Blog Archives
James Dean: An American Icon
When I picked up James Dean: An American Icon, I expected another glossy tribute to the Hollywood rebel who burned bright and left too soon. What I got was a detailed and surprisingly intimate look at Dean’s rise, struggles, and enduring legacy. The book walks through his early years in Indiana, his faltering start in California, his transformative move to New York, and, of course, his brief but legendary Hollywood career with East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. Brennan doesn’t shy away from Dean’s flaws, his mood swings, his stubbornness, his combative nature, but he also makes clear why Dean’s presence electrified audiences in a way that hasn’t quite been matched since.
Reading about James Dean’s close relationship with his mother, followed by the devastating impact of her death from cancer when he was only nine years old, carried a profound emotional weight. Brennan convincingly links this formative loss to Dean’s later restlessness and at times reckless ambition, and that connection resonated with me strongly. The scene in which Dean reads the 23rd Psalm to his dying mother was particularly affecting, leaving me in thoughtful silence. It served as a poignant reminder that behind the iconic figure of Hollywood’s brooding rebel was a young man who continued to long for stability throughout his life.
I also loved the sections about Dean’s relentless push to carve out an acting career in New York. Brennan captures his raw hunger in those years, washing dishes, living at the YMCA, and taking tiny roles just to keep himself afloat. The anecdote about Dean working as a stunt tester on Beat the Clock, practicing silly tasks until he mastered them, made me smile. It showed his obsessive streak but also his refusal to quit. And when Brennan describes Dean writing to his young cousin Marcus Jr., warning him not to draw prisons and weapons but to draw trees and animals instead, I saw a softer, gentler James that doesn’t usually make it into the legend.
Of course, the Hollywood chapters are the most exciting, and Brennan delivers them with energy. I especially enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses of Rebel Without a Cause. The way Dean pushed against Nicholas Ray’s direction, the way he made a scene electric even when he ignored the script, it made me feel like I was there on set, watching history being made. Brennan also notes how critics dismissed him at first as a Marlon Brando knockoff, only to eat their words after Rebel and Giant. I found myself almost cheering for Dean while reading these pages. It’s hard not to admire someone who stayed true to his craft, even if it made him “difficult.”
By the end, I felt both inspired and a little hollow. Inspired because Dean really did change cinema, Brennan shows how he gave voice to young people’s discontent long before it was fashionable. Hollow because I couldn’t shake the thought of what roles he might have taken on had he lived past twenty-four. The chapter on his death is sobering, but the final chapter on his lasting impact balances it with hope, showing how his spirit still touches new generations.
I’d recommend James Dean: An American Icon to anyone who loves film history, but also to anyone curious about the messy, human side of stardom. It’s not just about the myth of James Dean, it’s about the boy, the actor, the rebel, and the artist. For me, it was both a celebration and a reminder that brilliance often comes with shadows.
Pages: 318 | ISBN : 1587906880
Jade Reflections: Decoding the Western Zhou Dynasty
Jade Reflections: Decoding the Western Zhou Dynasty, by Kako Crisci, is a thorough exploration of the Western Zhou era through the lens of jade artifacts. The book digs into the political, social, and philosophical shifts during this influential period in early Chinese history. By examining jade pieces—artifacts that served ritualistic, decorative, and burial purposes—the author sheds light on how the Western Zhou rulers used these objects to reinforce their authority and cultural identity. Crisci’s work stands out for juxtaposing Eastern and Western philosophies, particularly highlighting the differences between Confucian and ancient Greek thought.
The writing style is dense but rich in detail. One of the things I genuinely admired was how the author made ancient history come alive through vivid descriptions of jade pieces. When she describes the “Massive Gui with Relief Dragons” from the King Wu period, you can almost visualize the intricate dragon designs that symbolize power and virtue. However, I found some chapters a little overwhelming with the amount of scholarly information packed in, which somewhat slowed the narrative. I feel that a bit more balance would have made the text more engaging for general readers.
