Blog Archives
Delaware from Railways to Freeways: First State, Second Phase
Delaware from Railways to Freeways by Dave Tabler is a captivating exploration of the state’s history, focusing on the period from 1800 to 1907. It’s the second installment in a three-part series that sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of Delaware’s past. This book is a treasure trove of intriguing facts about the people, places, and ideas that have shaped Delaware. The skillful pairing of these facts with illustrations and fascinating photographs makes it a delightful read for anyone residing in Delaware. History enthusiasts, in particular, will revel in the abundance of unusual facts associated with the state.
Tabler introduces readers to a wealth of information, from the development of railways to the emergence of freeways, unveiling lesser-known facets of Delaware’s history. Notably, he delves into the unique Delaware tradition of Return Day, providing insights into its origins. Additionally, he explores valuable resources found in Delaware, such as the versatile Bald Cypress Tree, which played a pivotal role in various aspects of daily life. One captivating highlight in the book is the development of Duck decoys during the early 19th century and its intriguing connection to steamboats and punt guns in Delaware. Such revelations add depth and intrigue to the state’s historical tapestry. While the book brims with captivating facts, images, and illustrations, I would’ve liked a more explicit connection between these fascinating tidbits and their unique significance within Delaware’s history. Such contextualization could have elevated the book from feeling like a trivia collection to a more engaging historical exploration.
Delaware from Railways to Freeways offers readers a captivating journey through Delaware’s lesser-known history. It is an excellent choice for those who relish reading about unusual facts and harbor a passion for history, even if it occasionally leans toward trivia. This book provides a valuable contribution to understanding Delaware’s rich heritage.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B0C9NKB828
How I Became the Real-Life Nurse Jackie
In Lyndsey Kay’s epistolary novel, How I Became the Real-Life Nurse Jackie, readers are invited to traverse the multifaceted journey of a nurse, presented through a series of deeply personal diary entries. The protagonist’s complex upbringing and challenges pave the way for a narrative that is both raw and resonant.
The novel commences with the musings of a nurse who exudes bitterness before diving into the chronicle that marks the inception of her life. Spanning her years as a schoolgirl and a teenager, readers are provided an unfiltered window into her evolving thoughts, experiences, motivations, and passions. The book metamorphoses into an intimate diary, illustrating the passage of time through shifts in thinking patterns and a mosaic of human emotions.
The chosen format for the narrative is remarkably fitting. Diary entries facilitate a closer bond between the reader and the protagonist, enhancing empathy toward her struggles. This style of narration crafts an environment that makes it easy to acknowledge the hurdles she faces. The reader embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, resilience, and adaptation, guided by a character who plans, recalibrates, and faces life’s many obstacles head-on.
Kay does not shy away from delving into serious and somber themes such as unplanned pregnancies, unstable relationships and marriages, homelessness, and a growing addiction. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of a human being touching the depths of existence and the sparse glimmers of hope to climb out.
How I Became the Real-Life Nurse Jackie succeeds in portraying a stark reality that resonates with many. Despite the dark nature of the topics explored, the prose is accessible and inviting, compelling the reader to immerse themselves in understanding a life path not often articulated. By the end of this stirring read, one is left with a deeper sense of empathy and a greater appreciation for the shared human experience.
This novel is more than just a tale of trials and tribulations; it’s a celebration of resilience and an examination of the human condition. Engaging, heartfelt, and filled with wisdom, How I Became the Real-Life Nurse Jackie stands as a beacon for all those seeking to understand life’s complexities through the eyes of someone who has truly lived them.
Pages: 153 | ASIN : B0C9VXSH4L
Mental Health Mayday
Mental Health Mayday: A Firefighter’s Survival Guide from Recruit through Retirement is a revolutionary work by author Gregg Bagdade that extensively explores the oft-neglected topic of mental health in the arduous field of firefighting. Bagdade, leveraging his profound experiences as a paramedic, firefighter, and trained counselor, illuminates the unseen hardships and psychological tolls endured by these brave professionals.
Bagdade’s personal anecdotes form the core of this literary masterpiece, enabling readers to intimately connect with the author and his peers on a profoundly human level. In a society where we may primarily focus on our health and safety, this book serves as a poignant reminder that the professionals safeguarding our lives are humans, too, subject to the same emotional strains and stressors. Bagdade candidly discusses how the nature of their profession may sometimes leave them at a loss when grappling with emotional adversities.
