Blog Archives
Belonging Matters
Julie’s story, as chronicled in Belonging Matters, is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging from an adoptee’s perspective. Growing up aware of her adoption alongside her twin, Julie’s narrative delves into the complex emotions surrounding her upbringing in a loving adoptive family, juxtaposed with an innate curiosity about her biological roots. The book effectively conveys the challenges adoptees often face in forging connections with their adoptive relatives, capturing the subtle sense of being an outsider at family gatherings. The author skillfully guides readers through Julie’s internal journey, marked by anxiety and a quest for self-understanding brought on by the need to uncover her genetic history for health reasons. This quest leads her to her birth mother, raising questions of abandonment, the desire for connection, and the complexities of familial relationships.
This book’s candid exploration of adoption and the accompanying emotional landscape makes it particularly engaging. It sheds light on the nuances of adoption, addressing the often-overlooked stigma associated with it. The author’s openness in sharing her emotional experiences is commendable, offering readers a raw and honest perspective. Additionally, the book highlights the unique bond between Julie and her twin, adding a fascinating dimension to her journey. The author also acknowledges the role of the Catholic community in their adoption process, particularly their policy of keeping twins together, which is a thoughtful inclusion.
Belonging Matters is not just for those who have experienced adoption firsthand. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt a sense of disconnection from their family or questioned their background. The story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the courage it takes to seek out one’s origins. Readers looking for inspiration to embark on their own journeys of self-exploration will find this book both motivating and insightful.
Pages: 227 | ASIN : B0C8W4254W
Empathy, Kindness, and Acceptance
Wishes Are Free: Rose O’Reilly and Grandpa follows a ten-year-old girl whose best friend moves 2000 miles away, and she worries she will never have another friend like her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Wishes Are Free came through the back door. It began as short stories I wrote for fun and read to my neighbor who is developmentally disabled. She loved them and I thought, I might have something here. I strung those stories together and added more, and the result is Wishes Are Free.
I knew I wanted to write a story about friendship. Losing your lifelong best friend would set the quest for a new best friend in motion. I thought it would be cool for Rose to discover, on the way to finding a new best friend, that marginalized kids make excellent friends too.
Rose learns that there are different kinds of friends in each person’s life, grandparents, classmates, and even animals. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Empathy, Kindness, and Acceptance. Wishes Are Free is part biographical. As children often are, I was misunderstood at times, as Rose is when she wants to help a classmate who suffers abuse at home. I drew on those memories, those feelings of frustration when my motives were misunderstood.
I hope that young readers will recognize themselves in Rose’s acts of kindness, in her acceptance of kids who are different, and feel validated.
Rose is autonomous, too. Grandpa shares his wisdom but always leaves it up to her what to do with his advice. I want kids to identify with Rose’s struggles and present a model who seeks help but believes in herself, as well.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Rose’s friendship with Grandpa demonstrates how talking out your problems is a positive, results-oriented path to finding solutions. Asking for help is good practice for adulthood, and I hope readers will discover how you can grow close to family members when you ask for help. And encourage them to ask for help.
Wishes Are Free spotlights kindness without preaching. Rose’s big heart leads the way, and ultimately kindness pays off. Maybe not in the way you expected but it always pays off.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
The next book, Be Careful What You Wish, follows Rose into summer vacation and her quest for the third wish (a dog of her own), the only wish that didn’t come true in Wishes Are Free. It introduces Rose’s nemesis, Bea Buffett, the neighborhood fussbudget. The target date is Christmas 2024.
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“Friends are everywhere if you have a big heart and know where to look.”
It’s 1959 in California, and ten-year-old Rose O’Reilly has sworn an oath to stay friends always with her best friend from birth. Then, boom, Linney moves 2,000 miles away.
She worries that she will never find another friend like Linney and turns to Grandpa, who just lost his wife and best friend, Mawnie. They hold weekly chat cafes in the kitchen, and Rose discovers your grandpa can be your friend. Or a boy with cerebral palsy, and a lost dog, or a classmate who comes to school with unexplained bruises. Still, there’s that achy hole in her heart Linney left behind.
She wishes on Venus, the Evening Star, for a new best friend to take Linney’s place, for Grandpa to come to live with them, and for a dog. She may as well wish for a dog, too. Wishes Are Free.
