book blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi | Of Whiskers And Words
Author: Heena R. Pardeshi
Heena is the author of the award-winning novel Deceived. She works as the novel critic and the chief editor at a local publishing house in Pune, India. She is an animal lover as well as an animal activist.
She loves books, music and wine. Travelling and learning about new cultures is an integral part of her life.
She is presently learning Piano and French language.
She lives in Pune, India with her beloved husband and 6 cats.
Author:Brian McNatt Release Date: 13th August 2022 Series: A Life Out There (Book #3) Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, Fantasy Format: E-book Pages: 351 pages Publisher: – Blurb: “There is one hope, one chance. That’s it. Do you have what it takes to save all you love one last time?” Holly LeFay – once the banished and abused Princess Candida – is a legend. To the refugees of Eishaven, she is a hero like old. To the land of Romulus and its tyrannical royal family, she is a traitor and kinslayer. When a terrible disease sweeps through her home and her family, Holly goes on a desperate quest for the only cure: the Waters of Life, holiest relic of unicornkind. To find it, she must master the magic inherited from her secret mother, the villainous Morgana le Fay. And hounding her every step: Regina, Holly’s twin, forced into their own struggle for salvation or damnation. The destiny of the Wolf-Lords stands revealed in this dark, fearsome new novel by author Brian McNatt. Some live, some die, but the story stands eternal.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Wolf-Lords by Brian McNatt is the third book in the A Life Out There Book young-adult fantasy series. You can also read my reviews of the first book, A Life Out There, and the second book, Le Fay.
Just like the first two instalments in this series, the third instalment does not disappoint. Author McNatt’s world-building is superb and gets more elaborate as the story expands and more characters are introduced in the world that he has so lovingly created. The story is impeccable and takes the reader on a ride they wouldn’t want to get away from. I loved the characters, some old and some new, and I enjoyed the side stories as well. Overall, I loved the book and hope that this series is explored by more and more readers.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Julie G Fox and Tzurei Kingfor their latest release, The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over.
The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over
Book: The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over Author: Tzuri King and Julie G. Fox Publication date: 8th March 2023 Genres: Children’s Fiction, Graphic Novel Page Count: 36 (print) Publisher: Independently Published
About The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over
In “The Dreamer: The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over,” readers are transported to a small town in Ukraine where a young girl and her family huddle together in a bomb shelter. With bombs raining down above her, she dreams of a peaceful world where she and her pet are safe, her family is reunited with her veteran dad, and she can dance with her friends without fear. Through the eyes of the brave and hopeful girl, we see the power of imagination and the strength of family in the face of unimaginable hardship. This heartwarming story inspires children of all ages to dream big and never lose hope, even in the darkest of times.
The Dreamer is the brainchild of Tzuri King and Julie G. Fox. It is the first book in a series that aims to incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into children’s literature. This first book is dedicated to Global Goal 16, which promotes ‘peace, justice and strong institutions’. There are more books to come!
You can find The Girl Who Dreamed the War Overhere: Amazon |Goodreads
Praise for The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over
“Using the thread of Torria’s innocent prayers and the vivid subjects of her grandmother’s poems, [the authors] have done a brilliant job of weaving together the story. The authors speak to their readers from the copyright page to the end of the book, reflecting their own style of communication, instead of adopting common practices. The vibrant colors will catch the eyes of readers, and the book will be dear to them long after the last page. The story is comforting and gives readers a sense of safety as they understand Torria’s situation. Even though Torria seems to dream her wishes and prayers into her life, the story is realistic, and it provides a happy ending. The Dreamer is a great selection for children who fear the uncontrollable effects of war and wish they had the power to end it”.
– Courtnee Turner Hoyle
The Dreamer is not just a children’s book. Tzuri King and Julie G. Fox paint a dark, but to our horror, almost mundane picture of a family spending so much time in a bomb shelter. The repetitions in the text indicate that their life is the same day after day. But there is a distraction from the tragedy of war; the bedtime stories Torria asks her granny to read over and over again like children often do. Natali Barbalat’s excellent illustrations contrast the dim light in the shelter and the vivid colors of the world from the stories, where there is no war. Tzuri and Julie do not name Torria’s country directly, but the girl prays for yellow and blue dreams, telling us it is Ukraine. At the same time, The Dreamer leaves a place for hope for a better future for all children around the world affected by war. The story shows that children should not be separated from their friends and family members and should not lose their pets because of the endless shelling. But despite the hard setting, the story has a beautiful plotline and ends on a high note. Also, I appreciate the brilliant editorial work by Leonora Bulbeck and René Nel for The Dreamer is flawless.
– Nino Lobiladze
talented, and her prose is evocative and thought-provoking. It captures both the heartwarming and tragic aspects of the story beautifully. This book will bring children face to face with the harsh realities of war and its effects on innocent civilians in a way that is both gentle and relatable. The story begins with the young Torria listening to her grandmother read from inside a bomb shelter. The reader is quickly drawn into Torria’s world and that of her family as they try to survive in a war-torn country”.
– Louise Jane
About The Authors
Julie G Fox
Julie G Fox is the author of over fifty award-winning children’s books.
Julie’s philosophy is to write up to children, challenge them with demanding stories and use language and ideas to help them become empathetic and responsible citizens of the world.
As an ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Julie incorporates into her work the UN’s messages of peace and prosperity for people and the planet, ending poverty and other deprivations, improving health and education,
Tzuri is a curious adventurer with a warm, empathetic personality. He ponders the mysteries of the world, and loves lighting fires, fishing, and listening to music. Though he values solitude, he also has a group of students whom he teaches to swim every summer. He has a restless spirit and feels a strong urge to travel and explore. He divides his time between Tel Aviv in the spring and summer, and wandering during winter. His students often ask him why he travels and he answers, to see new things and to have time alone without feeling lonely. He is a non-material person, carrying everything he needs in a single suitcase. Zuri is not fond of authority and hates restrictive signs. He has a sweet tooth and loves his mother’s cakes, especially chocolate ones.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:John K. McLaughlin Release Date: 4th April 2023 Series: Genre: Memoir | Non-Fiction Format: E-book Pages: 237 Publisher: Lifeline Education Connection Blurb: The Victories and Challenges One Man Faced as a First-Time Teacher in the Strange World of Prison Life After devoting half of his lifetime transforming his start-up business into a multi-million dollar industry leader, author John McLaughlin set out in a new direction: to teach what he had learned to others. Due to a lack of teaching experience, his only job offer was to teach entrepreneurship to prisoners at a minimum-security camp in North Carolina. John gradually builds an effective program until a scandal involving prison officials blindsides his progress and threatens to bring his teaching career to an unceremonious end. Lifeline to a Soul takes the reader inside the fence and chronicles the victories and challenges one man faced as a first-time teacher in the strange world of prison life.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Lifeline to a Soul: The Life-Changing Perspective I Gained While Teaching Entrepreneurship to Prisoners by John K. McLaughlin is a very unique memoir that gives readers insights into the one-of-a-kind perspective of the author who had to teach entrepreneurship to prisoners in order to gain teaching experience. Put in a very difficult, awkward and un-envious spot, the author showed grit and determination and made the best out of his situation which in turn gave him the experience of a lifetime.
This book’s perspective is so unique and refreshing that it kept me engaged throughout the story. The author has done a wonderful job in narrating his adventurous and enthralling tale in a way that made it feel all the more interesting and gave it the warm quality of a story that is being told by a friend to a group of his close friends.
I would recommend this memoir to all readers as it packs a lot of details that are very interesting, unique in their own right and extremely intriguing. This book deserves to be read!
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Blake Milleron The Reading Bud for his latest releaseDELOS: The Moon’s Eye.
About The Author
Blake Miller is a graduate of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He presently resides in his hometown of Lexington, KY.
The magikal world gets even larger, the adventure gets even more thrilling, and the mysteries get even more intriguing in the second installment of this epic fantasy series, where climaxes and anticlimaxes once again abound, keeping you glued to the story. THE QUEST OF SIX WATERS When Cynthia Summers and Kaden Krossway learn that the Lil of Lurkur has gone missing, they join up with Alec Mulsiver and a surprising fourth companion to find her. This leads to another trip into Lurkur Woods, a haunting discovery about what has happened to the Lil, and then to Diluvium where they must undergo the Quest of Six Waters to claim what they need to save the Lil’s life: the Seventh Water. The problem is, no one has survived the Quest in over 6,000 years. . . . The amazing story of Cynthia, Kaden and Alec continues.
“Blake Miller’s DELOS: The Moon’s Eye packs war, love, family drama, prophecy, and humor into a fast- paced (and satisfying standalone) world of quests, magik and deceit. A must-read for fans of sci-fantasy, and one that will bear readers easily along to its next port of call.”
– IndieReader.com (4.5/5 Stars)
“Delos: The Moon’s Eye blends different elements from science fiction and fantasy to create a non-stop adventure that is fast-paced, humorous, and clever.”
– Readers Favorite (5/5 Stars)
“The nature of the quest amazed me, as it repeatedly tested the questers’ intelligence, resourcefulness, and daring. Their friendship, love, and the ability to trust each other often determined the outcome. I liked how they readily made sacrifices for the greater good. The gently blossoming romances completed the young adult story. All in all, I would recommend this engrossing novel to anyone who appreciates science fiction and fantasy.”
– The Chrysalis BREW Project (4.8/5 Stars)
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:Vincent Donovan Release Date: 27th January 2022 Series: Genre: Psychological Thriller | Suspense | Thriller Format: E-book Pages: 270 Publisher: Black Rose Writing Blurb: Darlene Connolly is living on the edge four years after a massive solar storm nicknamed Sun-Kissed, causes worldwide havoc. Desperate to support her ailing mother and also exact a long-planned retribution, she sets out to swindle Todd Dolan who abandoned her in high school after she became pregnant. Todd falls for the ruse out of greed and curiosity about the baby. Meanwhile, their son Cotton works on a dude ranch and “fishes” for redeemable bottles and cans to bankroll his own penance. On a trip home, he becomes entangled in his mother’s murderous fury and uncovers a shocking revelation. Pick up a copy of Donovan’s latest literary adventure and buckle yourself in for a twisted psychological tale that proves, even on a scorched planet, revenge remains a dish best served cold.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Only Dead Leaves Fall by Vincent Donovan is a revenge psychological thriller that will not let you rest until you’ve finished reading the entire book. This book legit kept me up all night and had me finish reading it in one go. It was un-put-down-able!
With brilliant characterisation, an amazing plot and a great concept that is peppered with excellent twists and turns and an unpredictable ending, this book has everything that a thriller fan can ask for (and a lot more!) I loved it and would absolutely recommend it to all psychological thriller readers as well as readers of fans of revenge dramas (fast-paced ones though) and suspense fiction readers who love mystery and intrigue laced throughout the entire story.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Blake Miller for his book, DELOS: The Moon’s Eye.
