Blog Archives
Exits
Exits is a collection of poems that moves in and out of nature, memory, and mortality with a sharp eye and an unflinching voice. Pollock balances images of birds, leaves, storms, and insects with meditations on illness, grief, and human cruelty. Each poem feels like an opening and a closing at once, a gesture toward beauty that never ignores the shadows pressing in around it. The artwork paired with the text deepens the mood, giving the reader both a visual and lyrical way to linger with themes of death, decay, and renewal.
I found myself pulled into the tension between delicacy and brutality. The spider spinning its web, the butterfly pinned by a child’s cruel hand, the leaves clinging through winter, these images stayed with me. Pollock’s language is careful, yet it carries an undercurrent of urgency, as if each word knows it has little time left. Some poems made me pause and reread, not because they were obscure, but because they struck me with a sudden intensity. Others, like “Steve’s Balloons,” were so unexpected that I had to smile even while feeling the melancholy underneath.
At times, the heaviness of the book pressed down hard. Illness, biopsy, syringe, tube, the clinical intrudes often, and it brought me back to my own brushes with hospitals and fear. That familiarity made the reading even more raw, and I appreciated Pollock’s honesty. He doesn’t romanticize suffering, but he does find ways to trace light through it. There is also a musicality to his lines that reminded me of older poets, the kind whose rhythm stays in your body long after the words leave your mouth. That mix of craft and emotion gave the book both polish and heart.
I would recommend Exits to readers who like poetry that doesn’t look away. If you’re drawn to reflections on life and death, or if you find comfort in nature as a mirror for human experience, this book will speak to you. It’s not an easy read, but it’s a meaningful one, and I think anyone who values honesty wrapped in artful language will find something to hold onto here.
Pages: 45 | ASIN : B0BXVJB79N
Grand Illusion: Lesson of a Balinese Lotus
The story follows Mara, a gifted Balinese fabric artist who rises from her humble beginnings in rice paddies to the glamorous world of Milan Fashion Week. Her journey is one of contrasts. She moves between the quiet values of her homeland and the dizzying pace of high fashion, and she becomes entangled in a complicated romance with Zayn, a wealthy heir from the Emirates. Along the way, the book explores friendship, loyalty, cultural identity, and the fragile balance between authenticity and the grand façades people build around themselves.
What struck me most was how personal Mara’s journey felt. The writing is vivid, almost cinematic, when describing fabrics and runways, yet it softens into something warm and nostalgic when she recalls Bali. I felt caught between those worlds with her, sometimes seduced by the opulence and sometimes yearning for the quiet of the rice fields. The emotional pull is strong. The dialogue sometimes feels a little too polished, but that polished tone also matches the glittering, high-society backdrop.
I also found myself invested in the themes of love and ambition. Zayn fascinated me as a character because he embodied both desire and duty, but I often grew frustrated with his indecision. Mara’s longing for something deeper tugged at me, and I caught myself rooting for her to choose herself over him. The friendships with Sarah and Annie gave the novel a heartbeat, reminding me that sometimes chosen family anchors us more than romance ever could. The way those bonds were written gave me moments of real joy and comfort while reading.
One character I kept thinking about was Wayan. His presence felt like a quiet anchor in the storm of Mara’s conflicting worlds. I admired his sincerity and the way he carried his past with such openness, sharing childhood memories of his father’s silverwork and his grandmother’s cooking as if they were gifts. He wasn’t flawless, but that made him feel real. His willingness to fit into Mara’s family life, to get his hands dirty in the rice fields, and to prove his intentions gave the story a sense of groundedness. Through him, I felt the pull of tradition, the comfort of roots, and the reminder that sometimes love shows itself most in the willingness to stay and to try.
Grand Illusion is a book for readers who love a blend of romance, cultural richness, and the spectacle of fashion. It is heartfelt and dramatic, with enough tension to keep you turning the pages. If you enjoy stories about women navigating identity in the face of dazzling but fragile worlds, this one will speak to you. For me, it was a reminder that no matter how grand the illusions of life may seem, the truth of who we are always waits to be chosen.
Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0FLVPHNND
Humans are awesome!
Humans Are Awesome: A Kid’s Guide to Staying Smarter Than AI is a lively and colorful children’s book that sets out to explain the difference between human abilities and artificial intelligence in a way that feels both playful and empowering. The story starts with simple tools like fire and bikes, then moves into “computer brains” (AI), showing kids how these tools can help but also where their limits are. From there, the book unfolds into a celebration of human “superpowers” like empathy, imagination, intuition, adaptability, and conscience. It mixes humor, interactive challenges, and bold illustrations to keep the pace quick and fun, while slipping in lessons about safety, responsibility, and the joy of being human.
I really enjoyed how the book balances silliness with seriousness. One page might have a goofy idea like a bubble-breathing dragon on roller skates, then the next grounds the child in an important safety rule about keeping personal information private. That swing between giggles and grounding works surprisingly well. The language feels natural, almost like a friend explaining things in the playground, and I could see it making sense to a wide range of ages. I also appreciated that the authors didn’t make AI sound scary, but instead framed it as a tool that needs rules and guidance, just like riding a bike. That choice makes the book feel hopeful rather than heavy. The interactive sections, like asking kids to point out devices in their home that use AI, were my favorite parts. They make the book feel less like a lecture and more like a game, which is perfect for this kind of teaching.
Humans Are Awesome feels like a book I’d recommend to families who want to start conversations about technology without making it intimidating. It’s especially good for kids in elementary school, maybe ages six to ten, though I think even younger kids would enjoy the pictures and playful tone. Parents will probably appreciate the author’s note too, since it frames the whole project as a partnership between grown-ups and kids. I’d call it a warm, thoughtful, and fun resource for any family navigating the wild mix of screens, apps, and gadgets in daily life.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0CWDWZKZX
Brownie’s Stormy Night Adventure
Brownie, a small brown bunny with a soft, fluffy coat, begins his story in the most heartbreaking way, alone in a parking lot, trembling under a car. When he dashes into the arms of a stranger, hope flickers. The kind man does the right thing and returns Brownie to his owners, but the reunion is far from joyful. We soon learn Brownie is blind in one eye, and his family has decided they no longer want him.
The bunny’s journey takes him to a pet store, where he waits with quiet determination, still clinging to the belief that his family might return. Days pass. Loneliness grows. What he truly longs for is not his neglectful owners, but the warmth of the stranger who once made him feel safe. In time, his wish comes true: Brownie is reunited with the rescuer who first found him in the parking lot. Slowly, he begins to trust his new family, embracing both his differences and his future.
Hilary Taylorson weaves this tale with tenderness and insight. The opening chapters are filled with sadness, yet the resolution brings deep relief and joy as Brownie finds a home where he is valued. Through subtle but clear storytelling, the author illustrates how neglect can wound, while compassion can heal. Brownie emerges resilient, learning not only to accept his blindness but also to flourish despite it.
Though I found myself wishing for more illustrations of Brownie’s mischief and adventures around the house, the story stands strong without them. It’s a touching narrative that carries an important message: animals, like people, deserve love and care regardless of their challenges. Hilary also balances emotion with humor; moments such as Brownie stomping his foot at his rescuer to assert his tiny authority add a delightful charm.
Brownie’s Stormy Night Adventure is a moving, gentle story perfect for young readers. It encourages empathy, responsibility, and kindness, lessons that linger long after the last page is turned.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0F4D2S1Y9
Operation Cast Lead – The Case
Operation Cast Lead by Banafsheh Zia is unlike anything I’ve read before. It weaves together a soap opera storyline, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the author’s own lived experience of surveillance, paranoia, and spiritual searching. At its heart, it argues that Operation Cast Lead was not just a war but also part of a carefully designed narrative that played out both on TV and in real life. The story mixes memory, political history, and personal confession. It’s intense and full of questions about truth, power, and the meaning of freedom.
