Blog Archives
Starry Starry Noir Rebels and Censors
Bernie Dowling’s Starry Starry Noir Rebels and Censors is a bold and biting dive into the shadowy corners of public domain film noir. It’s part history, part commentary, and part elegy for an era where rebellion simmered under celluloid. Dowling uncovers the lives behind the films, actors, directors, censors, and outcasts, and weaves a human tale out of forgotten reels. He doesn’t just retell film plots; he places them in a tug-of-war between art and morality, freedom and control. Censorship, both comedic and catastrophic, looms large as he dissects works like Dishonored Lady, Stray Dog, and The Hitch-Hiker.
I was immediately struck by how personal the writing feels. This isn’t some dry academic tour through noir tropes, it’s alive, angry, funny, and sad all at once. Take the story of Hedy Lamarr, co-producer and star of Dishonored Lady (1947), where Dowling explores how censors gutted what could’ve been a hard-edged noir into a limp melodrama. He doesn’t hold back, calling out how Lamarr—“dubbed Headache” by the Hollywood boys’ club, was judged more for her beauty than her brains, despite co-inventing frequency-hopping tech that would lead to Wi-Fi. And when Dowling digs into Ida Lupino’s gutsy leap from actress to noir director, you can feel his respect bleeding through the page. Lupino didn’t just break barriers, she shattered them, directing The Hitch-Hiker in 1953, a brutal, tension-drenched film that punched above its budget and bent censorship rules without flinching.
But my favorite parts are when Dowling tangles with the censors. He doesn’t just document their decisions he ridicules them, laughs at them, and sometimes mourns the films they destroyed. These are the book’s best beats: where Dowling paints censorship as absurd and tragic in equal measure. His love for these lost and maimed films is tangible, but he’s no rose-colored romantic. When a film doesn’t work, like Strange Illusion, he says so, calling it “all over the shop,” a mash of Freud, Hamlet, and shadows that just doesn’t gel.
This book made me feel things like irritation, admiration, nostalgia, and more than a few laughs. Dowling’s voice is sharp and full of heart, and he’s clearly done his homework. I’d recommend Starry Starry Noir Rebels and Censors to anyone who loves old films, stories of underdogs, or just really good writing. Film students, noir buffs, and history nerds will find gold here. But even if you’re none of those, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the people behind the flickering black-and-white frames—and the battles they fought to get them made.
Pages: 295 | ASIN : B0DWXYVN7C
Hurricane Audrey: The Deadly Storm of 1957
Hurricane Audrey captures the raw human experience of one of the deadliest natural disasters in Louisiana’s history. The book weaves the stories of six families who lived through the catastrophic 1957 storm, providing a vivid account of their fight for survival and the emotional aftermath. Cathy C. Post’s narrative unfolds like a thriller, grounding the suspense in historical facts and personal anecdotes. This mix of history and drama makes the book both enlightening and moving.
The writing is what stood out to me the most. It’s clear and gripping, yet heartfelt. One moment, Post is diving into technical details about the Weather Bureau’s first radar-tracked hurricane. The next, she’s painting scenes so vivid that I could almost hear the crackling of the storm and feel the rising panic. The heart of this book is its people. Post doesn’t just tell you what happened, she introduces you to the families of Cameron Parish. Post’s knack for blending facts with personal stories, like those of the Broussard family or the determined sheriff O.B. Carter, adds depth and keeps the reader invested. The chapter describing the tidal wave’s arrival was devastating yet mesmerizing. Survivors like Elaine Broussard reflect on their miraculous survival and the loss of neighbors and loved ones. These stories reminded me how fragile life can be. The heartbreaking accounts of the children lost or separated during the storm stayed with me long after I closed the book. The sheer suddenness of Hurricane Audrey’s landfall, 12 hours ahead of predictions, is described in harrowing detail, leaving the reader as unprepared as the residents themselves.
I’d recommend Hurricane Audrey to history enthusiasts, fans of survival stories, and anyone curious about Louisiana’s culture. It’s a testament to human resilience and a haunting reminder of nature’s power. The book brought me to tears more than once and left me in awe of the people who endured this catastrophe. Don’t miss it; this story deserves to be remembered.
Pages: 320 | ISBN : 1685932126
Clear Narratives
In Death to Justice, you provide readers with an in-depth look at the evidence, investigations, and implications surrounding the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. What first drew you to write a book centered on this case?
