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Book Review: The Galaxy According to CeCe

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2024 NAIWE Middle Grade Winner

 

Author: Sherry Roberts

Starting middle school and facing the unknowns that it presents can be difficult for many, but CeCe was excited to share this experience with her friends. However, shortly before the school year was to begin, CeCe discovers that her family will be moving.

Devastated and defiant, CeCe is forced to quickly pack and say good-bye to the life that she had known to then be shoved into a car and travel across the country. She feels like she has lost control of everything.

Author Shelley Roberts writes this book in the first person and in the present tense, which is no easy feat. Many books written in the first person lack the depth that the reader desires. However, in this book, the author’s skillfulness in using the first person enables the reader to be one with CeCe and share in her thoughts and understand her challenges. All of the words in this book are straight from the mouth or thoughts of CeCe. Excellent job!

This is a useful and relevant book to help children cope with life through the many changes they are forced to face, especially when they feel they have no control over what’s important in their lives.

Congratulations, Shelly Roberts’s The Galaxy According to CeCe for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Book Award Winner: Tong Ge

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Today’s podcast episode is a Book Award Winner episode, where we get to know a writer who won the NAIWE Book Award.

Tong Ge won the 2024 Book Award for her book The House Filler in the Literary Fiction category.

Born and raised in China, Tong Ge moved to Canada in the late 1980s as an international student, earning a master of science degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1992. Since 2012, she has written under both her real name and the pen name Tong Ge, publishing poetry, prose, and short stories in English and Chinese across North America, England and Taiwan. A recipient of five literary awards and a finalist for five others. Her debut novel, The House Filler, was published in Canada in 2023. It is a finalist for the 2023 Eyelands Book Awards and the 2024 Canadian Book Club Awards for fiction and won two book awards.

Here is a preview of today’s discussion:

 

Your book The House Filler was recently published. Can you tell us a little bit about it?

The House Filler is told through the experiences of Golden Phoenix, a widow with bound feet who faces war, poverty and political turmoil as she fights for survival, freedom and happiness.

After the untimely death of her husband, Golden Phoenix is determined to keep her family together, although finding a close enemy intent on destroying them. However, poverty forces her to make the heart-wrenching decision to allow her teenage twins to go to the Red Army. During the upheaval of the Japanese invasion of her hometown, she is separated from her two young girls, and her remaining son leaves to fight with the Nationalist army.

Golden Phoenix, along with her adopted son, remains to endure the horrors and the hardships of war. When the Civil War ends with the Communists winning power in 1949, one of her twins, a member of the Communist Party, is wrongly accused of being a traitor and is sentenced to death. Golden Phoenix and her family must find a way to save her son’s life.

 

What inspired you to write this book?

I always wanted to write my family’s stories into a book but struggled to find the right angle. Then, one day in 2004, while gardening, an idea struck me — the narrator could write a series of letters to her sister in China, recalling their family history. Though this format was later replaced by each book’s protagonist telling the story from her own perspective, that moment of inspiration allowed me to begin.

My family’s story became the foundation for this book and the two that follow.

 

What did you learn while working on this book?

I learned many things while working on this book.

First, I proved to myself that I can write fiction in a second language—and that I am the best person to tell this story. When I first started in 2004, I wrote in Chinese but soon realized I wouldn’t have access to critique groups, beta readers, manuscript evaluators, freelance editors, or publishers. At the time, I didn’t believe I could write it in English, so I searched for a ghostwriter. When that didn’t work out, I realized I had to do it myself. I took writing courses, read books on craft, and studied as much fiction as I could to learn from other writers.

Second, I learned to be patient. Writing is a long journey. Early on, I sent out query letters too soon, not realizing that you only get one chance per agent or publisher. Submitting flawed work means losing that chance forever.

Third, I learned the importance of professional help. I don’t believe a first-time writer can do this alone.

Fourth, I learned to be humble and take feedback seriously. As emerging writers, it’s easy to get defensive when receiving criticism and to believe that if others don’t recognize our talent, it’s their problem. But there is always room for improvement. If you can’t find an agent or publisher, the issue might not be them — it might be you.

Book Review: Saint Bloodbath

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2024 NAIWE Narrative Nonfiction Winner

 

Author: Frederick Douglass Reynolds

Police detectives’ cases are often entangled with drug abuse, gang violence, homelessness, and even death. One years-long homicide case that stands out for two detectives begins in California in 2008 when five people in a homeless encampment were murdered on the same night.

This account hits on areas of the victims’ lives leading to their deaths: one was sought out for his involvement in the gang culture of drugs and four were just in the wrong place that dreadful night and witnessed a murder. And then there was a sixth murder in the desert many miles away that again was connected to the gang culture of drugs with the ultimate price of death. Within the world of a jailhouse, these murders were used as bragging rights to gain status and then to convict.

Written like a story, Saint Bloodbath brings the reader in the scene, allowing the reader to better understand the situations of homeless people and gang members and why they make the choices they do.

