Blog Archives
Spin Cycle: Notes from a Reluctant Caregiver
Spin Cycle offers a raw and intimate look into the life of Ezra Pavic, a man navigating the complexities of caregiving for his aging mother with dementia. Through Ezra’s reflections, Alfredo Botello unpacks themes of guilt, frustration, and love, crafting a poignant and often darkly humorous tale about familial responsibility and the messy emotions it stirs. The story unfolds with sharp prose and deep introspection, pulling readers into the exhausting and often heartbreaking reality of caregiving.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Botello’s unflinching honesty. Ezra’s recounting of his struggles is refreshingly candid, whether he’s snapping at his mother in frustration or battling feelings of inadequacy after a failed attempt at patience. The opening chapter lays bare his emotional rawness: “Maybe I’m not struggling with who I became. Maybe I’m struggling with who I always was.” That vulnerability hit me hard. I think it will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of self-doubt or resentment. Botello doesn’t shy away from showing Ezra’s flaws, making him deeply relatable.
The narrative is also peppered with moments of dark humor, which add levity to an otherwise heavy subject. Ezra’s wry observations, like his envy of serene caregivers in online videos or his internal monologues about self-care platitudes, feel genuine and earned. One particularly memorable scene involves a nail salon visit with his mother. Despite his irritation, Ezra finds himself moved by the small joy it brings her, a rare glimmer of light in the otherwise bleak caregiving cycle. These moments of connection, fleeting as they are, illustrate the resilience of love in the face of overwhelming hardship.
Botello’s writing shines when he delves into the nuanced dynamics of Ezra’s relationships, not just with his mother but with his ex-wife, son, and support group. Ezra’s attempts to reconcile his anger with his lingering affection for Irene are some of the book’s most profound passages. His inner conflict, oscillating between resentment and duty, rings true for anyone caught in the so-called “sandwich generation.” These emotional layers are what elevate Spin Cycle from being just another fictional memoir to a profound exploration of humanity.
Spin Cycle captures the exhausting, thankless, and often isolating world of caregiving with heart and precision. This book is a must-read for those navigating similar challenges or anyone seeking an honest and moving story about the imperfect art of loving and caring for others. I think it’s ideal for readers who appreciate introspective, character-driven narratives that aren’t afraid to dive into life’s messiness.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0DQXDSTYN
33 Frivolous Pricks
Michael A. Greco’s 33 Frivolous Pricks takes readers on an unexpected journey, blending sardonic wit, bleak satire, and surreal scenarios in a story that defies convention. At its core, the book follows the misadventures of a motley group of characters across a dystopian Los Angeles and a quirky, time-warped Japan. The tale opens with Reggie Gallo, an adjunct economics professor navigating the chaos of a decaying city, and soon spirals into a story involving time machines, peculiar institutions, and an ensemble of oddball characters. The novel’s eccentricity is its hallmark, weaving tales of social decline and personal desperation with humor and moments of introspection.
Greco’s writing shines in its vivid descriptions of Los Angeles. Early in the book, Reggie’s nightly commute through the “Miracle Mile” becomes a grimly poetic portrait of urban decay. From the “stench of human excrement” to the “mountains of trash releasing sweet rottenness,” the city is depicted as a dystopian wasteland. The gritty atmosphere perfectly underscores Reggie’s existential malaise. The book’s tonal shifts are both its strength and its challenge.
Rocket’s brash commentary on the logistical perils of time travel showcases Greco’s talent for mixing the fantastical with the mundane. This whimsical subplot sometimes feels disconnected from the grimmer narrative threads, such as Reggie’s struggles or the social commentary on homelessness and inequality.
The book’s structure, while inventive, occasionally borders on chaotic. From Pinky Bell, a Japanese teenager grappling with self-discovery and cultural expectations, to the enigmatic “Needs,” a time machine imbued with cryptic messages, each character and element is steeped in individuality. These vignettes highlight the novel’s underlying themes of resilience and self-reinvention amidst chaos.
Greco’s novel is a daring experiment in storytelling, blending genres and tones with unapologetic boldness. It’s an ideal read for those who enjoy dark humor, speculative fiction, and character-driven narratives. Fans of Kurt Vonnegut or Douglas Adams will likely find its quirky, sardonic voice compelling. 33 Frivolous Pricks is an experience that invites readers to laugh, wince, and ponder the absurdities of modern existence.
