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An Interesting Reminder
Fifteen Minutes tells the story of a sculpture in Buffalo, New York, that was quickly removed from the public due to those in power not understanding the meaning behind the work and an overall lack of understanding of art history. Why was this an essential book for you to write?
Once I started researching the story and the artist, I found it impossible to stop. Many people opened up about the history and wanted to tell me their side. I also think in today’s political climate it is an interesting reminder that these type of incidents are not new.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I started in September 2022 and spent at least six months pulling the story together. After writing the first couple drafts I found more to add. I would say at least nine months of work went into it, plus the writing.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted this to be more of a narrative nonfiction, but I didn’t quite get what I wanted. I did some rewrites and got it close to what I wanted but not exactly.
What is the next book that you are writing and when will that be published?
I’m working on a couple children’s books with my daughter as well as a book of memoir short stories. No dates as of yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
It may have had something to do with dancing neon figures that resembled Mr. Peanut. But, to this day it’s unclear if the artist tricked the city or the city acted hastily.
For the first time, through interviews, court documents, and press clippings, the story of “Green Lightning” is told.
The story of “Green Lightning” is a cautionary tale about the importance of public art education. If the public is not aware of the different meanings and interpretations of art, they are more likely to react to it in a negative way. It is important for people to understand that art is subjective, and that what one person finds offensive, another person may find beautiful.
Fifteen Minutes
In Fifteen Minutes, author Michael F. Rizzo takes readers on a journey through the dynamic intersection of artistic creativity and political bureaucracy. This engaging narrative explores the fascinating conflicts at the heart of several notable artistic endeavors, particularly those of Billie Lawless III. Rizzo’s meticulous research and detailed compilation illuminate the delicate balance between art, political institutions, and community interactions.
The book delves into various compelling stories, including how Billie Lawless III successfully installed his monumental sculpture, Green Lightning, in Buffalo, New York. These narratives offer insightful perspectives on the turbulent realm of public art and its impact on city landscapes.
Rich with knowledge, Fifteen Minutes invites readers to explore the nuanced relationship between art and culture in urban settings. The background information on Billie’s life, especially his stance as a conscientious objector and his legal actions against military conscription, is particularly revealing. It helps readers appreciate the depth of his character and convictions.
Michael Rizzo’s writing style is clear and accessible, making the book a smooth read for those who may not be familiar with specialized art terminology. The inclusion of striking photographs and artwork further enhances the reading experience.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of the tension between artistic expression and political considerations, I felt the narrative could benefit from a more lyrical touch. At times, I felt the focus on varied topics and stages seemed somewhat hurried, leaving me with a desire for a more interconnected storytelling approach. Nevertheless, fans of historical narratives and urban studies will find these sections appealing.
Fifteen Minutes is not just a vivid account of artistic endeavors; it prompts significant reflections on artistic liberty and the misuse of power. Those interested in public art, as well as general art enthusiasts, will find this book a treasure trove of information about history, creativity, and the challenges artists face in public projects. It’s a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the art world.
Pages: 377 | ASIN : B0CLYV9LC1
The Mole Vol X NWP Sextet: In Defence of Peace Not War
Human nature is complex, woven with both admirable qualities and inherent flaws. Within the depths of our hearts, we find traces of greed, envy, the pursuit of power, and selfishness. In The Mole X by Ron Raye, we encounter a man who repeatedly declines invitations to join the army, driven by his unwavering love for peace despite the allure of monetary rewards.
The topic of aging often evokes discomfort, forcing us to confront the fleeting nature of time and the imperative to make the most of our limited days. Each passing day brings with it a sense of a changing world where the specter of global warming and climate change looms large. Yet, amidst this awareness, we must question whether we are truly taking meaningful action to improve our circumstances. What if our planet becomes uninhabitable for future generations? We must reflect on our actions and their impact on the environment that sustains us.
The creation of weapons, a lucrative industry, raises profound questions. Why do we engage in this trade that only brings sorrow and distraction? Ron Raye delves into the intricate realm of politics, exposing the corruption that taints the hearts of leaders and those in positions of power. The author’s poignant exploration of loss and the enduring scars left by catastrophic accidents evokes a deep emotional response. Readers can genuinely connect with the rawness of human experience through these passages.
Whenever I delve into the poetic works of Ron Raye, my expectations soar, and time and time again, I am never disappointed. This collection of poems effortlessly captures the essence of human existence while simultaneously being thought-provoking and enlightening.
The Mole, Vol. X: In Defense of Peace, Not War transcends the boundaries of poetry. It is a compelling read for individuals of all inclinations, whether they possess an affinity for poetry or not. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of unity.
Pages: 343 | ISBN : 9798988264460
A Scent of John Ruskin in Tanzania
In A Scent of John Ruskin in Tanzania, author Ely Ould Sneiba brings to the forefront the legacy and impact of Victorian polymath John Ruskin—one of history’s most celebrated humanists. This insightful book scrutinizes Ruskin’s political ideology and its connection to African politics, with a specific focus on Tanzania under the stewardship of President Julius Nyerere. Further, Sneiba explores the intriguing diffusion of Ruskin’s principles into the philosophical fabric of some of Africa’s inaugural socialists, particularly those at the helm of nations, through the conduit of Mahatma Gandhi. This narrative compels the reader to consider the relevance of Ruskin’s ethos in today’s African context and the global sphere.