DELOS: The Moon’s Eye
Book: DELOS: The White Tree Author: Blake Miller Publication date: 04/19/23 Genres: Fantasy (Epic, YA) Page Count: 443 (print) Publisher: Hierophant Press
About DELOS: The Moon’s Eye
The magikal world gets even larger, the adventure gets even more thrilling, and the mysteries get even more intriguing in the second installment of this epic fantasy series, where climaxes and anticlimaxes once again abound, keeping you glued to the story. THE QUEST OF SIX WATERS When Cynthia Summers and Kaden Krossway learn that the Lil of Lurkur has gone missing, they join up with Alec Mulsiver and a surprising fourth companion to find her. This leads to another trip into Lurkur Woods, a haunting discovery about what has happened to the Lil, and then to Diluvium where they must undergo the Quest of Six Waters to claim what they need to save the Lil’s life: the Seventh Water. The problem is, no one has survived the Quest in over 6,000 years. . . . The amazing story of Cynthia, Kaden and Alec continues.
“…this is a really powerful sequel that delivers on the promise of the conclusion of the original one and does it with personality, character, and a clear knowledge of what works and doesn’t work in storytelling. Overall, this is a solid sequel. In addition to that, it is propelled by two protagonists who are both powerful and captivating.”
—Goodreads Reviewer
About The Author
Blake Miller
Blake Miller
Blake Miller is a graduate of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He presently resides in his hometown of Lexington, KY.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Blake Miller for his book, DELOS: The White Tree.
DELOS: The White Tree
Book: DELOS: The White Tree Author: Blake Miller Publication date: 01/05/21 Genres: Fantasy (Epic, YA) Page Count: 492 (print) Publisher: Hierophant Press
About DELOS: The White Tree
Incredible world-building, a thrilling adventure, and intriguing mysteries to unravel will have you engrossed in the story and invested in the characters from the opening chapter to the monumental, unforgettable, hundred-page climax in the first installment of this epic fantasy series. Cynthia Summers and Kaden Krossway have different parents. Cynthia’s from London, England, and Kaden’s from Southern California. Moreover, Cynthia’s black and Kaden’s white. So why do they know with such certainty they’re twins?
Their 16th birthday will reveal that nothing about them is ordinary or as it seems when they’re called upon by a mysterious source for help. Along with a new friend, they’ll learn they’re part of a much larger world, one of Lurkur Witches and evil shadowraiths; of treetop villages and a skeletal forest within the forest; and of battles for survival and a realization they had been hidden away for the first sixteen years of their life for a reason… The story of Cynthia and Kaden begins here. Great for Teens, Young Adults, and Adults alike!
“…Miller has found a way to keep me turning the pages obsessively to find out just what happens next, forcing myself to stay up longer and longer to try and see what may be happening in this world that I seem to keep forgetting isn’t on my current plain of existence.”
—Amazon Reviewer
About The Author
Blake Miller
Blake Miller
Blake Miller is a graduate of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He presently resides in his hometown of Lexington, KY.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:Michael Kornbluth Release Date: – Series: Genre: Short Stories | Humour Format: E-book Pages: 299 Publisher: – Blurb: Very very short stories
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Waste of Height by Michael Kornbluth is a feel-good collection of short stories that will leave the readers craving for more (and more.) The stories are really short making them really quick to read and the best part is there are lots and lots of them, so no need to finish them in one go (unless you want to) one can read them as and when they please—something that I did.
The stories are all colourful, relatable, hilarious at places and very relatable but without getting too heavy which is always something I admire in author Kornbluth’s writing. I would recommend this book to all readers of short stories and to anyone looking for exploring fiction by new and previously undiscovered authors.
Author:Lancelot Schaubert Release Date: 25th July 2023 Series: Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Poetry | Sci Fi & Fantasy Format: E-book Pages: 138 Publisher: Vale Blurb: The Greenwood Poet spent two years spelunking the archive, grounds, and barrows of Greenwood Cemetery — America’s oldest and greatest rural cemetery. While there, he uncovered stories of love and loss, stories of shipwreck and tragedy. And he met several Fae creatures who had something to say about New York city. Written mostly in heroic meter with a couple breaks for spoken word and Renaissance meters, The Greenwood Poet calls us to return to the Arcadia in our own neighborhood. And does so through poetic fictions.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
The Greenwood Poet by Lancelot Schaubert is a beautiful and heart-touching poetry collection. What really made this collection special for me was that the poems in this collection are all themed beautifully, rooted in a place that holds a very special place for the author. I am a believer in certain places holding an unyielding grip on one’s heart and soul and every poem in this collection makes my belief stronger.
So I loved the entire collection and though there were a few favourites, overall this book makes for an excellent read with the bite-sized poems that are more contemplative in their content than their length.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome the author of Exits: Selected Poems—Stephen C. Pllock for an author interview with The Reading Bud in collaboration with Poetic Book Tours.
About The Author
Stephen C. Pollock is a recipient of the Rolfe Humphries Poetry Prize and a former associate professor at Duke University. His poems have appeared in a wide variety of literary journals, including “Blue Unicorn,” “The Road Not Taken,” “Live Canon Anthology,” “Pinesong,” “Coffin Bell,” and “Buddhist Poetry Review.” “Exits” is his first book.
Interview
Welcome to TRB! Please give our readers a brief introduction about yourself before we begin.
Thanks for the warm welcome. I’ll be delighted to provide an introduction that goes beyond the bare bones info in my Author Bio.
I am: an author in multiple genres; an academic physician and neuro-ophthalmologist and who served on the faculty at Duke University until 2004; a former chief executive of a vision benefits company; and an inventor.
My mother was an artist who introduced me to Impressionist and Modern art before I could read. My father, by contrast, was an antitrust attorney. These two divergent influences — aesthetic appreciation from mom, and logic and rationality from dad — both find expression in my various endeavors, including poetry.
On the health front, I’ve been struggling with the spinal cord variant of multiple sclerosis (MS) for twenty-four years. The disease has caused partial paralysis of my right leg, but the good news is that I’m still able to stand up and ambulate independently with a walker.
Finally, I’m a lifelong dog lover. So, you might ask, why don’t you currently have a dog? The answer is that my beloved yorkipoo Dinky passed away in 2012, and I still think about her and grieve for her every day.
Please tell us something about your book other than what we have read in the blurb?
The poems in Exits were written between 2003 and the present. Each poem was crafted in isolation; I had no intention of putting together a collection until 2022, at which point my concept was to incorporate what I considered to be my best work into a book entitled Line Drawings. It was only during the curating process that I realized that many of the poems I’d selected were centered around issues of mortality — disease and decline, death and remembrance. I then decided to curate a more concise collection that cohered by virtue of a unifying theme, and Exits was born.
Please tell us something about your book other than what we have read in the blurb?
The poems in Exits were written between 2003 and the present. Each poem was crafted in isolation; I had no intention of putting together a collection until 2022, at which point my concept was to incorporate what I considered to be my best work into a book entitled Line Drawings. It was only during the curating process that I realized that many of the poems I’d selected were centered around issues of mortality — disease and decline, death and remembrance. I then decided to curate a more concise collection that cohered by virtue of a unifying theme, and Exits was born.
What is that one message that you’re trying to get across to the readers in this book?
The book doesn’t convey a single message. The constituent poems explore the subject of mortality from a variety of perspectives. One can think of the collection as a meditation on mortality, nature, and the cycle of life.
Which poems in the collection are your favourites?
“Seeds” is the best sonnet in the collection, and “Syringe” is probably the most original and creative long poem I’ve ever written. “Arachnidæa: Line Drawings” seems to connect with readers, given that it was a finalist in one statewide competition and was awarded 2nd prize in another statewide competition.
What inspired you to write this book? An idea, some anecdote, a dream or something else?
I think that my focus on the finite nature of our biological selves derived from three sources. First, I was raised without any religious training, so from a very young age, I was left on my own to ponder the enormity of the universe, time and eternity, and the meaning of existence. Second, as a physician and neuro-ophthalmologist, I’ve cared for numerous patients with serious and/or life-threatening diseases. And third, since 1999, I’ve had to deal with multiple sclerosis and the ramifications of that disease for life expectancy. It seems likely that these three factors have influenced the content of my writing, either consciously or unconsciously.
How long did it take you to write this particular book?
As noted above, the twenty poems in Exits were written sporadically over a two-decade span of time, beginning in 2003.
What are your writing ambitions? Where do you see yourself 5 years from today?
I hope to be alive in five years! At my age (67), and having no choice but to cope with a neurological condition that’s almost invariably progressive, planning for the future often feels like a fool’s errand.
Are you working on any other poems presently?
At present, all of my energy is focused on the publication process. I also anticipate taking the steps necessary to introduce Exits to as many readers as possible. Once these activities are behind me, I look forward to resuming the writing life.
Why have you chosen this genre? Or do you write in multiple genres?
Over the course of my life, I’ve written in multiple genres: poetry, short fiction, scientific articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals, book chapters in neuro-ophthalmology texts, and U.S. Patent 4,477,158 (written by me, not by intellectual property attorneys).
When did you decide to become a writer? Was it easy for you to follow your passion or did you have to make some sacrifices along the way?
I began writing independently of schoolwork when I was nine. On the one hand, I scribbled rhyming poems in pencil on the cardboard that came with my father’s laundered shirts. On the other hand, I wrote essays on the structure and functions of the human body. By the end of that year, I had drafted enough material for an illustrated manuscript on human anatomy and physiology. This of course was never published, but it did anticipate my future career as a physician.
With respect to writing poetry, the major sacrifice turned out to be my choice of academic medicine as a career. After I graduated from Amherst College, I trained for ten years to become a physician, ophthalmologist, and neuro-ophthalmologist. In 1987, I was recruited to Duke University as Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology, eventually achieving a rank of Associate Professor with tenure. I ended up serving on the full-time faculty for seventeen years.
Some physicians are able to write poetry throughout their medical careers. I didn’t belong to that group. For me, maintaining a consultative practice in neuro-ophthalmology, training residents and fellows, publishing clinical research papers in medical journals, and carrying out a variety of administrative responsibilities was all-consuming.
While the instinct to write poetry was completely suppressed throughout this 26-year period, it was not extinguished. As I cut back on academic responsibilities during my last year at Duke, that instinct began to slowly reassert itself.
What is your writing ritual? How do you do it?
I have always been undisciplined with respect to writing poems, as evidenced by the fact that I have no set writing schedule. In contrast to most other poets, I lack the ability to sit down daily at my desk and call forth ideas and/or personal experiences to serve as the basis for new poems. Nor have I ever relied on writing prompts to prime my poetry pump. Instead, I wait for lightning to strike (or, mixing metaphors, for the Muse to whisper in my ear). The unpredictability of this approach means that I never know when the next poem will materialize.
Once I begin writing, however, I become intensely focused. The key for me is to occupy a mental space where words, sounds, rhythms, concepts, and metaphorical possibilities freely and continuously enter the mind, while at the same time applying critical filters to eliminate the 99.9% of options that lack usefulness or merit. Those filters are internal, personal and idiosyncratic. They don’t relate to prevailing trends in poetry, to contemporary poets, or to the work of historical poets.
When fully engaged and maximally productive, my efforts typically result in four new lines of poetry per day (derived from perhaps a dozen pages of notes and drafts).
How do you prefer to write – computer/laptop, typewriter, dictation or longhand with a pen?
I often begin as I did in childhood, with pencil and paper. After sketching out a preliminary concept or drafting a few auspicious words or phrases or stanzas, I transition to composing in Word on a laptop.