Pages: 251 | ASIN: B0DR6KZRFB
Curse of the Maestro and Other Stories
Curse of the Maestro and Other Stories, by G.T. Walker, is an imaginative and highly original dive into the bizarre and storied history of the Stonehaven Symphony Orchestra. With roots tracing back to a Viking expedition in 1093—despite its official founding in 1958—the Symphony’s past is brimming with scandal, curses, and colorful characters. Walker brings this chaotic world to life through an eclectic mix of journals, interviews, newspaper clippings, and internet sources, crafting a fictional history that’s as entertaining as it is outrageous.
Walker’s collection’s greatest strength lies in its variety. Each story feels distinct, showcasing the author’s ability to shift styles and perspectives seamlessly. Despite all revolving around the same subject, the differences between them keep the reading experience fresh and engaging. The first story kicks things off brilliantly, blending humor and absurdity with a clever reimagining of a classic “curse” tale. It sets a high bar, with vivid imagery and a strong narrative that immediately pulls you in. While the opening is stellar, I feel that some of the subsequent stories are less consistent. A few entries lack focus, and others lean a little too heavily on the absurd. I believe the humor employed in some stories may not land with every reader.
The collection as a whole offers an inventive and entertaining take on the Symphony’s fictionalized history. Walker’s use of absurdity as a narrative device may not resonate with every reader, but it’s clear they had fun creating this world, and that enthusiasm is infectious. The stylistic shifts between stories, combined with the intricate backstory of the Symphony, create a vibrant and layered reading experience. It is worth noting that some stories feel more experimental than polished—but the creativity more than makes it a worthwhile read.
For those who enjoy unconventional storytelling and a touch of the absurd, Curse of the Maestro and Other Stories is a rewarding read. While not every story lands as strongly as the first, the collection as a whole is a unique and entertaining journey through one of the most peculiar fictional histories you’re likely to encounter. Walker’s vision is bold, and the book’s quirks are part of its charm.
Pages: 180 | ISBN : 978-1957354446
Our Humanity Is Always Under Threat
Witcracker is a comedic exploration of family, tradition, and absurdity, set in a Jacobean mansion-turned-tourist-trap where chaos reigns as business and personal lives collide. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m going to try to answer this without needing a Spoiler Alert.
Right. The inspiration for the novel is real. It came from an old and world-famous European treasure whose construction is, let’s say, surprising. It could easily have been built differently. What if it had been? What if another version – just as ancient and just as authentic – were found? Somebody would stand to make a lot of money.
How could this happen in North America? Dozens of ancient buildings from Europe were bought and rebuilt here early in the 20th Century. That’s a fact. Many of their owners fell on hard times and many buildings became tourist destinations.
One tourist destination I know pretty well is the area around Niagara Falls. There are millions of visitors annually. The tourist trade can’t live on a twenty-minute visit to the Falls. New attractions capitalize on tourists with money in their pockets and time on their hands: amusement parks, winery tours, theatre. Businesses, big and small, thrive on predictable trade. A new world-famous treasure in the mix is not just an opportunity, it’s also a threat.
Every possible tool will be used – from lucrative offers to media disinformation and even sabotage. What could be more normal?
Start with ordinary people and build an extraordinary – and predictable – chain of events.
How do you balance humor with deeper themes like commercialization and human relationships in your storytelling?
That’s a great question, but I’d like to turn it on its head. How do I balance commercialization and digital tools with the deeper themes of humour and human relationships?
Our humanity is always under threat and our resilience has been forever supported by a sense of humour, a sense of what is absurd, and a sense of what is truly important. That doesn’t mean threats are not real. They are, but we can survive – even get stronger – if we don’t knuckle under to fear.
Ordinary people, stubborn and funny and generous in equal measure, are always humanity’s best hope. We can’t forget that.
I tried to show that in the storytelling by asking a simple question: what would that character do when faced with a particular challenge?
The dialogue feels so natural and relatable. Are any characters or conversations inspired by real-life experiences?
Sure. Like all writers, I’m a thief. A little bit of this person, a little bit of that. A little bit of this place and add some of that.
I’ve worked in a carnival, on a newspaper, in tourist attractions, in advertising, in theatres. I know how they work and what their challenges are.