The writing is raw and sometimes disorienting, but that’s also what made it gripping. I could feel the author’s confusion, anger, and longing bleeding through every page. There’s a vulnerability here that’s hard to ignore. I found myself wondering what was real and what wasn’t. It put me in the same unsettled space the author describes. The way she ties together pop culture with political violence shocked me, and I caught myself rereading passages just to sit with the strangeness of it all.
What really stuck with me was the emotional honesty. Even when the connections were surprising, the feelings were sharp and undeniable. There’s a loneliness in these pages, a sense of trying to dance with the world while constantly being pushed out of step. I admired the courage it took to put all of that into words. There is a lot of details in this book. The references to TV plots and political events pile up quickly. Reality and fiction blur, and the reader is left to sort out what matters most.
What amazed me most was how the book connects the soap opera General Hospital to something as heavy as war and international law. By showing how a love story between Sonny and Kate lined up with political turning points and the violence in Gaza, the book makes you question how much of what we consume is innocent entertainment and how much is design. It’s a strange but striking reminder that culture and politics are never really separate. If you’re curious about how personal stories intersect with global ones, or if you like work that mixes confession with political critique, Operation Cast Lead – The Case is worth your time.
Pages: 139 | ISBN : 978-1-83418-380-0
I Love Everything About Noir
Three Faces Of Noir Curse Crime Cringe is a deep dive into the shadowy world of film noir, tracing its roots from German Expressionism through Hollywood’s golden age and into overlooked B-movie gems. This is your fourth book on Noir Films; what drives your passion for this genre?
I love everything about noir – imagination overcoming low budgets, crisp dialogue, sharp black and white photography, willingness to engage with vexed social issues, great acting, direction, sets, and music.
What sets this time period of noir film apart from previous periods, and do you have a favorite period?
French critic Nino Frank described film noir as a new kind of 1940s crime movie that was at its heart a psychological tale. As I say in my book, gangster movies, and horror movies shared some of this psychological edge because many of the cast and crew ( often European expats) went from gangster and horror to noir. But noir was of its time and critically examining that time as few movies before had done. With war, censorship, and social inequality in our present time, it would not surprise me to see new converts to the magic of film noir.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make noir films come alive?
In a bleak period of history when war, corruption, and economic, depression prevail, people are lonely, frightened, and desperate for human contact and peace. Others are consumed by greed, lust, and revenge. Noirs reflect these social reactions.
Do you have any plans to write a new series on Neo-noir and how it has shaped the film industry?
I might. As a percentage of good neo-noirs, (movies made in or after 1960) to overall product, the genre is inferior to noir. With the relaxation of censorship and color favoring the big image, story and character sometimes suffered. That being said, some first or second time directors produced some good neo-noirs. I think they studied low budget noirs and made films with that sort of ambience. A good example is the second feature of Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals 2016.
Some very good neo-noirs for those who want to know more: Chinatown, A Simple Plan, Blood Simple, The Departed, Unsane, Emily the Criminal
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In six lively pictorial essays, Dowling continues his series on film noir in the public domain.
In the Curse section, Dowling reviews 1940s horror noirs, while Crime examines the 1938 proto-noir Algiers and a 1950s noir directed by Stanley Kubrick. Cringe looks at the noir theme of humiliation in the 1940s and 50s.
Dowling’s sly humor offers comic relief along the path to the joyous darkness that is film noir.
Historical photos abound of classic Hollywood, its movies, and their creators.
This is the final volume of this series on film noir in the public domain, and Dowling reveals his 10 favorite film noirs, with a surprise or two on the list.
Building Language Skills With Adventure
Addison’s Delaware Discovery follows a ten-year-old girl on a family trip who meets a young girl with Juvenile Disc Disorder and helps her connect with other kids in her town with the help of a local legend, the Delaware Swamp Monster. What was the inspiration for your story?