What are your 5 favourite books?
I would find it difficult to identify my favourite books because I’m unsure about what criteria to apply in the selection process — enjoyment? literary merit? historical importance? subject matter?
I do think I can identify the books that have had the greatest influence on my philosophy and on my writing:
Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
How Does a Poem Mean? by John Ciardi
Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
A Little Book on Form by Robert Hass
How do you deal with Writer’s Block?
Given that so-called “writer’s block” describes my natural state, I allow it to persist until it no longer does.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
As a debut author, I’m hardly qualified to be doling out advice to other writers. I’m nevertheless happy to share some of the lessons I’ve learned while writing and compiling the poems for Exits:
Write poems that represent your unique aesthetic sensibilities. Try not to be overly influenced by prevailing trends or contemporary poetic styles.
Edit mercilessly over an extended period. Satisfying first drafts often begin to show their flaws only after sufficient time has elapsed to afford an objective assessment.
Be prepared for an abrupt shift into business mode when you transition from writing your book to publishing it.
Thank you, author Stephen, for taking out the time to answer our questions and for all your thought-provoking and interesting answers!
About the Book
Exits: Selected Poems
Stephen C. Pollock’s poetry collection Exits nods to the literary traditions of years past while simultaneously speaking to the present moment. Multilayered and musical, the poems in Exits have drawn comparisons to the work of Eavan Boland and Seamus Heaney. With bold imagery, attention to form, and a consistent through line rooted in the theme of mortality, Pollock’s collection responds to contemporary anxieties surrounding death and the universal search for meaning in life’s transience.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:Stephen C. Pollock Release Date: 12th June 2023 Series: Genre: Poetry, Non-Fiction Format: E-book Pages: 54 Publisher: – Blurb: Every life is finite. Though circumstance and timing may vary, death remains the one inescapable attribute of the human condition. Awareness of this inevitability and recognition of the transient nature of our biological selves profoundly affect each person’s perspective on their life and its meaning. Stephen C. Pollock’s debut poetry collection nods to the literary tradition of years past while simultaneously speaking to the present moment. Multilayered and musical, the poems in Pollock’s “Exits” have drawn comparisons to the work of Eavan Boland and Seamus Heaney. With bold imagery, attention to form, and a consistent through line rooted in the theme of mortality, his collection responds to contemporary anxieties surrounding death and decay and the universal search for meaning in life’s transience.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Exits: Selected Poems by Stephen C. Pollock is a collection of beautifully written poems that evoke vivid imagery that makes one think about the meaning of not only life but also death and the afterlife. Writing on bold and dark themes, the author had done a wonderful job of creating an atmosphere for each and every poem so distinctly that you could taste it on the tip of your tongue and can distinguish them accordingly with your eyes closed.
The writing is captivating, moving and at times very strong (in a good way, of course) and makes one reminisce after each and every piece. I would definitely recommend this poetry collection to all poetry readers and even to those who don’t go for non-fiction/poetry books as their usual go-to genre, as this book has a lot to offer to its readers.
Property valuation is the process of determining the worth of a real estate property. This involves assessing various factors such as location, size, condition, and comparable sales in the area. Valuations are typically conducted by professional appraisers who use various methods to arrive at a fair market value for the property. The resulting valuation can be used for a variety of purposes, including buying or selling a property, securing a mortgage, or settling legal disputes.
There are several critical factors that can impact property valuation. The most important ones are listed below.
5 Factors That Affect Property Valuation
1. Location
The location of a property is one of the most important factors in determining its valuation. Properties located in highly desirable areas, such as those close to good schools, shopping centres, and public transportation, tend to have higher values than those in less desirable locations. Additionally, properties located in areas with low crime rates and good infrastructure often have higher valuations.
2. Condition
The condition of a property is a crucial factor that affects its valuation. The better the condition of the property, the higher its value will be. On the other hand, a property in poor condition will have a lower value. This is because buyers will have to spend more money on repairs and renovations, which can be a significant expense.
3. Amenities
The amenities available in a property can have a significant impact on its valuation. These could include features such as a swimming pool, gym, or a well-maintained garden. Properties with such amenities are typically more attractive to potential buyers or renters, which can result in a higher value. On the other hand, properties without such amenities may have lower valuations because they are less desirable. Therefore, it is important to consider the amenities available when determining the value of a property.
4.Size
Generally, larger properties tend to have a higher value than smaller ones. This is because larger properties offer more living space and often have more desirable features, such as additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or outdoor areas. However, other factors such as location, condition, and amenities can also play a significant role in determining the value of a property. It is important to consider all of these factors when assessing the value of a property.
5. Affordability
If a property is considered affordable, it may attract more potential buyers, which can drive up its value. On the other hand, if a property is deemed unaffordable, it may have less demand, leading to a lower valuation. The affordability of a property is often determined by factors such as location, size, and local market conditions. It is important to consider affordability when valuing a property, as it can have a significant impact on its perceived value and marketability.
Accurate property valuations are important for ensuring that buyers and sellers get a fair deal, and for protecting lenders from potential losses.
Author:Junis Sultan Release Date: 11th January 2022 Series: Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction Format: E-book Pages: 330 Publisher: Brandylane Publishers, Inc. Blurb: Born in Mosul, Iraq, to a wealthy intercultural family, Junis Sultan’s happy, privileged childhood is abruptly cut short by the start of the Gulf War in 1991. With their home destroyed, Junis’s family flees to Germany, settling in a small conservative town near Frankfurt. As his family struggles to adapt to their new circumstances, Junis finds himself increasingly torn between two worlds—fighting to carve out an identity for himself between his family’s expectations and a culture that demands his assimilation. After the 9/11 terror attacks, Junis begins to keep a diary, in which he reflects on questions of family, friendship, religion, and politics. These deep insights gradually expand beyond cultural borders, as Junis begins to explore the universal human needs for bonding and freedom.
Brothers and Strangers is a unique, heartfelt memoir of endurance, forgiveness, and self-actualization, offering a timely message about the importance of acting with openness and love in a global reality.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Brothers and Strangers: A German-Iraqi Memoir by Junis Sultan is a beautifully written memoir that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. This book is full of emotional ups and downs and has a great payoff in the end. The author presented a unique perspective in the book, making readers consider the era and issues raised in the book.
I would recommend this book to all readers as this is a story that EVERYONE must read.
Author:Paul Flanagan Release Date: 27th March 2023 Series: RileyMacLeod(Book #1) Genre: Humour Format: E-book Pages: 78 Publisher: – Blurb: Meet Riley MacLeod…loving husband…caring father…faithful friend…successful writer…and the world’s biggest idiot. Of course, in Riley’s insane mind he sees himself as the world’s biggest…well…hero. However, when Riley’s wife insists they take a romantic drive from Vermont to Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving with her family who is far from normal themselves, the man who is hated by his neighbors and loathed by an angry tom cat, sets out to prove that he isn’t an idiot…under duress, of course.
The trip begins with Riley getting tied up by his best friend, his clothes stolen by a group of mischievous teenagers, and a tow truck driver with a happy gun finger. Determined to keep pushing forward, under duress of course, Riley continues down the road desperately trying to leave the state of Vermont only to encounter a killer truck driver, a girl with strange colored hair, and a pair of old people who turn out to be drug dealers. Yet, through it all, Riley somehow turns out to be a hero…well, kinda. Will Riley MacLeod and his wife make it to the Thanksgiving table in one piece or will they end up in a mental hospital locked away in little padded rooms?
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Carving Up Riley by Paul Flanagan is the first book in the Riley MacLeod series. This book is a fantastic read and full of funny situational scenarios. The author has an impeccable sense of humour which comes out in the book well and makes the reader laugh heartily in many places (at least it made me chortle and chuckle in many instances.)
I would definitely recommend this book to all humour and comedy fiction fans and to those who are looking for a light-hearted book that they can finish within a couple of hours.
Author:Lancelot Schaubert Release Date: 24th October 2023 Series: Genre: Western Parody, Humour, Cowboy Fiction Parody, Action & Adventure Format: E-book Pages: 138 Publisher: Vale Blurb: A cowboy separated from his wife visits an ambassador’s gala above an active volcano. Magical terrorists attack. Separated from his clothes and family, he must wield a lightning wand against an invading army in hopes to set the fantastic world’s diplomats free. Will he make it out clothed, reunited, and unsinged?
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Tap and Die by Lancelot Schaubert is a Western fiction parody that is both unique in its own way and entertaining as hell. This makes this book a completely polarising read—you’d either love it or not like it at all. So it’s better to know what the book is actually about before you start reading it instead of feeling let down due to unreasonable expectations (as I’ve witnessed in most reviews for this book—know your genres, people!)
Anyway, I loved it. It made me laugh more than I cared to count and it left me in comparatively good spirits when I actually began reading it so I have no reason to complain. I loved how the author referred to the “author” as God and had stuff going on for no apparent reason because that’s how most Western fiction books are; the author promised a parody, and that’s exactly what he delivered.
I would recommend this book to all the fans of Western fiction readers and Cowboy fans as they would definitely get it (no offence to the ones who didn’t :D)
Junis Sultan studied in Frankfurt am Main, Eichstätt and at California State University Fullerton. He received a Fulbright and a Horizonte Scholarship. For the past six years, he has taught English, politics, and economics as a high school teacher in Frankfurt am Main. He is pursuing a doctorate in Modern Political Theory at the University of Heidelberg.
As fate would have it, I started writing very young, in primary school. I did not only write fictional stories to rediscover my lost Iraqi identity in Germany. Since my father was not very fluent in German and since I was the most successful among my siblings at school in academic terms, he asked me to read and explain our letters from the mailbox and answer them. Soon, I began to translate and write speeches for my father, who worked as the chairman of the Council of Foreigners in our town. I first dreamed of becoming a writer when I started journaling as a 15 year old—in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks, a very intense and emotional time. My dream was to live in a warm country close to the ocean, read a lot of books, and write books. Writing has been my way to process things and find meaning ever since. It started as a hobby as I was more serious about becoming a boxer as a teenager. Boxing taught me many life lessons, above all discipline, which includes making sacrifices. So, being ambitious and disciplined has been part of my personality for a long time. It was and still is natural to me. And yes, I made a lot of sacrifices on the way to follow my passion and become a writer. When you work 9 hours a day, commute, do the household, cook, eat, do sports, shower, and sleep 7 hours at night, there is not much time left every day to become something else in addition to your current job—especially if you decide to use your free time watching TV or going out, being social etc. I radically cut back mostly all of those things, except family and health. There always needs to be time for these two things. But if you really want to become something else, you need to invest at least 2 hours every day in yourself, if not more. If you add up those days, months, and years, you will eventually reap the fruits of your work.
About The Book
Brothers and Strangers: A German-Iraqi Memoir
Born in Mosul, Iraq, to a wealthy intercultural family, Junis Sultan’s happy, privileged childhood is abruptly cut short by the start of the Gulf War in 1991. With their home destroyed, Junis’s family flees to Germany, settling in a small conservative town near Frankfurt. As his family struggles to adapt to their new circumstances, Junis finds himself increasingly torn between two worlds—fighting to carve out an identity for himself between his family’s expectations and a culture that demands his assimilation. After the 9/11 terror attacks, Junis begins to keep a diary, in which he reflects on questions of family, friendship, religion, and politics. These deep insights gradually expand beyond cultural borders, as Junis begins to explore the universal human needs for bonding and freedom.
