#AuthorInterview with Madhu Bazaz Wangu @Madhu_Wangu

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lynette Latzko is talking with Madhu Bazaz Wangu, author of The Last Suttee

FQ: Most Westerners are not familiar with Indian culture and practices, especially ones that have been outlawed quite some time ago like suttee. What did you hope to accomplish when you began writing The Last Suttee?

WANGU: I wanted to let people of India and the world know that rituals like suttee and similar social traditions, that suppress women, continue to persist in many cultures. I wanted to write socio-economic and cultural reasons of the ritual, put it within the context of modern India and give voice to the ritual murder of a widow. Even one such horror is one too many.

FQ: I read a bit about the suttee of Roop Kanwar in 1987, and was surprised to discover that eleven people were originally charged with glorifying this ritual, but then nearly seventeen years later, in 2004, all were acquitted of the charges. What is your opinion on this new ruling that caused a total reversal of charges?

WANGU: No opinion, just rage! It is good that I channelized my anger and exasperation into the creative act of writing The Last Suttee. Otherwise I would have been living a life of unease with my anger and frustration. I am better at writing than at protesting or staging a sit-in.

FQ: What was the most difficult aspect you were faced with when doing research for The Last Suttee?

WANGU: Meeting and questioning the perpetrators of the ritual murder of Roop Kanwar, including her father-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife.

FQ: Do you believe that the funeral ritual, suttee, will ever be completely eradicated, and if so what do you believe needs to occur to make that change?

WANGU: Eradication of suttee and similar rituals is as complex as eliminating sexual exploitation or drug abuse in a society. They are deeply embedded in people’s psyche. But speaking optimistically, if government intervenes, provides education for free, if people use the internet to make their friends and family aware of social evils and perils of injustice and discrimination so that perpetrators as well as victims are exposed, things are bound to change for the better.


FQ: As a woman I really enjoyed the main character, Kumud Kuthiyala, and appreciated her courage and tenacity, especially when attempting to change the centuries-old beliefs about women (especially widows) in Indian society. Do you have any plans on writing another novel that would include her future endeavors?

WANGU: Not until I read this question! Currently, I am writing a non-fiction book and my second collection of short stories. But you have given me an idea. I might write a novel about Parvati’s work at SGSO with abused and abandoned women, or Alka’s work with girls who flee homes to become actresses in Bollywood.

FQ: In the foreword of your book you mentioned that you participated in National Novel Writing Month (a nonprofit that encourages writers to complete a 50,000-word novel in the month of November) in 2009. Do you think participating in this helped motivate you to continue editing and rewriting, and would you recommend that new writers participate in it to help kick start their writing aspirations?

WANGU: Absolutely! Without NaNoWriMo challenge I may never have written novels. Writing extempore without any inhabitation or fear I poured out 66,000 words in November 2009. The feeling that thousands of other writers around the globe were also participating was a propelling force. Motivational posts by renown authors and by previous participants who had become published authors kept me going. Their pep talks not only stimulated while I was writing in 2009 but inspired me to write drafts of two more novels in 2010 and 2011.

FQ: According to your biography, you were a professor of arts and religions in several universities before deciding to become a full-time writer, and then in 2010, you founded the first Mindful Writers group. What inspired you to move towards a life of writing, and can you explain to readers what mindful writing entails?

WANGU: Teaching Hindu and Buddhist art did not fulfill me the way writing fiction does. In my novels, I can express my thoughts and pour out my emotions. However, teaching taught me significance of being aware of myself, delighting in simple joys of life and treating life’s trials as passing events.

Thirty years ego my daily routine was set: Meditation, journaling and writing my work in progress. The days I did not follow this routine, I couldn’t write with as much gusto as when I did. I felt as if there was a brick wall separating me from my creative flow. And the days I practiced my routine the fount was fluid.

I knew how writers complained about facing writing obstacles and blocks and how they were unable to complete projects. I realized what I practiced was a surefire but secret method that needed to be shared with as many writers as I could. So, in 2010 I started the Mindful Writers Group and called the practice of combining meditation, journal with writing as Writing Meditation Method. I made two CDs “Meditation for Mindful Writers: Body, Heart, Mind” (2011) and “Meditations for Mindful Writers II: Sensations, Feelings, Thoughts” (2017). These CDs are intended solely for this purpose. The method never fails to work. One Mindful Writers Group has now extended into four groups. From January 2018, I plan to start Online Mindful Writers Group on the internet.

FQ: Are you currently working on any projects that your fans can look forward to reading in the future?

WANGU: I’m working on my second set of stories and a non-fiction book, Writing and Living Mindfully: A Guidebook. If you would like to stay informed about this or any other details please visit my website: www.madhubazazwangu.com

To learn more about The Last Suttee please read the review.