During my research, I came across the fascinating story of a swamp monster in Delaware, a legend that originated in 1964. A newspaper man who was eager to increase his sales created the hoax, and along with a local resident staged Bigfoot-like sightings in the Great Cypress Swamp. Despite the story being a fabrication, the tale grew, with creature sightings reported for years afterward.
Inspired by this quirky piece of folklore, I imagined the children in my story discovering an old newspaper article about the monster, which eventually leads them to create a mythical creature of their own.
Gaining experience as a volunteer working with an organization that supports adults with disabilities, I was motivated to highlight a disability that starts with the letter “d” for this volume of the Addison series. Daisy’s character emerged after researching various disabilities. Not only did I want her story to be informative, but also to encourage greater acceptance of those who may be perceived as different.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
A core feature of every Addison book is the introduction of new vocabulary, which helps to expand children’s vocabulary in an engaging way. Each volume focuses on one specific letter of the alphabet, in this case the letter “d.” As children read at different levels, Addison books offer additional support by providing brief definitions at the bottom of each page. This approach ensures that young readers can better understand unfamiliar words without interrupting the flow of the story.
In addition to building language skills, every Addison book features a captivating adventure, with meaningful life lessons that young readers discover along the way.
I loved how the artwork brought the story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Mariya Stoyanova?
She is a talented and wonderful artist.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Addison and the direction of the next book?
The next adventure in the Addison series follows Addison and her family as they embark on an expedition to Egypt, motivated to assist their mother’s friend during an emergency. Their journey begins with a flight to Cairo, but after they land, they must still hop on a train and board a boat before finally arriving at Elephantine Island.
Addison and her family set out to help in their mother’s friend’s eatery. Their inexperience causes both errors and embarrassment as they attempt to prepare the food. With extreme determination, their efforts eventually pay off, as they succeed in creating edible Egyptian dishes. During their visit, Addison and her family explore markets and exquisite temples, but soon find themselves caught up in exhilarating escapades while discovering the wonders of Egypt.
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Their visit takes a dramatic turn when they uncover a clue that leads to the discovery of the legendary beast called the Delaware Swamp Monster! Eager to solve the mystery, these daring detectives dive into the creature’s forgotten history. As Daisy’s birthday approaches, they plan a party theme using the legend to draw local children together. When the swamp monster makes an unexpected appearance, the celebration turns into Delaware’s most unforgettable event.
Addison’s Delaware Discovery whisks young readers on a daring adventure, where each page introduces dynamic ‘d’ words with easy-to-understand definitions. By blending bold storytelling with effortless vocabulary growth, this charming tale empowers children to read with confidence, no interruptions, just discovery.
Waiting For Them to Come Back
The writing is raw, unfiltered, and relentless. The way Finley captures Walter’s inner turmoil feels painfully real. I could almost hear the silence in the house, the beatings, the slammed doors, and the endless need for comfort that never came. The style is unpolished in the best way. Sentences are jagged, like thoughts gasped out between sobs. I realized it mirrored Walter’s spiraling mind. The story doesn’t offer relief or lightness, and at times, I found myself desperate to look away. But the honesty kept me glued.
What hit me hardest were the moments of yearning. Walter wanting to laugh at dinner. Walter staring at his sister’s shoes, wishing she would speak. Walter clutching a dirty tissue from a kind police officer like it was gold. Those small details broke me more than the violent scenes. I’ll be honest, the mother’s perspective in the later part of the book stirred complicated feelings. I wanted to hate her fully, yet Finley doesn’t let you take the easy way out. Her regrets arrive too late, and they don’t erase what she’s done, but they force you to face the complexity of cruelty born out of misery. It left me unsettled, and I think that’s exactly the point.
By the end, I sat with a heavy chest, not knowing if I felt sad, angry, or just hollow. This isn’t a book for someone looking for comfort or escapism. It’s a story for readers who want to stare straight into the messy reality of trauma and what it does to families. If you can stomach the pain and you’re willing to walk alongside Walter in all his despair and fragile hope, then this book will stay with you long after you close it.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0F2GCS2LR
LITERARY TITAN 