Sneiba’s writing is commendably lucid and devoid of unnecessary embellishments. His astute analysis illuminates the interplay between the focal figures and their surrounding milieu, offering a deep understanding of their influences and impacts. A significant highlight of the book is its examination of the economic and moral dynamics of the Victorian era, alongside the examination of Nyerere’s transformative role in Tanzania.
A Scent of John Ruskin in Tanzania is enriched with thoughtful quotations and citations, drawing from luminaries such as John D. Rosenberg, George Eliot, and of course, John Ruskin himself. Ruskin’s quotations provide intimacy, revealing his wisdom, creativity, and benevolence. The sentiment that a prosperous nation is one that “nourishes the greatest number of noble and happy men” is particularly resonant.
As a proponent of minimalism and social connectivity, I embrace the political perspectives espoused by both Ruskin and Sneiba. This book serves as a valuable resource for leaders, policymakers, human rights activists, and all those concerned about the unraveling state of global affairs. A Scent of John Ruskin in Tanzania delivers potent messages about natural living, freedom, equality, and happiness, offering transformative perspectives vital to our era. The book underscores the urgent need to shift from a culture of unsustainable resource exploitation to one that values life-centric practices—providing a roadmap for a more compassionate and sustainable world that our global society urgently needs.
Pages: 197 | ASIN : B0C7VRZ1ZY
Oh, The Tangled Web We Weave
Trios: Death, Deceit, and Politics is a gripping exploration of a family’s treacherous labyrinth of deceit, a veteran’s struggle with trauma, and one woman’s relentless pursuit of truth amidst political corruption. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The immediate inspiration was the general tenor of current American politics, which seems hopelessly embroiled in accusations and counteraccusations, court proceedings, anonymous sources, whistleblowers, and the like. A truly bipartisan brew of political poison.
The more distant literary inspiration, however, was a novel that I’ve always admired—Robert Penn Warren’s All the King’s Men, Warren’s 1946 novel about Lousiana Governor Huey Long. I suppose every state in the nation has had at least one (more likely a lot more than one) political family that turned to corruption to enhance its political power. I am intrigued by just how this rise to power and subsequent fall takes place.
Your characters are intriguing and well-developed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
My original thought was to have no truly honorable characters, not even the protagonist—in this case, Rita Collins. Clearly, none of the immediate members of the Collins family are honorable—certainly not Dolf, who aspires to become governor of Pennsylvania at any cost; not his wife Marla, who recognizes the corruption but enjoys its benefits in the form of her lobbyist-paid vacations, sports car, and luxurious tan; and not their son Brian, who aspired to be just like his father. Then there is the Machiavellian character Mark Garret presiding over the entire sordid affair.
And so, I didn’t intend to let Rita escape either. But I’ve found that a magical thing often happens in the process of writing a story—namely, the characters take over. And when they do, it’s because they have a different understanding of just what turns the plot this way instead of that and just where its jagged edges are located. They start talking back, saying, “I wouldn’t do that. I wouldn’t say that. That’s not my voice. What you’ve written is not really my story. Rewrite it this way.” And I do. So, Rita became the truth-seeker (as befits a journalist) who attempt to expose deceit instead of allowing it to rule her. And in this endeavor, she is inspired by the USAF veteran Kurt Sillinger.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The tangled web theme most of all. Once deceit begins it requires additional acts of deceit to maintain and/or capitalize on the original deceit. Soon deceit becomes the norm for those who practice it—not a desperate final response but a first response. I’m afraid that’s what has happened in much of American politics at all levels. We’ve never had so much access to information and so little assurance of its veracity.
But the novel shows that truth-seekers still exist and can triumph over deceit.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m now about two-thirds of the way through the first draft of a dystopian novel set in the not-so-distant future. The working title is SHANTYBOAT: AMERICAN DYSTOPIA. Where I grew up in the Mid-Ohio Valley, people who were down on their luck often turned to living in makeshift shantyboats along the Little Kanawha River. I am using the shantyboat in this novel as a symbol of individualism and resistance to the forced conformity and economic depravations that the future world of this novel explores.
I’ve found that most dystopian novels focus greatly on world-building and the author’s world-view projections. Think of the novels of Ayn Rand or Margaret Atwood, for example. Too often, I believe, the characters populating these novels are unrealistic, little more than mouthpieces for the author’s viewpoint. In this novel I’m trying to keep the focus on what the characters themselves experience and how they react as realistic human beings to social tragedy, rather than representatives of an ideology. At least, that’s my intention. Early 2024 is probably the best estimate for publication.
Author Links: GoodReads| Facebook | Website | BookBub | Additional Works
Laurie Thomas Vass Author Interview
George Mason’s America is a compelling look at the vision that George Mason had for America and how, had his vision been followed, where would we be today? Why was this an important book for you to write?
