Blog Archives
Operation Cast Lead – The Case
Operation Cast Lead by Banafsheh Zia is unlike anything I’ve read before. It weaves together a soap opera storyline, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the author’s own lived experience of surveillance, paranoia, and spiritual searching. At its heart, it argues that Operation Cast Lead was not just a war but also part of a carefully designed narrative that played out both on TV and in real life. The story mixes memory, political history, and personal confession. It’s intense and full of questions about truth, power, and the meaning of freedom.
The writing is raw and sometimes disorienting, but that’s also what made it gripping. I could feel the author’s confusion, anger, and longing bleeding through every page. There’s a vulnerability here that’s hard to ignore. I found myself wondering what was real and what wasn’t. It put me in the same unsettled space the author describes. The way she ties together pop culture with political violence shocked me, and I caught myself rereading passages just to sit with the strangeness of it all.
What really stuck with me was the emotional honesty. Even when the connections were surprising, the feelings were sharp and undeniable. There’s a loneliness in these pages, a sense of trying to dance with the world while constantly being pushed out of step. I admired the courage it took to put all of that into words. There is a lot of details in this book. The references to TV plots and political events pile up quickly. Reality and fiction blur, and the reader is left to sort out what matters most.
What amazed me most was how the book connects the soap opera General Hospital to something as heavy as war and international law. By showing how a love story between Sonny and Kate lined up with political turning points and the violence in Gaza, the book makes you question how much of what we consume is innocent entertainment and how much is design. It’s a strange but striking reminder that culture and politics are never really separate. If you’re curious about how personal stories intersect with global ones, or if you like work that mixes confession with political critique, Operation Cast Lead – The Case is worth your time.
Pages: 139 | ISBN : 978-1-83418-380-0
A Secret Society
The Stunted Man follows an aging stuntman battling addiction and his personal demons who takes a dangerous job while searching for redemption. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for The Stunted Man came from personal experience. I have been a stunt performer in Hollywood for many years. Before that, a circus acrobat and contemporary dancer. So, as a performing artist, I have always held a wary eye on the approaching doom that is middle age. Darren Aronofski’s film “The Wrestler” really strummed my heart strings, and I developed an itch to contribute to that conversation. My work as Nicolas Cage’s movement coach on the film “Renfield,” which we shot in New Orleans, provided a rich experience that lent itself to a spooky, colorful setting for a story. The makeup effects, fake blood and fight choreography felt evocative in a visual way. I wanted to bring readers into the secret society of an elite Hollywood stunt team. Eventually, the novel announced itself, wearing all black and a mischievous grin, clutching a shot-list, and I began writing.
Lex is battling life on all fronts and looking for one last chance to realize his dreams. Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Surprisingly, yes. But because the novel is a tragedy, Lex’s goals are achieved by the reader, not the character himself. For me, facing Lex’s fears was a profound experience, and I am satisfied with what ultimately unraveled, plot-wise.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Certainly themes of middle age—specifically for athletes and performing artists—and how they relate to mental disorders such as addiction, depression, and Borderline Personality Disorder were braided into the story. These themes seemed to harmonize with the “Frankenstein” motif: the sensation of loneliness, feeling dejected and hideous, pulling one’s self together, and watching the world drift away into the dark distance.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have started working on a prequel to The Stunted Man. There were many traumatic events that drove Lex toward his unstable mental condition, some of which were mentioned in the first book. But a glamorous life on the road with the circus can have damaging effects. So, what actually happened to him? What caused his fragility? What did he see? And most importantly . . . how much fun was it?
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Written from an insider’s perspective on the stunt industry, The Stunted Man invites you to peek behind the curtain at the men and women who risk their lives to bring you the high-octane cinema you love.
Horror fans, metalheads, and iconoclasts will revel in Lex’s journey throughout the dark alleys, haunted film locations, and seedy sub-terrains of New Orleans, as he explores the depths of depression, the haunting allure of stunt work, and the ultimate cost of chasing one’s dreams.
If pop culture makes you uncomfortable, you will absolutely love this book.
