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Our Legacy
Big Blue Society: Fishtails and Mayhem is a collection of true stories following a group of lifelong friends as they overcome life challenges and live life by one motto: Go for It… and Deny Everything. What inspired you to write this book and share these stories?
We were lucky to be part of a brotherhood that formed in the great outdoors, and we wanted to share that experience with others. But the inspiration to write the book did not take hold until one of our men died. His passing let us in on the unspoken obvious… that we all will pass, and the Big Blue Society along with it. This book is our legacy, and we pass it on to our family, friends, and anyone else who has felt their soul expand in the wild.
How did you balance the need to be honest and authentic with the need to protect your privacy and that of others in your memoir?
The statute of limitations ran out. Seriously, we were involved in some illegal activities back in the day, but some are no longer prosecuted, like smoking marijuana. And there was a time when we had to keep Society activities hidden from our children lest they get the wrong idea, but they are grown now and can handle the truth. Finally, we guarded our reputations in the past, lest we lose employment or get sanctioned in some way. Now, as elder retired statesmen, if you will, we don’t give a hoot about our reputations. We have the liberty of candor and honesty, and in that spirit of full disclosure, we revealed all in this memoir. Let the chips fall.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
For our war-torn hero, Norm Hansen, he found healing in the Big Blue brotherhood. TWe all did. And there was no “political correctness” about it. That mattered because the Society stood apart from the societal standards. We were in revolt against the straight jacket placed upon men these days. Our motto, “Go for IT… and deny everything,” has a certain ring to it.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Guys love each other in unconventional ways. The ties that bind us through misadventures help us endure the hard realities of life. And sometimes, a guy needs to cut loose, get whooped-up and, hell yeah, have a little fun… so they can deal with the daily responsible grind.
Author Webpage
When disabled Vietnam veteran and war hero Norm Hansen returned home in a body cast and suffering from PTSD, he felt helpless, hopeless and lost. He asked his best friend to take him to catch a fish. The one place where fishing success was ensured was posted and patrolled. They got arrested and threatened with jail time if caught trespassing again, which meant they had to take their angling pursuits on the road.
From the soothing silence of the Adirondacks to the roaring heart of Yellowstone, these men chase their dreams with a tackle box, a tent, and a penchant for adventure. Over 40 years of fishing and camping trips, hijinks in the wilderness, campfire stories, raucous initiations… and occasionally catching fish.
Equal parts emotional healing, misadventure and enduring camaraderie, Big Blue Society is about a once-in-a-lifetime brotherhood that formed around Norm, and how it healed them all. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts and fans of camping and fishing humor books will never forget the quiet, reflective, thoughtful moments in the book, as beloved members pass and the remaining members soldier on… for the Big Blue Society lives on so long as one of them draws a breath.
Flirting With Extinction: Collected Essays & Stories
Joanna Kadish’s Flirting With Extinction is a raw and unapologetic mosaic of personal essays and stories that chart a life punctuated by grief, recklessness, resilience, and searching. The book dives headfirst into heavy themes: addiction, motherhood, loss, and the fragile line between survival and surrender. With prose that veers between unfiltered vulnerability and sharp humor, Kadish offers an intimate chronicle of a woman navigating trauma through love, memory, danger, and—sometimes—wild horses.
What struck me most was Kadish’s unflinching voice. She doesn’t tidy up her pain, doesn’t soften her edges. In the preface, she talks about clawing her way back from a state of “perpetual sadness” after losing her sons to the opioid crisis—a tragedy that ripples through many of the essays with a haunting steadiness. In “Anatomy of a Firefighter,” she captures childhood pyromania and sibling chaos in the heat-scorched deserts east of Los Angeles. It’s darkly funny, but the undercurrent of danger—both literal and emotional—never lets you forget the stakes.
Kadish’s writing is pure guts and gravel in “Calamity Jane,” where she recounts a horrifying attempt to break a rodeo bronc as a young girl. The imagery is searing: the smashed teeth, the blood, the betrayal of the body. But what lingers most is her twisted pride in lasting the “full eight seconds” before being flung like a ragdoll. There’s something electric in the way she writes pain. It’s not masochism; it’s a yearning to feel, to prove, to matter. This isn’t just about animals—it’s about people, about relationships, about the wild things in ourselves that won’t be tamed no matter how gently we try.