The ideological conflict in America between natural rights conservatives and left-wing groups is irreconcilable. The origins of the conflict begin in 1787 when Madison and 38 delegates to the Philadelphia convention overthrew the Articles of Confederation. I wanted to describe that the principles of liberty, in 1776, would have been a better pathway for ordinary common American citizens.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I began writing this book at the same time that I was writing America’s Final Revolution, in 2021. The more I read about George Mason, the more I thought that Mason deserved his own book. I finished this book in March of 2023.
Author Links: Twitter | Website
“Let us at once take friendly leave of each other.”
In her book, George Mason: Constitutionalist, Helen Hill describes the debate during the 1787 convention in terms of sectionalism, meaning that the northern states did not want to form a centralized union with the southern slaveocracy.
Hill writes,
“The sense of sectionalism became so strong that some of the members saw no solution but to organize two confederacies…on July 13 Morris stated, “Instead of attempting to blend incompatible things, let us at once take friendly leave of each other.”…on July 23 Pinckney “reminded the Convention that if the Constitution should fail to insert some security to the Southern States against an emancipation of slaves and taxes on exports, he should be bound by duty to his State to vote against their report,”
Both Morris and Pinckney were correct in their opinion that the two alien cultures should never have been rammed together under a centralized, all-powerful government.
Likewise, today two alien cultures do not co-exist in peace, and do not share common cultural or philosophical principles on the mission of the national government.
We argue that the differences are irreconcilable, and cannot be remedied by amendments or modifications to Madison’s document.
We agree with Delegate Morris that the time has come for the conservative states to take friendly leave of the Democrat Marxist states.
We argue that there is only one pathway back to freedom, and taking that path means starting over, with a new constitution, at the point in history when Mason and Jefferson wrote their respective documents, in 1776.
Below the Fold
Prepare to embark on a thought-provoking journey filled with diverse essays, stories, and musings. Below the Fold is a unique book that invites readers to interpret its content in their own way. Amidst seemingly random dialogues and mad speeches, there are deep philosophical reflections and talking points on topics ranging from conspiracy theories and politics to history, language, and education.
Author Benjamin Anderson’s cryptic writing style pushes the boundaries of traditional literature, delivering a highly varied collection of ideas that will keep readers engaged and intrigued throughout the book. Whether it’s conversations with an alarm clock, jokes by Cro-Magnon men, or a child’s destructive behavior, Below the Fold guarantees to keep you on your toes, and boredom is not an emotion you’ll experience.
This book is anything but conventional. As Anderson admits, it’s intentionally designed to frustrate readers by building upon an idea and then suddenly shifting in the opposite direction or ending the chapter altogether. However, each part of the book provokes deep contemplation and intrigue, and it’s impossible to predict what could happen on the next page or even the next sentence. Anderson’s writing is backed by his pointed criticism of the English language and the concept that language is nothing more than a human invention. While the book raises many thought-provoking questions, there are some parts where readers may feel lost and struggle to find a metaphorical thread. An author’s note to explain the book’s purpose could have been helpful in this regard.
Below the Fold is an interesting read for those seeking a departure from traditional storytelling and who enjoy questioning the unexplained. Book clubs might find it particularly engaging, as each reader will likely analyze the book differently and arrive at their own conclusions. Finally, I recommend Below the Fold to those who enjoy unconventional books, as it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re up for a challenge.
Pages: 104 | ISBN : 1736901958
LITERARY TITAN 
Random² Musings: A Left Hemisphere Continuum
Dec 23
Posted by Literary Titan
Random² Musings: A Left Hemisphere Continuum, presents a tapestry of personal reflections, experiences, and viewpoints from Mike Joyner on a variety of subjects including religion, social media, family dynamics, relationships, and politics. Joyner, with his accumulated wisdom, offers a transparent and unreserved discourse, unafraid to delve into topics that may spark controversy or dissent. His perspective on American politics, for example, provides a unique angle, enriching the reader’s understanding, even when one may not align with his views.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of human connections and the ephemeral nature of life, emphasizing the significance of nurturing enduring relationships. Joyner’s commentary on societal changes in America also paints a vivid picture of the nation’s evolution and shifting ideologies. Particularly noteworthy is the chapter “Truisms for Generations,” which serves as a repository of life lessons and social etiquette, alongside valuable insights gleaned from various experiences.
Joyner’s identity as a hunter adds an intriguing dimension, with his hunting narratives offering a blend of the personal and the adventurous. The book’s tone strikes a balance between being personal and informative, creating an engaging and thought-provoking read. While Joyner presents his thoughts without imposing them, I feel some readers might find it a challenge to reconcile with some of his ideas. However, this aspect only adds to the book’s appeal as a candid and unfiltered exploration of diverse topics.
Random² Musings: A Left Hemisphere Continuum, by Mike Joyner, stands out for those in search of a book that breaks away from conventional themes, offering fresh perspectives on critical issues like politics, well-being, family, and more. This book is a commendable choice for readers looking to engage with a range of ideas and possibly revisit them for a deeper understanding.
Pages: 159 | ASIN : B0CK4WH86B
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