#BookReview - Beyond the Cabin @ridenour_dana

Beyond the Cabin

By: Dana Ridenour
Publisher: Deeds Publishing
Publication Date: August 2017
ISBN: 978-1944193942
Reviewed by: Diana Buss
Review Date: November 5, 2017

Lexie Montgomery, an uncover agent for the FBI, has been called to duty in the South Carolina Lowcountry. It appears that a series of terrorist attacks by the Earth Liberation Front have occurred near a big bridge project and she is needed to go undercover to get to the bottom of it. From the beginning, nothing makes sense including the fact that The Earth Liberation Front generally targets the West Coast, not the East. Worst of all, there’s barely a contact agent to ensure her safety and her apartment was not rented by an undercover agent. As much as her head is screaming that something is wrong, she continues with the case. Upon getting acquainted with the general area, she befriends a boat captain, Captain Meade, with whom she is able to get an inside look at the island. Unsure of whether she can trust him, she decides to take a chance, after all, who else is she going to be able to trust out here? She has to start somewhere.

On her travels with Captain Meade, Lexie notices two islands, one filled with traditional Gullah people, and one that a mysterious plane flies to. Tipped off by Captain Meade, who states that she should stay away from that island, she decides to look further into it, however, she can’t get anywhere without a boat. Striking up a deal with Captain Meade, Lexie begins boating classes with the goal of renting a boat and checking out the forbidden island. During her classes, Lexie becomes close to Captain Meade, and she hates knowing that she used him to get what she needed from him. Once her classes are completed, she rents a boat from a young man named Logan Burkhart, with whom she becomes involved. After a few dates, it’s clear they could eventually become much more than friends, but business comes first, relationships will have to come after. After securing the boat and making her way out to the island, she is met by Captain Meade, who issues her a final warning. Ignoring him, she goes to the island, only to find much more than she bargained for and putting herself, and everyone she knows, in harm’s way.

Beyond the Cabin is not a typical book that I would read, but the description drew me in. Not only is the location described beautifully, but the suspense is truly life-like. In addition, Lexie actually has feelings and weaknesses, which was beyond what I expected. I truly thought she would be a tough, hard-as-nails undercover agent who would be difficult to get to know. Perhaps if I would have read the first book, and I wish I had, I might have known more about Lexie and her journey as an undercover agent, as it’s mentioned a few times throughout the book. Her past is referenced and she even meets up with a previous friend from another undercover job, but it isn't necessary to have that background knowledge before reading Beyond the Cabin, as their relationship and Lexie's experiences carry through seamlessly. I really loved this book, and while it may seem a bit backwards, I can’t wait to read the first in this series: Behind the Mask.

Quill says: While suspenseful, this book wasn’t an "over-the-top," extreme thriller, making it perfect for those who love a good a mystery but get slightly unnerved when there’s too much suspense.

For more information on Beyond the Cabin, please visit the author's website at: www.danaridenour.net

#BookReview - People I've Known and Been: Little by Little

People I've Known and Been: Little by Little

By: Rich Little
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: September 2017
ISBN: 978-1457558191
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: November 7, 2017

Rich Little, the undisputed King of impersonators, has finally written his memoir, and it is chock full of fantastic stories of so many of the celebrities he has known through the years.

Little begins his memoir with his early years, growing up in Ottawa, Canada during the 50s. The second of three children, he and his two brothers had a happy childhood, frequently spending weekends going to the movies. The brothers would return home and role-play the various characters in the movies they'd just seen, and soon Rich was doing impersonations of those characters. Eventually, he and his best friend put together an act that they'd perform at local establishments. The act proved successful, but eventually Little's partner lost interest as his focus turned to journalism. Rich kept plugging away until his big break came - an appearance on "The Judy Garland Show."

Little's big break almost didn't happen, as he was scheduled to appear at a sheep-shearing contest (yes, really). But thankfully, he managed to get out of that engagement, and as they say in Hollywood, a star was born that day. The reader is treated to the behind-the-scenes events that took place leading up to, and during, the taping of "The Judy Garland Show" and it's a real treat to read. For those curious, you can also view the performance on YouTube.

Rather than a simple chronological memoir, Little has told his story via chapters devoted to various celebrities he's had the pleasure of knowing and working with through the years. Actors from George Burns to Carol Channing and John Wayne fill the chapters, as do politicians from Hubert Humphrey to George H.W. Bush. The stories Little tells are priceless, and I particularly enjoyed learning what these stars of yesteryear were really like. Jack Benny and his search for his favorite NBC Chicken Soup was hysterical, as too were the many stories of other movie stars. Coming out of an AFI dinner, Little recounts how Jimmy Stewart kept fumbling his license plate number every time he tried to tell the parking attendant the number. In desperation, Stewart's wife whispered the number into Little's ear, who then, in Stewart's voice, told the attendant the number. The attendant said "Thank you. Both of you," and ran off to get the car.