Brothers and Strangers is a unique, heartfelt memoir of endurance, forgiveness, and self-actualization, offering a timely message about the importance of acting with openness and love in a global reality.
If you are an author and wish to be interviewed or if you are a publicist and want to get your author interviewed on TRB, then please get in touch through direct e-mail: thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:Lancelot Schaubert Narrator: Release Date: 14th March 2023 Genre: Historical fiction, Humour, Coming Of Age Series: Format: Audiobook Length: 7 hours Publisher: Vale Blurb: PRANKS. OIL. PROTEST. JOKES BETWEEN NEWLYWEDS. AND ONE HILARIOUS SIEGE OF A MAJOR CORPORATION. Remmy grows up with Beth in Bellhammer, Illinois as oil and coal companies rob the land of everything that made it paradise. Under his Grandad, he learns how to properly prank his neighbors, friends, and foes. Beth tries to fix Remmy by taking him to church. Under his Daddy, Remmy starts the Bell Hammer Construction Company, which depends on contracts from Texarco Oil.
And Beth argues with him about how to build a better business. Together, Remmy and Beth start to build a great neighborhood of “merry men” carpenters: a paradise of s’mores, porch furniture, newborn babies, and summer trips to Branson where their boys pop the tops off of the neighborhood’s two hundred soda bottles. Their witty banter builds a kind of castle among a growing nostalgia. Then one of Jim Johnstone’s faulty Texarco oil derricks falls down on their house and poisons their neighborhood’s well. Poisoned wells escalate to torched dog houses. Torched dog houses escalate to stolen carpentry tools and cancelled contracts. Cancelled contracts escalate to eminent domain. Sick of the attacks from Texaco Oil on his neighborhood, Remmy assembles his merry men: “We need the world’s greatest prank. One grand glorious jest that’ll bloody the nose of that tyrant. Besides, pranks and jokes don’t got no consequences, right?”
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Bell Hammers by Lancelot Schaubert is a unique combination of historical fiction that is interlaced with humor. In this book, the author shares the story of Remmy as he grows up into a man and is exposed to the true realities surrounding him. The author’s deft writing and exceptional observations lend this book an unparalleled quality that makes it both an excellent read (or listen) and a reality check of evils such as corporate corruption that plague our society.
This book is a phenomenal read, especially for anyone who grew up in the good ol’ days but because it is so relatable and mind-blowing and funny, I’d recommend it to each and every reader.
Author: Brian McNatt Release Date: 19th November 2021 Series: A Life Out There (Book #2) Genre: New Adult Fantasy Format: E-book Pages: 237 Publisher: Blurb: In the cold, remote north, Eishaven waits. Home of refugees and outcasts. Home of Candida the princess-no-more, making a life on the edge of the world with Shun, her wife and fellow runaway. In the waters off the coast of Eishaven, a burning ship sinks. In its hold, Candida finds only one survivor, the bright but scared unicorn filly named Nessa. With her comes a quest . . . and a threat to shatter this newfound family. Many threats. Imperial unicorn soldiers. Gryphon renegades. Vengeful family. And at the end of the path, on the precipice of the happy ending, the nightmare of all Wolf-Lords . . . LE FAY. In this fantastical new story, following after the events of A LIFE OUT THERE, author Brian McNatt takes readers on a journey expanding the world of Heraldale—and Princess Candida’s place in it—in ways they could never imagine.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Le Fay by Brian McNatt is a new adult fantasy novel that will pull you into the world of Heraldale and won’t let you stop until you’ve finished the entire book and still leave you to read more, the next one in the series. This book is a sequel to A Life Out There and picks up directly where the book ends. So this book should ideally be read in order after the first book.
The best part about this book was the characterisation. The creatures and species that the author has introduced in this book, and the ones he has used from the last part, are simply phenomenal and well-developed. They are all a delight to read about and I am looking forward to reading the next part already!
The author’s writing is brilliant and makes the story flow very well. Overall it is a great fantasy read with amazing world-building, great characters and amazing narration so I’d recommend it to all fantasy fans and to anyone who wants to explore a new series by a new author.
Author:Lancelot Schaubert Release Date: 10th October 2023 Series: Genre: Children’s Fiction, Graphic Novel, Dark Format: E-book Pages: 36 Publisher: — Blurb: Harry woke at night: in his doorway stood THE DANGER. Harry learns first to face and follow Danger, then to court Danger. Harry takes the Danger out for chocolate cake, for jumping over mountains, for leaping over pits of snakes. Then he wields Danger to save lives, homes, and worlds from a world ending fire. A children’s book written in the wake of the historic Joplin tornado, HARRY RIDES THE DANGER teaches the abstract concept of courage in a fun way. It will quickly become an early reader classic.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Harry Rides the Danger by Lancelot Schaubert is a dark children’s fiction graphic novel that will steal any horror lover’s heart. This book is perfect for a nice little spooky read for kids and even for adults who like adventure with a twist.
The characterisation is the heart of this book and I hope the author comes out with more books in this series so that we can read more of Harry’s adventures. This one was a perfect blend of thrills and chills and the brilliant narration and beautiful illustrations took it to an entirely different level.
I’d strongly recommend this book to all children and adult alike.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome the author of Brothers and Strangers: A German-Iraqi Memoir —Junis Sultan for an author interview with The Reading Bud.
About The Author
Junis Sultan studied in Frankfurt am Main, Eichstätt and at California State University Fullerton. He received a Fulbright and a Horizonte Scholarship. For the past six years, he has taught English, politics, and economics as a high school teacher in Frankfurt am Main. He is pursuing a doctorate in Modern Political Theory at the University of Heidelberg.
Welcome to TRB! Please give our readers a brief introduction about yourself before we begin.
My name is Junis Sultan. I’m an author, a teacher, and a doctorate student. I was born in Mosul, Iraq in 1986 to a wealthy intercultural family. After the Gulf War in 1991, my family fled to Germany. We have stayed here since then; so, I’ve spent most of my life in Germany. I started journaling when I was 15 years old—after the 9/11 terror attacks, a very intense and emotional time. Since then writing has been my way to process things and find meaning.
I studied Politics, Economics, and English in Frankfurt, Eichstätt, and Fullerton and received a Fulbright and a Horizonte scholarship at the time. I currently teach part-time at a middle school near Frankfurt and pursue a doctorate in Modern Political Theory at the University of Heidelberg.
In my free time I love to be outside or do sports. One of my lifelong passions in addition to writing is boxing. It started with a movie—Rocky—when we came to Germany.
Please tell us something about your book other than what we have read in the blurb?
It was a quite a journey until my memoir got published. The first version of my memoir was titled “Struggles of Strangers: Of Bonding and Freedom” and self-published in 2017. It was staged at the German National Library in Frankfurt. In 2019, it was shortlisted for the Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing in New York. Shortly, I signed a contract with Brandylane Publisher Inc. and Königshausen und Neumann to get a polished version of my memoir published with a new title in the US and in Germany. The US title is BROTHERS AND STRANGERS: A GERMAN-IRAQI MEMOIR; the German title is GLAUBENSKRIEGE: VON FREMDEN UND FREUNDEN.
Even though I mostly grew up in Germany and even though German is my mother tongue, I wrote my memoir in English. Writing in English started with some journal entries, mostly poems and lyrics. When I began to study English at Goethe University Frankfurt, I completely switched to journaling in English.
My memoir includes original journal entries; but not just that. It also includes classic storytelling, news-reports, photos, official correspondence, and even court verdicts. On top, it takes place in different settings: Iraq, Jordan, Germany, and the US.
Why did you choose this particular theme for your book? What is that one message that you’re trying to get across to the readers in this book?
This might sound strange, but I think I did not choose the topic; I believe the topic or life chose me. My father is an Iraqi Muslim and my mother a German Christian. I was born to connect these two worlds, build bridges, and foster mutual understanding and integration. This has been my blessing and curse at the same time. In addition to my family structure, the flight to Germany was another personal fate that demanded my continuous efforts for integration. My happy, privileged childhood was abruptly cut short by the Gulf War in 1991. Our home was destroyed; we were forced to flee and eventually settled in a small conservative town in Germany, near Frankfurt, where we struggled to adapt to our new circumstances. I found myself increasingly torn between two worlds—fighting to carve out an identity for myself between my family’s expectations and a culture that demanded my assimilation. After the 9/11 terror attacks, I began to keep a diary, in which I reflected on questions of family, friendship, religion, and politics. These deep insights gradually expand beyond cultural borders, as I began to explore the universal human needs for bonding and freedom. If I had to break down my memoir to one message, it would be: Act with openness and love.
What inspired you to write this book? An idea, some anecdote, a dream or something else?
On November 11, 2011, I was so broken from the yearlong repercussions of the Gulf War, our flight, and ethnic and religious conflicts in my family and in our new environment that I didn’t see any sense in staying life. After having returned to Frankfurt, Germany, from a study-abroad year in Fullerton, California, I experienced a reverse culture shock: repeated experiences with racism, the uncovering of the racist NSU murder series, and the separation of my parents after decades of marital problems in which ethnic and religious differences were constantly played up. The feelings of loss, loneliness, and despair overwhelmed me that day. I was determined to end my, what I thought, cursed life. But then, pictures came to my mind, like flashes, picture of the positive experiences and relationships in my life. That day, the idea evolved in my mind. In order not only to survive, but to heal, I wanted to write down everything. I wanted to use my story and create something good for others. I wanted to help others deal with their fears and despairs. I wanted to encourage people to love themselves and those around them. I wanted to tear down the walls we have created and connect old and young, men and women, East and West—all people. This was the only way my life made sense to me: to encourage our human experiences—the needs for bonding and freedom, the struggles for happiness and peace, and the connecting and liberating powers of love.
How long did it take you to write this particular book?
It took me several years to finish this memoir as I was facing some challenges on the way: dealing with re-traumatization, developing personally, becoming a better writer in a second language, completing my studies, teacher training, and teaching full-time. The first version of my memoir was called “Struggles of Strangers: Of Bonding and Freedom.” I completed it in 2014/2015 and began to contact literary agents and agencies—without success. So I revised it, again and again. In 2017, I self-published it. In 2019, after about 1000 rejections, it was eventually shortlisted for the Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing in New York. Shortly, I signed a contract with Brandylane Publisher Inc. and Königshausen und Neumann to get a polished version of my memoir with a new title published in the US and in Germany.
What are your writing ambitions? Where do you see yourself 5 years from today?
I would definitely like to write more books. I see myself in 5 years doing the same—teaching and writing—but on another, higher level. Ideally, I will be teaching at university and finishing my next book. I already have it in my mind. It is a continuation of my family’s story. The next book will tackle topics that have been taboos in my family: personality disorders, sexual abuse, homophobia, drug abuse, and suicide. Obviously, these topics are very serious. And it will be difficult to go through everything again. But I think I owe it my brother who was found dead in his apartment in 2021 as a victim of a drug overdose. I want to encourage people to openly talk about these problems—which go beyond cultural borders—so that we all take responsibility and find ways to help those who are affected, in some cases including ourselves, heal, make progress, and live a life in which everyone can prosper.
