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Kissed the Girls
Anthony Silman’s Kissed the Girls dives deep into the sleek, poisonous world of power, privilege, and corruption. The novel weaves several storylines together, a pair of ruthless lawyers, a naïve designer lured into a predator’s den, a celebrity couple undone by scandal, and a grifter who thrives in the cracks of bureaucracy. The book opens with a cry of outrage from the press against a man “beyond the law,” setting the tone for what follows: a series of interconnected tales where greed, lust, and moral rot fester beneath elegant façades. It’s satire, thriller, and social commentary rolled into one.
Reading it, I found myself both fascinated and uneasy. Silman’s writing is crisp and confident, filled with sharp dialogue that makes his characters sound alive, even when you wish they weren’t. Inigo and Archie, the slick lawyers who bend law and ethics like soft metal, are drawn with wit and venom. Suzanne Pickwick’s story hit harder for me. Her innocence, her polite compliance, the quiet horror of what she endures, it all builds slowly until you’re holding your breath. I could almost feel the weight of the room she’s in, the polished menace of the people around her. There’s anger beneath the words too, a fury aimed at the smug invulnerability of men like Omar, and it bleeds through in the best way.
At times, the story feels like a moral fable hiding behind a crime drama. Silman’s world is full of people who think they can buy decency, and for a while, they almost do. But there’s a pulse of resistance running through the book. Suzanne’s defiance, the small flickers of conscience from unexpected places, they make the darkness sharper. The style isn’t smooth or sterile. It stings, it laughs at itself, it jumps from the wickedly funny to the deeply grim. That volatility made me enjoy it more. I felt irritated, amused, disgusted, and even oddly hopeful, often within a few pages.
In the end, Kissed the Girls left me rattled but satisfied. It’s not a pretty story, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s clever and brutal, and it doesn’t let you stand comfortably on the sidelines. I’d recommend it to readers who like their fiction bold, cynical, and grounded in the uncomfortable truths of modern power. If you enjoy stories that peel back the glossy surface of success to show the greed and cruelty underneath, this one’s for you.
Pages: 408 | ASIN : B0FHQFRBGN
Interrupting Violence: One Man’s Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself
Interrupting Violence: One Man’s Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself by Cobe Williams and Josh Gryniewicz is both a memoir and a powerful call to action for change across American cities. The book chronicles the life of Cobe Williams, who was born into the gang Black Disciples and faced tremendous adversity from a young age. Despite the odds—losing his father to gang violence at age 10, dealing drugs in high school, and being wrongfully imprisoned for murder—Cobe managed to turn his life around. He became a violence interrupter, dedicating himself to saving the lives of young people on the brink of falling into the same destructive patterns.
This touching memoir is not only about personal growth but also serves as a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for those who believe they can make a difference. As a reader from a different background, I had only encountered gang-related content in movies. It was eye-opening to learn that such gangs exist in reality, with violence as pervasive as portrayed on screen. Coming from a psychology background, I recognize that these issues are deeply rooted in society and manifest globally in similar forms. Addressing violence and problematic behavior requires time and effort, much like the work Cobe and his colleagues are doing, as described in this book. Their stories will undoubtedly reach and inspire many. Reading about real-life events and the life trajectory of someone like Cobe is incredibly impressive. His transformation is a testament to the possibility of change and growth. His story teaches us that better times are always within reach if we remain determined and disciplined in our goals. The book is written in an engaging, conversational style, making readers feel as if they are hearing Cobe’s story firsthand. The authors use slang and informal grammar to reflect authentic spoken language, effectively drawing readers into the narrative.
Interrupting Violence has broadened my perspective, exposing me to realities I might not have otherwise known. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling read that transports them into the lives of others around the world. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and the enduring possibility of positive change.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0C9W7JJNX
Random Musings of the Left Hemisphere
Random Musings of the Left Hemisphere by Mike Joyner serves as a comprehensive anthology of his reflective insights on a myriad of political and social issues currently permeating the United States. Joyner critically examines the cultural trend of “woke-ism” and the embracement of progressivism, contending that such movements are, paradoxically, regressing American society towards historic European models of governance that our nation’s founders fervently resisted.
The book casts a wide net, exploring topics such as the Covid-19 pandemic, gun violence, the controversial Florida voting incident, impeachment, perceived leftist privilege, the Black Lives Matter movement, and even personal anecdotes like ‘Grandpa’s dating rule.’ By incorporating elements from his personal life, Joyner forges a human connection with his readers, fostering a relatable and engaging atmosphere.