I can still vividly remember back in the 70's when our entire family would gather around the television to watch "The Rich Little Show." We never missed it and did our best to watch other shows, and movies, that Little did. His records, too, found their way into our house (I still have them) and there's a reason - Little kept us laughing. People I've Known and Been is a book that will have you laughing, and it's not to be missed for fans of both Rich Little as well as those who want an inside look into the lives of so many of our favorite movie stars. There are a treasure trove of stories in this book to get lost in, laugh along with, and reminisce about the good 'ol days. Throughout the book, Little underplays his great talent at impersonation, but those of us familiar with his career know what a talented man he is. At the back of the book is a two-page "Memories" outline that has snippets of various personalities and what they were like ("Shirley MacLaine, a bright and interesting lady. Sometimes a little off the wall, but that's what I like about her"), an epilogue that gives a further glimpse into Little's personal life, an Afterword, and a Post Script on "Can Anyone Be an Impersonator?"

Quill says: People I've Known and Been: Little by Little is a true treasure for fans of Rich Little as well as those who love classic movies and even fans of more contemporary personalities from Dr. Phil to Barack Obama.

#BookReview - SwitHeart #LorettaSwit

SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit

By: Mies Hora
Illustrated by: Loretta Swit
Publisher: Ultimate Symbol
Publication Date: January 2017
ISBN: 978-0976951391
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: November 7, 2017

Loretta Swit's passion for animals, painting, and activism have been combined to create a beautiful coffee table book that is not just enjoyable, but will inspire readers to get involved in animal rescue themselves.

While Swit is widely known for her role on the television show M*A*S*H, many people may not know of her talent as a painter. Her memories of loving to draw and doodle reach back into her childhood, when, at six years old, she entered, and won, a magazine art contest. She notes in her introduction that her need for self-expression led next to books, where she'd devour each story and act out the characters' roles. From there it was a natural progression into acting, first in school plays and eventually into television and the role of a lifetime as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on M*A*S*H. While her career as an actress exploded, Swit never lost her passion for painting, nor her deep love of animals and of helping them through various charities dedicated to ending animal abuse and cruelty. Eventually, the love she held for painting and animals merged, and the artwork in SwitHeart is a beautiful example of those combined passions.

With over 60 full-color watercolors, SwitHeart is a treasure for animal lovers. The watercolors are gorgeous, and Swit does a fantastic job of capturing each animal's emotions and personality. Included with each is a brief synopsis of that painting by Swit, with a bit about the animal and/or what inspired her to create that painting. Dogs and cats are the primary subjects of the book, but there is also a nice selection of other animals including chickens, horses, birds, and even a couple of adorable pigs. As an added bonus, Swit is donating proceeds from the book to various charities "that are dedicated to ending animal suffering and cruelty."

Quill says: A lovely book that should be on your coffee table - Ms. Swit is indeed a very talented woman and deserves a big "Thank You!" for all she has done to help animals.

#BookReview - Doorways of Paris

Doorways of Paris

By: Raquel Puig
Publisher: Prospect Park Books
Publication Date: September 2017
ISBN: 978-1-945551-06-2
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: November 6, 2017

Raquel Puig captures the beauty of Paris via the vast array of doorways throughout the city in Doorways of Paris.

Perhaps it is fair to say doors are the soul to the home as much as eyes are the windows to one’s soul. This is the thought that resonated with me as I turned the pages of Raquel Puig’s photographic journey through her streets of Paris. She has captured the beauty and allure of doorways throughout Paris through her camera’s eye. The book is categorically broken down into the 20 Arrondissements of the city, beginning with the 1st Arrondissement: ‘…the heart of Paris…the smallest and least populated areas of the city…’. Yet, this Arrondissement’s signature displays iconic landmarks such as the Louvre, the Tuileries and the Palais-Royal—all of which share real estate with offices and government buildings. The doors are ornate and stately as much as they project a statement of being. There is opulence as well as subtleties, but the common element throughout this area is a statement of regal elegance.

Ms. Puig continues her photographic journey and transcends from the grandiose presence of the doorways in the 1st Arrondissement and finds yet another layer of beauty in the doorways of Paris in the 11th Arrondissement. Paris too has it’s ‘millennial’ carve-outs and it would seem the 11th Arrondissement is the happening place where ‘shabby to chic’ has found its calling. It is an area where the working-class have found their homes as much as there are pockets of mystery and intrigue; again, all through the allure of magically unique doors that adorn equally intriguing buildings.

