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The Wealth of the Great Kingdom
The Wealth of the Great Kingdom by Sezgin Ismailov is a remarkable and unique book that imparts profound wisdom and philosophical truths about life. Within the enchanting setting of a fantasy kingdom under the rule of a benevolent and visionary king, readers are taken on an extraordinary journey. The protagonist, Prince Max, embarks on a captivating quest to explore neighboring realms and unravel the secrets of a successful state. In his quest, he establishes schools catering to individuals of diverse social backgrounds and recruits capable teachers to empower the kingdom’s citizens. Prince Max’s noble ambition is to create a flourishing society where educated individuals can contribute to their country’s growth based on their unique skills and talents. Along this inspiring journey, he encounters the enchanting Mary, and their blossoming relationship adds a captivating layer of romance to the narrative. Will Prince Max succeed in achieving his ambitions while simultaneously embracing true love?
For avid readers interested in politics and statecraft, this book offers a wealth of thought-provoking insights. Its exploration of the fundamental elements that contribute to a prosperous and harmonious kingdom is truly captivating. The focus on education and the country’s orderly nature presents an alluring contrast to the contemporary Western democratic landscape. Moreover, the narrative possesses an enchanting fairy tale quality that will surely delight fantasy enthusiasts.
It is worth mentioning that while the characters play a significant role in exploring profound philosophical concepts, a deeper level of development would have further enhanced their relatability. At times, they felt somewhat constrained and solely used as vehicles for philosophical ideas. The writing style bears a distinctive flair, and the vivid descriptions of the environment and architectural wonders within the kingdom allowed me to immerse myself in the story.
The Wealth of the Great Kingdom can be embraced as an uplifting guide for cultivating moral thoughts and actions that ultimately lead to personal success. Sezgin beautifully demonstrates that true wealth and power are not prerequisites for achieving one’s goals; rather, authentic happiness stems from embracing moral values.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0BL3TVX54
Writing Is Learning
Tangled Iron Cages on the Prairie follows three people living in a farm town in Illinois during the ‘50s and ‘60s and the events that shape them into who they are. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in Illinois farm country and knew individuals like them. Jennifer is seeking her freedom from the iron cages of the farm life. As with many farm kids, she wants to escape, and college is her path out. In her search, she discovers that she is bound to different iron cages and her freedom is to choose her own iron cage which limits and guides her in what she can do. She is a strong person who does not readily accept the traditions of the countryside. As one example, she writes her own marriage vows which eliminate “obey.” She searches to define her own life and follow her own path.
Bob, Jennifer’s boyfriend and later husband, wants to escape with a good job where he can live in a city with a picture show. Intellectually, he does not understand iron cages, but experiences limitations on what he can. After his best friend’s tragic death, college and a practical engineering degree is his escape. He takes life much as it is given without deep introspection, but with limited curiosity. He has his moments of awe and amazement as his infinite tower – a Babel if you will, leading to a discussion of sin. When trapped, he cannot break out.
Helen, Jennifer’s mother is a strong, determined, self-centered individual by necessity as much as desire. As a single mother, her life has not been easy, more one of survival. She studied to be a nurse and is a caring professional. Helen is generous, yet domineers Jennifer. She puts no limits on how to achieve her wants, breaking norms and traditions, betraying love and acting as a cunning blackmailer.
These characters are fictional – a combination of individuals and events that I have seen and imagined. I tried to capture who these prairie folks are – both the good and bad. They are realized in the story by what they think and what they do in this place and time. The place is the Illinois farm country. The chosen time period is circa 1960, but could be most any time of the last one hundred years as the people are much the same and the movement of country folks to the city from high school through college continues. Their search for freedom by changing iron cages goes on.
Each character has hidden secrets and dreams that shape them into who they are in this story. What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Jennifer is a moral person. She knows what is right and wrong, and wants to act accordingly. In her search among her evolving iron cages she stays within the norms and traditions of the countryside. She wants to be a good Methodist even while rejecting the traditional marriage vows. Seducing the minister is not right, not to be done. She has fantasies and dreams about Paris, but accepts Peoria as it is reality. No hidden secrets, she is serious, yet grounded in her search for freedom.
Bob has a hidden relationship with Helen, Jennifer’s mother. It is immoral in the country side traditions and he knows it. Yet, he won’t face it head on and do anything about it. Perhaps that is the greater immorality; he is too weak to take the risk and possible consequences of what might happen if revealed. Without action, he knows he is likely to lose Jennifer’s love and their dream of a better life away from Plainsboro. His iron cage is self-imposed and he is trapped in his own immorality.