One particularly affecting account is the tragic loss of one of Bagdade’s friends and colleagues. He poignantly conveys the initial grieving process he and his wife underwent, which gradually evolved into a collective grieving as other couples joined them. They found solace in mutual support, recalling shared memories, and speaking openly about the painful loss. This experience underscored for Bagdade the profound importance of mental health in his professional community, and it catalyzed his journey to becoming a counselor.
Mental Health Mayday sparks an essential dialogue about the significance of mental well-being in professional spheres. This is particularly critical for vocations like firefighting, where individuals regularly encounter the harsh realities of human suffering, loss, and tragedy. The importance of managing these experiences, especially when one’s role is to serve and protect, cannot be overstated. This book, I firmly believe, is a crucial step towards fostering a future of increased awareness and compassion within such challenging fields.
I recommend Mental Health Mayday to anyone aspiring to be a paramedic, doctor, or firefighter or simply seeking a deeply moving narrative. Gregg Bagdade, with this book and his life’s work, has made an immense contribution, perhaps even more than he comprehends. He has equipped his peers with tools to navigate the inherent trials of their professions and has laid the foundation for future generations of firefighters. Bagdade’s unflagging dedication and resilience are indeed commendable. Figures like him, who make a significant difference one step at a time within their communities, are the torchbearers leading us toward a more empathetic world.
Pages: 110 | ISBN-10 : 1957354224
Delaware’s Wonderful Cultural Contributions
Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond Among the States shares the rich and fascinating history of the little state of Delaware. What made you write a book about this topic? Anything pulled from your life experiences?
Because of Delaware’s diminutive size, a lot of non-Delawareans either have a very limited view of the state or draw a blank altogether. Some think of us first for tax-free shopping. Others for our fabulous beaches. Still, others think of Delaware as the place where corporations incorporate. All of which are true. And all of which are only a sliver of the whole picture. I wanted to tell a fuller story about Delaware. I think of the First State as the mustard seed in the eponymous Biblical parable. Though in the geographic scheme of things we are tiny, from our wee 3 counties have sprung a host of influential people (a president, actors, musicians, scientists, etc), inventions (nylon, ATMs), and influences on Americana (log cabins as we know them originated here, not in the Land of Lincoln). From my own experience: I worked in NYC for a number of years and was always startled by how uninformed New Yorkers often were about Delaware heritage. It was at such odds with what I knew about the place. So this book is an attempt to give the reader an “Oh! I didn’t realize that!” moment about Delaware’s wonderful cultural contributions.
History texts sometimes will overwhelm readers with too many facts, or they are told in a sterile manner. You have managed to create an entertaining and educational book. What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I love that you see in my book both entertainment and educational value. It’s tricky to balance the two audiences. On the one hand, I research my topics deeply, aiming to use primary sources and come up with fresh historic interpretations of those topics. My book’s been accepted into the permanent collections of both the Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware Historical Society. So I’ve succeeded with that demanding group of historians. On the other hand, I don’t want to get bogged down in endless footnotes and citations. I want to offer up a page-turner. Many of my readers are vacationers from other places who come to the beaches in the summer. They want to be entertained on their vacation.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My 8th-grade geography teacher, Mr. Jarboe. He intuitively knew that history would be a grinding chore to middle school students if it wasn’t presented in a funny, energetic, surprising way. He was one of those storytellers whose eyes lit up the room as he unfolded his tales. Being in his presence was magical. If I can capture a fraction of his essence in my books, I’ll have honored his memory.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
That history is full of surprises!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Overcoming Adversity
Mangrove Sands–The Enchanted Sea World: The Epic Journey follows five children with challenges who are brought together to go on an undersea adventure together. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration for The Epic Journey came to me when I discovered I was going to be a first-time grandma. I wrote this book for my beautiful Australian grandson who has a Swedish heritage.
All the characters in this magical story are engaging and interesting. What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
Every new character added to each book is interesting in their own unique way. Saige is a Swedish girl who struggles accepting her leg was amputated. My favourite scene would be when Saige has built her confidence with support from the Enchanted Seaworld and friends and overcomes her fears and declares she no longer needs her magical leg.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
There were several important educational aspects in this book such as environment and overcoming adversity. However, the most important for me was for children to be open to learn and respect other cultures.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I am currently at the tail end of writing my fourth book of the series taking the readers and characters to the origins of the Enchanted Seaworld, a world in a fourth dimension.