Much to my dismay, I have yet to visit this magnificent city, but ‘someday’ is still on my bucket list when it comes to a trip to Paris. In the meanwhile, I applaud Ms. Puig for her fantastic artistry through the eyes of her camera’s lens. I give high praise for her obvious attention to detail. She has done the city of Paris and its multitude of doorways justice in that she pairs the beauty of the obvious with the attraction of the history behind their allure. Hopefully, there will be a next installment of what captures her interest as she walks the streets of her Paris.

Quill says: Doorways of Paris is a must for the coffee table and certainly an invitation to take a stroll along the streets of Paris to admire its many doorways.

#BookReview - Weird-o-Pedia

Weird-o-Pedia: The Ultimate Book of Surprising, Strange, and Incredibly Bizarre Facts about (Supposedly) Ordinary Things

By: Alex Palmer
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Publication Date: September 2017
ISBN: 978-1510722248
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: November 2017

Facts on just about every topic, from the normal to the bizarre, fill up the pages of Weird-o-Pedia, making it a very fun book to read.

In his introduction, author Alex Palmer explains that all around us are "unremarkable" things that, if you peel back the layers, will reveal "the strangeness underneath." To explain further, he points out that the dust in your living room actually makes the air cleaner and that the cell phone you may be holding contains "...about 18 times more dangerous germs than the flush handle in a public bathroom." (ewwww!) Palmer ends his introduction with a fact about zombie orb spiders and parasitic wasp babies that will definitely get your curiosity piqued so you want to read the rest of the book!

Weird-o-Pedia is broken down into twelve chapters, making it easy to find topics that intrigue you. Topics include Food & Drink, Mind, Body, Insects, Animals, Work, Play, and Around the House - there is definitely something here for all interests. The facts themselves are quite brief - most are just a few sentences, others a short paragraph. This format makes the book an easy read, one that you can turn to again and again, when you have just a few minutes to read, although you'll likely have trouble putting it down. And yes, many of the facts are truly "weird." For example, did you know that the brain cannot feel pain? It may be the center of the nervous system, but it has no nerve system itself. And for those of us with a "big booty" - rejoice! Researchers have found that booty fat is healthier than belly fat and indicates low levels of "bad cholesterol." At the back of the book the author has included all of the sources he used in Weird-o-Pedia, broken down by chapter.

Quill says: Read this book, memorize some of the facts, and impress your friends with your wide breadth of knowledge.

#BookReview - The Lake of Fire

The Lake of Fire (The Mogi Franklin Mysteries, Book 5)

By: Donald Willerton
Publisher: Terra Nova Books
Publication Date: November 2017
ISBN: 978-1-938288-89-0
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: November 6, 2017

As with all Mogi Franklin stories, this one starts right off...with a bang!
We begin in the past. It is 1963, and two planes are being loaded up with some very frightening material. Both appear exactly the same on the outside: same make and model, same number of engines - even the pilots are dressed the same. All except for a pin that one proud pilot always wears no matter what. The materials being loaded are headed for Los Alamos, New Mexico, a location that has a great deal to do with military secrets throughout almost every decade. (Remember the Roswell UFO crash?)

These particular planes are transporting plutonium, and they look exactly the same for a reason: the government wishes to keep any and all would-be spies and hijackers completely confused as to which plane is carrying the real stuff. You see, it's the Cold War era, and the Communists have just shown the U.S. that they have nuclear weapons. Which means there are plenty of Russians out there who would love to get their hands on that plutonium in order to build more bombs. Oddly enough, even with all the protection in place, one of the planes disappears into thin air...

Zip forward to present day and we join Mogi Franklin and his sister Jennifer. In Los Alamos, NM, they are attending a weeklong science program. It is here that they are literally looking at duplicates representing the only two nuclear weapons ever to be used in war (AKA: Fat Man and Little Boy.) Even though the history of these two famous bombs is scary to think about, being in the midst of the Valles Caldera National Preserve also makes it a scenic, beautiful, calm site for Mogi and his friends.
While at the conference, the kids not only learn about the disappearance of the plane back in the 1960's, but also about the two hundred pounds of plutonium that the plane was carrying. Mogi also comes across a box with a message in it written in Morse Code that will, perhaps, unlock the entire mystery. Mogi will not rest until he figures things out, and in doing so he and his friends will deal with spies, lies and one of the most frightening blazes that has ever hit the Southwest.

This is Book #5 of the Mogi Franklin Mysteries, and the author continues to create tales that are exciting, offer up pieces of history that make for a great learning experience, and combine adventure and intelligence to bring the pages to life. Even though these are rated for middle grade readers, these titles are cool enough to grab and keep everybody's attention!

Quill says: If you haven't met Mogi Franklin yet, THIS is the time to do so!