You Speak For Me Now Videos
Reviews Of You Speak For Me Now
A general comment regarding reviews.
By Sandy Graham July 7, 2024
The number of reviews is overwhelming due to the Onlinne Book Club
Book-of-the-day selection, to the point where it makes no sense to
keep adding them here. With one exception, they are favorable so
this sampling is fairly representative.
The exception is a criticism, repeated by two reviewers with considerable
experience with cochlear implants, that Emma's success is dangerously misleading.
In an attempt to remedy that, I released a revision today that now emphasizes
the difficulty of differentiating noises, clarifies her 2.5 year recovery
period, introduces use of Sign-Talk as a training device to aid in
recognizing words, and explains why she can never really appreciate music.
I hope this treatment balances benefits and difficulties in a way that
encourages valid candidates to proceed without misleading them regarding
results and recovery difficulty.
Writing is highly cinematic, bringing intimate scenes
of dialogue and environment alive with emotive precision.
By Tejas Koli June 7, 2024
“You Speak For Me Now” by Sandy Graham is a captivating and
thoughtful novel that tells the story of John McEwan and
Emma Simon, two teenagers who connect through their shared
intelligence and John's mastery of sign language. What begins
as an inspiring tale of empowerment through communication
evolves into a deep exploration of contemporary political
divides in America.
Graham excels at crafting complex, multi-dimensional characters.
John is portrayed as a charismatic leader with profound musical
talents and a strong desire for social justice. Emma, who is
deaf, transforms from near-isolation in a private school to
flourishing under John's friendship. Their blossoming romance
is depicted authentically, with each character supporting the
other's growth. The development of the Sign-Talk app, which
allows deaf people to text using sign language iconography,
is a brilliantly conceived plot element. It vividly brings to
life the challenges of silent communication. The subsequent
success of John and Emma in turning their app into a business
that empowers marginalized groups is inspirational. However,
the narrative takes an intriguing turn as John's newfound
media platform raises his political profile, exacerbating
America's toxic partisan battles.
The editing of the book is well done, with no grammatical
errors, providing a seamless reading experience. “You Speak
For Me Now” engages with urgent issues around money in
politics, propaganda, and preserving democratic norms with
a sophistication uncommon in young adult novels. Graham avoids
simplistic portrayals, crafting controversies that feel
multidimensional. While some readers may disagree with
John's politics, his passion for speaking the truth to power
despite personal risks is admirable. The escalating dangers
he faces for giving voice to silenced groups make for propulsive
drama. There are no negative points to mention.
Graham's writing is highly cinematic, bringing intimate scenes
of dialogue and environment alive with emotive precision.
Though the conclusion ties up some story threads too neatly,
the overall narrative packs a thoughtful punch for readers
willing to follow complex characters beyond easy answers.
"You Speak for Me Now" is a stirring call for open-minded
empathy and principled courage in an era of strident tribalism.
I would rate it 5 out of 5.
a well-told and heart-warming story of enduring love, courage
to stand up, sing, speak up for one’s beliefs
By ken4512, Online Book Club June 2, 2024
Sandy Graham’s contemporary novel You Speak for Me Now is an
edgy, thought-provoking, and heart-warming story of a family’s
enduring love, and courage to speak out for democracy and an
individual’s rights and freedoms in a democracy.
The well-written and well-crafted fiction is set for the
most part in Boise, Idaho, with some parts set in Vancouver, BC.
...Plot description skipped...
Riviting and immersive, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sandy Graham’s
novel You Speak for Me Now for its courageous characters and
superb development of the major themes of family dynamics and
political activism. I liked how the title of the novel,
You Speak for Me Now expands from its beginnings in John’s
learning sign language to interpret Emma’s questions, comments,
and answers in class, and how it becomes their personal language.
As the story unfolds, the application of You Speak for Me Now
broadens.
I liked how the compelling story of a family’s love and commitment
to each other is interwoven with their proactive and determined
political commitment to democracy, to the way of life in a
democracy, and to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals
in a democracy.