Helen, Jennifer’s mother, betrays Jennifer’s love and blackmails Bob without remorse. She takes her own selfishness to realize what she wants, ignoring the consequences for people she loves. Rather, she feeds on her control of others to their detriment and ultimately her own. She may be narcissistic, but surely is an evil bitch.
There are traditions and norms of behavior which are time-honored on the prairie, providing some guardrails. Morals are individual as I have tried to capture. There are events and experiences particular to the countryside which foster individual actions and morals. Nonetheless, morality is personal here.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
First, I try to develop a good relationship with the reader. I would like for the reader to join me in this journey of writing while reading. I want the reader to imagine and project while reading. Both of us want to be entertained, intrigued, and surprised. Humor is one bridge. Together we must feel the emotions of the characters and why they struggle and fail, yet laugh at themselves, feel pain, and also smile.
Second, writing is learning – here, about myself and what it is to be from the farm. Writing is a journey of searching. You never know what you will write or experience until you do it. You feel the character’s joy and pain. I want to honor my homeland and reveal my respect for the folks of the prairie.
On a different dimension, I wanted to learn and understand what it is to write fiction and the process of publication. There are many books with good advice on how to write. For me, the Nike tagline, “Just Do It,” works. Then the process of rewriting, editing, thinking more deeply about how characters feel and what they do and why, and finding a publisher who is supportive is very interesting. In the end, you have to have fun and keep your sense of humor – and imagination.
What is the next story that you’re writing and when will it be published?
I am writing a sequel to Tangled Iron Cages on the Prairie. Bob and Jennifer are there, as well as Paul, the Methodist minister. Jennifer breaks out with PhD studies. She has a baby who is the next generation beyond the farm. Jennifer and her daughter are the main characters who have complicated adventures and relationships.
Midwest people are city folks as well. The interplay among ministers, professors, farmers and Europeans explores what is the Midwest of this later generation. At the same time, the story is still anchored in the Midwest plain.
It is a new book that can be experienced independent of Tangled, or not. Either way, I am enjoying the journey of writing and learning to engage the reader as writer.
While keeping my sense of humor and with luck, it will be published in late 2024. Deadlines, even personal ones, are mandatory.
Author Links: GoodReads
Bob, a student engineer lost in his infinities; daughter Jennifer, an emerging college intellectual in her search for freedom; mother Helen, a nurse with a past: all struggle individually and together on journeys from high school to college through iron cages of hope and disappointment to find who they are and want to become – and whether or not they will find love.
In Tangled Iron Cages on the Prairie, Cecil Homer explores the everyday humor and trauma of life in a direct sparse Midwest style to probe: tragedy, farm values, college experience, religion, deception, sex, blackmail, and troubled love in the 50s-60s transition on the Illinois farm plain.
Harvest
Harvest by Richard Scharine is an exquisite anthology of short stories that deftly explore the breadth and depth of human existence across the expanse of time and space. Each narrative within this collection, from the somber depths of “The Peacemaker” to the poignant despair in “VICKI… and the Whispering Children,” holds its own distinctive essence. Collectively, they form a vibrant mosaic of human experience, a testament to Scharine’s masterful storytelling.
Scharine’s Harvest is a complex anthology, an inviting smorgasbord of literary delights that explores the spectrum of life’s experiences: joy, sorrow, victory, and loss. Each narrative resonates with intricate themes and arresting characters, akin to a well-orchestrated symphony.
Scharine’s narrative genius shines in his adept manipulation of temporal settings. In “The Bulbeaters,” he whisks the reader away to a realm steeped in familial history and enduring customs, crafting a harmonious blend of historical fiction and cultural nuance. Conversely, “VICKI… and the Whispering Children” plunges the reader into a chilling, gothic backdrop teeming with mystery and concealed truths.
The author’s aptitude for character creation is striking. The fraught dynamics in “Submitted for Your Consideration” and the vivid portrayal of Vicki, a dancer ensnared in a supernatural quandary, all speak to Scharine’s skill in crafting authentic characters that span the gamut of human sentiment.
Harvest may not cater to readers in search of light, carefree literature. Scharine’s works dive into profound, often bleak themes and his distinctive prose—poetic, meticulously detailed, and richly metaphorical—may pose a challenge to some.
Nonetheless, these potential obstacles do not diminish the reward of reading Harvest. Each story invites contemplation on life’s essence, the gravity of choices, and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. Scharine’s narratives, firmly rooted in reality yet touched with a hint of the fantastical, resonate profoundly with readers ready to delve into the complexities of the human condition.
Harvest serves as a noteworthy display of Scharine’s literary craftsmanship, offering narratives as diverse and layered as life itself. It promises an engrossing journey for readers who value introspective and intellectually stimulating literature.