Crisci’s approach to the subject is passionate and sometimes controversial. She challenges modern scholarly views that jade vessels were rarely crafted before the Ming period, using archaeological findings to make a compelling argument. The analysis of Lady Fu Hao’s tomb, for example, raises questions about traditional views, suggesting that jade pieces found there represent an overlooked aspect of Chinese craftsmanship.
I appreciated how Crisci isn’t afraid to question accepted theories, but some of her assertions felt under-explained. The constant referencing of Western scholars and the push to compare Eastern jade philosophy with ancient Greek ideals added a unique but occasionally disjointed element to the book. Crisci explores how the Western Zhou used jade not just as art but also as moral and ethical reminders. The section on how jade embodied Confucian values, emphasizing “Li” (ritual) and “De” (virtue), made me think deeply about the cultural roots that continue to influence China today. I would like to have seen a little more time spent clarifying how this jade philosophy contrasts with the Western scientific pursuit of truth.
Jade Reflections is not a breezy read, but it is certainly rewarding for those fascinated by ancient Chinese culture, archaeology, or philosophy. If you’re a history buff or curious about how artifacts can illuminate a society’s values, this book will be a treasure trove. While I believe that the heavy academic tone might not suit every reader, Crisci’s dedication to uncovering the truth about jade’s significance is impressive and well worth delving into.
Pages: 171 | ASIN : B0CXYH6TFN
Nurse Florence®, What is Arthritis?
Nurse Florence®, What is Arthritis? by Michael Dow, offers a captivating and educational reading experience that is sure to intrigue young minds, fostering a genuine interest in scientific exploration. The narrative follows Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they engage in an enlightening conversation about their science class when serendipitously, they encounter Nurse Florence in the cafeteria. Curious to understand arthritis and its impact on our bones, the girls turn to Nurse Florence for answers. With great expertise and compassion, Nurse Florence delves into the complexities of arthritis, shedding light on its effects, various treatment approaches, and the demographics most prone to this condition.
Author Dow once again delivers a thought-provoking and highly enlightening literary work. The series succeeds in stimulating young readers to inquire about the intricacies of the human body, demonstrating that science can be both enjoyable and intriguing. Despite its concise length, the book effortlessly imparts a wealth of knowledge. While some vocabulary may prove challenging for younger readers, the author mitigates this concern by including a comprehensive glossary at the book’s conclusion, accompanied by a pronunciation guide at the beginning. Furthermore, the deliberate choice to portray the main characters as girls is commendable, as it addresses the underrepresentation of women in the scientific field.
The illustrations in the book possess a remarkable artistic quality, adding aesthetic appeal to the overall reading experience. The wealth of information provided by Nurse Florence is genuinely fascinating, leaving readers like myself craving further exploration of arthritis. The Nurse Florence series serves as an ideal entry point for young readers, gently nudging them into the fascinating world of science. Undoubtedly, this book would be a valuable addition to educational institutions and libraries alike, inspiring young minds and fostering a love for scientific inquiry. I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming installments in this exceptional series.
Pages: 117 | ISBN : 1312775211
We Need Change
Brainwashed: A True Story of Psychological Domestic Abuse And The PTSD Aftermath shares your story, scientific evidence on the impact of abuse, and the importance of breaking the cycles. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Issues such as Childhood Psychological Abuse and how that can affect someone’s later life and acceptance of domestic violence, and then PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are all currently such important issues yet so very poorly understood. It’s my hope that Brainwashed will help to change that situation.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Initially, I published the book in 2014, but then almost immediately withdrew it from publication because I did not want to be publicly reminded of my early life. But living through the most bizarre string of distressing experiences in 2022, that I talk about in Chapter 27, I knew I had to re-structure and republish the book, which I did in 2023. And so the hardest part was having to re-live all those horrific life experiences once again, that I’d previously written about.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Interestingly, when I first published the book the most important ideas to get out were to do with childhood psychological abuse and psychological domestic violence and the reason why people, especially women, remain in abusive relationships. But after this past horrific year, which is still playing out, suddenly, the most important part was to let the world know MUCH more about PTSD. PTSD, is now one of the leading mental health issues in most countries around the world. BUT very few people realise that it is NOT just a MENTAL health issue, but can also result in physical brain damage, and that a trauma can be locked in your brain for life, waiting to escape at any time, as it did for me in 2022. So now the most important chapters are those on PTSD—Chapters 23 to 27.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about psychological abuse?
