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Quell the Cringe with Curiosity
Rosemary, Now and Then is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles a paramedic daughter’s care for her mother, Rosemary, through the labyrinth of strokes and dementia and lessons learned about life along the way. Why was this an important book for you to write?
In addition to honoring my inimitable mother, Rosemary, Now and Then tells a story of quality living with dementia, end-of-life surprises, and afterlife intrigue based on near-death experiences. These topics–too often ignored–can be uplifting experiences for all of us, as mortal human beings.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Asked what I wrote about, if I were to simply say, “dementia and dying,” people would naturally cringe. So familiar we are with associated misery, but less acquainted with the amazing phenomena of these transformative experiences. Rosemary, Now and Then aims to quell the cringe with curiosity.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
An author, not a marketing strategist, the post-launch world requires a PR hat not in my wardrobe. But connecting with writing groups and other authors has proven invaluable.
It is most gratifying to share with readers the wonderful person I had the privilege of calling “Mom.” Beyond a daughter’s devotion, when readers relate to the broader message–virtually redefining dementia, dying, and death–we join together in a paradigm shift; an understanding of mortality as a gift of lifelong opportunities and death as immortal reacquaintance with the infinite, loving Beyond.
Fine threads of brilliance weave intricate Irish-veil thoughts through her filigree mind. Her three-year-old self emerges, radiant and quizzical. Grappling with the nature of existence, Rosemary laughs her way to the grave. Devoted daughter Christina devises caregiving innovations and connects dots of amazing coincidences. Paradoxes of mortality balance gravity with hilarity, pain with joy, absurdity with wisdom, practicality with mysticism.
The “Now and Then” format depicts leaps in time, place, and person that challenge reality, in league with Rosemary’s mind.
A journey of wit, wisdom, and sheer determination, Rosemary’s story concludes with her signature cinnamon bun recipe for readers to bake and share with loved ones . . . as Rosemary would do.
Rosemary, Now and Then
Rosemary, Now and Then is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles the author’s experience caring for her mother, Rosemary, through the labyrinth of strokes and dementia. This story is about resilience, love, and finding moments of humor and grace amid decline. The book paints an intimate portrait of a woman whose vibrant personality and sharp wit remain luminous despite her fading health. It delves into the challenges of caregiving, the philosophical reflections on mortality, and the surprising gifts of dementia, offering readers an unexpectedly uplifting perspective on life’s inevitable final chapter.
The writing is unflinchingly honest and emotionally raw, yet it’s peppered with humor that keeps the tone buoyant. One moment that stood out to me was when Rosemary, in the throes of a stroke-induced episode, commented on walking backward into a wall, comparing it to her mother’s wringer washer. It’s poignant and hilarious, a testament to Larson’s ability to capture the absurdity and humanity of such situations. These anecdotes keep the narrative personal and relatable, transforming it from a clinical account into a deeply human story.
I particularly appreciated Larson’s exploration of dementia not as a linear descent but as a reorganization of memories and self. Rosemary’s “mental excursions” into her past and imagined realms are described with a mystical reverence that challenges the stigma surrounding cognitive disorders. The book doesn’t shy away from showing the hard truths of caregiving, from burnt meals to late-night hospital runs. It also highlights the transformative power of love, like Larson’s determination to honor her mother’s wishes to maintain her dignity and humor to the very end.
One of my favorite sections was the rehabilitation episodes, especially Rosemary’s knack for connecting with strangers at the rehab center. The way she toasted “to the witnesses” at lunch, a subtle nod to Longfellow’s poem about slavery, demonstrated her sharp intellect and enduring sense of justice. It’s these moments of depth and insight that elevate the book from being just a caregiving memoir to a broader reflection on life’s interconnectedness and the enduring strength of character.
Rosemary, Now and Then is a beautifully written and deeply moving memoir that will resonate with anyone who has cared for a loved one through illness or who is curious about the interplay between life, death, and memory. Larson’s storytelling is warm and conversational, making complex topics accessible and relatable. I’d recommend this book to caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a profound yet uplifting exploration of the human condition.
Pages: 355 | ASIN : B0DQLNNFQN
Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead
Riding With Ghosts, Angels, and The Spirits Of The Dead by John Russell is a captivating exploration of the author’s extensive encounters with the paranormal. With over 45 years of experience as a psychic and an ordained minister, Russell shares his numerous psychic and supernatural experiences in a way that is both enlightening and engaging. Despite its subject matter, the book is not intended to frighten but rather to fascinate and inform. Russell claims to have experienced over 1,000 physical supernatural embodiments and has conducted psychic readings in more than 40 countries. From the seat of his motorcycle, readers are invited to join Russell on a journey spanning thousands of miles and countless psychic adventures.
