Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Double Axel or Nothing is the straightforward story of a young ice skater desperate to measure up to her own standards and prove her value to others. Saxena sticks to the main theme, with very few plot points added in, producing a simple but engaging novel that reflects the power of believing in yourself.
Prose: The prose is efficient and supportive to the story’s premise. Saxena makes good use of interior monologue to give readers an inside glimpse of Ruby Rani’s conflicts, and for a novel that stays in one central milieu, the writing manages to hold readers' attention well.
Originality: Readers will likely guess at the plot twists and story’s conclusion, but they will still enjoy the process of getting there. The novel is brimming with self-perception conflicts that drive Ruby Rani’s actions and form the basis of her immersive, yet painful, family relationships.
Character Development/Execution: Ruby Rani is a heartbreaking model of damaged self-worth, although her perseverance is admirable and carries some of the weight for her character. Her parents form the background of her relentless self-punishment, but readers will appreciate the introspection that takes place to tease out where Ruby Rani’s anxiety truly originates from.
Date Submitted: May 05, 2022
“An incredible sports novel. With Saxena's skating expertise shining through on every page, this vivid story shows what it's like to try and fail, and get up again (and again). A realistic look at what it takes to be a competitive skater, including how much family support and self-belief—or the lack of both—play in one's success.”
One of Alabama’s oldest independent bookstores is preparing to host its first book fair featuring local authors.
Next month, the Little Professor bookshop in Homewood will hold its first local author showcase. The event, which is on May 1 from 2-6 p.m, is part of the shop’s weekend festivities celebrating Independent Bookstore Day--one-day national party at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April. The date for this year’s celebration is April, and the Little Professor will expand the festivities across the entire weekend, with events and offerings, including hosting the local authors fair.
The Local Author Book Fair is free and open to the public.
“We love getting to facilitate opportunities for readers and writers to connect in the shop,” said Little Professor owner Meredith Robinson in a press release.
Lauren Denton, the USA Today bestselling author of “A Place to Land” and Birmingham resident, will host the showcase. Denton will kick off the event at 2 p.m. with introductions of the 11 featured authors, including Lanier Isom, Dr. Devin Tellis, and Kari Kampakis.
Here are the authors headlining the inaugural Little Professor Local Authors Book Fair:
Lanier Scott Isom: A former educator, publicist and editor, Lanier Scott Isom is the author of “Grace and Grit: How I Won My Fight at Goodyear and Beyond,” the life story of Alabama native Lilly Ledbetter.
Lori Nichols: Lori Nichols is an award winning author & illustrator. Lori’s debut book, “Maple,” won the Giverny Award and Nichols was selected to represent the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in 2015 and 2016.
Kari Kampakis: Kari Kampakis is an author, speaker, podcaster, and newspaper columnist. Her newest book, “More than a Mom,” was published on April 5, 2022.
Dr. Deven Tellis: A veteran teacher with a heart for representation, Dr. Deven Tellis is the author of “Bright Future,” an inspirational children’s book series.
Destiny (D.L.) Soria: Destiny (D.L.) Soria is an author who writes novels featuring magic and mystery. Her book, “Fire with Fire” was featured as a selection on the New York Times Young Adult reading list in 2021.
Charles Ghigna: Writer and poet Charles Ghigna is an author of more than 100 books. “Love is Everything,” “A Poem is a Firefly,” and “Once Upon another Time,” are a few of his most recent published titles.
Audrey Atkins: Audrey Atkins is the Director of Community Engagement at Birmingham’s National Public Radio member station WBHM by day, as well as a writer, speaker, and humorist. Her book of essays, “They Call me Orange Juice,” is about life in the South.
Emma Fox: Emma Fox is an author and reviewer of Young Adult fantasy and historical fiction. Her Book, “The Arrow and the Crown” was awarded a Writer’s Digest Honorable Mention award for Children’s/Young Adult Fiction.
Anita Saxena: A competitive figure skater turned optometrist and author, Anita Saxena is the author of “Double Axel or Nothing,” a Young Adult novel about a young, competitive figure skater.