It was when I was working on another project that I saw a lot of gaping inconsistencies and irregularities among the statements of witnesses to Lee Harvey Oswald’s shooting.
From there, very clear narratives that have largely been overlooked emerged, compelling me to write this book.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
It took me 18 months – to compile all witness statements and evidence & write the book.
Did you find anything in your research that surprised you?
Yes, the media personnel that were present to witness the shooting had been completely overlooked – the 50/50 ratio of media personnel to police at the scene is startling.
What do you hope readers take away from Death to Justice?
To provide new insight into an aspect of the subject of President Kennedy’s assassination and make Oswald’s shooting a topic worthy of its own productive research.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
And despite the many works on that historic weekend ever since, very little research has been dedicated to the shocking murder of Lee Oswald. Instead, it has stood presumed as one of the more open-and-shut aspects of the horror of that weekend in 1963.
But as this book will prove – it is anything but.
DEATH TO JUSTICE is the first book to focus entirely on the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald. In doing so, it provides a never-before-seen deep dive into all aspects of the crime that includes:
Exposing the lengths of incompetence and culpability of the Dallas Police Department for Oswald’s slaying, providing the most definitive record of witnesses at the scene, highlighting a list of suspects, alongside Jack Ruby, that were involved in the shooting and its cover-up, and consolidating the evidence to establish a clear and complete scenario of how Oswald’s shooting most likely took place.
Through reasoned and critical analysis of all facets of the event, DEATH TO JUSTICE corrects the narrative and solidifies the case that Lee Harvey Oswald’s murder is worthy of its own field of research. From this point, what more can still be uncovered about the weekend that changed the course of the world?
Death to Justice: The Shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald
Paul Abbott’s Death to Justice dives deep into one of history’s most curious and often overlooked crimes: the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy. Abbott doesn’t merely recount events; he methodically examines the evidence, investigations, and implications of Oswald’s shooting, exposing cracks in the official narrative and shedding light on the wider web of conspiracies surrounding that fateful weekend in November 1963. The book oscillates between being a historical account and a sharp critique of the system that hastily closed the book on Oswald’s death without satisfying scrutiny.
Abbott’s attention to detail is astounding, especially when unpacking inconsistencies in witness testimonies and discrepancies in photographic evidence. The book delves into the peculiarities of Oswald’s movements, suggesting gaps in the official timeline that make it almost impossible for him to have acted alone or at all in the Kennedy assassination. This isn’t a book that just scratches the surface; it digs deep into police reports, forensic details, and the behavior of key players. The vivid descriptions and well-documented accounts create a scene that feels immediate and unnervingly real.
What I found most compelling were Abbott’s reflections on justice and accountability. He argues persuasively that Oswald’s murder, while captured live on television, was treated more like an inconvenient afterthought than a crime worthy of serious inquiry. The parallels he draws between public outrage over contemporary events like George Floyd’s death and the apathy following Oswald’s assassination are striking. These comparisons make the book feel not just relevant but urgent, pressing the reader to consider how historical blind spots shape public consciousness.
Death to Justice is a thought-provoking and painstakingly researched exploration of a case that has long lingered in the shadow of a greater tragedy. Abbott’s writing is clear, engaging, and at times outright damning. This book is perfect for history buffs, conspiracy theory enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys digging into unsolved mysteries. While it can feel dense, the payoff is undeniable for those willing to dive in. I would recommend it to anyone curious about the untold stories that history tends to bury.
Pages: 426 | ISBN : 978-1763725805
All the Presidents’ Money: How the Men Who Governed America Governed Their Money
Megan Gorman’s All the Presidents’ Money: How the Men Who Governed America Governed Their Money is an engaging dive into the personal financial lives of America’s most powerful figures, its presidents. The book explores how these leaders managed their finances, often paralleling their successes and struggles with the economic realities faced by everyday Americans. Gorman brings us stories of debt, thrift, and lavish spending, creating a narrative that humanizes the men who governed the nation. Through these financial lenses, she provides an intimate look at their decision-making and personalities, showing how their financial behaviors mirrored their governance styles.