Bring Peace and Love
Make the Dark Night Shine follows a gay Japanese ambassador who has a relationship with another man and a woman he meets in Constantinople, creating a chosen family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of the blessings of writing this novel is that every day it gave me a reason to reflect on my Aunt Nina Friedberg Uchida, who died in 2016. Nina was with me from the moment I was born and there was not a world without her love, her smile, her restless energy, and her optimism that we shall overcome some day. She engaged with everyone wherever they were and sought out those that were alone, needed help, or wanted to change this world. With all our current uncertainty, I feel strengthened by her guidance, commitment to the movement and struggle and her ever ready activism.
Nina never knew her Japanese father, but during a visit when she was 91-years-old, she told me that her children had discovered that in the 1930s her father had traveled from Japan to NY where she had been living with her mother. With a gleam in her eyes, she said, “I know he was looking for me.” Instantly, I had a vision of his story and why despite this journey, he did not find his daughter. I told Nina that I wanted to write this story and she unsurprisingly replied, “Alan, men are always appropriating women’s stories. I have tried to write my own story for many years. But it’s too late now, and I know I will never do it. You are a good writer, and so please do it.”
Little did she or I know the journey this story would take me on. And unfortunately, she died later that year before I had a chance to begin writing. Inspired by the little I or other family members knew about Nina’s parents’ life, I threw myself into research and the history of the times in such disparate places as Constantinople, Paris, Japan, New York, and London (Clapham) between the two world wars.
Kenzo undergoes many changes in the novel, both in his career and in what he values. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I think all characters in my novels reflect my experience in some way; certainly, my values are reflected throughout. In terms of Kenzo, I had a career working overseas for the US government, and although I did not become a Zen priest, I have been a Zen student for over a decade now. We often want to believe that spiritual leaders, like Kenzo, live impossibly perfect lives and are other than human. I wanted to show a spiritual character is continually searching, continually confronting the issues that arise for them, and is very human in their suffering, reactions, and trauma. My understanding from my Zen practice is that we all are enlightened but generally are not aware of that. For me, that means the problems of life do not stop, but my response and ability to see clearly through them brings me a peace that I did not have earlier.
The settings of the novel are places that I have visited, including Eiheiji Monastery where I participated in a meditation retreat and got a glimpse of a monk´s life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The heart of Make the Dark Night Shine is a search for family and connectedness. In my book tour, many people, straight and queer, tell me stories of their families of choice—the people with special bonds that they can count on, with whom they celebrate and grieve. I learned this from Nina, who created her own inter-connected family when she had virtually no blood relatives.
Another important theme is how do we face the ever-present existence of wars and violence in our lives. Despite their persistence, I wanted to explore what each of us can do to bring peace and love into the world. Right now in Ukraine, a Zen priest is planting trees each day, then going back to Odesa, he tends to the direct consequences of the war. He does not know if the trees will live and what the country will be like in the future, only that trees will heal the earth and give comfort to other beings.
A final important theme is queer life that is not encumbered by shame. I want to visualize a world where queer people can live out their lives without questioning their queerness.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book will be about a gay Ukrainian bootmaker from the last century, with the boots themselves giving voice to their own version of the story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Returning to the growing militarism in Japan, Kenzo finds an unexpected path in Zen Buddhism. Yet no teachings prepare him for the revelations to come — about his life, his loves, and the events around him. On the eve of WWII, he discovers that he has a daughter living with Elisa in New York. He leaves the monastery on a perilous mission to promote peace with a secret plan to reunite with his daughter Nina.
Cinematic in scope, this novel lyrically captures the world on the brink of war. As Kenzo builds — and fights for — his chosen family, larger forces threaten all. Sweeping, meditative, and achingly beautiful, Make the Dark Night Shine explores the many worlds a life can inhabit, and the hidden worlds we find in ourselves.
Delve Deeper Into Relationships
Growing Up, Rocky is a poignant journey through your childhood in rural Australia, revealing the profound impact of family dynamics and life’s tumultuous waves on shaping one’s character and destiny. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to show the backstory and intimate behind-the-scenes of a prominent, public family. You cannot judge others until you know their full story.
How did your family’s missionary background and rural Australia influence your perspective on life and relationships?
Watching my parents give their time, energy and love to others was inspirational. Later, even though I knew we were loved, I also realised that our family always came second, as an afterthought.
Looking back, what do you believe is the most significant lesson you learned from the challenges and experiences of your youth?
I learned to back myself, and that anything was achievable. I had two hands and a brain, the same as everyone else. How hard can it be?
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
To believe in yourself, be resilient and follow your dream. Delve deeper into relationships with your family. Things are not always as they seem. Perhaps there were reasons for neglect, as my parents also struggled with their own demons of depression and loneliness.
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This is the true story of the youngest daughter of a Sydney couple living at Lockhart River Mission for 9 years, raising their children within an Aboriginal village of five tribes.