Author Links: Facebook | Amazon
A young Swedish girl has recently had her leg amputated. She struggles to accept the loss of her leg and has no interest in making new friends or attempting to walk until she meets her Enchanted Sea World friends and her life is changed forever. She starts doing things she never thought possible. She shows her friends how to make Dala horses, bake Swedish buns, and join in traditional Swedish celebrations.
Mangrove Sands–The Enchanted Sea World: The Epic Journey is full of magical adventures in the Enchanted Sea World including surviving a cyclone, a pandemic, and the realm of horrors. Magical spoons, a magical sea god, a wedding, and a death will keep young minds curious and captivated.
This book is full of fun, adventure, and many magical moments. It aims to provide hope and inspiration to children around the globe and encourages children to embrace, respect, and learn about other cultures and languages. It further encourages children to exercise humility, love, and understanding to all.
Scorn as a Shield
Wings of Death follows an embittered woman who, after being gifted a scarab beetle broach, is inflicted with the curse of the pharaoh and must find a cure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always loved mythology and ancient legends.
It was in my teens I first read of Howard Carter’s expedition in 1923 to find King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Funded by Lord Carnarvon, many of the artifacts found are on display at the present Earl’s home, which many people will know as the magnificent house used in Downton Abbey.
I was fascinated by the events that followed. Many of the people in the expedition took ill and died after either entering the tombs or handling the artifacts. This caused many people to jump to the conclusion that King Tutankhamun’s tomb was cursed.
However, this wasn’t a new idea. Many ghost stories about a mummy’s curse had been written as far back as the 17th Century.
This was the inspiration for my story.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Cassandra Bain. What was your process to bring that character to life?
Cassandra Bain was the most challenging character I’ve written. My idea was for Leigh to give her the scarab to replace her heart, the same as the Ancient Egyptians did when mummifying a body. The story revolved around her heartlessness and her disdain for everyone. She had to be heartless, otherwise, the main theme of the story didn’t work. However, she actually used her scorn as a shield. Her character is complex. Self-assured and disdainful to the world but, in private, crumbling inside. Her miscarriages and her failing marriage had destroyed her more than she was willing to admit.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
This book involved quite a lot of varied research, firstly on Howard Carter’s expedition in 1923 to find King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Also on various poisons, bacteria, and mold.
Scarab beetles held as much importance in Egyptian religion as the cross is in Christianity. Researching this subject was vital. It was believed the scarab was born spontaneously and so became the representation of the sun. At death, when a body was mummified, the internal organs had to be removed. They were stored separately in jars, as the heart, in particular, had to be weighed by Osiris, the verdict recorded by Thoth on the Day of Judgement. In place of the heart in the mummified body, they placed a scarab.
The scarab Leigh gives Cassandra was supposed to come from the tomb of Imhotep, who was a great doctor and magician and revered as the god of healing. In the 3rd Dynasty, Imhotep was a sage to King Djoser, and a god of healing in his own lifetime. Educated by the Sumerians, he was a man of great medical knowledge and was thought to be a great magician.
Cassandra is a fashion designer, and I enjoyed researching the fashions of the 1950s. I also bring music and other factors such as movies, books, and flowers into my stories.
Wings of Death travels from Melbourne, Australia to London, Paris, Rome, and Cairo. Research had to be done about those cities in the 1950s.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book to be released on 10th September 2023 is another cosy ghost story. In fact, although the story has two ghosts in it, it isn’t scary. One ghost is a main character. It’s more of a mystery and a second-chance love story. It’s set in Australia, in Queensland, in the outback town of Charters Towers. Its title is The Cook, the Ghost, and Her Sister.
Following this, my first three books in The Thornton Mysteries are being re-released this year, all with new covers. Books four and five will follow early next year.
I have started research for another thriller, following Wings of Death. It will hopefully be ready for release in the latter half of 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon | Linktree
Then Leigh introduces her to Peter Trembath, a professor of Egyptology, who tells her about a pharaoh’s curse. Cassandra wonders if her scarab beetle is cursed, given that it was found in the tomb of Imhotep, a revered doctor and magician, who became known as the god of healing.