Russell’s writing style is relaxed and entertaining, reflecting his ease with both worldly and otherworldly beings. His confidence in his psychic abilities is evident and reassuring, making readers feel comfortable rather than fearful. This sense of ease is further enhanced by the inclusion of personal anecdotes involving individuals from his life, such as his good friend Bill. Bill, who humorously accepts Russell’s abilities while wanting nothing to do with the supernatural, adds a relatable and cherished dimension to the narrative. The book begins in a particularly engaging manner, with Russell recounting an award-winning producer’s interest in his investigation into the assassination of President Lincoln and the search for John Wilkes Booth. Russell’s fixation on Lincoln’s funeral hearse and the belief that the ‘Other Side’ wants him to uncover further revelations adds an intriguing layer to his story. This introduction draws readers in with a blend of historical intrigue and supernatural investigation.
Riding With Ghosts, Angels, and The Spirits Of The Dead is a fascinating read. John Russell’s ability to embrace and articulate his unique gift makes for a compelling narrative that is both informative and enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the paranormal or simply a curiosity about the unknown.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B08JHBKJDR
A Voice from Heaven: From Earthly Struggles to Thriving in the Afterlife
In the universal human experience, few emotions are as profound and pervasive as the grief following the loss of a loved one. A Voice from Heaven, written with raw honesty by Cindy Birgman, delves deep into this emotional labyrinth, chronicling her personal journey following the tragic overdose of her 22-year-old son, Alec.
As Cindy grapples with an abyss of sorrow and shock, she embarks on a poignant quest, driven by the unyielding desire to comprehend the fate of her son’s soul. As the first anniversary of Alec’s departure looms, the cosmos begins to weave a tapestry of revelations from beyond the known, guiding Cindy through realms hitherto uncharted.
A Voice from Heaven offers its readers a candid first-person narrative, seamlessly unveiling secrets and unraveling the mysteries of the universe. It reaches out with a hand of empathy, assuring us of the infinite wonders the cosmos holds, waiting to be discovered. While Cindy emphasizes that her experiences may not be universal, she encourages readers to believe in the universe’s potential to respond in unique ways.
Throughout the narrative, readers are invited to traverse the ethereal boundary between the tangible and the spiritual. While certain aspects challenge traditional theological views and stir impassioned discussions, they beckon the reader to question, explore, and rethink their own beliefs about life and the hereafter. Cindy offers an enlightening perspective on the ever-enigmatic question of what lies beyond death, urging readers to free themselves from ingrained preconceptions.
This book resonates especially with those who have pondered the mysteries of life, the spiritual realm, and the profound void left by a loved one’s departure. Furthermore, it serves as a beacon for parents, illuminating the intricate challenges of mental health issues, particularly the shadowy realm of substance use disorders. In her narrative, Cindy poignantly underscores the reality that even with relentless effort, some battles might culminate in devastating losses.
A Voice from Heaven, while steeped in sorrow, emerges as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for healing. Articulate, insightful, and profoundly empathetic, it offers solace and understanding to those navigating the tumultuous waters of grief.
Pages: 244 | ASIN : B0C4ZPLR1V
The Sound of Wings
Three women from different social backgrounds, united by their shared interest in the creative arts, have their fates collide at an auction. Bound by their insecurities, their encounter reveals the dark secret they have buried inside themselves. The secrets slowly come to light as their friendship solidifies. However, it is not only the bond they share that proves therapeutic to those women, but also that flutter of wings, signaling the everlasting presence of the vital forces in their lives.
The author of the book, Suzanne Simonetti, expertly depicts the anxieties and uncertainties of the human mind through the voices of women of various ages, experiences, and circumstances. From the struggling writer who fears losing his son’s legal custody to the ‘real-life Cinderella’ of Cape May Krystal Axelrod. Each character in this women fiction novel is on the hunt for their individuality. The motherly affection contributes an important part in the story, cropping up through Jocelyn, Goldie, and Pearl, the housekeeper.
In addition to focusing on its human characters, this psychological thriller also explores and depicts animal faculties. The statement “Her babies always knew where to find the love and could easily decipher whether they were in companies of allies and foes” provides the reader with an interesting glimpse into animal nature observed by the author. In titling The Sound of Wings, which begins and ends with the arrival of monarch butterflies, the author does an excellent job of conveying the sentiment behind the work’s subject matter. The concept Suzanne Simonetti has associated with butterflies and their arrival will fascinate readers.
The Sound of Wings, by Suzanne Simonetti, enumerates the practicalities of life with its mystical elements. The theme of self-belief, or lack thereof, runs throughout the book and the characters. Characters displayed courage and determination through their interactions with each other. The pace of the narrative will appeal to people who enjoy slow-paced novels that spend time really developing their characters and telling their stories. This women’s fiction novel will prove to be a page-turner if you enjoy mystery fiction, with plenty of drama and a drizzle of occult and spiritualism.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B08F2BJP1N
Heart of a Warrior Angel: From Darkness to Light
Articulate and full of spiritualism, Heart of a Warrior Angel by Lali A. Love is a journey not only in the world but within oneself. Our protagonist, Lilac, reflects on her life’s path as she reaches her twilight years. She recalls her journey through life as she crosses literal and metaphorical oceans to become the person she is in the moment. We learn her life story, her heartache, and her triumphs. We celebrate and grieve with her as this book lays bare the raw emotions that entangle themselves with the journey of life.