Conceived on Cape York, and finally moving to Rockhampton as a young child. A family tragedy in 1971 with the shocking death of brother Chris, two days before a family wedding, sees the upheaval of family life.
Patty feels abandoned and has to educate and raise herself as well as learn to iron a cassock!
Patty brings herself up with her distracted parents, marries young and then flees a violent marriage. Patty dreamed of a bigger life than what was offered in her sleepy country town. Life became a series of ground-breaking adventures, and we follow her turbulent relationships and jobs, learning how to survive.
Share her adventures in this gentle, humorous and insightful early memoir.
Anna’s Shadow
In Anna’s Shadow, by Ingrid McCarthy, readers are introduced to Sofia Rossi, an orthopedic surgeon working with Doctors Without Borders. Originally from Montreal, Sofia’s life takes a turn when she moves to Verona to care for her ailing aunt. The narrative deepens with the arrival of a letter from Luke Miller, a retired German soldier, expressing his longing to reunite with Anna Bissoli, a woman he met years ago. Sofia, no stranger to heartbreak herself, finds her personal struggles intertwined with Luke’s quest.
McCarthy crafts a tale that is not just about the search for Anna but also explores the complexities of love and familial expectations. Sofia’s mother’s pressure for her to marry adds another layer to the story, creating a relatable dilemma. The character of Luke Miller is particularly striking, with his enduring love for Anna creating a poignant depth in the narrative. One of the novel’s highlights is its rich cultural tapestry. McCarthy skillfully weaves Italian phrases and expressions throughout the story, enhancing the authenticity of the setting and characters. Readers will find themselves engaged in the depiction of familial dynamics, particularly the drama surrounding Sofia’s mother. The novel also delves into a budding romance between Luke’s son, Romeo, and Sofia, which provides an intriguing twist to the storyline. As a romance novel enthusiast, I found the development of their relationship, along with the inclusion of love letters and romantic moments, particularly captivating.
Anna’s Shadow stands out for its vivid imagery and compelling setting, particularly appealing to readers who appreciate narratives set in the 20th century. Ingrid McCarthy’s writing style is both engaging and evocative, making her a noteworthy addition to my list of favored romance authors. This book is a testament to the enduring power of love and the complexities of human relationships, making it a worthy read for those who cherish a well-rounded love story.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B0CKMCLGZH
The Soul Family: A Guide to Karmic Relationships, Soulmates, Soul Tribes, and Twin Flames
The Soul Family, by Alexx Shaw, offers a compelling exploration into the intricacies of spirituality, presenting a blend of scientific concepts and spiritual teachings. Shaw delves into the microscopic foundations of human existence, drawing parallels between our physical composition and the nature of our interpersonal connections. The book serves as an enlightening guide for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of the ego and other spiritual aspects, with a particular focus on the Twin Flame dynamic. Shaw articulates the complexities of this concept, highlighting the intense pursuit of connection and the underlying desire for control often masked as patience.
Shaw’s work also sheds light on lesser-known spiritual terms, such as ‘false flames,’ and offers a clear explanation of various dimensional states, including the often-misunderstood 3D, 4D, and 5D realms. Her exploration into the fifth dimension is especially enlightening for those curious about this advanced state of consciousness. A key element of Shaw’s narrative is the concept of Core Karmic Lessons, which she attributes to familial influences from early human incarnations. She skillfully breaks down these lessons, which center on self-worth, self-love, and non-attachment, providing an in-depth discussion on each.
Additionally, Shaw introduces the reader to the holographic principle, suggesting the universe as an illusory construct. This revelation might require a second reading for full absorption and has the potential to shift one’s worldview significantly. The book also touches upon the Maharishi Effect, a concept that stimulates further thought and research. Shaw masterfully complements the scientific aspects of her book with engaging, relatable stories that effectively illuminate her points, enhancing the reader’s understanding and enjoyment. These narratives not only simplify complex ideas but also enhance the book’s accessibility.
The Soul Family is densely packed with information, making it a valuable resource for those interested in deepening their spiritual journey. Alexx Shaw’s work is recommended for readers eager to explore the realms of spirituality and consciousness.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0CP1R9G6Q
My Most Cherished Memories
The Christmas Lesson: Unwrapping Love and Family follows a young boy searching for his holiday gifts who is discovered by his grandmother and learns the true meaning of the holiday from her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My grandmother, Granny held a special place in my heart. She wasn’t just a grandmother; she was my best friend. Our shared love for Christmas created some of my most cherished memories. The essence of Christmas, to me, was always about spending quality time with her, whether it was decorating the house or simply having conversations about life in general.