Are you working on any other books presently?
Yes, I am, but it is another kind of book, an academic book. It is my doctoral dissertation I write at Karl-Ruprecht University Heidelberg. The title is “Linguistic justice: Rethinking Education in Liberal Democracy.” It’s about how public schools (analyzed by the example of Germany) can do more justice to the growing numbers of students that have a non-European background. It’s about the politics of recognition, the prioritization of integration, legally binding frameworks, linguistic and global citizenship, community-based multilingual education, longer joint learning, and inclusive education that is open for different cultures, languages, and religions. There are many ways to further integration; they all make a difference.
Do you also dabble in Fiction?
No, I don’t and probably won’t because the topic I focus on—integration—is a matter of heart for me that does not only concern ethnic minorities. It’s about justice; it’s about how we want to live together as people. On the other hand, I have some dystopic novels with my students at school, which touched this topic indirectly or directly—like Brave New World or The Giver. So, maybe one day I will dabble in fiction but definitely not in the next five years.
When did you decide to become a writer? Was it easy for you follow your passion or did you have to make some sacrifices along the way?
I first dreamt of becoming a writer when I started journaling as a 15 year old. My dream was to live in a warm country close to the ocean, read a lot of books and write books. At the time, I also began writing and translating a number of speeches for my father, who was the chairman of the Council for Foreigners. Still, writing was more a hobby and I was more serious about becoming a boxer then. Boxing taught me many life lessons, above all discipline, which includes making sacrifices. So, being ambitious and disciplined has been part of my personality for a long time. It was and still is natural to me. I am a driven person. And yes, I made a lot of sacrifices on the way to follow my passion and become a writer. When you work 9 hours a day, commute, do the household, cook, eat, do sports, shower, and sleep 7 hours at night, there is not much time left every day to become something else—especially if you decide to use your free time watching TV or going out, being social etc. I radically cut back mostly all of those things, except family and health. There always needs to be time for these two things. But if you really want to become something else, you need to invest at least 2 hours every day in yourself, if not more.
What is your writing ritual? How do you do it?
I am a nighthawk. Since writing was never my full-time job, I always wrote after I had met my other obligations. I have the habit of changing place when I write. Sometimes I write at the dining table, sometimes at my desk, sometimes on the couch, sometimes standing, sometimes at the kitchen counter, sometimes in the train or bus, sometimes in a café, sometimes right after work or in my breaks in the classroom, sometimes at the train station or airport, sometimes at the pool or even the beach. Sometimes I change places because I have to, sometimes I change place because I want to; it somehow makes me approach the material with different eyes. I usually write on my laptop, but I also have loads of notes on small pieces of paper. My working place is normally a precious mess. Sometimes I like to listen to instrumental music, often soundtracks. When I am working on a difficult piece, I need absolute silence though. I will read the text aloud, again and again until it flows. I usually drink tea, mostly ginger tea with honey, or coffee with milk and sugar when I write.
Is writing your profession or do you work in some other field too?
No, writing is not my profession; I currently work part-time in a middle school as an English and Politics and Economics teacher. In addition, I pursue a doctorate in Modern Political Theory at the Karl Ruprecht University of Heidelberg. I also taught high school for three years before that. I did enroll in several creative writing courses during my studies in Frankfurt and Fullerton though. I was also doing some translation work for my writing teacher in Fullerton, who had lost her uncle in a German concentration camp.
Can you recommend a book or two based on themes or ideas similar to your book? (You can share the name of the authors too.)
Reading “The Diary of Anne Frank” touched me very deeply as a teenager. Even though I cannot compare her story with mine, there are some similar topic like the mother-child conflict and feeling alone and sad as a teenager.
Further, I have read many (auto-) biographies and memoirs by African-Americans who have covered themes similar to my book: the struggle for equality and freedom. To name some: W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Michelle and Barak Obama.
How do you deal with Writer’s Block?
I normally use timeboxing as a technique. To give an example: I allocate an evening for a revision of two pages or two years for writing an entire book. This way I create some expectations of myself and take track if I reach my goals. I often do not share my goals with others; reaching new goals is a personal standard I have for myself. The bigger the goal, like writing a new book, the more flexibility I give myself. If, for instance, I am not able to write a halfway good text on one day, I accept that and take a break. I go outside, do sports, and most often that is already enough to approach the piece with more energy and new eyes. If that is still not enough, I try the next day again. And sometimes, I have days where I am very productive and make up for the other less productive days. These are the days when I work until midnight or even longer.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Never give up. Always keep working on your craft. Read and study your topic. Share your work with others. Everybody has got a story. But, always keep in mind that you need to answer the following two questions in the end: What can we learn from you? How does it make anyone’s life better?
Thank you, author Sultan, for taking out the time to answer our questions and for all your thought-provoking and interesting answers!
About the Book
Brothers and Strangers: A German-Iraqi Memoir
Born in Mosul, Iraq, to a wealthy intercultural family, Junis Sultan’s happy, privileged childhood is abruptly cut short by the start of the Gulf War in 1991. With their home destroyed, Junis’s family flees to Germany, settling in a small conservative town near Frankfurt. As his family struggles to adapt to their new circumstances, Junis finds himself increasingly torn between two worlds—fighting to carve out an identity for himself between his family’s expectations and a culture that demands his assimilation. After the 9/11 terror attacks, Junis begins to keep a diary, in which he reflects on questions of family, friendship, religion, and politics. These deep insights gradually expand beyond cultural borders, as Junis begins to explore the universal human needs for bonding and freedom.
Brothers and Strangers is a unique, heartfelt memoir of endurance, forgiveness, and self-actualization, offering a timely message about the importance of acting with openness and love in a global reality.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:L.J. Sellers Release Date: 4th May 2023 Series: Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense Format: E-book Pages: 276 Publisher: Spellbinder Press Blurb: What if, without warning, you had to run for your life and leave everything behind? Remi Bartell faces that terrifying moment and takes only the dog who saved her. But as she starts her new life, lightning strikes! Remi briefly loses her memory and makes one small mistake—that costs her everything. The crime-family patriarch she’s hiding from kidnaps her and plunges her into a revenge nightmare. The psychological trauma cracks open buried memories from her old life that will either save her or destroy her. AfterStrike blends fast-paced action with psychological suspense and unexpected romance, then ends with an explosive twist.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
AfterStrike by L.J. Sellers is a gripping thriller that will hook you right from the beginning and won’t let you put it down until the end. This book is a stunning thriller that plays out in the readers head like a movie, unfolding at each and every turn the many dark and twisted twists and turns that will keep you glued to the book.
This book had excellent characterisation, amazing pacing and tension and the writing is perfect and compliments the plot and the concept beautifully. I would highly recommend it to all thriller readers and to those who simply cannot miss a stunning suspense novel.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome author Junis Sultan who’ll be sharing an excerpt from his latest release Brothers and Strangers: A German-Iraqi Memoir.
About the Book
Brothers and Strangers
Born in Mosul, Iraq, to a wealthy intercultural family, Junis Sultan’s happy, privileged childhood is abruptly cut short by the start of the Gulf War in 1991. With their home destroyed, Junis’s family flees to Germany, settling in a small conservative town near Frankfurt. As his family struggles to adapt to their new circumstances, Junis finds himself increasingly torn between two worlds—fighting to carve out an identity for himself between his family’s expectations and a culture that demands his assimilation. After the 9/11 terror attacks, Junis begins to keep a diary, in which he reflects on questions of family, friendship, religion, and politics. These deep insights gradually expand beyond cultural borders, as Junis begins to explore the universal human needs for bonding and freedom.
Brothers and Strangers is a unique, heartfelt memoir of endurance, forgiveness, and self-actualization, offering a timely message about the importance of acting with openness and love in a global reality.
Growing up, I often wondered whether my skin looked brown or white. My hair is certainly black, and my eyes are brown. Many Westerners I met probably thought Middle East as soon as they laid eyes on me or heard my name—Junis Sultan. “Where are you originally from?” I was asked innumerable times. Some were visibly surprised that I spoke their language accent-free. Middle Easterners, however, were oftentimes disappointed that I did not speak Arabic fluently. “Why did your parents not teach you?” For a number of reasons, it was usually impossible for people to label me—and vice versa.
My story is one of unfavorable coincidence and unending reinvention. In the summer of 1991, after surviving the Gulf War, my family fled from Iraq to Germany. I was four years old at the time. One of my early memories is of sitting with my father in our run-down living room and watching the news. He raised his finger and shouted, “The West imposed those bloody sanctions on Iraq, not Saddam.[1]ˮ Intimidated by his anger, I quietly asked him what he meant. He said, “The West is Europe, North America, and Australia. They’ve killed millions, and now they are killing us!ˮ His warning scared me. However, when I started attending kindergarten in 1992, I soon realized that his warning had proved wrong. In fact, we would live together happily and in peace with many Westerners for many years.
Since those early days, I’ve strived to live in harmony with everyone around me, including Middle Easterners and Westerners. Even though I’ve repeatedly failed, I’ve kept trying to balance both our common need to bond and common need for freedom. During puberty, I was particularly concerned with religious freedom. The divisiveness I experienced, especially in the post 9/11 years, always seemed human-imposed, harmful to our relationships, and therefore self-destructive and wrong. Growing up in Germany, I frequently pondered the purpose of our existence. Were we not all precious social individuals, connected and meant to support each other while realizing our personal dreams?
Despite my strong belief in the need for humans to bond, I often doubted our connectedness when meeting other people. A number of Westerners confronted me with negative stereotypes: “Does your mother wear a hijab or a burka?” “Were your sisters’ marriages arranged?” “Do you hate Jews, the United States . . . ?ˮ None of it applied to me. Quite the opposite is true: My mother is Christian, and she has had difficulties accepting my different religion. A number of Middle Easterners have been disappointed by me as well, saying, “Don’t drink! Don’t wear shorts! Don’t . . . ! It’s haram.[2]ˮ Interactions like these often left me feeling strange, disconnected, and challenged. How could I ease and strengthen our relationship? Was I overreacting? Were they looking for common ground?
The thousands-of-years-old stories of my name have shaped my complex identity. In 1993, during my first school year, my father told me that Junis derives from Yunus, “a prophet in the Quran who strongly believed in God’s rules.ˮ In a Catholic religion class, I learned that the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament first told the story of Yunus under the name of Jonah. “Jonah means dove in Hebrew, and a dove is a symbol of peace,ˮ my teacher said before she read us his story. “Jonah was ordered by God to go to Nineveh and prophesy against the Ninevites’ great wickedness. Afraid, however, that God would simply forgive the sinners, he boarded a ship that sailed in the opposite direction; a serious mistake! God punished him for his disobedience with a heavy storm at sea, and when the sailors found Jonah responsible, they threw him overboard. Jonah was then swallowed by a whale. While inside the belly of the whale, he repented, thanked God for his mercy, and committed himself to God’s will, so the whale eventually spewed him out. . . .” I looked at my teacher with large eyes. While I had no idea what my life would bring and how I would react—at times quite like an unforgiving, disobedient runaway—I could relate to Jonah’s story. I, too, wanted to have a relationship with God and be uplifted when I fell.