Frederick Douglass Reynolds, the author and a retired L.A. County Sheriff’s Homicide Sergeant, is a gifted writer with a vast array of personal experiences to describe with his pen. Saint Bloodbath is an excellent read based on true events that will make you question the humanity of some.

Congratulations, Frederick Douglass Reynolds’s Saint Bloodbath for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Book Review: Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper

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2024 NAIWE Young Adult Winner

 

Author: Gary Natoli

Elizabeth “Lizard” Larson is a 14-year-old girl who discovers she has power, which could be connected to her parents’ development of a time machine. From normal teenager to time manipulator, Lizard finds herself the target of those who want to use her time-stopping ability for sinister purposes. Lizard is forced to learn about her new power, but also about her new enemy and about how to be a more independent leader on an unexpected adventure.

Author Gary Natoli writes with time manipulation from the very beginning. Rather than beginning the novel with chapter 1, or even with a preface, he begins with chapter 0—the time before time. “I led myself to believe I had all the time in the world. Ironic…time is actually catching up with me. . . . Please don’t let history bury me.”

Natoli writes in a manner that young adults can relate to. School. Dreaded subjects. Science experiments not working. The visuals he creates with words are exquisite! Natoli uses his storytelling skills to provide enough detail for the reader to visualize the scenes, but to leave enough out so that the reader’s mind can fill in the rest. A stimulating combination!

Congratulations, Gary Natoli’s Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Book Review: Words Left Unspoken

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2024 NAIWE Poetry Book Winner

 

Words Left Unspoken

Author: J.A. McGovern

Words are an important part of communication, but there are many more thoughts in a person’s head than words that are spoken by that person. Poet J.A. McGovern gives words to many of these thoughts in Words Left Unspoken.

He sat rocking in his green chair,

When he was eleven

Making wishes his father’s soul

Would end in heaven.

J.A. McGovern captures these thoughts so they will not be lost. Like most poetry, this book is not to be read in one sitting. Rather, a reader can sit and savor a poem or two a day, contemplating their own thoughts that they have not put to words.

He sat rocking in his green chair,

When he was forty

Watching his sons and daughters grow

While working.

Words Left Unspoken covers many topics throughout the poems. In looking at the variety, the reader can see the life of the poet as it has passed among the passage of time in writing these poems. Even the transition between the two thoughts shows the maturity of the poet, from moments simply being thoughts to moments becoming memories.

He sat rocking in his green chair,

When he was sixty-five

Standing above her grave, realizing

He barely knew her, when she was alive.

In part 2 of Words Left Unspoken, J.A. McGovern captures memories through the haiku poetic form. In these poems, the memories shared are very visual. J.A. McGovern describes the simple everyday items that many people would leave as unspoken thoughts passing by.

He sat rocking in his green chair,

When he was ninety-nine

Wondering –

How life passed by…

Congratulations, J.A. McGovern’s Words Left Unspoken for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Book Award Winner: Erin Berkery

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Today’s podcast episode is a Book Award Winner episode, where we get to know a writer who won the NAIWE Book Award.

Our guest today is Erin Berkery.

Erin Berkery is a freelance writer, creative career advisor, and consultant with a passion for helping people both with their creative life and blending their creative lifestyles and the rest of their life. Erin writes content for companies, career development articles, and creative fiction that is quite humorous despite those previous two categories. She has recently published a book called: How Not to Make Small Talk, which won the NAIWE 2023 Book Award in Coffee Table books.

 

You recently had your book How Not to Make Small Talk published, which is in the humor and coffee table genres. To get an idea of what your book is about, I would like to read the book’s description to the listeners:

How Not to Make Small Talk is an anti self-help guide, where instead of showing people how to do something well, Erin shows you how not to do something well. How Not to Make Small Talk blends humor and ridiculousness to deliver the worst possible solutions to common blunders in everyday conversations. Featuring topics that should be off limits, suggestions that are slightly horrible, and lists of alternatives for any conversation.

 

When did you first have the idea for this book? And what inspired you to actually write this book?

After I had a baby, I had a lot of people who would say things to me in conversation that felt inappropriate, but they acted as if we were just talking about the weather. I realized that while they weren’t making a faux pas, that nobody had ever given guidance on how to make small talk. I then realized that I had no business giving anyone advice, but still was having ideas of conversation starters that would be better than the discussions I was having, so How Not to Make Small Talk was born.

 

Why did you decide to write and publish this book now?

I am a writer who writes a lot but doesn’t finish a lot of books, so when this book started to feel less than half baked I wanted to make it my goal to finish it and I did. I wish I could say that I timed it for something special, but the truth is that I was fairly proud of having it be completed.

Book Review: Network Apprentice

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2024 NAIWE Book Cover Design Winner

 

Network Apprentice

Author: Graydon Hubbard

A well-done book cover design! The beauty shown in the large image of a woman in a dress made from the American flag is eye capturing! The title of the book is in a large typeface and matches the grandness of the dress, and the contrast in colors is strong enough for the title to be easily read.

As the cover is surveyed, the money and the crowd are detected and become a second focal point, but even just the American flag alone hints at what topics will be discussed and challenged within this book.