I felt a deep desire to honor our bond, but finding the right way proved challenging over the years. It wasn’t until I noticed the increased commercialization of Christmas, with stores jumping into the festive spirit as early as October, that inspiration struck. Witnessing this trend, which seemed to overshadow Thanksgiving and dilute the true spirit of Christmas, motivated me to do my part in taking action. That’s when I decided to channel my feelings into writing a book, The Christmas Lesson: Unwrapping Love and Family. Through it, I aim to pay tribute to Granny and, more importantly, remind readers of the meaning of Christmas.
When you think about the holidays, what is your favorite childhood memory that always brings a smile to your face?
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights holds a reputation as one of the premier holiday light shows in North Carolina. Granny and I had always planned to attend, but her fear of riding on the highway, given its 45-minute distance from our home, kept us from making the trip. Instead, we created our own tradition, exploring various parts of the city and delighting in the local Christmas light displays. Those moments, filled with oohs and ahhs, forged a deep connection between us.
Despite numerous invitations from friends to visit Tanglewood over the years, I consistently declined or came up with an excuse, holding out for the day I could share it with Granny. Sadly, that day never came as she passed away on November 4, 2010. It wasn’t until December 2016, when my daughter Haelee was nine, that I finally experienced Tanglewood for the first time. The beauty of the lights left both of us utterly amazed. Keyshia Cole’s song “Sent From Heaven” began to play on the radio just as we pulled up. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt Granny’s presence with us as Haelee stared out the window in amazement. It became clear to me that my first visit to Tanglewood wasn’t meant to be with Granny and I, it was meant to be a shared experience with Granny, Haelee, and myself.
What message do you hope children and families take away from your story?
The underlying message is that the true gift of the season lies in moments shared with family while honoring Gods sacrifices in Christian households like mine. A similar sentiment holds true for non-Christian households, in that The Christmas Lesson emphasizes that the most valuable gifts life offers are the love that exudes from family and friends.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The title is still in the works but Lamar will return in an upcoming book that focuses on mental health in children. The release date and title are uncertain because my current focus is on supporting Haelee. We’re collaborating on her debut poetry book. My goal in that sense is to ensure that her poetry book takes center stage as we enter 2024, particularly since it marks our first attempt at such a project.
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“Almost There, but Not Quite”
Marginal Madge: Always on the Edge follows a spirited, young cook whose dreams are derailed by a health challenge as she strives to navigate family dynamics and rekindle old love while uncovering life-altering family secrets. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My story was vaguely based on the life of one of my friends. She has always intrigued me with her calm/funny participation in life, even in the face of many challenges; she is an inspiration. I took what was a foundation for the story and then enhanced it into a purely fictional story, steering it straight into the “happy” place.
What inspired the unique name and character of Marginal Madge, and how does it reflect her journey throughout the novel?
Always on the edge. Always just in reach of the dream. Always situated right on the margin – Marginal. Madge just seemed to flow off my tongue; thus, Marginal Madge. I knew my character was going to be “almost there, but not quite” in this first book of the series…but with a little God guidance in her life, she was going to have adventure after adventure, and joyfully obtain her innermost desires. (Books 2-5)
The book intertwines Marginal’s passion for cooking with her personal life challenges. How did you decide to incorporate the culinary arts as a significant element in her story?
In my own family, cooking was a part of what made the house a home. Everyone always joined in and felt like a part of it, involved with it…which made for much laughter and creativity. I felt like Marginal needed something that brought her much joy and was received well by others…cooking, of course.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Marginal Madge Steps Over the Line. This second book in the series is tucked into the midst of several projects that I am currently involved with. Composing music swallows a large portion of my time; always surrounded with people and deadlines. Writing books is where I can be creative in a different, much quieter way. Love the alone time! She’ll be finished soon.
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Impossibly withered lives begin to come alive, when an old miserly woman makes the self-satisfied decision to hire an individual who has the uncanny ability to find dry humor in the most ridiculous of circumstances.As life seems to pass her by, Marginal Madge strengthens her gifts, rolls with the punches, moves herself into new territory, and finds out that her life is, in fact, being guided with impeccable direction.
Marginal Madge, Alice Turbantine, Augustus the Cat, Henry the accountant, Gabe, Theodore J McCallahan, and the rest of the cast are all in for a surprise. Their stories will intersect … and find healing, when the miserly old Alice Turbantine, makes that critical decision to hire our Marginal Madge. It will change everything … for many people … especially Marginal.
LITERARY TITAN 