I’ve written a lot of plays and you learn how dialogue works. When you get down to it, plays are just what the character says (or sings, which is really just slow talking). The rest, the scenery, the costumes, the actors – are outside the playwright’s control. You write knowing they will give the story form and substance. But they’re not in the script.
I figure dialogue in a book can work the same way – except I have a much bigger production crew. The space between the ears of the reader can hold a lot of people and scenery. I try not to get in the way.
The characters are normal people – I know them, including what motivates them. Naturally, they enter a conversation with different motives. What they hear is what sparks their response. Whether they change their opinions is a question of balancing character, determination, and listening.
Can you share insights into your process of crafting such a diverse and eccentric cast of characters?
Everybody can seem eccentric if you only see part of their character. Comedy relies on ordinary people dealing with increasingly extraordinary events. That will always bring out the very best and the very worst of people. I go where the characters take me. I trust them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Witcracker
Witcracker, by D.E. Ring, is a richly layered comedic novel that blends eccentric family dynamics with the oddities of running an entertainment empire from a repurposed historic estate. The story primarily unfolds in Cheadle Hall, a Jacobean mansion turned tourist attraction, with its family of owners navigating personal entanglements and corporate absurdities. While humor permeates every page, deeper themes about tradition, commercialization, and human relationships are skillfully woven into the narrative.
The writing is sharp, witty, and unapologetically quirky. D.E. Ring’s flair for crafting humorous, relatable dialogue shines throughout. Early in the book, the scenes between Maureen and Rick—filled with mundane yet hilariously relatable exchanges about breakfast and noise—set a casual, comedic tone. The rhythm of these interactions creates a delightful pace that keeps the story flowing smoothly. Ring’s satirical take on the commercialization of history is brilliant. The depiction of CH Entertainment’s absurd business ventures, like the wax museum and the Tudor-era cosplay tourism, hilariously critiques how modern enterprises commodify cultural heritage. The narrative cleverly pokes fun at both the entrepreneurs behind these attractions and the tourists who consume them, emphasizing our collective hunger for curated nostalgia.
The characters are a treasure trove of eccentricities. Sir Derek’s disheveled charm and Fiona’s no-nonsense pragmatism provide a perfect counterbalance to the more modern Scarlett MacDevitt, who is fiercely ambitious yet often blindsided by the irrationalities of human behavior. Scarlett’s professional coldness, juxtaposed with her budding romance, adds emotional depth to her character. A standout moment is Derek’s comical yet insightful musings on irrationality as the true driver of human actions—a theme subtly reflected in every character’s arc.
Witcracker is a wonderfully chaotic blend of comedy, social commentary, and familial drama. Its humor is dry, often absurd, and steeped in a keen understanding of human nature. This book would be perfect for fans of satirical novels. If you enjoy sharp dialogue, a cast of colorful characters, and stories that make you laugh while pondering the quirks of society, you’ll find this book an absolute delight.
Pages: 304 | ASIN: B0DH3WSC14
Hang Fire
Hang Fire, by Anthony Mora, is a dark, satirical dive into the world of Hollywood’s desperate ambition, centering on the manipulations, lies, and insecurities of Jerry, an aspiring filmmaker. Set in a familiar yet unsettling Los Angeles, Jerry navigates shady dealings, obsessive therapy sessions, and Hollywood politics to achieve his dreams—regardless of who he steps on along the way. The book blends a sharp critique of the entertainment industry with personal psychological drama, all while keeping the reader on edge as they watch how far Jerry will go to fulfill his twisted ambitions.
From the book’s opening, where Jerry tests his therapist with loaded questions about murder, the tone is both darkly comedic and uncomfortable. The therapy scenes are some of the strongest in the book. Readers soon get a clear sense of Jerry’s manipulative nature, especially when he tries to turn a therapy session into a means to seduce his therapist or pitch her a role in his imaginary film. It’s both hilarious and tragic, showing how detached he’s become from reality.
I do feel that Jerry’s obsession with leveraging his relationship with his friend James, and then his creepy fixation on his therapist, can feel repetitive at times. The book thrives in moments where Jerry’s moral decay is laid bare but sometimes leans a little heavily on the same set of tools without evolving them much over time.