What I liked most about the chapter Zero Evidence was how it peeled back the layers of human fragility in the face of relentless judgment. Kadish walks the tightrope between raw confession and sharp critique, especially when she recounts the moments after her son’s overdose and the unbearable silence that followed. The way she describes the hospital room, the indifferent fluorescent lights, and the cold detachment of the medical staff—it all made my chest tighten. But it’s the emotional isolation that hit hardest. She’s grieving, furious, helpless, and still somehow worried about how others might view her as a mother. Her honesty cuts deep.
This is not a gentle collection. It won’t hold your hand or let you off the hook. But Flirting With Extinction will speak to anyone who’s lived through pain and come out the other side with scars and stories. It’s for people who can’t stop looking backward even while forging ahead. I’d especially recommend it to those who’ve wrestled with addiction in their families, lovers of memoir that bleeds fiction, and women who’ve ever been called “too much” for wanting to ride the bronc instead of just watching.
Pages: 300 | ASIN : B0DJHCQ5LT
Big Blue Society – Fishtails and Mayhem
Big Blue Society is a wild, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving memoir about a brotherhood of misfit fishermen who find freedom, healing, and a whole lot of chaos in the great outdoors. Told in a patchwork of voices, mostly from Norm (aka Bobby), it follows a group of lifelong friends—war vets, philosophers, drunks, dads, and goofballs—as they blaze a trail from the backwoods of New England to the lakes of Maine and beyond. It’s about fishing, sure, but it’s really about the ties that bind men together through trauma, time, and ridiculous misadventures.
Reading this book feels like sitting around a campfire with guys who have known each other forever—guys who aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves or tell it like it is. There’s something raw and beautiful in how Cavanagh balances the deep with the absurd. One minute you’re cracking up as Norm gets busted by a Don Knotts lookalike for trespassing while reeling in a monster pickerel on a busted leg and a handful of Percodans. And the next, you’re sucker-punched by the quiet weight of what these men carry—especially in Norm’s post-Vietnam recovery, where a fishing trip becomes a lifeline rather than a pastime. The humor never feels forced, and the serious stuff never drags you down.
But the writing is where it hits a different gear. There’s no polish here, no pretension. It’s all grit, whiskey breath, and nostalgia. You can hear the voices, smell the campfire, taste the bad coffee and cheaper beer. I couldn’t help but love moments like the Deliverance joke turned inside out—when Norm becomes “Bobby” because he’s the one who can’t run if hillbillies show up, only to bluff them off with an imaginary gun tucked under his cast. And then, somehow, in all this mess, there’s poetry—like the fire they talk about in the foreword, the one that burns through memory and keeps the stories alive after one of their own is laid to rest.
Big Blue Society is for anyone who misses their friends, loves a good story, or needs to be reminded that the world is a little less lonely with a crew, a lake, and maybe a cooler full of cold ones. It’s not just for fishermen. It’s for sons, brothers, veterans, and anyone who’s ever felt their soul stretch a little in the wild.
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0DZD6MYZC
Answering the Human Question: A Gnome’s Essays on Mankind
Answering the Human Question is a reflective narrative that imagines a world where humans coexist with mythical creatures like gnomes, elves, and dwarves. Told from the perspective of a seasoned gnome, the story delves into humanity’s evolution, from their early steps into civilization to their complex societies and struggles against darker forces. The narrator, a gnome who’s studied humanity over centuries, documents his interactions with humans, weaving history, philosophy, and cultural reflections into a unique series of essays that ponder what it means to be human.
One thing that stands out to me is the narrative voice. The gnome’s voice feels timeless yet quirky, which gives the prose a humorous edge despite the heavy themes. For instance, in the early chapters, the gnome recounts his first meeting with a human family led by Baruk and Jhalyah, nomads striving to survive in a dangerous world. The gnome’s earnest attempts to communicate with them using basic Elvish and their eventual bonding over a shared meal show the gentle humor and wonder of cross-cultural exchanges. The warmth in these interactions makes readers feel the gnome’s attachment to humanity and shows a rare vulnerability in how he admires humans’ resilience despite their fragility.
The gnome’s musings on humanity’s tendency toward conflict also bring a critical but thoughtful tone to the book. When discussing the brutal wars of the “Jaramites,” a later generation of human warriors, he seems almost mournful, especially in his reflections on Varr Scarhand, a warrior king who turns his people’s peaceful legacy into one of violence. The gnome sees this as a tragic turn, almost a betrayal of his early friends, Baruk and Jhalyah. He questions whether humans are truly learning or just repeating the same mistakes with new tools, and his sadness makes these sections resonate with readers who may feel the weight of human history’s cycles of violence and innovation.