Heart of a Warrior Angel drips with dramatic tension, and excellent descriptions of the living situation Lilac regales us with is moving and heart rendering. It is a metaphysical thriller, with a touch of supernatural fantasy, following one woman’s journey through the hell on earth she was forced to live as she comes to terms with her ascension onto a spiritual plane deserving of her essence.
Dreamworld
Dave Droge Author Interview
Inevitable Dreaming follows Waldemar struggling to cope with the loss of his family as a friend suggests a new virtual reality therapy? What served as your inspiration for the setup to this riveting novel?
The goal was to describe a dreamworld in the tropics and then confront the reader with the harsh reality that superstition, “magical” beliefs—a broad category that ranges from beliefs in mythical animals, to connections with animals’ fabled properties, to spiritualism and traditions—have an impact on the welfare of real-life animals and ecosystems. 3D virtual reality therapy was a means to get to this goal.
This novel does a very good job at examining the self-deprecating nature of some people. What is Waldemar character based on?
He is a criticaster of tunnel-vision in police investigations and of the argument’s judges tend to use in the name of the law. So, as a character, he is critical towards anything that leads to prepossession, prejudice or any other bias really (in my next novel, the game changer, he comes back shortly as a helper in finding this tunnel-vision in business around the harbor of Rotterdam). Then, in his own dreamworld, he might discover something about himself regarding this personality trait. I will not tell you in detail, since that would spoil the reading/plot.
I felt that this novel was about personal tragedy and grief. What were some themes you wanted to explore in this novel?
Superstition, animal welfare and most definitely also ‘’revenge’’. Revenge is one of the main underlining themes of this book. I thought it was especially interesting to see what a character like Waldemar, living for the law and ethics, becomes when feeling this urge for revenge.
What is the next book that you are writing and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on two books, but I am not sure they will ever be finished.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
![Inevitable dreaming by [Dröge, Dave]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41clkuoL9DL.jpg)
At the moment forensic psychologist Waldemar van Splunteren is defending himself against an inquiry, thereby challenging his unjust suspension, something terrible happens: his wife and child are being killed in a tragic accident. He loses himself in self-pity and avoids any contact with the outside world. Only Miriam, a prosecutor and a good friend of his wife, does not budge. She advises him to try a new form of meditative, virtual reality therapy. During these sessions, Waldemar comes to know slowly what actually happened. He decides to investigate it all along with Miriam, leading them to Borneo, Indonesia.
Our Pets Transmogrified
Terry Tumbler Author Interview
The Inlooker follows Thomas as his life changes when his daughter’s cat dies and he realizes that the dead cat’s soul inhabits the body of another cat in the house. This is one of the most unique story setups I’ve read in a long time. How did this idea develop into a story for you?
It is an event that actually happened. We had three cats at the time, each of which died in quick succession and had a unique personality, unlike those of the others. It was a wonder to behold, as each of our pets transmogrified into another way of behaving, which only lasted a couple of days before reverting to the original personality. That was over 30 years ago, but it led me to believe that animals possess spirits like we do.
Thomas works to enhance his powers, not just reading souls and manipulating his own, but taking control of other people. What was the biggest challenge you faced in developing the character along with his powers?
Dispassionate research was needed into reincarnation, spiritualism, poltergeist activity and the possibilities of bodily possession by others. I could not even begin to start this monumental task until retirement. The most profound findings were actually in reincarnation, where much evidence exists and has been documented, especially involving children.
I enjoyed the narrators voice, it’s humorous, dark, clear, and ironic. Was this an intentional part of the story or just a facet of your natural writing style?
It was deliberate and based on the style of an old-time English actor called George Saunders. I can’t honestly say if it reflects my style in general. There’s a touch of Terry Pratchett in there too, plus the zaniness of P.G.Wodehouse.
What is the next story you are working on and when will that book be available?
I’ve recently issued The Sightseers Agency and am working on another in the Sci-Fi vein that will be ready by June 2017. All my books are near-future speculative and most of the contents are based on what is possible in key areas of science.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website | GoodReads | Blogspot
The magical World of Science Fiction is dominated by stories about individuals with outlandish costumes, fantastical skills and superior strength. They compete energetically for attention, and capture our imagination in the most unbelievable of ways.
But what if in real life, there were to exist a force that could take on any of these mythical beings, without needing to possess similar or opposing strengths?
Thomas Beckon wields that force, in much the same way that a contagion can wipe out most of humanity, from within. For Thomas is an Inlooker, perhaps the only one as far as he is aware, and is truly capable of invading any person’s soul that he chooses.
Luckily for those around him, Thomas is a benign individual who chooses a path through life that barely creates a ripple in his wake. At least, what he does is so undetectable that any malevolence in his actions is hardly ever recognized, even superficially.
Pity those who cross swords (or should I say souls?) with the Inlooker, for he can take anyone down, or initiate a chain-reaction of catastrophes, regardless of a person’s super abilities, or position in life.
Then he becomes less benign, and begins to focus on changing the society in which we live. Thereafter, he focuses on the world.
LITERARY TITAN 