 

Comments from professional book designer Tamian Wood:

“I like this compilation a LOT. Nicely done making her dress out of a flag! And while the rest of the details are small, and won’t be seen at thumbnail size, the money and crowds will be a nice bonus for anyone who looks closer.

The typography is a bit hard to read because of the serifs and the busy background. And while I’m not a fan of an all white all centered title/sub-title/author, it can be done, if it’s done well. A bolder, san serif font would stand out against the busyness of the dress, and would go a long way to improving this lovely cover. All in all, this one is my winner!”

Congratulations, Graydon Hubbard’s Network Apprentice for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Book Review: The House Filler

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2024 NAIWE Literary Fiction Book Winner

 

The House Filler

Author: Tong Ge

Author Tong Ge captures the reader immediately with her first sentence: “I met the man I grew to love and the man I came to hate on the same day.”

Golden Phoenix is a 26-year-old woman living in China. Following the customs of her people for the girls and women, her feet have been bound since she was six, in hopes her beauty will be known through a smaller foot size. Females also were forbidden from receiving a formal education, so Golden Phoenix became a skilled seamstress.

Because of her less-than-ideal foot size, Golden Phoenix is given in marriage to a widower 20 years older than her as a house filler. The author goes into extreme detail about the process of being married off to include the events leading up to the marriage and the celebration to educate and engage the reader, who likely doesn’t know what was typical in 20th-century China.

While Golden Phoenix has inherited a stepson, she desires a son of her own to secure her status. However, her stepson and his wife soon plot against the child.

Written as historical fiction, this book is based on the life of the author’s grandmother, creating a personal relationship between the story and the reader. The language the author uses draws the reader into the story and holds the reader there to feel sympathy for Golden Phoenix and care about the hardships she experiences.

The death of Golden Pheonix’s husband leads to challenges in supporting their five children, and she is forced to give her twin sons to the Red Army. War continues between the Communists and the Nationalists, and Golden Phoenix sees her family ripped apart and a son sent to prison to await execution.

Congratulations, Tong Ge’s The House Filler for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Book Review: Immune Heroes

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2024 NAIWE Children’s Book Winner

 

Immune Heroes

Author: Namita Gandhi

Children are naturally very curious creatures, and they usually have many questions. Children often enjoy exploring and learning. And most small children enjoy learning about and discovering their bodies.

Namita Gandhi’s latest book, Immune Heroes, helps kids learn what happens inside their bodies when they fall and get an “ouchie.”

In the book, all of the cells have names that play on their technical names but are also much easier for children to say and remember. For example, Captain T, the helper thymus cell or T cell, leads the team, enlisting the help of the necessary cells to protect the body from the enemy bacteria.

The book describes the entire process of how the body protects itself from bacteria and which cells are called on to perform certain duties. The images in the book aid children in visualizing what they may have read about in textbooks and encourage children to enjoy exploring science.

Immune Heroes brings out the fun in learning with children!

Congratulations, Namita Ganghi’s Immune Heroes for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Book Award Winner: David Berner

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Today’s podcast episode is a Book Award Winner episode, where we get to know a writer who won the NAIWE Book Award.

Our guest today is David Berner.

David W. Berner is the author of several books of award-winning personal narrative and fiction. The recipient of honors and awards from the NYC Big Book Award, the Paris Book Festival, the Hawthorne Prize, the Page Turner Awards, Readers’ Choice Awards, The Society of Midland Authors, The Chicago Writers Association, and the Eric Hoffer Book Awards.

His short stories, creative nonfiction, and poems have been published in The Ulu Review, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Humans of the World, Red Noise Collective, Voices, The Lascaux Review, and others.

He has also been honored as a former Writer-in-Residence at the Jack Kerouac Project in Orlando and at the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home in Oak Park, Illinois.

For many years now, David W. Berner has been a writing teacher at Gotham Writers, and the editor of the writing craft website at MEDIUM—The Writer Shed. David also writes regular personal essays at SUBSTACK: The Abundance.

He has recently published a book called: The Islander, which was a winner of the NAIWE 2023 Book Awards in the Literary genre.

 

Q: When did you first have the idea for this book? And what inspired you to actually write The Islander?

I have always been fascinated with what are called “thin place,” those natural places in the world where we are awed. The Irish coast has always been one of those places for me. And I have also always been fascinated with how the human connection can transcend age, background, culture, and much else. I wanted to write about this.

 

Q: What prompted you to publish the book when you did?

I had been writing and editing it for years. Novellas are sometimes hard to find publishers, but The Shortish Project from Outpost19 Books in San Francisco was taking on a new project to publish short novels, championing the great tradition of novellas in American literature. The Islander seemed a great fit. I was lucky enough that they accepted it.

 

Q: What did you learn while working on this book? And what were some challenges you faced during the writing or publication of this book?

The writing was a delight. I never plan or outline, the book is already somewhere inside of me, and I just have to keep writing to let it out. Publishing, I knew might be more difficult, as it always it, but mostly because this is a novella, and what I call a “quiet” book. It’s more about character than plot. Much of popular fiction is plot driven. I don’t necessarily write with plot in mind.

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