My first name mostly caused insecurities among new people. Many Germans called me Jonas after I had introduced myself. Sometimes, when I spelled out J–U–N–I–S, I wondered if my pronunciation was unclear, or whether they ignored my real name out of convenience, or even disrespect. Some asked me to spell it out again, and then wanted to know where the name came from. The problem started when I was naturalized in 1991. “Younes is its international notation, but would complicate matters for Germans. They’re not used to Y, which is only used in a few words in German,ˮ a public official told my mother. My first name was thus Germanized. I was too young to notice the forced assimilation. Some Middle Easterners did, however. “So are you a real Arab?ˮ they asked me after reading my name. “My mother is German, my father Iraqi,” I usually told them before I explained how my name was Germanized—which often led to an awkward silence. Growing up, I soon began to understand how much my name defined me.
My last name, Sultan, sometimes amused people, reminding many of a carnival song: “The caravan is moving, the sultan is thirsty . . .” Sometimes, however, it raised fear or false idolization. The word sultan originally meant “strengthˮ in Arabic. Over time, it also became a title for leaders who claimed independence from any higher ruler. According to Wikipedia, one of the most famous sultans, Mehmed II, conquered Constantinople and ended the one-thousand-year-old Byzantine Empire in 1453. I assume his destructive power intimidated the West, which—as Professor Edward Said[3] would say—has continuously strived to invent itself as good in direct contrast to the imagined evil of the Orient. Strangely, my father ascribed the exact opposite value to the Middle East. As if Mehmed II were better than any other murderer, and as if killing four thousand non-Muslims in 1453 was good.I always struggled to understand why some people devalued or even demonized those with different cultural backgrounds while idealizing their own people. Were we not all the same: just people, more or less flawed, and yet all worthy of love?
In my school days in Germany between 1993 and 2006, I mostly learned about the merits of the West. We investigated the European Enlightenment of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.Kant’s[4] “categorical imperativeˮ—to always act in such a way that one would be willing for his actions to become general law—seemed to me like a precious idea that could bring peace among people. We read the classics of the German literary periods; the eighteenth century Storm and Stress period was my favorite since it allowed the free expression of strong emotions. I excitedly examined the revolutions for freedom and unity: 1776 in America, 1789 in France, and 1848 in Germany.
Above all, I embraced the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first document I read at school that was drafted by an international committee with the aim of promoting peace for all people—a dream I wished everybody shared. While our teachers claimed that the unprecedented horrors of World War II led to the UDHR, I learned in 2009 in a rare seminar on “post-colonialismˮ at Goethe University that Nazi Germany was not a short-term mistake, which killed more than seventy million people around the globe, but rather a direct result of the propagandistic and bloody history of the West. Like Hannah Arendt[5] said, mainstream European nationalism and colonialism blended with post-enlightenment racial theories that proclaimed the natural superiority of the “white race,” paving the way for the pseudo-legitimized enslavement and killing of non-white and non-Christian people around the globe for almost two centuries beforeHitler. Our seminar discussions also revealed the subtle, allegedly colorblind and areligious ways in which millions of non-white and non-Christian people have been killed far beyond the borders of the West since 1945, through economic exploitation, starvation, or military adventures that brought chaos, destruction, and even civil war. Still, one burning question remained: how could we stop these processes of dehumanization and these crimes against humanity?
I was eager to find out. After I completed my basic studies at Goethe University, Frankfurt, I studied political science at California State University, Fullerton, from 2010 to 2011. During my political philosophy course, I learned about Greek, Hebrew, Roman, and Christian societies, which my senior professor called “the foundational stories of the West.ˮ In particular, I enjoyed our recurring discussions about whether it was possible to establish truths about ethics—right individual conduct—and politics—right collective life. I, like a couple of my fellow students, believed we could.
At the end of the semester, my professor suggested that modern, twenty-first century global liberalism represented the synthesis of all stories of the West. Skeptical of his Eurocentric perspective, I asked him about the role of the rest of the world. He pondered for a second before he raised his head and said with a raised eyebrow, “Well, there was Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, and then came the bloody bastard Mohammed who spread Islam by the sword.ˮ Sitting in the last row, I looked at him in disbelief. Did he just really say that? As if the stories of the West were free of bloodshed. I remained silent and waited to hear more about his black-and-white worldview; but he stopped himself. “Oh, shit, is she here? The one with the scarf?ˮ he asked, looking around.
Her name was Manar, which means “guiding lightˮ in Arabic. She was not in class that day, but I was—embodying a vibrant blend of Judeo-Christian-Muslim, German, Arabic, and Ottoman traditions. That day, like so many times before, I wondered: How could we overcome those hostile attitudes against “the others”? How could we connect with one another and appreciate each other? How could we create more happiness and peace among each other and within ourselves?
[1] Saddam Hussein (Apr. 28, 1937–Dec. 30, 2006), fifth President of Iraq, serving from July 16, 1979 to Apr. 9, 2003, was sentenced to death after being convicted for crimes against humanity.
[2] Arabic term; means “forbidden” or “proscribed” by Islamic law.
[3] Edward Wadie Said (Nov. 1, 1935–Sept. 25, 2003); professor of literature, public intellectual, and founder of the academic field of postcolonial studies.
[4] Immanuel Kant (Apr. 22, 1724–Feb. 12, 1804); German philosopher and central figure in modern philosophy, known for his book Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
[5] Johanna “Hannah” Arendt (Oct. 14, 1906–Dec. 4, 1975); German-born Jewish American political theorist.
About The Author
Junis Sultan
Junis Sultan studied in Frankfurt am Main, Eichstätt and at California State University Fullerton. He received a Fulbright and a Horizonte Scholarship. For the past six years, he has taught English, politics, and economics as a high school teacher in Frankfurt am Main. He is pursuing a doctorate in Modern Political Theory at the University of Heidelberg.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome author L.J. Sellers who’ll be sharing an excerpt from her latest release AfterStrike.
About the Book
AfterStrike
What if, without warning, you had to run for your life and leave everything behind?
Remi Bartell faces that terrifying moment and takes only the dog who saved her.
But as she starts her new life, lightning strikes! Remi briefly loses her memory and makes one small mistake—that costs her everything. The crime-family patriarch she’s hiding from kidnaps her and plunges her into a revenge nightmare. The psychological trauma cracks open buried memories from her old life that will either save her or destroy her.
AfterStrike blends fast-paced action with psychological suspense and unexpected romance, then ends with an explosive twist.
Remi opened her eyes, her fists clenched. “It’s still not coming back.”
Her counselor sighed.“I’m sorry. That’s the only method I know for recalling memories. I think it’s time to see a specialist, someone who can help you in a more neurologic way.” The woman’s robust voice didn’t match her thin, aging body.
“You’re dumping me?” Another unexpected blow. Remi had found Joanne’s name in her phone contacts and assumed they had a history. Even though this musty, low-rent office didn’t give off a professional vibe, she’d counted on this woman to help get her life back.
“Please don’t see it that way.” Joanne scooted forward, her eyes troubled. “This situation is complex for me. During our earlier sessions, before the incident, you told me things about your past, about your guilt. Now that you can’t remember any of that, it would be unethical and probably counterproductive for me to remind you. So I shouldn’t see you until you’ve recovered.” The counselor reached for a notepad. “I’ll refer you to a neuropsychologist in Portland.”
Remi shook her head. “I can’t start over. It’s all been too much.” She’d had a sliver of hope when she’d walked in, but now she felt abandoned and alone. That would be the tagline on her gravestone.
“I’m still available by phone if you have destructive impulses and need to talk.” Joanne held out the referral note.
Remi let out a harsh laugh. Destructive impulses would be her footnote. “I’ll be fine. Thanks though.”
She bolted from the office, knowing she would never be back. Coming here the first time a year ago had felt like cracking open her own chest. She remembered the pain of that first session if not the details. Then two months earlier—just as she was able to get through a day without hating herself—she’d suffered the strike and woken up with unbearable pain and no memory. Pieces of her recent life in this town had come back, but the rest of her past was still a total blank.
What was the point of seeing yet another specialist? So they could tell her she was physically fine and to just be patient? The doctor who’d treated her in the ER kept saying that, and his indifference, especially to her physical distress, infuriated her. Remi reached for her phone to delete the counselor’s contact, but she’d left the cell in her car.
At the bottom of the exterior stairs, she swore. Not only was it drizzling—signaling summer’s coming end—some jackass had parked his crappy van too close to her Mazda. Now she would have to squeeze her wide hips in sideways like a contortionist. She shuffled across the secluded back lot, wincing at the literal pain in her ass and wishing she’d dressed warmer. As she grabbed the driver’s side handle, a flash of panic. Where was Tuck?
Behind her, the van’s sliding door clanged open. Instinctual fear made her spin around to run, but she was too slow. A powerful hand pressed a vile rag against her mouth and a massive arm wrapped around her rib cage. With a quick lift, the man heaved her like a sack of cement. From inside the van, someone grabbed her armpits and pulled her into the dark space.
“Motherfu—” She couldn’t form the rest of the word. Her tongue wouldn’t work and her brain felt woozy. Yet before she blacked out, a vague thought came together. Whoever she’d been hiding from had finally found her.
Chapter 2
The Recent Past
Did you call me Remi?
July 3, two months earlier
Thunder boomed in the dark sky and Remi tensed. A storm hadn’t been in the forecast, so the sky-shaking noise caught her off guard. Every fiber in her body wanted to bolt for the building, but she had to round up the kids first. She ran toward the girls on the swing set. “Go inside!” She pointed at the back door. “Now!”
Remi pivoted toward the boys playing basketball and repeated her frantic message. Three of the kids went wide-eyed and followed the girls, but Trevor, a hyper five-year old, took another run at the low hoop. Panic made her heart pound in her ears. “I said now!”
The boy turned, shocked at her tone, but instead of running toward the daycare, he burst into tears and bolted to the corner of the fenced-in play area.
Shit. She didn’t have time for this.
The sky flashed, a light so bright it hurt her eyes.
“Get inside!” Remi dashed toward him, but he dodged her. Cursing loudly, she gave chase, catching him as he rounded the big metal slide. She scooped him up and tried to run, but he was heavy and kicked at her knees. Thunder boomed again, and her lungs fought for air against her tight chest. Almost there. As she reached the patio, the boy squirmed out of her arms and scurried in the door ahead of her.
A moment later, the air sizzled and a bolt of lightning knocked her to the ground. The pain was so intense Remi blacked out before her face hit the concrete.
She woke to the sound of concerned voices, a man and a woman talking softly nearby. Her eyes fought to stay closed like they did sometimes on sleepy mornings, but she managed to force a word out of her parched mouth. “Water.” Why did she hurt everywhere?
One voice came closer. “Remi, can you hear me? I see you blinking.”
Who was Remi? “Water.” She forced her eyes open.
The man, who seemed young and dressed in white, was rather blurry as he leaned in and offered a straw. The cool liquid soothed her mouth, and the room came into focus: a small exam space in the back of an ER.
“Why am I here?” Dread filled her chest as she realized she couldn’t remember what had happened.
“You were hit by lightning at the daycare.”
