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One Perfect Daughter: He Was The Perfect Son. Until She Wasn’t
One Perfect Daughter, by Jane Foster, is a raw, candid, and emotionally turbulent memoir by Jane Foster, chronicling her journey as a mother grappling with her child’s gender transition and mental health crisis. The narrative opens with pride and joy as Jane watches her high-achieving son, Julian, graduate. That moment quickly spirals into turmoil as Julian comes out as transgender, becoming Jules. What follows is a painful and intimate account of confusion, grief, love, and resistance as Jane struggles to reconcile her expectations with her daughter’s evolving identity, all while navigating the complex terrain of mental illness, family dynamics, and societal change.
This book hit me like a freight train. I felt gutted, enraged, helpless—sometimes all on the same page. Jane’s writing is so open that it borders on raw nerve. She holds absolutely nothing back, which can be both powerful and uncomfortable. There were times I wanted to scream at her, times I wept with her, and times I just sat in stunned silence. Her pain is real. So is her love. But her reactions—her denial, her blame-shifting, her open contempt for her daughter’s partner—were at times hard to digest. And yet, I kept turning the pages because underneath it all was a mother who was simply lost in a world she didn’t recognize anymore, trying her best to understand a child she no longer knew.
The book doesn’t flinch from portraying Jane in an unflattering light. She’s honest, sometimes shockingly so. Her anger can be vicious. Her judgment–brutal. But that’s what makes this story feel so relatable. Jane is not a polished narrator—she’s confused, contradictory, heartbroken, and often wrong. And that’s what makes her voice linger. There are moments of humor and deep tenderness, too, especially in her memories of Jules as a child. But this is not a comfortable read. It’s messy and often painful, but it’s real.
I would recommend One Perfect Daughter to anyone trying to understand the emotional fallout of identity shifts within families, especially those dealing with transgender issues, mental health, or just the loss of what they imagined their future would look like. This book is not a guide. It’s not politically correct. But it is an unfiltered look at a mother’s love, fear, and grief. If you’re looking for honesty—ugly, complicated, vulnerable honesty—this book will stay with you long after the final page.
Pages: 191 | ASIN : B0DFBMF7LS
Communication Structure
Anger Management Solutions for Parents is a hands-on, compassionate guide aimed at helping parents understand and manage their emotional responses, especially anger, in the context of parenting. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I am passionate about families being the most important cornerstone of great people. Children are our future.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That sharing feelings and setting up boundaries are all structures needed for family and life communication. Parents are the biggest influence on a child’s experience and learning.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger and struggling with the frustrations of parenting?
I wish my parents were more open and understood what they were teaching me as a child in how to handle my anger, by handling theirs with us and each other.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Anger Management Solutions for Parents?
Build a communication structure with their children that makes a difference in that child’s life and all the people they interact with throughout life. Instill confidence in who they are and ensure that what they are communicating is effective and not damaging to another or themselves.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
As a parent, navigating the emotional challenges of raising children can often feel overwhelming. The daily mix of joys, frustrations, and responsibilities can stir up anger and frustration, making it difficult to maintain a peaceful household. You’re not alone in feeling this way.
Does this sound familiar?
• You’re trying to keep your cool, but your child’s actions push you to the brink.
• In stressful moments, communication becomes strained, leading to misunderstandings.
• You regret your reactions in heated situations, wishing for a better approach.
• Despite your best efforts, the home feels tense, and you worry about how your anger is affecting your relationship with your child.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to define your parenting journey.
Managing anger in parenting is a skill that can be learned. In Anger Management Solutions for Parents, you’ll discover practical strategies to regain control over your emotions and create a more harmonious family environment. This book will guide you through understanding your anger, identifying triggers, and applying effective techniques to stay calm.
By the end of this book, you’ll have practical tools to improve your relationship with your children and foster a nurturing, positive family atmosphere.
Key insights from the book
• Understanding Anger: Learn the psychology behind anger and how to turn it into a constructive force in your parenting.
• Identifying Triggers: Discover methods to identify what sparks your anger and how to manage those reactions.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Gain tools to stay calm and present, even in challenging moments.
