Blog Archives
American Totems
In American Totems by Terence S. McNamara, Jim Jamieson, a rundown lawyer with a failed marriage and a failing law career, seeks personal revenge on people who have crossed him in the past. Losing his will to live and drowning in alcohol, only his thirst for vengeance keeps him going. He is quick and efficient, and his adversaries do not know what is coming until it hits them. A police officer who works undercover seeks him to work together to correct the wrongs done to them. Jim’s purpose to live is renewed. He is experiencing life in unimaginable ways, confronting his inner demons, and elbows deep into sordid gun trafficking ring operations. Suddenly, everything becomes unpredictable, and lines get blurred.
The writing style of American Totems is both reflective and gritty. McNamara has a talent for delving into the psyche of his characters, presenting their internal conflicts with a stark realism that is both haunting and relatable. The book’s strength lies not just in its introspection but also in its ability to weave a thrilling narrative. The balance between the inner and outer worlds of the characters keeps the reader engaged, moving seamlessly from personal musings to high-stakes drama. The novel occasionally stumbles with its pacing. Some sections, particularly those heavy with introspection, can feel drawn out, slowing the momentum of the story. The dialogue, while often sharp and witty, sometimes veers into the overly dramatic, which can be jarring against the otherwise realistic tone.
American Totems is a novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy deep, character-driven stories with a mix of introspection and action. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a psychological angle in their thrillers and are drawn to stories of personal redemption amidst chaos. McNamara’s ability to delve into the human psyche while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat makes this book a worthy addition to any bookshelf.
Pages: 214 | ISBN : 1923087398
The Passionate Workforce: How to Create and Maintain Maximum Employee Engagement
A company’s success is intricately linked to the people who drive its operations, and Capman’s The Passionate Workforce delves into the critical dynamics of employee engagement and the transformative potential of authentic leadership. Central to Capman’s thesis is the idea that passion in the workplace is not just achievable for any job but essential for creating a thriving and successful organization. Capman sets the stage by sharing personal experiences from his career in various companies, using these narratives to illustrate how passion can be nurtured in any role with the right leadership support. His stories offer a relatable context, bringing his insights on cultivating workplace passion to life. At the heart of fostering a passionate workforce is effective leadership. Capman recounts his own journey from a self-centered CEO to a leader who genuinely prioritizes his employees’ well-being, underscoring that caring leadership is both ethical and strategic for achieving business success.
The Passionate Workforce is a rich repository of ideas and wisdom. One of the book’s standout lessons is the inherent link between leadership and humanity. Capman argues that understanding and valuing employees is fundamental for any leader. He introduces the concept of “self-profit maximization,” which reframes selfishness as a positive force when it involves achieving personal goals to help others succeed. This innovative perspective offers corporate leaders a new lens through which to enhance their employees’ lives. Additionally, Capman advocates for continuous improvement and provides comprehensive, actionable advice throughout the book. The author’s openness and transparency provide a window into his failures and how they fueled his growth as a leader. This honesty makes his advice particularly relatable and inspiring. The book is easy to navigate, with clear language and straightforward sentence structures. Readers will not only find Capman’s journey inspiring but will also be encouraged to reflect on their own paths.
The Passionate Workforce is an insightful and essential read for leaders and managers at all levels. Capman seamlessly blends personal narrative, practical advice, and philosophical ideas into a comprehensive guide for building a motivated and passionate team. The principles discussed are applicable beyond the workplace, suggesting that finding passion in life can lead to profound positive changes.
Pages: 118 | ASIN : B0D413TKNK
Little Melvin…the Pig That Could Eat the World!
Melvin the pig enjoys a blissful life on the farm, playing with his six brothers and sisters and basking in the delightfully sticky mud holes. His favorite pastime, however, is savoring the delicious food provided by the farmer. From fruits and nuts to tasty vegetables, Melvin eagerly anticipates every bite. There’s just one problem: Melvin doesn’t know when to stop eating. The more he eats, the hungrier he becomes. Despite his love for farm life, it may not be enough to satisfy Melvin’s ever-growing appetite.
Little Melvin… The Pig That Could Eat the World, by David Nern, is an adorable tale of a little pig with a very big problem. Young readers will delight in the expressive illustrations and the accompanying onomatopoeias that bring Nern’s characters to life. Beginning readers can easily join in a shared reading experience with parents or teachers, enjoying these fun-to-read pages together. Nern provides readers with a larger-than-life animal fantasy that takes them on a journey from the farm to deep space. As Melvin’s appetite grows, so does this exceptional tale. Children will quickly grasp the story’s lesson as they watch Melvin’s mission to find bigger and better food sources unfold.
Learning that you can indeed have too much of a good thing has never been so fun. Nern has hit a home run with his first children’s picture book. I eagerly anticipate more life lessons from Nern for young readers in future works. I highly recommend Melvin the Pig’s engaging tale to parents and teachers looking to add new and promising authors to their collections.