What? Confused, she sat up and peeked under the sheet. Her body had nice breasts that were starting to sag and a layer of pudge on her belly. How could she not remember this? Panic rolled in like a tidal surge, threatening to drown her.
“You should lay back and rest.” The man pressed a lever to raise the top of the wheeled bed. “I’m Dr. Azul Sanjay.”
“Did you call me Remi?”
A flash of concern. “Your work badge says Remi Bartel.”
She gulped for breath. “I can’t remember anything.”
“We’ll get you a CT scan and see what’s happening.” The doctor sounded calm, but his eyes were uncertain. “Your memory loss is likely temporary.” An uncomfortable pause. “I’ve never treated a high-voltage shock patient, but my understanding is that the effects are short-term.”
“Good to hear. Because I need to get home.” Remi didn’t know why, but the feeling was urgent. “How long have I been here?”
“Two hours or so.”
Remi glanced at the wall clock: 3:45. About the time she usually got home from work. The thought floated in and out, untethered to specific details. Still, it offered hope her memory would return.
Dr. Sanjay shifted. “You don’t seem to have any injuries except for the burns where the lightning entered and exited your body. As soon as you feel ready, we can release you.”
Remi touched the white bandage taped to her right shoulder socket. Where was the other burn? She started to ask, then realized she knew. The searing pain in her left butt cheek now made sense. “Have you given me any pain medication?”
“No. I wanted to see how you felt first.”
“Like I’ve been dunked in a deep fryer with a vice-clamp around my head, then branded on the ass.” She tried to smile. “So put some of the good stuff in my IV, please.”
The doctor looked surprised. “On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the worst pain you can imagine, what’s your level?”
“I thought I just told you, but I’ll say eight or nine, just to be clear.”
A long moment of silence. “Okay. We’ll get some anti-inflammatory in your line, and I’ll write you a script for ten Percocet with no refills.”
“Thanks. I’d like to leave soon.” And go where? Remi tried to visualize her home. A small brown cottage came to mind. No. That was her childhood home. “Where are we, by the way?”
“Wilsonville.”
It meant nothing to her. “Can you be more specific?”
“It’s a small town south of Portland, Oregon.”
The west coast seemed familiar and correct. Time to get out there and see it. Maybe the visual images would trigger actual memories. “Where’s my purse? With my driver’s license?”
“It’s likely still at the daycare. We’ll call them. Anyone else we should contact? A spouse? Family?”
Remi couldn’t think of a single person she might know. “After the CT scan, will you call an Uber for me?” Being alone with the pain and memory loss rather terrified her, but lying in this windowless room not knowing anything felt like a layer of hell Dante hadn’t experienced.
Chapter 3
The Recent Past
Her life had once been more vibrant
A few hours later
Remi walked into KinderCare, blinking at the bright colors. If she worked here, she must like kids, but she didn’t remember this place. Or anything else. Her CT scan hadn’t shown an injury to her skull or brain, but her mind seemed to be lost in a thick fog. The sensation was bizarre and embarrassing and she wanted to get this interaction over quickly. Her headache had eased, but so had the effect of the anti-inflammatory, and her burns hurt with every movement.
“Remi!” The stout woman behind the counter desk beamed. “I’m so glad you’re okay. We’ve all been worried sick.”
Remi tried to be pleasant. “Thanks.” She glanced at the receptionist’s badge. “Cheri.”
“You’re wearing hospital scrubs. Are you sure—?”
“I’m fine. My clothes were burned and they cut them off me.”
“Oh right.” Cheri stood. “Let me get the rest of the staff. They’ll want to—”
“No. Please. I’m not up for it. I just need my purse.”
“Of course.” Cheri reached under the counter and held out a brown canvas shoulder bag.
Remi took it, dug around for a wallet, then stared at her driver’s license. The woman in the photo looked vaguely familiar: thirty-five or so with ash-blonde hair, hazel eyes, and round cheeks. Kinda pretty, but not really. The name read: Remi Lynn Bartel. She noted the date of birth and realized she was only thirty-one. She looked up at Cheri. “My memory is fuzzy. Do I have a car here?”
The receptionist frowned. “The green Mazda.”
“Thanks. I need to go.”
“Are you sure you should be alone?”
“I’m not sure of anything, except that I need to get home.” Remi also remembered the address on her license after glancing at it only briefly. That struck her as odd.
From an interior door, a young boy burst into the lobby. “Remi!” He threw his arms around her legs. “I’m so sorry you were hurt.”
Startled by his affection and concern, Remi patted his head. “Thanks. I think I’ll be okay.” She felt bad about not remembering his name.
He looked up. “Jason told me you were dead.”
Remi chuckled and stepped back. “Do I look like a zombie?” She forced a smile. “I was just asleep for a while. Now I have to go home and rest.”
“You’ll be back tomorrow?”
“Maybe not ’til next week. Bye for now.” She hurried out before anyone else confronted her.
In the car, which was impressively clean, she gave Google Maps her address and let its naggingvoice guide her. As she drove through Wilsonville, the sign for Boonsferry Landing amused her, and directions to Coffee Lake made her smile. Had she grown up in this funky little town or purposely moved here? When the Nag told her she’d arrived, Remi stopped at the end of a short side street and stared at the two-story farmhouse. This wasn’t it. She noticed two mailboxes, then realized the driveway went past the house to another dwelling in back. Remi eased down the cracked, narrow concrete, spotted a cute cottage, and felt a little less intimidated. On the porch, a planter bloomed with purple petunias. Had she planted them? She stepped up to the door and panic hit her. What if she had a roommate or boyfriend inside? Would she even know their name?
Remi unlocked the door with the other key on her set and stepped inside. The air smelled of fried onions, a strangely comforting scent. Something banged in the back of the house, startling her. Rapid clicking sounds, then a little white dog with a brown face burst across the room. He leapt into her arms, wiggling and kissing her face.
“Tuck!”
Love surged in her heart, overwhelming her to the point of tears. She wasn’t alone. This little guy was her life—and remembering his name delighted her. She squeezed him tight, then sat on the bench by the door, letting him jump and rub all over her until he settled down. By then, pain screamed at her to get up, and she took one of the Percocets she’d picked up at the hospital pharmacy. She needed to put something in her stomach soon, or the oxy might make her nauseous, but she wanted to explore the house first.
The tour took all of three minutes, with Tuck padding along. In addition to the boxy living room and galley kitchen, she had two small bedrooms, a hall bath with outdated fixtures, and a closet-sized laundry room with a dog door leading outside. The main bedroom was tidy and simple, the only color a mint-green blanket, the only decoration a vase with dried flowers on the dresser. The simplicity suited her, yet also made her sad, as though her life had once been more vibrant.
“Not much to look at, huh, Tuck?”
He wagged his tail, and they wandered back down the hall. The spare room contained a narrow desk with a laptop, a dust-covered stationary bike, and a stack of empty retail boxes. They’d once contained a flat-screen TV, an electric can opener, and sets of plates, bowls, and glasses. She’d either recently purchased these things, or she never threw away boxes.
A memory tickled her subconscious, like the way her nose itched before a sneeze. Exhausted, Remi headed back to the kitchen. She needed to eat, take some aspirin, and rest for a while.
Halfway through a bowl of canned chili, with Tuck eating his share nearby, an image surfaced. She was stepping out of her car at a park, where she’d looked around and liked what she saw—a quaint, lush-green town where she could feel safe. Her backseat had some luggage, a blanket, and a bag of dog food. Tuck, of course, was at her side.
When had she moved to this place? By the look of the house, particularly the retail boxes, maybe only a few months ago. Yet she knew it had been longer, and she’d come here for a reason. Someone to be close to? No. Fear squeezed her heart. Someone to get away from. . . in yet another life she couldn’t remember.
About The Author
L.J. Sellers
L.J. Sellers writes the bestselling Detective Jackson mysteries—a four-time winner of the Readers Favorite Awards. She also pens the high-octane Agent Dallas series, the Extractors series, and provocative standalone thrillers. The Gender Experiment also won a Readers’ Favorite Award, and her newest release, AfterStrike, is getting the best reviews of her career. L.J. resides in Eugene, Oregon where many of her 30 novels are set. When not plotting murders, she enjoys standup comedy, cycling, and zip-lining. And much like her Extractor character, she once rescued her grandchildren from a dangerous cult in Costa Rica
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author L.J. Sellerson The Reading Bud for her latest release Afterstrike.
About The Author
L.J. Sellers
L.J. Sellers writes the bestselling Detective Jackson mysteries—a four-time winner of the Readers Favorite Awards. She also pens the high-octane Agent Dallas series, the Extractors series, and provocative standalone thrillers. The Gender Experiment also won a Readers’ Favorite Award, and her newest release, AfterStrike, is getting the best reviews of her career. L.J. resides in Eugene, Oregon where many of her 30 novels are set. When not plotting murders, she enjoys standup comedy, cycling, and zip-lining. And much like her Extractor character, she once rescued her grandchildren from a dangerous cult in Costa Rica
“The best thriller L.J. Sellers has written, and she’s at the top of my must-read list.”
— Bestselling Author Teresa Burrell
About the Book
Afterstrike
What if, without warning, you had to run for your life and leave everything behind?
Remi Bartell faces that terrifying moment and takes only the dog who saved her.
But as she starts her new life, lightning strikes! Remi briefly loses her memory and makes one small mistake—that costs her everything. The crime-family patriarch she’s hiding from kidnaps her and plunges her into a revenge nightmare. The psychological trauma cracks open buried memories from her old life that will either save her or destroy her.
AfterStrike blends fast-paced action with psychological suspense and unexpected romance, then ends with an explosive twist.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:Joesphine Walden Release Date: 20th August 2022 Series: Genre: Memoir Format: E-book Pages: 401 Publisher: – Blurb: After two major floods with their financial, physical, and emotional ramifications, a car accident, several dangerous encounters while traveling and family deaths, I spiraled down into a life-changing, nursing-career ending illness. Diagnosis: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a little understood illness at the time. A single mom, I struggled to work but the symptoms slowly overtook me: debilitating fatigue, flu-like symptoms, a pre-leukemic blood dyscrasia and a slow loss of memory. Then a beloved sister and I inherited two estates. She took care of probate. As I descended into the throes of the illness, she invited me to stay with her and her husband. While there, fun times were punctuated by unpleasant encounters and accusations of family neglect and other short comings. Unable to respond due to memory loss and slow thought processes, I kept silent. As probate progressed, my daughter began to warn me about my sister’s behavior in dealing with the probate issues. I couldn’t comprehend her concerns as I trusted my sister implicitly. I was blissfully unaware of game playing, creative manipulations, plots, thefts and acts of revenge.
Finally, there was some improvement and I returned to work. That attempt failed after only four months. With trepidation I eventually returned to my sister’s due to her persistent coaxing. While there, she did all she could to make me physically, as well as emotionally, uncomfortable. I left. Once away her behavior became overly hostile and aggressive. She seemed to be a combination of Baby Jane’s sister and Virginia Wolff! My ex-husband, a state policeman, guided me through a two-estate, nine-year ordeal. Julie’s actions would almost financially break me, deprive me of some of my inheritance and cause family members to turn against me.