Sadly, even today in 2023, those people lucky enough to have avoided a mental health issue, or who don’t have the courage to admit to having a mental health issue, still have a very denigrating attitude to anyone who is a mental health sufferer. You can have a broken leg and everyone will support you and totally accept it as tough luck. But have any sort of “broken” brain and all too often you’ll be treated like a second-class citizen, or worse. This must change.
Author Links: Website
Psychological Domestic Abuse, experienced as a child, a teen, or an adult in an intimate relationship, can have life-long effects, including the making of disastrous decisions, and on to PTSD, unless it’s understood and the victim/survivor is helped to summon the courage to do what it takes to heal.
After thirty odd years of relentless searching, at the age of sixty-three, Kashonia finally discovered that her greatest enemy was her psychologically abusive childhood. Before that, she’d always thought she’d had a relatively good childhood. Why? Because she hadn’t been physically or sexually abused as a child.
But the subtle psychological abuse she received as a child through until she was twenty was what predisposed her to accept, as “normal”, a very psychologically, and sometimes physically, abusive marriage.
Yet, no matter who read about Kashonia’s event-filled life, the only thing they recognized were the handful of physically violent experiences. They completely dismissed the far more insidious on-going psychological abuse.
It was clear that the only way to help people understand society’s monstrous, hidden epidemic of psychological abuse was to overtly explain it as she told her story. And this is what Kashonia has inspirationally done in Brainwashed.
In Brainwashed, Kashonia’s wry sense of humor occasionally appears as she uses forty years of Behavioral Science, Neuroscience, and Neurolinguistics research to overtly explain her extraordinary life of psychological abuse, its devastating PTSD aftermath, and why people stay in abusive relationships.
Courageously, she shares the serendipitous source of her most significant transformation which gave her the strength to escape her abusive marriage. This was also the mostly unlikely source of her spiritual journey, which has kept her going through the really tough times ever since.
Kashonia’s story is true for more people than we realize. Sadly, all too often the victim/survivors of psychological abuse don’t even realize they’ve been abused.
So her story and her greatest enemy could well be your story and your greatest enemy too.
Today, Kashonia is a Moral Philosopher with a PhD in the Ethics of Conscious Change and author of the Multi-Award-Winning Conscious Change Series of books. It was her life, as documented in Brainwashed that led her to research and write the Conscious Change Series.
In 2023, with a growing concern about mental health and PTSD in non-combatants, Brainwashed is extremely timely for a number of reasons.Brainwashed will be of comfort to other victim/survivors of psychological abuse, in helping them understand at a deeper psychological level, why they do/did make the decisions that they did.
It will also give those very lucky people, who’ve not endured what we victim/survivors have experienced, a greater appreciation of the complexities of psychological abuse, where the scars are all on the inside.
Brainwashed also highlights the life-long psychological damage that negative childhood conditioning can have.
It’s a reminder to psychologists, that even if their client insists they’ve had a good childhood, it must still be explored.
And with the growing community concern about mental health and the area of PTSD, Brainwashed will shed a vital light on what that can be like, and how Kashonia was able to heal.
Order your copy of Brainwashed now—available in Kindle/e-book, paperback, and hardback formats and soon as an audiobook.
Nurse Florence®, What is Atrial Fibrillation?