• Effective Communication: Learn how to communicate effectively with your children, reducing conflict and misunderstanding.
• Building Emotional Resilience: Strengthen your emotional awareness and foster a supportive environment for your family.
• Practical Strategies: Discover actionable techniques, including journaling, breathing exercises, and timeouts, to regain control over your emotions.
• Creating a Support System: Learn the importance of seeking support from others, including professional counseling and connecting with other parents.
Whether you’re new to parenting or have years of experience, Anger Management Solutions for Parents provides essential tools to help you stay calm, positive, and engaged with your children. Ready to transform your approach to parenting? Start the journey today!
Unconditional Love
Madison’s First Tooth follows a girl through her childhood, spotlighting big moments like the first day of school, new friendships, and every tooth-related milestone you can think of. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was Madison and her mother’s unconditional love. Her mother truly has a nurturing touch, and provides adequate care in every aspect of Madison’s life. I wanted to highlight the importance of “dental care,” whereas her mother is a dentist. I created a story that most mom’s can relate to while caring for their young child to show how important the foundation of their teaching is.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Children will be able to enforce fundamental skills they have learned throughout the course of a lifetime from their parents teachings, and someday pass on these important teachings to their children and loved ones when needed.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed capturing different milestones throughout the course of Madison’s life
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
As Madison grows, her mama teaches her how important it is to take care of her teeth. From getting her first toothbrush to having a mouth full of teeth, Mama is there every step of the way.
Through the years, Madison tackles new adventures like school, making friends, and graduating college. Eventually, when Mama grows old and needs help, Madison lovingly takes on the role of caregiver to ensure that Mama’s teeth stay healthy, just like Mama did for her.
This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between mother and daughter and the importance of dental care.
Madison has just began to crawl and Mama couldn’t be more excited about her baby’s first milestone. To Mama’s surprise, this was the first of many, as she would so learn that Madison got her first tooth. Excited by the development, Mama announced the news to everyone and prepared an oral care routine to keep Maddy’s tooth healthy and clean. Days turned into months, which turned into years with so many changes as Madison was growing up so fast.
Mama stowed away highlights of all of Madison’s memorabilia in a special box to keep and cherish. As time went on and Madison got older, she was eventually able to keep her own teeth and gums healthy because Mama was a great teacher and guided her for many years. The day would come when Mama grew old and needed help with her oral hygiene routine care. Madison returned that which was bestowed upon her.
Raising Happy and Well-behaved Children
Your Journey to Successful Parenting draws on your years as a clinical psychologist to guide readers through common parenting challenges, offering a blend of heartfelt stories, actionable advice, and practical strategies. Why was this an important book for you to write?
During my work life, I was aware that many parents didn’t have access to therapy. A lack of insurance, distance from therapy offices, or money issues can block access. To fill this void, I wrote a parenting book that demonstrates different ways of dealing with situations, kept the chapters and subchapters short and to the point, and wrote the book at a fifth-grade reading level so it is accessible to all. To increase accessibility, the book is available in all formats through Amazon and IngramSpark, so that libraries can access it. The audiobook is nearly finished, and I will publish it through Findaway Voices, as they have 34 platforms to distribute books, including public libraries.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Throughout the book, I weave the theme of attention, as it is central to raising happy and well-behaved children. This includes attention paid to children as well as attention paid to what you, as a parent, are saying and doing. I give many examples to illustrate how this works. Another central concept is that behaviors, thoughts, conversations, and even emotions can easily become habits, but those are easily changed by creating alternate habits. Timeouts are reframed as a way for the children to center themselves and self-regulate rather than as punishment. When working with parents, I noticed that they required a significant amount of support to create and utilize effective behavior charts. That became the longest chapter. Behavior charts work great with power struggles. As a psychologist, I have found that storytelling is an effective way to engage resistant children. People are primed to learn from others’ experiences.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about children struggling with behavior issues?