I liked the personal dynamics between Emma and John and how they
bring together their individual talents, their strengths,
to work together, in their startup company as well as in finding
ways to speak out for protecting democracy. I felt the story
gained greater depth and strength as it unfolded, including
John and Emma’s individual inner journeys, and how their love
and commitment to each other is challenged under intense
pressure.
I was profoundly moved by the story’s twists and turns in the
later chapters. From my perspective, what emerges is that
ultimately this is a story of hope and resilience, of two
people who become a source of strength for each other. I felt
that the political, social, and cultural challenges faced by
Emma and John connected deeply and resonated with those issues
in today’s world.
I’m rating Sandy Graham’s novel You Speak for Me Now 5 out of 5
stars because I think this is a well-told and heart-warming
story of enduring love, courage to stand up, sing, speak up
for one’s beliefs, and the rights of others in a democracy.
I found nothing to dislike in this novel. A terrific and
thought-provoking read indeed.
A provocative take on sensitive subjects of civil unrest, political
and economic divides, familial obligations and emotional
resiliency
By kamri dillard June 3, 2024
Where fiction and fantasy often drip with descripti
and richly painted scenes this book offers an array of compelling
diplomatic dialogues and moral internal conflicts. This is a
provocative take on sensitive subjects of civil unrest, political
and economic divides, familial obligations and emotional
resiliency.
Through a unique blend of personal traumas and triumphs we follow
a fast paced journey from childhood years into the adult lives
of two individuals with very little in common but who forge an
incredible connection that truly goes beyond words.
Emma is an enigmatic, deaf, woman of color, who appears at the
start to have little experience or interest in finding a voice
for herself or others. Then there is John; who at a young age
was outspoken, headstrong in his opinions and quick to stand up
for those he saw in need. From his efforts to quickly learn
sign language in order to communicate with Emma, to later
finding the most effective way to communicate to large audiences
and political groups, we continually see John as an empathetic
and talented character as their personal story unfolds.
Over the course of his many careers as entertainer, politician
and entrepreneur John strongly believes it is his role as
someone that cares, to do all he can to awaken the rest of
the country to the crisis that is, America’s disappearing
democracy. Both excitement from his followers and a threatening
group of rivals build around him thanks to his infectious
sing-a-longs, his relatable story telling and his passionate,
ambassadorial rants that at times attack right wing conservatives
directly. As he continues to push forward, despite the threats
to himself, his wife Emma and their son, John does everything
he can to fight the oppressive government he is convinced is
responsible for holding so many Americans back from enjoying
equality, freedom, wealth and healthcare. Preaching that one
of the biggest issues concerning the American population is
the hoarding of wealth amongst oligarchs and lack of equal
distribution of resources, John remains a central figure in
the battle against racism, corruption and censorship as long as
he can continue speaking out against it. That is, until he is
practically forced to stop speaking at all.
After what feels like lifetimes of silence, Emma finds herself
thrusted unexpectedly into the public’s eye to pick up the
pieces where John leaves them. We finally get the opportunity
to hear and see through her new found voice and confidence just
how influential Emma is to the American people whom John was
reaching out to and we find just how influential she has been
to him all along. As the backbone and the voice in their plight
to inspire people from all political parties to open their eyes
to the lies and the truths, Emma takes on a burden that is
both perilous and essential to the nation. From her, we hear
eloquent and powerful accusations that were not as easy for
John to convey in his speeches but, no matter how different
her approach they still are forced to reconsider everything
when danger comes looking for them.
From both John and Emma’s perspectives, we gain a deeper
understanding of how the United States and its ongoing political
turmoil over the latter part of the last decade has directly
affected many individuals and families. The author does an
excellent job detailing each of their experiences as they take
opportunities to step into the spotlight as both advocates
of democracy and champions of much needed change. Fighting on
their own, together and ultimately as a family.
I have given this book a 3/5 rating simply because it was a
slow burn with a lot of emphasis on the personal opinions of
only two characters whose personalities certainly differed,
their opinions however, were not different enough. There was
a great deal of repetition and long winded discussions that
did not shed enough light onto the mindset of the characters
rivals or even the America population they were trying to
reach. The story finally grabbed my attention near the end
when then action and suspense began, I only wish that same
level of engagement would have occurred sooner.