Gorman makes history relatable. For example, FDR’s ill-fated investment in a lobster business gives him a surprisingly human, almost vulnerable, quality. This mix of personal and fiscal details, like Lincoln scrimping to save for a larger home or JFK sipping beer to avoid New York’s pricy Stork Club, makes the presidents feel less like historical statues and more like everyday people with real financial anxieties. One of the most surprising sections was the focus on Warren Harding. Harding is often maligned for his political scandals, but Gorman does a fantastic job of reframing him as a savvy businessman. He managed to turn a $300 investment in a small-town newspaper into a multimillion-dollar empire. This balance of storytelling combines political and personal, adding layers to the presidents that we don’t often see. It was fascinating to read how Harding, despite being one of the lowest-ranked presidents historically, had financial foresight that rivals the best. Thomas Jefferson’s financial downfall paints a picture of a man whose love for wine and extravagant dinners outpaced his ability to save. His eventual financial ruin feels oddly relatable in today’s world of consumer debt. The recurring theme that struck me was how similar their financial problems were to ours. The pressures, bad investments, and outright mismanagement were not unique to their times, and Gorman’s exploration of these mishaps felt refreshing, almost comforting in a strange way.
All the Presidents’ Money: How the Men Who Governed America Governed Their Money is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of money, power, and history. It’s not just for history buffs; it’s for anyone who’s ever wondered if leaders have the same struggles as the rest of us. If you’re a fan of presidential history or financial stories, you’ll enjoy this book’s unique angle. It reminds us that even those at the top are only human, after all.
Pages: 372 | ASIN : B0D3T7TGMZ
A Cathartic Journey
The President’s Tailor shares the story of a Frenchman who moved to America and became the personal tailor for nine different presidents throughout his life. Why was this an important story for you to write?
I was a teacher for many years and liked to use children’s books to begin a new subject we would be learning about. When I heard this story, I got inspired. I began researching and finding information to add to the story. I wanted to keep it real so I used poetry as my genre. If I would have written a story I would have had to add parts to the story that were not true. I also created teaching plans for the teacher, and a presentation to be given at schools. I have been going to retirement centers to give my presentation and they love it!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
An idea that I was inspired by and wanted to include is the fact that he did not give up and persevered. I kept that mantra going as I wrote, had the book illustrated, and I personally persevered because my significant other had passed away, and I worked on the book. It was a cathartic journey for my healing process. For children, I think it’s important to introduce them to people who have that never give up attitude when things get tough. Another idea that I made sure to include was the way he interacted with others. He was very perceptive and made sure to rely on this perceptiveness when he worked with each president. He could joke with LBJ, knew to be reserved with George H W Bush, and carry on a pleasant conversation with Nixon and others. It is important to allow people to be themselves and for us to accept them for who they are.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Nimali Udugama?
I found Nimali on Fiverr. She is from Sri Lanka. I really loved her artwork, so I asked her if she would like to illustrate a children’s book. She worked so hard. We had to change lots of things because not living in America, she didn’t know American protocol. We talked for many hours on the phone. I didn’t realize at the time that things had changed so much with being a self published author, but I thought she was worth the risk. It is very challenging to even get the book in libraries or independent children’s book stores now. I wrote a book in 2009, and I was able to get the book in libraries, schools, bookstores, and distribution centers, etc.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Unfortunately, I have not made plans for a next story until I figure out how to sell the 1,000 books in my basement.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon
The Presidents’ Tailor is the real-life story of a Frenchman who moves to the United States and after a rough start he is given the opportunity to become a sewing apprentice. After a time he masters his craft and becomes a tailor to nine of our presidents.
The Miracle That Made Us A United Nation
Betty Lou Rogers’ book, The Miracle That Made Us A United Nation, offers a concise and captivating exploration of the events that paved the way for the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation. Within its pages, the narrative vividly portrays the arduous and, at times, tumultuous proceedings of the Constitutional Convention, shedding light on the complex negotiations that shaped the nation’s founding document. Moreover, the book astutely recognizes the profound influence of Christian principles and values on the ethos and mindset of early American settlers and leaders. Indeed, Christian beliefs played a significant role in shaping society’s moral and ethical underpinnings during the Constitutional Convention.
This straightforward work of historical non-fiction chronicles the transformation of disparate American states into a united entity. It introduces us to iconic figures such as George Washington, Ben Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, offering insights into their pivotal roles in the unification of America. These visionary leaders collaborated to design the framework of governance, addressing critical issues such as the structure of the House and Senate, the imperative for checks and balances, and the creation of the Bill of Rights. The framers of the Constitution were resolute in ensuring that no single individual could unilaterally dictate laws for the entire nation. Consequently, this endeavor led to the establishment of the presidency and the bedrock principles of democracy in the developing United States, alongside the inception of the Judicial Branch as one of the three branches of government.