What is Atrial Fibrillation? This question is asked by students in this edition of the Nurse Florence series. A group of students see the school nurse at lunch and ask if they can sit with her; once they are all settled, Nurse Florence asks what they want to learn about today. One girl says that a family friend has just been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and wants to know what that means. This leads to an in-depth discussion about what one is, how it can be caused, what this means for the person with it and things that can be done to prevent getting one. The girls learn a lot of science and medical terminology and have a great discussion on things to do to keep one’s body healthy.
Nurse Florence®, What is Atrial Fibrillation? written by Michael Dow, is written about a fictional nurse, but all the information in the story is based on facts. Dow uses correct medical terminology to explain things, and while this may be daunting at first, there is a glossary to look up the term. As an adult, I learned a great deal from this book, so I am positive that this would benefit children interested in science and medicine. The illustrations done by Lorie Brooker are done in colored pencil drawings. This allows younger children to look at things like blood pumping through the heart without being too graphic for sensitive readers. It is a great way to introduce these concepts in an approachable manner.
For children with an interest in medicine or teachers wanting to expand students’ interest in STEM, Nurse Florence®, What is Atrial Fibrillation? is a fantastic book to introduce to kids. This easy-to-follow children’s book teaches readers about A-fib and helps them understand how it is diagnosed, how it occurs, and what can be done to treat and prevent it.
Pages: 119 | ISBN : 1329376684
Brainwashed
Brainwashed: A True Story of Psychological Domestic Abuse And The PTSD Aftermath, authored by Dr. Kashonia Carnegie, is a literary work that seamlessly blends memoir and psychological analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aftermath of psychological abuse. Dr. Carnegie’s personal experience as a survivor of psychological abuse, combined with her extensive research in human behavior and neuroscience spanning over forty years, makes this book a compelling read. Through her personal story, Dr. Carnegie sheds light on the often-neglected aspect of domestic abuse – psychological abuse. In addition, she explains the reasons why victims remain in such relationships and how they can safely seek help and break free from the harmful cycle.
The book is a perfect blend of raw human emotions, insightful storytelling, and scientific explanations, making it a must-read for anyone interested in psychology and mental health. The book also delves into the role of childhood conditioning and attachment in shaping our lives. Dr. Carnegie highlights how early childhood experiences can impact an individual’s entire life and how parents and guardians play a crucial role in creating a secure attachment with their children. The book emphasizes the importance of creating emotionally stable children who grow up to appreciate their self-worth and form healthy relationships, thereby breaking the cycle of abuse. Brainwashed raises pertinent questions about societal issues, emphasizing that psychological abuse is a widespread problem that has been happening for centuries. The book underscores the need for awareness and changes in behavior to tackle the issue effectively. The author’s personal experience and insights make the book relatable and engaging, making it a valuable resource for professionals and students in the field of psychology and mental health.
Brainwashed: A True Story of Psychological Domestic Abuse And The PTSD Aftermath is an eye-opening memoir into the world of psychological abuse. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and impactful read that will inspire readers to take action toward creating a kinder and more empathetic society. Dr. Carnegie’s efforts in sharing her story and contributing to the lives of readers and victims worldwide are commendable.
Pages: 476 | ASIN : B0BRQMX3LT
Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
An Accidental Parisian is a memoir chronicling your journey from Toronto to navigating the challenges of being a French national and citizen of three countries while unraveling the forces and circumstances that brought you to where you are today. Why was this an important memoir for you to write?
In order to fully understand how and why I got here, I needed to reach back and trace the trajectory of my life from a happy child, rebellious teenager, and questing adult to the European citizen and resident of France that I am today. I needed to see how circumstances and family events dictated my choice to settle permanently in Europe (and not in my homeland of Canada). In this respect, I wrote the memoir for myself.
