On the other hand, I have gained the challenge of coping with different situations myself.
My parenting experiences as a mother of three children – and now also a grandmother – have confirmed my idea that dealing with different fears is essential. There are many ways. There is first aid and long-term work. There are playful solutions, serious discussions, and, above all, sensitive listening. It’s pointless to try to force quick solutions, no matter how busy you are as an adult. It is better to find time and patience when the child’s need is greatest – not until tomorrow or next week. Childhood is short, but what it creates for the rest of life is vital!
Some essential topics in Dread in the Dark relate to Elliot’s trust in his father and the security he represents. Catty Flores’ delightful illustration brings humanity and warmth to both main characters. Adult readers can undoubtedly identify with the sleepy father’s attempts to get the situation under control in the middle of the night, with his own eyes half closed from fatigue.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Especially with the Little Fears Series books, I often get into conversations where adults reveal their surprising childhood memories. I am usually amazed at how big someone’s small fears can become in a person’s mind. Situations that seem trivial in themselves may have grown into problems that affect even an adult’s life.
Often, fearful situations and memories concentrate on two kinds of strong feelings. The first category is anger and disappointment with the adults of one’s childhood: Why didn’t anyone notice? Why didn’t anyone understand? Why didn’t anyone help? The second type of thought is a shame that an adult feels: Am I still the same timid child? Dare I admit to anyone that I still need help dealing with this old fear?
I have sometimes ended up hugging and comforting an adult for whom painful memories from childhood have suddenly surfaced. That’s when I’m on the right and necessary path when writing books like this. I have succeeded if I can help children in challenging situations and make it easier for parents struggling with parenting issues!
I often get suggestions from children and their parents for new stories in the Little Fears Series. I collect them because they may inspire more books in this much-needed series. – One of those topics brewing in my mind recently popped up, and I found a fun way of handling one more fear! Just wait and see!
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Elliot has a new baby sister. He also has a room of his own now, where he can build castles out of blocks, as big as he likes.
But there is one thing that worries Elliot. In his new room, he can’t fall asleep as easily as he did when he slept closer to Mom and Dad. On top of that, a monster is nesting under his bed. It growls every single night, even though no one believes Elliot.
Finally, with Dad’s help, Elliot learns the cause of the strange noise, and he can sleep peacefully again.
Friendship Takes Work and Time
Colin the Crab’s Friends follows a busy crab as he helps all his friends with repairs they need to have done and then throws a party for them all. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Colin the Crab and his friends represent a village community or a small town to me. In such places, people of very different types often know each other well and work closely together.
In my childhood, I lived for a decade in a small country village and another decade in a small town. The residents of the rural village, especially, left a lot of human memories in my mind. That’s why the characters and events in Colin the Crab’s Friends are inspired by real life.
I must admit that observing activities and interactions within different communities is exciting. The types of people, the networks of connections, and the behavioral patterns between persons repeat themselves surprisingly. If we change the focus from the village to the workplace or the environment of hobbies, we can observe remarkable similarities in roles and behavior.
In many respects, I am a real-life Colin the Crab, so I write Colin stories based on my personal experiences and observations. I hope the reader finds them relatable and honest that way.
Aside from Colin, what character in the series do you have the most fun writing about?
Several of Colin’s friends are amusing, although I occasionally feel pity for them. It’s because I know them “better” from what I have already written about them in the Colin the Crab Series with books for older readers. In that original series about Colin, darker shades related to each character’s funny image are more visible.
Regarding the fun of writing, I immediately think of Sally the Starfish, whose vain mood swings are fun to write about. She is earnest about her needs and ideas, which often seem meaningless to outsiders.
Another fun guy is Eddie the Eel, a tech freak who often appears in the Colin the Crab books but doesn’t play a significant role in this book in the Mini-Crab series. I know several technology-enthusiastic people closely in real life. Their optimistic infatuation with all new devices sometimes leads to comical situations. Fortunately, these people resembling Eddie have seen the humor in this eel’s character when reading my Colin the Crab stories.
Although we are now talking about the Mini-Crab Books, I am very tempted to highlight the deeper features of the characters, which are more versatile and complete in that other series—with four books already—intended for older readers.
As the children grow up and gain more reading experience, they quickly move from the Mini-Crab Books to the more demanding Colin the Crab Series, which still presents the familiar world of the riverside and water with its characters. And the fun continues!
