Blog Archives
The Roof Above
The Roof Above, by Gail Dwyer, thoughtfully explores the often-overlooked experiences of an Army spouse through the eyes of its protagonist, Kelly McGowan. Kelly, an ambitious accounting graduate, faces life head-on as she embarks on a journey filled with personal and professional challenges. Her story begins with high aspirations, influenced by her academic pursuits, but swiftly takes a turn as she encounters the harsh realities of job hunting and the strains of a long-distance relationship with her fiancé, Matt, who is attending West Point.
Dwyer’s novel is grounded in authenticity, drawing inspiration from the real-life stories of Army spouses she is closely connected with. This lends a genuine and realistic touch to the narrative. The book delves into the nuances of how enduring love develops over time, underscoring the indispensable support of family and friends. Kelly’s journey through family dynamics, coupled with her search for emotional sustenance, paints a vivid picture of her resilience and growth.
The storytelling in The Roof Above is seamless and engaging, capturing various facets of life, from professional environments to intimate moments. The narrative deftly illustrates Kelly’s evolution from a solitary figure grappling with inner turmoil to someone who gains a more balanced and objective perspective through adversity. The story unfolds at a thoughtful, deliberate pace, reflecting the gradual progression of life. This narrative approach includes moments where the protagonist, Kelly, engages in introspection, offering readers an opportunity to deeply connect with her internal journey. The story is infused with a sense of life’s inherent unpredictability, effectively capturing how each moment holds the potential for significant transformation and unforeseen challenges.
The Roof Above offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of life’s transitions and the complexities of military spouse life. It stands as an inspiring and insightful read for those navigating life’s changes, providing a fresh perspective on the dynamic and evolving nature of our own journeys.
Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0CKW7X62V
Roam Within
Magical realism masterfully blends the everyday with the fantastical, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. Typically centered around male protagonists, Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light breaks this mold, presenting us with Macallah, a compelling female lead.
Written by Maya Realm, Roam Within is more than just a tale—it’s an invitation to embark on a voyage of self-realization. Through Macallah’s eyes, we delve deep into themes of passion, adversity, and personal growth. This spirited protagonist not only lives life with fervor but also grapples with its unpredictable twists, offering invaluable insights along the way.
From the onset, the narrative captivated me. It felt as if Maya Realm was extending a personal invitation, beckoning readers to accompany Macallah in her quest for truth and affection. This storytelling finesse ensures that the tale resonates deeply, offering reflections on love, life, and relationships. It was particularly refreshing to see Macallah represent the aspirations and challenges faced by many young women today. Furthermore, the narrative artfully touches upon nuanced topics such as spirituality, religion, and women’s issues.
Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light is a gripping story that women can relate to and find parts of themselves within these pages. The essence of the tale—its emphasis on self-exploration and spiritual growth pulls readers in and holds their attention till the end. For those seeking a profound and different kind of magical realism, Roam Within is an unforgettable and worthy read.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0B7FGPBL6
From Where I Sit
Written by Ray Lecara Jr, From Where I Sit is a collection of short stories. Easy to read and engaging, there are five stories to enjoy. Beginning with Scent of Juniper, an exciting, short-action thriller detailing a world war two agent’s mission to locate and acquire a rare Faberge egg. The story plunges straight into the middle of the action as assassins launch an attack. With a fast pace, it is instantly absorbing and finishes on a cliffhanger, leaving me keen to read on and find out what happens next.
A Life Lost Living is the following short story in the collection. I particularly enjoyed this one. The main character was thoughtfully crafted. It details the friendship between a young bartender and an elderly veteran who drinks in his establishment. Through conversations, the elderly man reveals the story of his life, his sorrows, his bitterness, and the effects of war on his life. He is alone, estranged from his family, with his wife and parents long dead. The complexity of the father/child relationship is examined in this story, as is the ever-present question of the point of living, especially when the burdens and regrets weigh heavily in older age. The ending is original and poignant. It is an emotional piece of writing with beautiful descriptions of the New England winter and the connections to land, memory, and childhood.
Goldie, the next story, showcases man’s love for their most loyal companion, the dog. A touching tale of loss and how people can move forward even when they think they won’t. One Night In Bangkok is a super short story featuring another canine companion protecting their chosen human in a funny set of events.
The final story in the collection Old Lang Syne features two lovers reconnecting after years apart when they accidentally bump into each other on new years eve. Catching up on how their lives unfolded after they split, they are able to rehash the events that led to their break up. This is an interesting look at how life evolves and changes as people progress. In addition, it looks at the difficulties people face with mental health struggles and how they can overcome them.
I really enjoyed reading the short stories. They were all well-written, and the characters were easy to engage with. I had no problem becoming invested in any of the characters or the stories. Each story examined different areas of the human condition and the emotional aspects of life. I liked the fact you can dip in and quickly read each story. The premise of each individual story was exciting and original. The characters were convincing, and the quality of the writing was good. Each story flowed nicely, and the dialogue was well-crafted and easy to read.
Pages: 131 | ASIN : B0B8DKJV1Y
LITERARY TITAN 