However, it’s in the more philosophical sections that I think the book shines. In the concluding essays, the gnome considers the Elderkin Council’s debate on the “Human Question”: Should the Elderkin (the mythical races) welcome humans as equals, or are they fated to remain as lessers? The gnome’s arguments on humanity’s creativity, ambition, and contradictions are compelling. He highlights moments like the rise of Andrwyn the Great, a human king who unites tribes and promotes peace and education, as proof of human potential. The gnome’s admiration for humanity’s ability to dream and achieve something lasting amid mortality leaves readers with a sense of hope.
Answering the Human Question is ideal for fans of fantasy and philosophical thought experiments alike. It’s a reflective and surprisingly touching exploration of the human condition, seen through the eyes of an immortal, who is, in his own way, captivated by humanity. This book would be perfect for readers who enjoy the lore and ethical explorations in works like Tolkien’s or Pratchett’s but are looking for a unique, first-person philosophical twist.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0CW1FX44G
My Life Raft
It Was Her New York is more than a memoir; it is an exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery in a city that influences all who reside in it. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I and my sister were suddenly caring for a suddenly frail parent. My life changed on a dime. My plans to live abroad with my then-partner and the writing and documentary work that I was doing were all derailed. The city I had always felt “normal” in became more and more unrecognizable. At the same time, my parent, Florence was basically disappearing into dementia. Yet in that chaos, Florence kept surprising me with expressions that were so her and my city kept reminding me that I was still home. Those moments became a life-line to my well-being. The documenting of a pretty tough process kept me connected and sane and working my storytelling muscles. It also comforted me and offered me daily opportunities of giving gratitude-something that cannot be underestimated when going through challenges. Simply put, it was my life raft.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
HOME and LOVE and FAMILY are present in each and every person who is in HER NEW YORK: all the LGBTQ grandparents and parents who could never tell their families who they really loved; all our co-workers; all the people who keep our cities running; all the immigrants or refugees who come to NY and other cities seeking safety and a chance at a good life; all the caregivers – both relatives and home attendants – who go through their daily tasks in silence and invisibility. We are surrounded by their stories and, in the case of Florence’s Ex-Lover, secrets. I wonder often what the family of the Ex-Lover – the woman who loved Florence all her life – would think if they found out about their mother/grandmother/great-grandmother and her life-long heartbreak. I wonder if she truly had to hide her heart. I think if people who decry immigration would meet Mr. Godslove, they would be struck as I was by his kindness and goodness. I wonder if people ever stop and give thanks for all the bus drivers, subway workers and delivery people in their city. Yes, this book is specifically about New York City and a queer woman. But it is about a lot more; our cities and homes and relatives and neighbors and all their stories.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I wondered if it was the piece I wrote on the evening of the morning Florence died. But it wasn’t – that was an offering of gratitude (except for that one awful EMS person). The hardest thing to write was THE AUTHOR’S NOTE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE YEARS MAKE. It was there I had to splay out the regret I felt that last day with Florence and finally say goodbye to my past and the imperfect journey I took her to her final days.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
There was a parade chant from the Pride March many years ago – “2, 4, 6, 8, how do you know your grandma/grandpa/any relative is straight”. You don’t. We slap words onto people that become their definition, rather than getting to know who they really are. So what I hope this book does is welcome readers’ hearts to grow bigger, their curiosity to expand and their respect to deepen for the people they think they know, for the people they judge as “immoral” or “wrong” and for the people they have never met but fear.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
In this engaging new collection of personal essays and full-color photographs, Moed tells true stories of caring for her mother Florence, a broke, Julliard-trained pianist who stumbles into dementia on the Lower East Side. This funny, poignant memoir asks questions both familiar and touching: “What happened to the neighborhood?” and “What happened to my mom?”
It Was Her New York is for anyone who has ever experienced the aging of a parent, the gentrification of a neighborhood, or the unexpected discovery of stifled love and hidden sexuality.
Conversations of Windows: A Conversation I Gather
In Conversations of Windows, Dr. Durga Madiraju combines insightful material on the art of conversation with vivid metaphors and a distinctive personal narrative. This collection of fifty-four succinct essays delves into often overlooked elements crucial to structuring relevant and coherent dialogues. Madiraju reflects on the myriad factors influencing conversational choices, such as the participant’s demographics, duration, setting, atmosphere, and purpose of the interaction.