Eventually I had to retain an attorney. He had been a former prosecutor and said it was the worst case he had ever handled. Finally, after trying to deal with her, the attorneys asked me to meet with her. Still ill but with some improvement I pulled myself together. My attempted intervention wasn’t successful. She was evasive, less than honest, accusatory and walked out of the meeting to avoid answering my questions. The lawyers made the decision to hold a judicial inquiry so the judge would know how to rule. Sadly, court would be the next step.
In court the findings influenced the judge to put Julie on supervision to finish the probate business and had her escorted from the parental home and out of town by a Sheriff’s Deputy. He followed her to the next town. My lawyer called it “Frontier Justice.” The home was sealed, and contents and home were sold. This final resolution brought peace and financial stability to my life. Estranged family members were reunited with me.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Ordeal by Josephine Walden is a touching memoir about the author’s story of having been betrayed by someone she held very dear to her heart and how she had to confront the hard realities of life. But thankfully, the author is later saved with the help of her own wits and her dear daughter.
This book is a memoir that deeply resonated with me even though I still cannot understand why; I think may be because it talks about the basic fear we all harbour in our deep subconscious and unconscious minds about being betrayed by the ones we love the most. This book is a very well-written account of the author’s plight and brings out all the situations she had to endure in great detail making the reader understand the situations well and in a very engrossing way.
I would strongly suggest everyone to read this book as this book is a moving story and would make you emotionally involved in it rewarding you with a great payoff too in the end.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Josephine Waldenon The Reading Bud for her upcoming book The Ordeal.
About The Author
Josephine Walden
Josephine was raised in a quaint small town in “the thumb” of Michigan in a close extended family. Music and nursing were her passions. She became a psychiatric nurse and worked while her husband attended college. Work opportunities took them to Chicago. Years later they returned to “the thumb” and renovated her ancestral home. She enjoys her daughter and granddaughter who live nearby. “The Ordeal” is her first book and she is working on another true story involving hardship and duplicity.
After two major floods with their financial, physical, and emotional ramifications, a car accident, several dangerous encounters while traveling and family deaths, I spiraled down into a life-changing, nursing-career ending illness. Diagnosis: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a little understood illness at the time. A single mom, I struggled to work but the symptoms slowly overtook me: debilitating fatigue, flu-like symptoms, a pre-leukemic blood dyscrasia and a slow loss of memory. Then a beloved sister and I inherited two estates. She took care of probate. As I descended into the throes of the illness, she invited me to stay with her and her husband. While there, fun times were punctuated by unpleasant encounters and accusations of family neglect and other short comings. Unable to respond due to memory loss and slow thought processes, I kept silent. As probate progressed, my daughter began to warn me about my sister’s behavior in dealing with the probate issues. I couldn’t comprehend her concerns as I trusted my sister implicitly. I was blissfully unaware of game playing, creative manipulations, plots, thefts and acts of revenge.
Finally, there was some improvement and I returned to work. That attempt failed after only four months. With trepidation I eventually returned to my sister’s due to her persistent coaxing. While there, she did all she could to make me physically, as well as emotionally, uncomfortable. I left. Once away her behavior became overly hostile and aggressive. She seemed to be a combination of Baby Jane’s sister and Virginia Wolff! My ex-husband, a state policeman, guided me through a two-estate, nine-year ordeal. Julie’s actions would almost financially break me, deprive me of some of my inheritance and cause family members to turn against me.
Eventually I had to retain an attorney. He had been a former prosecutor and said it was the worst case he had ever handled. Finally, after trying to deal with her, the attorneys asked me to meet with her. Still ill but with some improvement I pulled myself together. My attempted intervention wasn’t successful. She was evasive, less than honest, accusatory and walked out of the meeting to avoid answering my questions. The lawyers made the decision to hold a judicial inquiry so the judge would know how to rule. Sadly, court would be the next step.
In court the findings influenced the judge to put Julie on supervision to finish the probate business and had her escorted from the parental home and out of town by a Sheriff’s Deputy. He followed her to the next town. My lawyer called it “Frontier Justice.” The home was sealed, and contents and home were sold. This final resolution brought peace and financial stability to my life. Estranged family members were reunited with me.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
What if, without warning, you had to run for your life and leave everything behind?
Remi Bartell faces that terrifying moment and takes only the dog who saved her.
But as she starts her new life, lightning strikes! Remi briefly loses her memory and makes one small mistake—that costs her everything. The crime-family patriarch she’s hiding from kidnaps her and plunges her into a revenge nightmare. The psychological trauma cracks open buried memories from her old life that will either save her or destroy her.
AfterStrike blends fast-paced action with psychological suspense and unexpected romance, then ends with an explosive twist.
“The best thriller L.J. Sellers has written, and she’s at the top of my must-read list.”
Bestselling Author Teresa Burrell
“A sizzling, must-read thriller!”
Midwest Book Review
About The Author
L.J. Sellers
L.J. Sellers
L.J. Sellers writes the bestselling Detective Jackson mysteries—a four-time winner of the Readers Favorite Awards. She also pens the high-octane Agent Dallas series, the Extractors series, and provocative standalone thrillers. The Gender Experiment also won a Readers’ Favorite Award, and her newest release, AfterStrike, is getting the best reviews of her career.
L.J. resides in Eugene, Oregon where many of her 30 novels are set. When not plotting murders, she enjoys standup comedy, cycling, and zip-lining. And much like her Extractor character, she once rescued her grandchildren from a dangerous cult in Costa Rica
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:E T McNamara Release Date: 25th February 2023 Series: Genre: Criminal, Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Romantic Mystery Format: E-book Pages: 366 Publisher: – Blurb: Fans of romantic mysteries and suspenseful crime dramas get both in The Witness Affair, E T McNamara’s fourth novel. In New York City, an attractive young woman trying to save her Iowa home and farm from legal problems unwittingly becomes the target of an international crime ring. Having no idea why people are trying to kill her, she relies on a handsome New York City police detective to keep her safe. They become aware of the romantic chemistry between them as they try to figure out who wants her dead and why. Realizing the conspiracy is deeper than they thought, they must take drastic actions to keep each other safe. Whether it is discovering the perfect crime, its resulting treasure hunt, or the simmering romance of the two main characters, be prepared for a rollercoaster thrill ride, as a series of twists and turns will keep readers guessing until the end.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Witness Affair by E T McNamara is a romantic mystery that builds up slowly but really well. This book was very different from author McNamara’s usual style of writing, which leans more towards historical stories and style of narration. I really enjoyed this book and the think that the ending was a good payoff for the entire built-up.
The mystery devised by the author was good and the characterisation, keeping with his writing style, was spot on. I was able to connect to the characters and felt deeply for them, making this book extremely engaging.
I’d recommend this book to all mystery readers, especially to those who like a prominent romantic subplot.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Josephine Walden for her latest release, The Ordeal.
The Ordeal
Book: The Ordeal Author: Josephine Walden Publication date: 20th August 2022 Genres: Memoir, Non-Fiction Page Count: 401 Publisher: Self-Published
About The Ordeal
After two major floods with their financial, physical, and emotional ramifications, a car accident, several dangerous encounters while traveling and family deaths, I spiraled down into a life-changing, nursing-career ending illness. Diagnosis: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a little understood illness at the time. A single mom, I struggled to work but the symptoms slowly overtook me: debilitating fatigue, flu-like symptoms, a pre-leukemic blood dyscrasia and a slow loss of memory. Then a beloved sister and I inherited two estates. She took care of probate. As I descended into the throes of the illness, she invited me to stay with her and her husband. While there, fun times were punctuated by unpleasant encounters and accusations of family neglect and other short comings. Unable to respond due to memory loss and slow thought processes, I kept silent. As probate progressed, my daughter began to warn me about my sister’s behavior in dealing with the probate issues. I couldn’t comprehend her concerns as I trusted my sister implicitly. I was blissfully unaware of game playing, creative manipulations, plots, thefts and acts of revenge.
Finally, there was some improvement and I returned to work. That attempt failed after only four months. With trepidation I eventually returned to my sister’s due to her persistent coaxing. While there, she did all she could to make me physically, as well as emotionally, uncomfortable. I left. Once away her behavior became overly hostile and aggressive. She seemed to be a combination of Baby Jane’s sister and Virginia Wolff! My ex-husband, a state policeman, guided me through a two-estate, nine-year ordeal. Julie’s actions would almost financially break me, deprive me of some of my inheritance and cause family members to turn against me.
Eventually I had to retain an attorney. He had been a former prosecutor and said it was the worst case he had ever handled. Finally, after trying to deal with her, the attorneys asked me to meet with her. Still ill but with some improvement I pulled myself together. My attempted intervention wasn’t successful. She was evasive, less than honest, accusatory and walked out of the meeting to avoid answering my questions. The lawyers made the decision to hold a judicial inquiry so the judge would know how to rule. Sadly, court would be the next step.
In court the findings influenced the judge to put Julie on supervision to finish the probate business and had her escorted from the parental home and out of town by a Sheriff’s Deputy. He followed her to the next town. My lawyer called it “Frontier Justice.” The home was sealed, and contents and home were sold. This final resolution brought peace and financial stability to my life. Estranged family members were reunited with me.
Josephine was raised in a quaint small town in “the thumb” of Michigan in a close extended family. Music and nursing were her passions. She became a psychiatric nurse and worked while her husband attended college. Work opportunities took them to Chicago. Years later they returned to “the thumb” and renovated her ancestral home. She enjoys her daughter and granddaughter who live nearby. “The Ordeal” is her first book and she is working on another true story involving hardship and duplicity.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:JoshuaCatchatoor Release Date: 3rd November 2022 Series: A Comedic Tudor Tale (Book #1) Genre: Adventure, Humor Fiction, British Humor, Novellas, Historical, and Tudor Period Format: E-book Pages: 105 Publisher: Blurb: Herein you will find a comedic romp through the English Renaissance, in which the titular Elizabethan courtier finds himself under increasing pressure to keep both himself and his country out of trouble. Great men and women have throughout the ages clung on to the swinging tailcoats of history, their deeds nonetheless holding profound significance for centuries to come. Such is the case with Lord Bolingbroke, a man able to shape the destinies of nations; the hedonistic courses of an evening at the local pub; and contemporary impressions of England’s 16th century populace. This is the first part of his grand tale.
‘A hilarious adventure guaranteed in all but actual law to have you laughing out loud, as you witness a man attempting to navigate such thrilling matters as: various heads of state (and several horses) of questionable intelligence, political conspiracy, dodgy brewing standards, zealots of diverse persuasion and shenanigans bawdy enough to make a grandmother blush. And that’s just for starters.‘
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Adventures of Lord Bolingbroke by Joshua Catchatoor is a brilliant dose of British humour, especially for those who actively seek and admire the Elizabethan era. The author’s wit is really commendable and his insertions of current events into the historical plot made the story all the more interesting. I liked the author’s writing style and his sense of humour which was neither too subtle nor too over the top.
The extremely well-done characterisation is the bane of this story and the author has done an amazing job with it. Not only the main character of Lord Bolingbroke but also the secondary characters are extremely well-developed and rounded making this book a really fun and interesting read.
I’d strongly recommend this book to all readers, no matter what genre of books they prefer to read, as this book has a lot to offer to its readers.
The Reading Bud 