One of the highlights for me was Mora’s ability to capture the desperation and delusion that often fuels the Hollywood dream. The scenes where Jerry discusses potential meetings with high-profile actors and producers, all while manipulating those around him, really bring to life the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry. There’s a palpable sense of ambition turned sour. I loved the way Mora didn’t shy away from the ugliness of Jerry’s character. He’s not a likable protagonist, but he’s certainly compelling in his ruthlessness.
I would recommend Hang Fire to readers who enjoy character-driven, psychological novels with a satirical edge. Fans of Hollywood insider stories and dark humor will find a lot to enjoy here. Just be prepared for a journey into the mind of a character whose ambition knows no bounds, even as he spirals deeper into his own self-made mess.
The At-Your-Beck Felicity Conveyor
The At-Your-Beck Felicity Conveyor is a satirical novel that dives into the exploits of a grocer, Justyce Dreadmiller, and his turbulent interactions with Yvette Cartier, a wealthy young kleptomaniac. It’s a story riddled with irony and dark humor as Justyce maneuvers through moral dilemmas, exploring the complexities of revenge, economic strain, and the lengths one might go to protect their reputation and livelihood. This “sin and retribution” novel pairs outlandish scenarios with striking reflections on class, character, and consequence.
The writing was both a joy and a challenge. Landon’s language is exuberant, full of wordplay and intricate descriptions. Justyce Dreadmiller’s inner monologues often had me chuckling and groaning at the same time; he’s dramatic, even flamboyant, in his thoughts about revenge. For example, when Justyce fantasizes about the exaggerated consequences for his bully from prep school, we get insight into his deep-rooted vindictiveness. It’s over-the-top but hilariously so and gives the story a unique and theatrical vibe.
The characters are as absurd as they are fascinating. Justyce’s obsession with his store and his frustration with Yvette’s petty thefts contrast sharply with his idealization of himself as a “pillar of the community.” This duality paints Justyce as both relatable and ridiculous. Yvette, meanwhile, is as enigmatic as they come. Her lifestyle suggests privilege and luxury, yet her compulsive stealing and mysterious persona make her more complex than your typical antagonist. Author Dolly Gray Landon uses these dynamics to satirize social expectations, which felt relevant.
What I found most engaging was the novel’s underlying tension between justice and self-interest. Justyce’s attempts to address Yvette’s thefts go beyond practicality into the realm of personal vengeance. His conversations with friends and allies, like the dean at Yvette’s college, feel almost conspiratorial, showing how community respect can turn into a weapon when someone feels slighted. It’s a darkly humorous yet unsettling reminder of the lengths people go to maintain their version of “justice.”
The At-Your-Beck Felicity Conveyor is a must-read for those who enjoy biting satire with a flair for the absurd. If you’re a fan of stories that poke fun at human flaws while diving deep into moral quandaries, this book is right up your alley. This novel is bold, strange, and refreshingly unfiltered. A true delight for anyone craving something a bit unconventional.
Pages: 203 | ASIN : B0DHB3PXSV
Hard Times Will Pass
Laugh Like A Mother is a wonderfully engaging blend of humor, chaos, and heartfelt emotion, capturing the rollercoaster ride of parenthood. What inspired you to write this book?
Motherhood! My day-to-day grind with my 3 tiny humans inspired me to lay it all out to help myself and the world laugh.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Parenting is hard, but so very rewarding. It’s important to remember that the hard times will pass and the fun and laughter far outweighs the tantrums.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
When you’re parenting, it’s easy to get lost in it and feel alone. I love being honest about life and I hope my writing makes other parents say, “Okay, it’s not just me. I’m not alone in this.” It’s comforting to know that other people are going through it and are able to laugh about it.
Will there be a follow-up book to this one? If so, what topics will the next book cover?
I would love to write more funny poetry and anecdotes about parenting. As my children grow, the phases they go through grow as well and I am sure I will find a lot more humor to come!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Being a Mother is hard! From dirty diapers, to sleepless nights and never ending piles of laundry, it can be hard to keep up. The days are long and the years, well, honestly, the years are just as long. We love our babes dearly, but, sometimes, to get through the chaos, you just need to laugh. And nobody laughs like a sleep deprived Mother.
Laugh Like A Mother is a collection of poetry and anecdotes making light of the common chaos that comes along with raising children. It’s wonderful and insane, heartwarming, and frustrating. When the children have you at the end of your rope, grab this collection, lock yourself in the bathroom, and Laugh Like A Mother.
LITERARY TITAN 