True to its title, the book is a rich tapestry of diverse thoughts, presented in succinct chapters that streamline reader comprehension while maintaining their engagement. Joyner’s profound passion for the well-being of his country and its citizens is palpable in each chapter. His candid and bold commentary, driven by his desire for a safer and fairer nation, is both refreshing and thought-provoking.
One particularly poignant chapter sees Joyner express a deep-seated protective instinct, asserting that as a father, grandfather, and husband, he would courageously place himself between a child and danger, mirroring the heartbreaking sacrifice made by teachers during the tragic incident in Florida.
Readers concerned about the future trajectory of the United States will find Joyner’s book an enlightening and conversational read. Amid an era characterized by cancel culture and a lack of tolerance for divergent views, Joyner fearlessly articulates his perspectives on where he perceives the nation is faltering and how it can strive toward improvement.
Random Musings of the Left Hemisphere offers an insightful exploration of contemporary American issues. While Joyner’s views might not resonate with everyone, they undeniably provoke thoughtful consideration. Regardless of one’s political orientation, this book provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance understanding of current American challenges and the complexities of its political landscape.
Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0C2WMQNHH
Learning To Balance Darkness And Light
Shooting Stars follows an author that meets the love of her life and realizes she must face the trauma of her past before they can live happily ever after. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
There’s an expression “hurt people hurt people.” Sometimes that isn’t true. Sometimes people in great pain are able to love others in extraordinary ways, and they only hurt themselves. That’s what I wanted to explore. I wanted to look at how people with both visible and invisible wounds can love each other unconditionally, and how in turn, that may help them heal.
Tess starts off confident but it is a facade, as that shell breaks away she transforms into a stronger person. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Tess is my favorite protagonist from any of my novels. In many ways, she’s an aspirational character. She’s enormously talented and successful, which has afforded her an enviable life on the surface. She’s also deeply kind—she sees the humanity in each person and treats others with grace. Despite all she has going for her, she’s haunted by trauma survived in her childhood, and for a long time she struggles to find any genuine happiness. While the details may differ and be more traumatic in Tess’s case, I think many of us carry deep wounds. So often people see our highlight reel on social media and may have a false sense of our lives, when in fact we may be struggling. So as I developed Tess, I wanted to peel back the layers, from what we see on the surface, to what she’s really dealing with on the inside.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
For me, this is a story about learning to balance darkness and light in our lives. It’s also about the healing power of love in all forms—romance, friendship, love of art, and love of community.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I fell so completely in love with Tess, Jack, and all their friends that after writing Shooting Stars I wrote 5 more novels based on these characters, for 6 in total. Each novel takes place about a year later—so it follows the characters for about 7 years. Each novel has its own story and theme; however, the collection as a whole also has an overarching narrative. It’s an epic love story about balancing darkness and light so that we may ultimately live in full color. There’s romance, laughter, tears, and some unexpected twists and turns. The title is Celestial Bodies: The Tess Lee and Jack Miller Novels and it comes out June 1. I’m so proud of it. Truly, of all my work it’s what I love and revisit the most. Reading it is a bit like being wrapped in a big hug. Here’s the amazon link: https://tinyurl.com/4c5nrtvc
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website
Shooting Stars
When Author Tess Lee met Federal Agent Jack Miller by chance, the two experienced what many consider love at first sight. The couple became inseparable, and nothing made them happier than to be together. They soon introduced each other to their friends who all agreed that this was a match made in heaven. After a whirlwind romance, the couple gets married. Jack soon discovered that Tess had been traumatized as a child, and the only thing that helped her overcome her trauma was Jack’s love.
Shooting Stars, written by Patricia Leavy, is a beautiful love story about the true value of love and friendship. Tess finally allows herself to love and be loved when she realizes that Jack will never hurt her and will always be there to protect her. Jack soon learns that Tess would not have become the person she did become had it not been for her close friends, who came to know and accept her just the way she is. Life is complicated, and if we can find someone to help us through the tough times, we can consider ourselves fortunate.
In addition to being a love story, it is a story about survival and resilience. Tess must learn about trusting her chosen family and herself. This novel is about healing and overcoming your past to keep it from stealing your future happiness.
I love Patricia Leavy’s succinct and easy-to-read writing style. Each character is introduced individually, and the reader learns more about their background, allowing you to connect with the characters. A few surprises are woven into the plot, which makes the novel more interesting and adds a new dimension to Tess and Jack’s relationship. Anyone who reads Shooting Stars will experience the importance of treating others with dignity and respect.
Shooting Stars is a heartwarming literary fiction novel about finding love, learning to trust, and discovering what it means to live. Anyone that enjoys a feel-good romantic story will find this novel hard to put down.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B08THRSHPX
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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