When parents struggle with challenging behaviors, they try various techniques. If those don’t work, they assume there’s something wrong with the child and reach out to professionals. Many times, there’s nothing wrong with the child. It could be a personality clash, or the parents were using the recommended approach the wrong way. Parenting has to feel comfortable. We can’t all parent the same way because we have different personalities. And finally, there’s the chance that there is something wrong, and the professionals will identify it, and offer support and solutions.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Your Journey to Successful Parenting?
The book was written as a handbook to be referred to time and again. There is no way a parent can remember every method for every problem. The book is organized by topic, so that lookup is easy and chapters make reference to other parts of the book that give more information about an issue.
Author Links: Amazon | Website
Are your child’s endless antics becoming impossible to rein in? Do problem attitudes and actions rule your home? Have you tried a multitude of methods that never seem to work? With over 30 years of experience as a clinical psychologist specializing in children and families, Dr. Rogers offers practical, proven strategies to transform chaos into connection.
This easy-to-navigate guide provides clear, actionable advice to help parents understand their child’s behavior, set effective limits, and foster emotional growth. Packed with expert insights and real-world solutions, this book empowers you to:
Turn misbehavior into opportunities for learning and connection
Use conversation, storytelling, and limit-setting to guide behavior
Implement behavior charts that actually work
Restore peace in your home with effective communication strategies
Teach relaxation techniques, thought-stopping, and emotion regulation
Identify and address potential mental health challenges early
Help your child build self-awareness and emotional vocabulary
Avoid power struggles and encourage cooperation
Designed for busy parents with kids aged 2-11, this resource provides easy-to-look-up solutions for everyday challenges. Whether you’re navigating the terrible twos or the tricky preteen years, Your Journey to Successful Parenting will give you the confidence and tools to create a calmer, happier home.
Madison’s First Tooth: A Mother’s Nurturing Touch
Madison’s First Tooth is a sweet and colorful journey through the life of Madison, a little girl whose earliest milestone, getting her first tooth, marks the beginning of many more to come. Written by Latia Smith and illustrated by Anastasia Dragunova, the book walks us through Madison’s childhood, spotlighting big moments like the first day of school, new friendships, and yes, every tooth-related milestone you can think of. From baby teeth and beyond, the story gently nudges young readers (and their parents) to understand the importance of oral health while also celebrating everyday growing-up moments.
I loved the warm, gentle tone of the book. There’s something comforting about the way Mama is always there, guiding Madison with care and patience. The rhyming verses gave the story a sing-song rhythm that made it feel fun and easy to read aloud, very Dr. Seuss-like, but with a more down-to-earth, real-life focus. One of my favorite parts was when Madison gets her first toothbrush, such a tiny moment, but it’s presented with joy and excitement that feels so relatable to any parent who’s cheered on that first tiny step of independence.
The illustrations are another strong point. Bright, vivid colors leap off the page and keep the energy of the book high. Kids will love pointing out all the details. The visuals really add charm and help tell the story just as much as the words do.
The rhyming throughout the story is charming and playful, giving it a fun, sing-song quality that makes it a joy to read aloud. Most pages follow a lovely rhythm that feels natural and engaging. There’s even a little variety in the rhyming patterns, which adds a creative twist and keeps things interesting. I can imagine little ones enjoying the surprise of different rhymes, and it gives the book a unique, lively feel from start to finish.