Pages: 44 | ISBN : 1960142763
Anatomy Of A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Anatomy of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit provides a moving and meticulously comprehensive account of one man’s harrowing journey through the complexities of Florida’s legal system and medical malpractice. Written by a passionate and eloquent narrator, the book details the tragic circumstances leading to his wife’s untimely death and the protracted legal battle that ensued. The author’s vivid descriptions and raw emotions immerse readers in his intimate and poignant world.
The story takes readers on a captivating journey through the sequence of events that culminated in his wife’s premature death, from the initial fall to the subsequent misdiagnosis. By employing a personal narrative approach, the legal intricacies are effectively humanized, highlighting the severe personal costs associated with medical negligence. Throughout the book, the author skillfully intertwines personal anecdotes with complex legal terminology. The concluding chapters provide a sobering reflection on Florida’s sovereign immunity rules and the state’s flawed healthcare system. His desperation and resolve to inform the public resonate deeply with readers, prompting them to consider the broader implications of these legal protections. Readers witness the author’s evolution from initial shock and grief to advocacy and strategic efforts to navigate the legal system. Each chapter is meticulously detailed with personal reflections, court documents, and medical records that bolster the narrative. One of the book’s strengths is its call for systemic change. Beyond his personal loss, the author’s commitment to justice is evident in his persistent efforts to highlight the shortcomings of sovereign immunity legislation through op-eds and letters to the editor. This advocacy elevates the book from a personal story to a powerful plea for legal and healthcare system reform.
Anatomy of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit is an engaging and impactful read that serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. The author’s ability to blend a deeply moving personal story with intricate legal issues makes this book both profoundly touching and educational. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of medical malpractice and the challenges of seeking justice in a system fraught with legal obstacles.
Pages: 241 | ASIN : B0D3LS966L
Jar of Tears: Moms Aren’t Supposed to Die
Jar of Tears: Moms Aren’t Supposed to Die is a heart-wrenching story that captures the poignant journey of a young girl, Miracle, who grapples with the loss of her mother to cancer. Before her mother’s death, Miracle leads a joyful life filled with painting, church visits, and gardening. However, her world shatters when her mother’s illness recurs, and she succumbs to an infection in the hospital. This tragic event forces Miracle to move in with her father, stepmother, and two half-siblings. Struggling with denial and grief, Miracle finds it hard to accept her new family. Yet, through newfound friendship, faith, and familial bonds, she slowly begins to paint a new life on a fresh canvas.
Jar of Tears is a comforting read that holds immense value for young readers dealing with grief. Miracle’s struggles and emotions echo the experiences of many children who must adapt to a new life after a profound loss. One particularly moving moment occurs when Miracle’s best friend abandons her for a new girl, adding to her already heavy burden. This betrayal makes Miracle hesitant to share the news of her mother’s death with her new schoolmates. Over time, she learns to trust again, and the overarching message of rebuilding after loss is delivered with profound and powerful prose.
The novel also offers a realistic and sympathetic portrayal of anxiety. Miracle’s experiences, including panic attacks at school, especially during her first Mother’s Day without her mother, are depicted with sensitivity. She begins to speak with a school counselor and attends a support group for grieving children. Her unique coping mechanism is to collect her tears in a jar, believing that God treasures them. This act serves as a tangible reminder of how much she misses her mom. Despite her name, Miracle’s journey is not about miraculous recoveries but about tender, gradual healing. She ultimately understands that love does not vanish with death but transforms and endures.
Jar of Tears is an essential read for young readers navigating the complexities of grief. Its tender portrayal of loss, anxiety, and the path to healing provides comfort and insight. This book is particularly well-suited for children who have experienced the death of a loved one and are seeking solace in stories that reflect their own journeys.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0CZQB75GK
See the Good Ahead
In Who Is Living In Apartment #203?, a teenager dealing with a breakup becomes invested in attracting the attention of his beautiful but mysterious new neighbor. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The story follows a boy named Richard, a bright yet impulsive high school student, as he navigates the troubled waters of teen life, dealing with peer pressure, love, and a broken relationship which he was greatly hurt by. Richard embarks on an adventure to solve the mystery surrounding his new neighbor living in apartment #203. This story comes from my past life growing up in the city. Writing this book reminded me of that life and helped me a lot. I knew it could help others as well. My life has changed for the better after writing this book. I went through many stages in my life from mental and emotional stress to depression and feeling alone and abandoned–searching for attention and encouragement. I have come out of a bad relationship that left me broken and hurt, so this is why I wrote this story to encourage and uplift other people and let them know they can have hope, joy, peace, and be an over-comer.
Is there anything from your own life in the experiences of your characters?