What does friendship mean to you, and how do you show your friends you care?
Friendship is a unique relationship between people. I have a few true friends with whom I have shared life for a long time. A friendship must last so that it can develop deeply.
I’m very cautious about friendship because I’m afraid losing it would hurt too much. After disappointments, starting a new friendship is even more difficult. I’ve had to learn this life lesson as well. Talking behind the other person’s back can break even a long-term relationship. After disappointment, it isn’t easy to build new trust. Also, misusing the other person’s help and efforts is selfish and unacceptable. I always try to give more than I take—I hope to succeed. I am good at keeping secrets, too, I guess.
True friendship gives both parties the safe feeling that a reliable person exists by your side on both good and bad days. You don’t have to pretend anything to your friend. It’s enough to be honest and genuinely you. I try to be a true friend to people close to me. They know I’m there even if we haven’t seen each other for a while. The bond between us is solid and lasting.
My friendships include conversation and listening, shared experiences in nature, family parties, joint concerts, and good food. If I have enough time, I like to bake and set a good coffee table for my friends. Sharing coffee time together is one common thing in Finnish friendship!
Have you ever thought about expanding the underwater series with a book about one of the sub-characters, maybe Ms. Catfish of Sally?
Some of my avid readers have repeatedly asked me the same thing! I have noticed that Sally the Starfish has many admirers who would like to read even more about her adventures. Sally is an inspiring, great person who might deserve her particular underwater book series. Her character has also inspired me in the Colin the Crab Series for older readers I mentioned. There, we get to know her equally vain and handsome boyfriend, for example. We follow how her wishes and desires emerge and influence in connection to Colin the Crab’s wedding arrangements. Sally’s personality tends to see everything from her perspective.
I’d be glad to write a whole series of Ms. Catfish, too. She is particularly well suited to topics where different generations’ opinions and experiences differ. Her various friends at the river bay help the loneliness of the old catfish living alone in the big house. Of course, Colin the Crab has an extraordinary role as a practical help in building maintenance.
In the other series aimed at more advanced readers, we can already follow Ms. Catfish’s thoughts and opinions in more detail. Her way of life and thinking reflect the past world. This topic is close to everyone who faces generational differences in their lives. Such a separate series about Ms. Catfish could be pretty interesting for grandparents and grandchildren to read together.
Finally, let me tell you about one big dream of mine. Colin the Crab Series and Mini-Crab Books would work perfectly as animated films. They feature a fascinating underwater world with interesting characters representing different and believable types. In addition, there are exciting adventures with continuity. Now that I’ve written about this secret dream, it’s no longer a secret! —If only it would come true one day!
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Norma the Newt and Sally the Starfish constantly need Colin’s help too. On top of that, a hungry fish family hopes the crab will share his delicious soup with them.
After a busy week, a happy group of friends gets together at Colin’s blue garden pavilion.
Social Responsibility: Our Forgotten Obligation
The term “social responsibility” may carry different meanings for different people. Some view it through their own distinct perspectives, while others might reject the concept entirely. This is precisely why it’s crucial to remind everyone of its significance. Betty Lou Rogers targets US citizens who neglect their social responsibilities in her book Social Responsibility: Our Forgotten Obligation. This profound exploration delves into what it means to be a productive member of society, delivering a timely and thought-provoking message.
This book is a short yet impactful volume that defies easy categorization. At times, it echoes the educational spirit of the Schoolhouse Rock cartoons, which aimed to teach children about various aspects of America’s democratic process. Composed of a series of four-line verses adhering to an AABB rhyme scheme, its structure almost feels Shakespearean in some moments. Rogers is concerned with what she perceives as a diminishing respect for the social duties that every American should uphold. She tackles topics such as journalism, societal disharmony, and the lack of respect in contemporary political discourse. Through verse, Rogers deconstructs American identity, echoing Kennedy’s famous call to action: to ask not what the country can do for you but what you can do for your country. The very lack of linear storytelling enhances the book’s concept. It is less a conventional story and more a ballad, a poetic tribute to a country that the author clearly cherishes deeply. This attitude of genuine care and concern for the nation is increasingly rare today.
Social Responsibility: Our Forgotten Obligation is a compelling read that encourages reflection on what it means to be an American. Rogers’ heartfelt verses serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of social responsibility in maintaining the fabric of society.
Pages: 30 | ISBN 978-1-961358-75-1
LITERARY TITAN 