The Stunted Man
The Stunted Man by Ari Loeb is a gripping and action-packed novel that delves into the tumultuous life of Lex Mercier, a Hollywood stuntman battling his inner demons of addiction and depression. Seeking redemption and a final chance to prove his worth, Lex takes on a perilous gig with Universal Pictures, hoping it will be his ultimate triumph. As he prepares for this dangerous job, his unstable mind and weakened body constantly challenge his resolve. The story explores whether Lex can conquer his darkest fears and rise above his misery or if it will ultimately consume him, highlighting the sacrifices and risks inherent in the stunt industry.
Drawing from the author’s own experiences, The Stunted Man covers themes of thriller, substance abuse, and the pursuit of dreams. Lex is a relatable protagonist, grappling with real human weaknesses such as addiction and self-doubt. The novel provides a unique and fascinating look into the often-overlooked stunt industry in cinema. The writing style is gritty and raw, immersing readers in the chaotic and challenging world of the protagonist, effectively capturing the intensity of Lex’s internal and external battles. Set against the vivid backdrop of chaotic New York City, the novel mirrors Lex’s inner turmoil through its settings. From claustrophobic cab rides to lively restaurants and crowded nightclubs, these environments amplify the pressure and unpredictability Lex faces, enhancing his sense of urgency and desire to escape by any means.
The Stunted Man is a compelling and intense read that offers a raw and authentic portrayal of a man’s struggle against his inner demons, set against the high-stakes world of Hollywood stunts. It is a story of resilience and the relentless pursuit of redemption, sure to captivate readers with its vivid storytelling and profound themes.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0CYCQLJ86
Something Scandalous, Treacherous, and Black
Paige Marcus finds herself in dire financial straits, burdened with debts that demand immediate attention. Meanwhile, Joshua Samuels is caught in the delicate web of his mother’s demanding expectations, desperately yearning to secure his rightful inheritance. In their pursuit of personal gain, both individuals agree to maintain the facade of love, upholding the esteemed Samuels family name through an elaborate wedding. Adhering to the Samuels’ cardinal rule of not disrupting their carefully orchestrated plan becomes paramount. However, the resurgence of Chelsea, the wedding planner, threatens to unravel their schemes. Armed with their deepest secrets, Chelsea harbors a vengeful agenda, prepared to stoop to unimaginable depths to exact retribution. Yet, for her plan to come to fruition, she must coax the guardians of these secrets out of hiding. Will Paige and Joshua be coerced into assisting Chelsea’s quest for revenge? What unsavory skeletons lie concealed within their closets, capable of jeopardizing their picture-perfect scheme?
Zachary Ryan’s Something Scandalous, Treacherous, and Black thrusts us into a world centered around the intertwining lives of Paige Marcus, Joshua Samuels, and their relentless antagonist, Chelsea Mann. With a festering grudge stemming from Paige’s past transgressions of stealing Chelsea’s boyfriend, an opportune moment arises when Paige decides to enter into marriage with Joshua, motivated by personal gain and ulterior motives. Seizing this opening, Chelsea meticulously crafts her revenge, enlisting the aid of various accomplices. While Paige wrestles with conflicting emotions about her union with Joshua, he conceals a series of past mistakes and a double life that could shatter his family’s cherished reputation. As the specter of Chelsea becomes aware of this grave web of deception, her intention shifts from creating a grandiose wedding spectacle to orchestrating a ceremony that would forever mar the annals of socialite history.
Within the pages of Something Scandalous, Treacherous, and Black, Zachary Ryan skillfully weaves a captivating narrative brimming with intricacy and suspense. The notion of revenge permeates the story, offering a compelling foundation. The true triumph of this work lies within its characters. Chelsea’s enigmatic persona, unapologetic nature, and masterful manipulation make her a force to be reckoned with. However, the character of Leo remains enigmatic and perplexing. While empathy emerges for the hardships he has endured, the choices he subsequently makes elicit frustration. As the secrets Joshua conceals come to light, one cannot help but anticipate Chelsea’s inevitable delight in exploiting this newfound vulnerability.
Zachary Ryan’s Something Scandalous, Treacherous, and Black is a riveting tale of vengeance and subterfuge that draws readers into a whirlwind of lies and deceptions. With well-constructed characters, each flawed in their unique ways, and an expertly crafted plot riddled with tantalizing secrets, Ryan successfully hooks his audience from the very first page. The novel delivers an engaging read filled with dramatic tension, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. For anyone seeking a sophisticated narrative of scandal, revenge, and clandestine love, this book offers a deliciously dark foray into the hidden corners of the human psyche and the dire consequences of unchecked ambition.
