Cycles of Tyranny

As a GenX-er, remembering the 1989 image of one Chinese man standing in the path of a line of military tanks to protest the violent authoritarian response against peaceful protestors feels like it happened forever ago and also like just the other day.

[front cover of a trade paperback copy of Looking for Tank Man, A Novel by Ha Jin with a "NEW" sticker in the upper right corner; split image of 2 different faces of Chinese people]

Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin

contemporary (circa 2008) fiction

Other Press, 2025

Pei Lulu's scholarly pursuits lead her into risky situations at the intersection of academic, sociopolitical, and cultural maneuvering. The conclusion of the novel launches her into the next fraught phase of her life and prompts readers to consider what they'd do (or not) in similar circumstances.

From the end of chapter 40:

He even said that his department might be the right place for me because they had just started a project on dictatorships and public amnesia...

Themes on how history is recorded and by whom, personal ethical quandaries versus sacrifices for the greater good all while navigating the mundane challenges of young adulthood make this novel a timely read that engages all of the senses.

And along with millions of people around the world, the Heated Rivalry show and fandom have invaded my brain for the way it respects the romance genre and its fans in addition to celebrating love. The tariffs that are keeping the official fleece jackets from being shipped to the U.S. and my not being Canadian inspired me to create my own version.

[a collage of 5 images showing the evolution of converting a plain white pullover with a 3/4 front zipper into a decorated garment with a red felt heart with "LOVE" at its center on one sleeve and 3 smaller red felt hearts on the other sleeve; 3/4inch red ribbon trim around the neckline and as a tab for the zipper pull; "LOVE" patch in glittery fabric and pearls on the back with "LOVE" in 2inch white iron-on letters trimmed in gray fabric paint covered in red glitter]

Please remember that the oppressive forces are always on the wrong side of history. That's why they work so hard to lie, deny, erase facts and people who challenge their deceit and inhumanity. No one can do everything to fight the f@scists, but everyone can do at least one thing.

Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, safety & joy along with some pleasure every day

Comments

Our Poet Laureate's Memoir + More TWWBF2025 Prep

Educator, poet, short story author, mindfulness guide and now the moniker of memoirist has been added to the long list of creative accomplishments earned by Poet Laureate of The Write Women Book Fest Aressa V. Williams. She was born and raised in the vibrant community of Washington, D.C.'s Northeast neighborhood of Deanwood. Her Memoir evokes the nostalgia, challenges, victories, heartaches and joys of her life that connect with readers across generations and locations. [photo credit: H.L. Brooks; image: two paperback ARCs of In Deanwood, A Memoir by Aressa Verdell Williams arranged on a tabletop; cover art of a sepia toned two-story colonial house with four columns - two on each side of the front door] The ebook is currently available with print copies coming soon! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-deanwood-aressa-verdell-williams/1147594007 Just under 3 weeks before day one of The Write Women Book Fest and we've finished decorating t-shirts for our aw...

DIY Marketing TWWBF2025 + the Usual BAC Issues

Six(!) days until day one of the 6th and grand finale year of The Write Women Book Fest!!! Last week was another hard one for federal workers in the DMV area along with other ongoing challenges, making it tough for a lot of people to prioritize joy. This coming weekend TWWBF2025 intends to celebrate and support talented authors, poets, creatives, and publishing industry professionals and their work, readers and literacy advocates while we also celebrate everything positive that this event has contributed to our community since 2019. [a two-image collage: right side - two posters atop the closed lid of a baby grand piano; both with "The Write Women Book Fest, 100+ authors Golden Angel, Eden Appiah-Kubi, Courtney Duke Foster, Jeaniene Frost, Maria Vale, Erin Wright, EC Poetry & Prose, July 19th QR Code thewritewomenbookfest.org, Use code FESTNEWS25 for 30% off!"; left side - an incomplete poster with "The Write Women Book Fest" and a blank sheet of paper with a g...

Tapping into Your Power

The following two books celebrate powerful characters who overcome their fears to manifest their greatness for the benefit of themselves, their loved ones and communities. So satisfying. [2 books from left to right: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff] A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna contemporary speculative romance Berkeley, July 2025 Sera's story of navigating otherness was worth the wait. The advantages, responsibilities, and consequences of being powerful are explored with nuanced observations, humor, and compassion. Themes on distinctions between family by blood, choice, and intention weave throughout this poignant tale about paying attention and recognizing personal details as fundamental to the evolution of one's perspective on who and what are valuable. One of my favorite passages from the end of chapter nineteen: Like this was a thing that had, somehow, become...

Search This Blog