Soon afterward, Cassandra reads a headline in a London newspaper announcing the death of an Egyptologist, claiming that the curse of the pharaohs has struck again. From this moment forward, Cassandra is led through a maze of betrayal and murder.
Arcanus
In Ali K. Eke’s thrilling debut novel, Arcanus, fantasy, and science fiction genres coalesce, creating an innovative landscape where science and magic coexist, albeit via a strained relationship. This tension is navigated by the Bastion, an organization with the challenging task of maintaining equilibrium, ensuring no entity gains overpowering dominance.
Our protagonist, 18-year-old Kibo Kozlov, ambitiously aspires to follow his father’s legacy as a mage within the Bastion. However, his lack of overt magical abilities is an obstacle he can’t seem to overcome. On the brink of abandoning his dreams, an unexpected encounter with a mysterious artifact reignites his hope, revealing latent capabilities within him. This discovery invokes the question: could Kozlov hold the answer to averting a potentially catastrophic war?
One of the most commendable aspects of Arcanus is Eke’s prowess in crafting a vibrant and credible world steeped in extensive history spanning millennia. The depth of the lore is astonishing for a debut novel, constructing a world that feels authentic and lived-in, despite its fantastical elements.
Kozlov, while fitting the familiar “Chosen One” trope, is a compelling protagonist. His occasional stereotypical traits are balanced by his tenacity and humility. His unfolding powers lend the narrative a coming-of-age quality as Kozlov’s development and maturation take center stage.
The plot captivates the reader with its consistent entertainment value. After initial world-building, Eke focuses a significant portion of the narrative on Kozlov’s training, evolving him from an eager aspirant to the hero he yearns to become. This meticulous character development is refreshing in an era dominated by brief training montages, contributing to a sense of authenticity in Kozlov’s progression.
Eke’s prose is evocative without being overly embellished, maintaining a steady narrative pace. The story expertly interweaves action sequences with introspective character moments sprinkling in occasional humor. I would love to have seen further development of a few of the book’s subplots. However, it is important to remember that this is primarily Kozlov’s tale, and the broader series context provides ample opportunity for these subplots to unfold in future installments.
Arcanus is an exciting blend of science fiction and fantasy, and Eke has skillfully established a robust foundation for a potentially captivating series. As such, I eagerly anticipate the next installment. This novel comes highly recommended for both seasoned and budding fans of the genre.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0BLXDDWHV
Peace, Love, and Spiritual Revolution
Trippy Hippy follows a young man in 1967, the Summer of Love, who moves to San Francisco and goes on a journey of self-discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The so-called “Summer of Love” was an especially vibrant period in San Francisco instigated by drugs and rock music. It brought young people from all over the country to descend upon San Francisco along with ideals of peace, love, and spiritual evolution. It was a particularly exciting period to use as a setting for my novel.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
The character Arnie/Gator was based on my own transition from bookkeeper to full-on participant in the lifestyle of the times, but once that transition is made the events that Gator participates in are wholly from my imagination.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that I think were important are embodied by the slogan “Make Love; Not War.” The use of drugs to attain enlightenment plays a huge role in the book as well as the daily life and interactions of the characters. The idea of “free love” is introduced early in the story when Nola gives Gator a welcome to the Ashram blow job with no accompanying drama. Gator’s love and loss of Eddy brings out the pain that comes with living on the edge. Music, too, plays an important part in the lives of the characters as Gator and Wabash form a band to not only make money but to express their ideals.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’ve written the first draft of a historical novel about two boys growing up in pre-civil war West Virginia. I’m not sure when I’ll go back to it. Right now I’m working on a sort of wild boys story set in the early 1950s in Houston where I was raised. It’s called The Road to Hell, and it’s both humorous and potentially tragic as the young gang members pull off pranks that become increasingly serious in nature. I’m also considering writing a second draft of a story I wrote years ago about a drive through Mexico in an old car with a hole in the radiator called A Hundred Years of Cilantro.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Trippy Hippy peels back the facade of Adler’s Ashram to expose the daily lives of its occupants. Wabash Jones, musician and future rock star, Nola and Victor Granola, apartment managers and social magnets, Jeepster Joe, adventurer, and teen boy seducer, and Gracie Fontana, Wabash’s doll-like sweetheart. This acid-splashed tell-all by Gator lays bare the hippy lifestyle during that remarkable year known as The Summer of Love.
LITERARY TITAN 