The second reason that motivated me to write the book was the other Parisian memoirs I had read, written by British, American, Canadian, and Australian women like me. While very good and hugely entertaining, I concluded that my personal story was just as interesting as theirs … even more so!
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The death of my parents and the void it has left in my life. I miss their presence and integrity; their benevolence and emotional support. But writing about my mother and father brought them back to life (and evoked happier times), so it wasn’t entirely painful.
What is one thing about Paris that you feel is little-known or underrated?
The diversity and charm of the different neighborhoods and arrondissements of the city. Throw away your tourist map and get lost; there are hidden gems to discover when one dares to stray off the beaten track. Leafy parks, gardens, and squares; small museums; churches, canals, and quiet residential boulevards. Admire the elegant Haussmann architecture and pop into boutiques, bistros, and boulangeries frequented by the locals. Currently, my two favorite arrondissements for wandering are the 12th and the 14th.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
To be adventurous. To have faith in the universe. To step out of your comfort zone and open yourself up to new experiences; hopefully, you’ll be rewarded.
Also, to be your own best friend. Life is full of surprises, good and bad, and unexpected detours. You might lose friends and family along the way … people will betray you … and you’ll have only yourself to fall back on. So, self-reliance. You need to be there … for you. You need to be your own cheerleader and support system.
Author Website: https://julietinparis.net/
Chronicling her story from an idyllic childhood in a Toronto suburb to France where she lives and works today, we follow Juliet—first to Montpellier to study French at Paul Valéry University only to end up in the role of French housewife at the age of 24—and onwards to Paris where she discovers the city and its residents, hunts for a job and an apartment, works in an advertising agency and then at Reuters, all while rollicking adventures—romantic and otherwise—are thrust upon her.
A feminist, Juliet finds France to be a deeply patriarchal and sexist society, and the women acquiescent.
At the book’s core are Juliet’s loving and successful parents. She plans to return home and to them, and settle permanently. But when her father suddenly dies, and her mother six years later, her world comes crashing down.
The book is called An Accidental Parisian because it was never the author’s intention to live abroad for so long. In an endeavor to understand how this happened, she must cast back to her beginnings—and her parents’ beginnings—and piece together the forces, choices and circumstances that brought her to where she is today: a French national and citizen of three countries, still living and working in Paris.
The Fifth Wife
The Fifth Wife by Soua Lee is a compelling and inspirational tale that follows the journey of Mai Cee, a Hmong woman who faces numerous challenges in her pursuit of independence and self-improvement. Upon arriving in America as a child, Mai Cee grapples with language barriers and cultural differences while attending school. Despite these difficulties, she excels as a student, and her family recognizes her potential.
Throughout the narrative, Mai Cee’s steadfast determination to better herself and support her family is commendable. Despite growing up in a troubled household, she sought to understand the meaning of love and to feel worthy of it. However, when she meets James, her life takes a dramatic turn, as her relationship with him is met with prejudice from her family. Despite her desire to be with James, she is constantly tormented by unfounded opinions and the lies of the past, leading her to question her emotions. Mai Cee shares numerous life lessons learned through pain and struggle, providing readers with insight into the complexities of the human experience. The detailed narration is a testament to the fact that no one is entirely good or bad, and everyone does the best they can from their perspective. Despite the arguments and challenges Mai Cee faces, her parents always had her best interests at heart. Moreover, The Fifth Wife explores how social influences can impact one’s dreams and aspirations. However, it also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the ability to overcome obstacles to move forward.
The Fifth Wife is a remarkable story, and while some of the explanations may appear repetitive, they are essential to understanding the intricacies of Hmong culture. The book will resonate with readers who value the significance of family and love, regardless of their customs. Mai Cee’s journey serves as an inspiration for anyone struggling to find their true self in challenging times, demonstrating the importance of not letting the past dictate one’s future. This engaging and thought-provoking memoir encourages readers to strive for a better future.
Pages: 353 | ASIN : B0BNCJZBLY
LITERARY TITAN 