Yes, that’s why I wrote about this character, Richard, because I’m just like him. I had a lot of experiences of feeling alone, going through peer pressure, and the personal loss of a boy who was the love of my life. Sometimes we are attracted in the wrong direction, and sometimes our minds can shift into a dark place, and we cannot see the good ahead for us. Richard couldn’t tell what wasn’t real and what was just reality. What is really the truth versus what is wrong–that is my experience in writing this lovely story.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
My inspiration is my passion to uplift, teach, motivate, instruct, train, elevate reading skills, and challenge children and younger teens to achieve their goals and dream for greatness. This is why I love stories like this; so people can find joy and inspiration in reading my books.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes, there is a second book planned: Torn Between Loves.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
Who is Living in Apartment 203? is a fun and exciting teenage detective story that explores the joys and complications of being a teenager. First love can be as fragile as a reputation, and Richard will discover that the hard way. Richard is a smart high school student whose impulsiveness can sometimes get him into trouble. He has to deal with peer pressure, love, and loss, and in the process, he makes some mistakes. His best friend, Josh, and Josh’s cousin, Kelly, team up to help Richard sort out his conflicts and solve more than one mystery.
After Richard’s girlfriend dumps him, he experiences some rebellious and impulsive behavior that gets him involved in a mystery that soon becomes messy and hilarious. After meeting a new enigmatic and attractive neighbor and hearing the rumors about her, Richard embarks on an adventure to become a hero and get the attention and respect he craves.
Who is Living in Apartment 203? delivers fun twists and turns that will keep readers eagerly wanting to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Writing Fiction Gives Me Freedom
In eMortal, readers follow a self-proclaimed computer geek as she creates and then watches a character designed for a programming contest evolve beyond her wildest dreams. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by AI self-awareness stories. But most eventually land in the same place—the AI realizes superiority and rebels against humans, often trying to annihilate us. I wanted to explore a different direction. Without giving away spoilers, I wanted to write a story that explores the vulnerability and emotional challenges of a newly-evolving AI who embraces the connection with their creator. Adding a ‘ticking clock’ to the story forces tough questions and dire consequences to test the boundaries of this relationship.
Is there anything from your own life included in the characters in eMortal?
It’s set in Houston (my original hometown) and Todd is an amalgam of every sage country boy I’ve ever encountered. He’s one of my favorite kinds of people—unpretentious, straightforward, and wise in unconventional ways. Beyond this, there’s not much connection between my own life and the people in the story. For me, that’s the joy of writing fiction. Separating my own existence from what’s on the page in front of me offers a freedom I don’t feel elsewhere. It’s also a way for me to explore my own perspectives on the world and share this with readers. It’s a special place.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I may have bit off more than I can chew, but eMortal first tries to tackle a big one—what is life? From this, a few other questions follow. How would someone (or something) prove they exist in this way? And, if they do, what moral obligation do we have?
I’ll admit, these are hefty questions. The story tries to temper them with humor, colorful characters, and a few (hopefully) unexpected plot twists.
Can we look forward to more science fiction works from you? What are you currently working on?
My last novel was about four immigrants who cross the border into the US through the Sonoran Desert. eMortal tells a very different story. I’ve never been great about staying in one lane. I’m curious about pretty much anything and I daydream a lot.
I love sci-fi and may eventually come back to it, but my next story is contemporary and will be my first non-YA novel. It’s about a guy who thinks he won the lottery, but didn’t. And in that gap, he does something he can’t take back. The story explores the question, what if one hasty action changed your whole life?
Sarah the Scarlet Ibis Saves the Caroni Swamp
The Caroni Swamp is changing. Once renowned for its beauty and rich variety of wildlife, it is now under threat from pollution caused by human settlements. Enter Sarah, a beautiful scarlet ibis, who becomes the determined activist the swamp and its inhabitants desperately need. Rallying her swamp friends, she devises a plan to combat the growing amount of garbage in the water and pollutants in the air. What begins as an effort to restore their beloved swamp quickly sparks a movement much bigger than Sarah could have ever imagined.
Kirt Seuchan’s Sarah the Scarlet Ibis Saves the Caroni Swamp is the perfect book for young readers interested in environmental conservation. Seuchan plants the seed of activism with this latest animal adventure tale. Children will delight in following Sarah through her steps to save the swamp, from organizing her friends and neighbors to involving humans and seeing her efforts grow into a massive fight to clean their ecosystem and save their cherished home.
Jonny Hossain’s illustrations draw readers into Sarah’s story, providing stunning images of the Caroni Swamp’s plant and animal life. Each page features vivid depictions of dazzling birds, exotic plants, and vibrant aquatic animals, enhancing the reader’s connection to the swamp and its plight.
Sarah the Scarlet Ibis Saves the Caroni Swamp, written by Kirt Seuchan and illustrated by Jonny Hossain, is an ideal introduction to environmental issues for children. The combination of animal fantasy and informational text offers young readers relatable characters within a solution-focused narrative. Parents and teachers will not want to miss adding this inspiring tale to their children’s libraries.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0D4N2M5TM
LITERARY TITAN 