The Miracle That Made Us A United Nation serves as a reminder of the tenacity that fueled the birth of the United States and the unforgettable legacy left by those who championed its cause. This invaluable resource caters to both history aficionados and those seeking a foundational understanding of America’s struggle for freedom. It illuminates the remarkable journey of a disparate collection of states evolving into a united and enduring nation.
Pages: 40
Fighting for the Long Haul
Run! is an engaging memoir where you share not just the highlights of your political career but the struggles you faced because of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. How hard was it to put this story out in the world for people to read?
Given my own circumstances of coming out, it was not hard for me to put my story out to the world. For many queer people, coming out is a slow and laborious process involving one-on-one conversations with family and friends. I chose a different path. On a March 1984 morning, I came out to the entire readership of the San Jose Mercury News when I wrote an opinion piece denouncing the statements of an anti-gay state legislator. While I might have trouble telling people individually about my sexual orientation, I was comfortable notifying the whole town.
Another reason I was okay with telling my story is from being an elected official for 26 years. When I first ran, I knew there would be a spotlight on my personal and professional life. Most people want to protect their privacy and shun publicity. For whatever reason, I accepted the public exposure because of what I wanted to accomplish once in office.
For all these reasons, I was comfortable telling my story. That isn’t to say I wasn’t nervous about it. I didn’t know if colleagues would agree with my version of history or if critics would find fault with my political strategies. Ultimately, I decided to tell my story as accurately as possible, remembering things as they were without a revisionist history.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One main reason for writing Run! was to show that regardless of how bleak things look politically, a group of like-minded people can make a difference over time, even if it takes years. To bring about social change, you have to be in the fight for the long haul. For me, that meant the last 40 years.
Also, I wanted to demystify running for office. I do this by covering all aspects of my four competitive races so others can learn how it’s done. In the chapter titled “Run, Baby, Run: Planning and Executing a Winning Campaign,” I offer advice for how LGBTQ+ candidates can survive negative attacks against them by deploying various strategies to attract voters’ support.
Last, I wanted to emphasize that winning isn’t enough. It’s what you do while in office that matters most. Many elected officials serve for years and never leave a mark. This should never be the fate of queer politicians. I think one reason why LGBTQ+ officials can be so successful is due to the discrimination and stereotypes that they have to overcome to win elections in the first place.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I’m not sure it was ever articulated to me, but looking back, I think one thing that saved me from doing or saying any number of stupid things was surrounding myself with people I trusted and could bounce ideas off of. Politics can be a pretty unforgiving profession, and mistakes aren’t always forgiven or forgotten. To avoid that, be sure to talk things through with your advisors. Once everyone agrees on the appropriate action, you can go forward with confidence.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
From the beginning, I saw my audience being two groups of people: First, younger queer people who are just starting out and want to take up the mantle to fight social and political injustices. It can often be hard to know how to go about that, especially in more rural or suburban towns without a large queer community. I hope the book inspires them to take action either by forming a political organization, working to elect allies to office, or running for office themselves.
Second, I want Run! to serve as a recollection for older queer folx of how far we have all come. Our battles may have been different depending on our cities and states, but we were all headed in the same direction. This led to the legalization of same-sex marriages and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, along with many other significant victories both large and small. I don’t want any of that history to be lost or go untold.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Having lived and breathed queer activism for almost 40 years, Ken Yeager is uniquely positioned to tell the story of how this happened. The strategies he used and the lessons he learned will serve as a guide for activists organizing to counter the current uptick of anti-gay and anti-trans hostilities in their communities.
Run! also serves as a primer for LGBTQ+ people thinking of running for office. As the first openly gay elected official in Santa Clara County who served 26 years in public office, Ken Yeager details his numerous campaigns and provides a checklist for how to achieve electoral victory.
Winning by itself isn’t enough. It’s what you do while in office that matters. Known as one of the most effective local elected officials, read how Ken Yeager crafted landmark legislation to improve the quality of life of LGBTQ+ people and all residents of Santa Clara Valley.
After reading his book, you’ll be inspired to take him up on his call to Run, Baby, Run! for office.
LITERARY TITAN 