Pages: 154 | ISBN: 1639888845
Tangled Iron Cages on the Prairie
Bob, Jennifer, and Helen possess a profound understanding of life within the confines of a small, prairie town. While the close-knit community offers its advantages, Bob is burdened by the incessant rumors and scandalous conjecture that follow him following a near-fatal accident. Despite Helen’s esteemed reputation as a nurse, she is well aware that her past harbors certain secrets that some astute individuals may uncover. Jennifer finds herself caught between the realm she has explored at college and the duty to remain close to her mother. As they traverse through life, both as a unit and as individuals, Jennifer frequently reminds them that existence, in all its forms, resembles an iron cage, and genuine liberation lies in the ability to shape one’s own destiny.
In Tangled Iron Cages on the Prairie by Cecil Homer, this intricate narrative unfurls the tale of Bob and Jennifer during their final years in high school and the subsequent college experiences while intricately delving into their unique connections with Helen. The backdrop of a rural Illinois prairie town in the late 1950s conjures a bygone way of life imbued with a surreal quality. Homer skillfully portrays their existence as simultaneously vapid and all-encompassing. The story adeptly shifts perspectives among all three characters, yet it is Bob who emerges as the driving force behind the plot. His enigmatic past hinted at but never overtly revealed, along with his intricate relationships with both women, renders him the most captivating character within these pages.
A recurring theme that resonates profoundly throughout this narrative is the notion that freedom is but an illusion. Each character grapples with this idea, often oblivious to its profound impact on their own lives. Despite Jennifer’s frequent elucidation, she remains the sole individual who seems to grasp the full implications of this concept. Buried within these pages lies an undeniably extraordinary and enthralling story, yet the narrative structure often reads more akin to an instructional manual than a work of fiction. Furthermore, the language employed is excessively formal and stilted, deviating significantly from authentic dialogue. Regrettably, these factors detract from the book’s poignant moments and dilute the genuine humanity of its characters. However, it is worth noting that Homer’s unconventional choice for the book’s conclusion exhibits a commendable audacity, despite its departure from traditional norms.
Tangled Iron Cages on the Prairie by Cecil Homer is a compelling look at life in the 50’s and 60’s in the Midwest state of Illinois. This blend of themes from family values, life in a farming community, religion, sex, and blackmail make this first novel by the author one readers will be drawn into. Despite some of the drawbacks, this is a wonderful story to pick up and travel back in time to a different way of life.
Pages: 152 | ASIN : B0B6GL3GGT
Closer
If you have an affinity for love affairs brimming with tempestuous intensity, then Closer by Jeffery Wiederkehr is certain to provide a profoundly captivating reading experience. With its scenic backdrop nestled in southern California’s beautiful desert, this tale delves into a profound exploration of yearning and the ultimate anguish of heartbreak. The characters, much like the landscape surrounding them, persistently seek profound and enduring nourishment in the realm of love, yet remain tragically “always and forever shattered.”
Through vivid imagery, intricate characterization, and bold sexual description, Wiederkehr builds a rich story of the complicated lives of his characters as they struggle with extremely real dilemmas. What transpires when the embers of affection for one’s spouse fade, replaced by an irresistible desire for a captivating and mysterious Other? Can one choose between true, passionate love and familial obligations, or does the heart relinquish such decisions? And what becomes of the lovers when their clandestine liaison inevitably reaches its bittersweet end?
In an era where many writers strive to cater to fleeting attention spans, it is truly refreshing to discover an author like Wiederkehr, who possesses a profound love for language and wields it with remarkable skill. Though some may find his prose occasionally bordering on the grandiose, it undeniably serves as a poignant vehicle for expressing the vast depths of the narrator’s emotions. For instance, one passage encapsulates the narrator’s turmoil vividly: “My hurt rips through the forest of my mind, leaving behind a trail of smoke and ash that suffocates me. I find myself immersed in visions of Bambi and Thumper, fleeing from my presence amidst an orchestrated cacophony of strings.” The scenes devoid of throbbing, burning, and dripping bodies occasionally feel somewhat secondary, seemingly existing solely to propel the plot toward the next passionate encounter. Even the depiction of seemingly mundane elements, such as the exterior of a house, brims with florid emotions, as the protagonist’s “gloveless hands unwittingly curse and taint the very grain of the wood.”
Closer by Jeffery Wiederkeh is well-written and adept at drawing a response from the reader. It describes the kind of depth of feeling for which every human yearns.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0C2W38XFZ
Dreams of Arcadia
Dreams of Arcadia, by Brian Porter, is the story of one man’s journey to begin anew following the divorce that wrecked his confidence and broke his spirit. Nate is offered a position assisting in a veterinary clinic far from his home in the city. In need of a change of scenery and looking for a fresh start, he accepts but finds his confidence is shaky at best. As he navigates a world that should not be all that different from the one to which he is accustomed, Nate also faces his past and lingering questions about his father. The townspeople’s awkward silence at the mere mention of his father’s name speaks volumes. Starting over after his divorce is going to be more difficult than Nate could have imagined when he left the city.