The author explores conversation in a metaphorical sense, presenting unique perspectives like deriving conversational inspiration from a list of items for a Hindu pooja ritual, the evocative power of petals caught in a breeze, or the hues encountered in daily life. Madiraju poignantly observes that days devoid of memorable conversations are mere task-oriented existences, urging readers to pause and engage more deeply with life. Madiraju’s narratives are deeply rooted in the cultural significance of festivals, prayers, and rituals, set against the backdrop of changing seasons and the natural world. The text is rich in sensory details—spices, kumkum, floral aromas, jasmine, and sandalwood—lending a tangible quality to the abstract and philosophical nature of the essays.
Conversations of Windows is a unique blend, part practical guide to effective conversation, part creative writing exploration, and part poetic and philosophical reflection. It offers an accessible reading experience. Students seeking to refine their conversational skills will find value in the literary language and the exploration of conversation’s various dimensions, extending beyond the scope of more traditional instructional texts in the field.
Pages: 104 | ASIN : B0CQJ4FRMY
It Was Her New York: True Stories & Snapshots
In It Was Her New York, C.O. Moed offers readers a tapestry of life in New York City, intricately woven through the lens of her relationship with her mother, Florence. This memoir is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, the complexities of identity, and the ceaseless evolution of a city that never sleeps.
Moed’s writing is both poignant and evocative. She blends humor with sorrow and paints a vivid picture of her mother—a spirited musician whose resilience and struggles are deeply moving. The book shines not just in its storytelling but in its ability to capture the essence of New York City. Moed’s New York is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing character that influences and shapes the lives of those who call it home.
The book’s narrative structure is somewhat unconventional, interspersing memories and anecdotes with cultural and social commentary, along with images. This approach works wonderfully in drawing the reader into the author’s world, offering a multifaceted view of her experiences and emotions. Moed’s reflections on the impact of Florence’s life and death are deeply personal, yet they resonate universally, touching on themes that many can relate to – loss, grief, and the passage of time.
The book’s strength is weaving personal tales with broader societal observations. At times, the transitions between personal anecdotes and cultural commentary felt abrupt, leaving me wishing for a smoother narrative flow. Nonetheless, this does not significantly detract from the book’s overall impact.
The exploration of Florence’s life as a musician and her determination in the face of adversity is particularly compelling. It highlights her character and serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of New Yorkers. In this regard, Moed’s portrayal of her mother is not just a personal tribute but a nod to the resilience and complexity of all those who inhabit this ever-changing city.
It Was Her New York is a touching and insightful book that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and tribulations of family relationships, the bittersweet nature of memory, and the profound impact of place on personal identity.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0CTNHK1N7
The Courage To Be Free
Country at the Edge of Nowhere shares your observations and experiences of living through an oppressive regime of power. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When one is young and full of ideas, when one is eager to effect change in society, a change that benefits all, one can easily fall prey to populist politicians and charlatans. These demagogues appeal to the feelings, not the logic, of people. So, one follows these politicians who promise you the stars and the moon and justice and all those promises we all know fairly well. But once they are in power, their true colors start to emerge. It all comes down to the same story: greed, power, corruption, hatred for those who do not support them.
This book is a warning, a cautioning against those manipulators. We need to ask more questions to really evaluate the promises made and keep those in power accountable. In America, with all we have gone through, it is easier to do that. But in countries under firebrand dictators, like Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, China, Zimbabwe, Equatorial New Guinea, etc., it is more difficult. And dangerous, even mortal. But we must do what we must do. I made those mistakes once; I wouldn’t want my children and grandchildren to repeat them.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Probably the act of facing the dire consequences of supporting a revolution that betrayed its people, it promises. Albert Camus was right: all revolutions devolve into dictatorships, and revolutionary leaders into satraps that, once they get hold of power, never want to let go. We see all over the world how millions of people are forced to abandon their homes, emigrate, try to start all over again in a different country with a different language and culture. Many never make it. Many have no choice but to stay behind and suffer oppression, hunger, prison time, abuse, and the loss of freedoms. Freedoms that we previously took for granted. It’s also hard to write about not being able to do anything, the hopelessness, the powerlessness. To just hope that future generations will have the wisdom to do the right thing, the courage to fight back and topple all tyrants.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted this book to be a recording of history, in the most general terms. What happened in Nicaragua is happening in other countries all over the world. Democracy is such a fragile thing, even in America.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Country at the Edge of Nowhere?
The knowledge to ask the right questions; the desire to stand up and speak up; the courage to be free. Thank you so very much for the opportunity.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 