Pages: 406 | ASIN : B0BY7SDT53
1000 Fun Facts for Immature Adults
In your quest for a compendium of obscure facts, have you ever sought a dining venue exclusively offering a garlic-centric menu? Has it crossed your mind to unravel the identity of the most prank-loving Roman emperor? Or perhaps the precise hue of oxygen has piqued your curiosity? Regardless of whether these specific queries have intrigued you before, it is undeniable that such peculiar trivia can be irresistibly fascinating. In this vein, Bryan Spektor’s 1000 Fun Facts for Immature Adults emerges as an engaging treasure trove of such curiosities.
This whimsical collection, meticulously curated by Spektor, is an enlightening voyage into the realms of food, sports, human anatomy, science, and beyond. The repository of facts within these pages spans the spectrum from the bizarre to the entertaining, presenting a captivating means to while away the time, share a moment of levity, or simply impress your companions with your expansive trivia knowledge. Regardless of one’s familiarity with the world of random facts, there are bound to be discoveries waiting within this volume. While their practical utility may be questioned, their capacity to entertain is beyond doubt, promising to infuse a dash of fun into readers’ lives.
Admittedly, my affinity for trivia might render me biased, yet I unequivocally recommend this fascinating book. The sheer volume of esoteric knowledge in our world never fails to astound me – the learning journey is endless. The ability to casually share a random factoid in conversation or to potentially reign victorious in a local trivia competition can be unexpectedly gratifying. More importantly, this book serves as a refreshing escape, a source of amusement you can dip into during idle moments. It beautifully embodies the simple pleasure of effortless yet rewarding reading, an attribute I will always appreciate.
Pages: 229 | ASIN : B0BDXWLJ8J
This Long-Suffering Literary Endeavor
Paris Blue tells the story of your first love. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Such a big question, and such a good one.
I might start by quoting a line I recently discovered from Maya Angelou in which she said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” For over forty years I knew I had a story I would need to tell some day. Readers have recognized that there is something about this tale that goes beyond a simple story of first love. It follows the arc of my life over thirty years, into adulthood, happy marriage, and children, so it is also very much about the role of memory in our lives.
Also, the book describes how I searched for answers and closure for so many decades from the trauma at age twenty-two when the romance suddenly ended, and in a way, I essentially had to write my own ending, which brought about its own sort of catharsis.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Oh, another great question. At one point in my decades-long journey of trying to tell this story, I changed the book into “fiction,” or at least I tried. I made it into a novel in which I tried to fictionalize certain parts and detach myself from the more personal parts. And I did this in order to protect my family, most notably my wonderful husband. Even though he has been unbelievably supportive about this long-suffering literary endeavor, I didn’t want to put in first-person writing the intensity of emotions that first love generates. Or draw attention to the music and poetry that I shared with the Frenchman that I don’t share in the same way with my husband. In the end, however, I realized that writing a memoir was the correct, most honest form and genre that this story had to be.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
HA! I really don’t know how to answer this! Even though this story caused me a great deal of suffering at age twenty-two, I probably don’t wish it had happened any other way. If I answered something like, “I wish someone had told me that married men stay married” or “I wish someone had advised me to read the signals,” that would be way too simplistic and would not do justice to the subtleties of this fairytale (and I wouldn’t have a book).
What do you hope readers take away from your story?
That, when an intense, romantic and passionate “first love” ends suddenly without answers, it can take a lifetime to get over.
That words, music, and Paris can drive love to madness.
That our memories are not to be deleted and canceled, but treasured, whatever the outcome, and that they are our “life and food for future years.” (Wordsworth)
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Against a magical backdrop of Paris and classical music, Paris Blue is true fairy-tale memoir (with a dark underbelly) about the tenacious grip of first love.
Paris Blue
First loves only happen once a lifetime, and as such are memorable, for better or worse. In that vein, what could be a more memorable, or magical, experience than finding that love in Paris, a city well known for its romance? For Julie, a 20-year-old music student from a small town in Main, that’s exactly what happened. Furthering her musical talents, and trying to broaden her horizons in a city full of culture, Julie meets Luc, an older man who shares her passionate love of music and art. As the story so often goes, from that moment on, her life was never the same.