Madison’s First Tooth is a heartwarming, educational story that parents will feel good about reading with their little ones. It’s perfect for families with babies and toddlers, especially those just starting to teach good brushing habits. I’d recommend it to any parent who wants to mix fun and learning in storytime or to anyone who loves a feel-good tale about growing up and the little milestones that matter most.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0F35VTJWB
Literary Titan Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Opioid Epidemic
Flirting With Extinction is a raw and unapologetic mosaic of personal essays and stories that chart a life punctuated by grief, recklessness, resilience, and searching. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I needed to process my grief in some way, and I thought that by analyzing it and finding the life lessons in all that had transpired and writing about it would help me navigate my pain as well as the pain of others who have lost cherished loved ones to the opioid epidemic sweeping America’s youth.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My love for my sons was not as powerful a motivating force in their lives as the cultural zeitgeist they lived with. They had moved away from their Land Before Time and Pokémon mindset into what their peers were doing in the Seattle music scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The 1960s bohemian fashion was in style along with designer drugs I had never heard of until one of my sons died after using the latest drug on the scene, fentanyl. And then even after rehab, the other one followed suit several years later, killing himself on meth. I was absolutely devastated.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The deaths of my sons, I cried every time I worked on that aspect of the story. It took multiple edits with my tears running into my coffee and ruining the taste.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
If you value life, and even if you believe in an afterlife, after experiencing the death of a loved one, it’s important for one’s sanity to find the positive in the negative and nurture those seeds of positivity in everything, to make the pain more bearable. In my sons’ memory, I wear the Jewish Chai symbol that serves as a reminder to embrace life’s inherent beauty, to cherish the present moment, and to recognize the profound interconnectedness of all life.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
After converting to Judaism and adopting her new husband’s name, she moved to Washington state and together with her husband, Joanna helped create a utopia on their island home, far from family feuds. As a family they explored the Pacific Northwest wilderness and played sports. Their children thrived in an environment filled with art, music, and freedom. But the idyllic life they built took a dark turn when their teenage son Micah, along with his friends, defaced a yeshiva, with one drawing swastikas and the chilling message, “this way to the gas chambers”—a reckless joke that would lead to devastating consequences.
As the law came down hard on Micah, the family faced the unbearable loss of their other son, Seth. In Flirting with Extinction, Joanna Kadish explores the deep-rooted trauma inherited from Holocaust survivors. Micah’s great-grandfather was killed in a German labor camp, and Micah’s grandfather, with his mother and sister, fled Germany shortly before Kristallnacht. Decades later, that trauma continues to haunt the family, proving that the wounds of history are not so easily healed.
These are Joanna’s stories of survival, loss, and the enduring impact of generational trauma.
An Act of Love and Healing
A Legacy of Love teaches readers how to create a “Person-Centered Plan” (PCP), a living, breathing document that honors the uniqueness of their loved one and their individual needs.
What was the hardest thing to write about?
The hardest part of writing this book was sharing my personal story. Opening up about my own journey as a caregiver was both emotional and vulnerable, but I knew it was important. I wanted to offer an honest and heartfelt reflection, so others walking a similar path would feel seen, understood, and less alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the most important messages I wanted to convey is that, as caregivers, we have an essential role in being a positive voice for our loved ones. Our advocacy, love, and dedication can profoundly shape their experiences and well-being. I also wanted to emphasize the importance of approaching caregiving with intention, presence, and deep respect for the unique person we are supporting.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers walk away with the understanding that creating a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is not just about organizing care—it’s an act of love and healing. Taking the time to truly see and honor the individual beyond the caregiving role allows for a deeper, more meaningful connection. Sometimes, we become so immersed in the responsibilities of caring that we forget to pause and appreciate the beautiful soul right in front of us. My hope is that this book helps caregivers shift from simply managing care to truly cherishing the person they are supporting.
Designing a meaningful care plan for your loved one with unique needs can be a life-changing gift—one that shapes their entire lifespan and journey. Whether you’re caring for a teen, a child, or an aging family member, this book shows you how to create a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) that caters to their individual strengths and preferences, enhancing their quality of life and making caregiving more fulfilling.
In this book, you’ll discover:Real-life stories of caregivers who transformed their approach with a personalized care plan.
Ways to recognize your loved one’s unique qualities to ensure their care is meaningful and effective.
Step-by-step strategies to build and adapt a care plan that evolves with your loved one’s needs.
Emotional insights through poems and reflections on the caregiving journey.
Practical advice to help you implement and follow through with your care plan.
You may be asking, “Can a plan really make a difference?” The answer is yes. A thoughtfully crafted Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is not just a tool—it’s a powerful way to offer care and compassion that truly honors your loved one’s unique journey. This book helps you become the guide your loved one needs, making their care not only more effective but also more meaningful. You take on the role of their voice in cases where speech may not be present.
Don’t wait for things to improve—take control of the caregiving journey today. Transform how you care, connect, and create a lasting impact on your loved one’s life.
LITERARY TITAN 