Nate Holub is Porter’s main character, and he carries the book effortlessly. His angst is at the forefront of the story and remains a driving force throughout the plot. Porter has mastered the art of delivering for readers a likable, relatable character–a single father coping with the biggest change of his life. Readers will be drawn to Nate’s open and honest dialogues, both with others and with himself.
Nate’s mother dotes on him, wanting only the best. Many readers will shake their heads in agreement as they share in his pain. He wants nothing more than to be left alone to process his grief and start over, and his mother’s insistence that he get back out there is something readers will find highly relatable. Porter hits all the marks with Nate’s character.
I was especially taken with the delicate way in which Porter introduces the mystery surrounding Nate’s father. He has created the ideal lead into Nate’s father and his history. Again, Porter nails the family dynamic and the secrets found tucked within. Nate’s curiosity about his family’s past and his personal struggle to fit in at the veterinary clinic create the perfect storm and a fantastic main character.
Dreams of Arcadia is an engaging work of contemporary fiction with a gripping mystery that keeps readers hooked through the entire novel. Porter’s down-to-earth characters, immersive dialogue, and masterful storytelling make this a must-read. I recommend Porter’s work to anyone looking for a strong male lead who simultaneously exhibits a vulnerable side. Readers will find themselves lost in Nate Holub’s world, looking alongside him for answers and a new lease on life.
Pages: 229 | ASIN : B0C6MTJD6H
A Bit Of A Scoundrel
The Palms follows a man recently out of prison who settles in a rundown trailer park where he meets a woman and her 7-year-old daughter and becomes their protector. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the story was my grandfather. He was a bit of a scoundrel as a younger man. He spent time in prison and was an alcoholic. Yet, by the time I was born, he’d cleaned up his act and was an amazingly caring and helpful man. Growing up, I heard conflicting stories that I didn’t really understand. My mother and her siblings would often talk about all the bad things he did while they were children, but I never was witness to those things. This was partially my attempt at understanding how someone can do something horrible yet be redeemed.
Ronnie did time for committing murder and had planned to live out his life quietly, that is, until Mary is kidnapped and put in danger. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I thought, “What’s the worst thing a human can do?” My answer was committing murder. So, I considered what someone can do to be redeemed for taking a life. I decided that the answer was saving a life. So, overall this is a redemptive story for both Ronnie and Clara.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes are addiction, sobriety, and redemption.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book is called – Leaders to Eden Temple, and I’m not exactly sure when it will be out. I’m still working on the first draft.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Website
LITERARY TITAN 
The Unbroken Horizon
Aug 15
Posted by Literary Titan
The Unbroken Horizon by Jenny Brav delves into the captivating journey of Sarah, a compassionate humanitarian nurse. The narrative commences in Sudan, where Sarah diligently carries out her crucial work. However, a profoundly tragic event compels her to return to her homeland, the United States. It is upon her return that Sarah seizes the opportunity to unpack her own life, embarking on a therapeutic exploration and delving into her family’s intricate history. A striking revelation awaits readers as they discover that, much like many individuals, Sarah had been employing her work as a protective shield against the tribulations of her personal life.
What distinguishes this remarkable tale is the presence of a parallel storyline intricately interwoven with Sarah’s profound voyage of self-discovery. This parallel narrative revolves around a captivating character named Maggie, whose exploits unfold against the backdrop of early 1900s America. Immersed in this facet of the story, readers encounter a plethora of historical references, particularly in relation to the experiences of Black Americans during that era. Remarkably, the novel extends beyond its primary genre by seamlessly incorporating significant historical events. The deliberate connection between historical events and the narrative grants the story a multifaceted quality that elevates it beyond the ordinary. Through this lens, readers gain insightful perspectives on historical and political events, witnessing their profound impact on the characters’ careers, relationships, and overall mental well-being. One particularly enchanting aspect of this book is its skillful infusion of poetry. Although not typically a fervent admirer of poetry, I found myself captivated by the poetic style employed, reminiscent of the profound verses released during the Harlem Renaissance. This infusion of poetic artistry adds yet another layer of historical depth, lending the story a heightened sense of authenticity and resonance.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Unbroken Horizon to anyone who relishes stories infused with historical elements or narratives that deftly intertwine parallel characters. Jenny Brav has masterfully crafted a captivating tale that enlightens readers on various historical and social perspectives, while simultaneously offering a richly layered reading experience.
Pages: 400 | ISBN: 9781639888061
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