Paris Blue is a superbly written memoir by Julie Scolnik about finding unexpected and intense love, in a foreign country. I loved the descriptions of Paris and how the city became such a part of Julie’s story, creating the sense that the love she shared with Luc was literally impossible anywhere else. Scolnik’s wonderful prose perfectly captures the atmosphere and energy of Paris, and the first half of the book reads like a love letter to the city itself. Paris has had more than its fair share of lines written in its honor and this book joins those ranks, painting vivid pictures of bustling streets, quaint cafes, cultured inhabitants, and the serenely bucolic nature that the city still manages to maintain despite all the activity. Julie’s relationship with Luc takes more of a center stage in the latter part of the memoir, as their relationship progresses and then regresses in turns, leaving the reader unsure where the two may eventually land. Throughout the entire impassioned book, Scolnik keeps the tone deeply personal, opening each chapter with an excerpt from one of Luc’s letters, providing hints to events that occur later in their blossoming friendship turned to romance. She never shies away from her feelings or actions, portraying them all as accurately as one can imagine they were at the moment in time.
Music plays a big part in this story. It is music that brings them together in the first place, and the thing that they bond over so intensely, creating an emotional connection well before anything else. The music is so instrumental to their relationship, in fact, that Scolnik provides an index at the end of the pieces that meant the most to them. It’s a sentimental addition that creates another layer of vulnerability to the story being told.
Paris Blue is Julie Scolnik’s memoir, it will captivate readers that love Paris with her vivid descriptions. Readers that enjoy a true story romance will find this biography appealing and heartwarming.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B09FVBXCJ1
Mall Hair Maladies
![Mall Hair Maladies by [Volchko, Kristy Jo]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51xZiDHGWML._SY346_.jpg)
Mall Hair Maladies by Kristy Jo Volchko is a delightful throwback story that will take 80’s kids down memory lane. The book follows Tanya, the new kid in school, Randi, and their single parents. The two meet and quickly become inseparable best friends. Volchko describes a year in the life of two 13 year old girls in 1980’s America. Volchko delves into “a day in the life” right down to big, crimped, hair-sprayed hair, fingerless gloves, and arms lined with multi-colored jelly bracelets. The biggest obstacle in the girls’ lives is finding a way to go to the local Madonna concert. She’s their idol, and they will do just about anything to hear her belting her songs in person.
Volchko writing feels like a genuine first-hand account of crazy events told across a dinner table. Grammar and spelling are impeccable. Everything flows perfectly. Characters were well developed, with each one having enough background story for readers to get a good grip on who they are. The setting and different scenarios were described well. Volchko has a way of making you feel like you are right there with the characters mixing up things in the kitchen, having an awkward dinner with an uptight relative, or smoking in the girls room. I felt invested in her characters and their lives.
I loved the throwbacks to the 1980’s. I lived them, and the essence of that era was captured perfectly. Readers from that time will relate to the characters. They will see themselves and reminisce over their own 80’s stories. I love the real references to the music and fashion of the time. It was a simpler time in many ways, but pop culture, music, and fashion were anything but simple.
The story is a nice throwback to a safer time for kids. They could hop on a bus unattended and go all over town and return relatively unscathed. They had little fear of anything bad happening to them at all. Bad things happened, of course, but they didn’t seem so frequent. Volchko conveys that time of simplicity and relative safety very well. I’m not so sure the story would have played out the same if it was set in today’s world. It was nice to escape back to that time for a little while.
I love how easily the girls become best friends. I think we sometimes forget how simple that was as children. Two strangers implicitly trusted and loved each other without the bat of a fake eyelash, just because they did. They met. They liked each other. Simple.
Without getting too heavy, Volchko exposes some problems that commonly arise in families. These aren’t 80’s problems, but timeless problems. Tanya has an absent father, and Randi has an absent mother. Tanya’s grandmother is judgmental, hateful, and a huge source of stress for the family. Volchko shows how the characters deal with those issues. She gives examples of difficult family dynamics and how the characters navigate those storms. She also gives some hope with the introduction of a less dysfunctional family toward the end.
I’d recommend this book to anyone in middle school and up, though 80’s kids may appreciate it the most. I couldn’t have asked for more out of this book. Volchko has made me a fan. I loved the story. I loved the characters. I loved the writing. I would love to read more of her work.
Pages: 265 | ASIN: B079SQYLRZ
LITERARY TITAN 