Unique yet relatable and a thought provoking read. Must read!
By Seetha E. Reviewed in India on December 31, 2023
Sandy Graham's book "You Speak for Me Now" is a powerful read that is sure
to evoke strong emotions in its readers. The unique and relatable premise,
along with the primary protagonists, make for an engaging story. Additionally,
the supporting characters, such as Peter, teacher Roy, Tom Postman, Cathy,
Sally, Charlie, Tommy, and Annie, add depth and complexity to the plot.
As you read through the book, you will be prompted to reconsider the role
of government, governance, and the power that comes with voting rights.
The plot twists are thrilling, making it a real page-turner. Furthermore,
the writing style is simple and clear, which makes it an even more
enjoyable read.
The plot twists are captivating, making it a true page-turner.
The writing style is simple and immensely engaging.
By Seetha E., Premium Reviewer, Online Book Club
November 21, 2023
Emma Simon is deaf and lives in a world of silence. Johnny McEwan's world
revolves around music. Emma is an introvert, while John is an extrovert.
Emma has a strong character and keeps her inner conflicts to herself,
whereas John thrives in a crowd. Emma is a keen observer who responds
only after thoroughly examining all aspects, while John is highly
opinionated and tends to jump to conclusions. Despite their seemingly
opposite personalities, these intelligent and attractive classmates
grew to become a couple who perfectly complimented each other.
They started a thriving business at a very young age and eventually got
married. However, John's strong opinions and unafraid nature to voice
them out landed him on the wrong side of the politically powerful groups.
Soon, the family got dragged into the mess, and what was once a
flourishing business began to suffer. The marriage also started
to crumble, and surviving another day was a challenge.
Will Johnny McEwan pursue his aspiration of liberating America or
abandon it for his family? Will Emma be his rock of support,
or will she flee the sinking ship to salvage what is left of her
family? How does the role reversal mentioned in the description
find a footing in this plot? You can find out by picking up a copy
of You Speak for Me Now, written by Sandy Graham.
This novel takes you on an emotionally gripping journey through a
meticulously crafted plot featuring John, a strong-willed character
who sets out to tackle real-world issues. Against the backdrop of
present-day situations, the story is incredibly thought-provoking.
The world is rife with discrimination based on race and gender.
Wars are fought for land rather than the people who live on it.
The economic disparity allows a rich minority to dominate the world
at the expense of the remaining majority, who can barely make ends meet.
These aspects act as motivation for the actions of each character.
These motivations will make the reader reassess their priorities while
voting for a leader. This book also highlights the role of social media
and mass media in influencing citizens. Peter’s character is endearing.
The author’s writing style succeeds in eliciting emotions, evoking
happy and sad tears in several instances.
The strength and courage of the characters to stand up against what is
wrong make this an inspiring read. You will be forced to rethink the
role of the government, the concept of governance, and the power held
by people who can vote. The plot twists are captivating, making it a
true page-turner. The writing style is simple and immensely engaging.
It was an added delight that the book had just two minor errors,
which did not distract me. I can confidently say that the editors
have done an amazing job. I do not have anything negative to say about
this book. Hence, I feel justified in awarding it a perfect rating of
5 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this well-paced novel to all mature readers who
enjoy fiction. It is emotional and thought-provoking. This book is
not suitable for young readers due to the presence of profanity.
An enormously engaging romance with strong political underpinnings
By David Reyes, The Book Commentary December 18, 2022
An enormously engaging romance with strong political underpinnings,
You Speak for Me Now by Sandy Graham takes readers on a rollicking ride
as they follow an unlikely couple in the struggle to survive against the
odds. John McEwan is an outspoken man who is in love with Emma Simon,
a deaf, introverted character. John McEwan's involvement in political
activities earns him fierce enemies, forcing him and Emma to live in
seclusion. With mounting vicissitudes, can their love survive?
Sandy Graham has written a story that is rooted in realism, crafting scenes
that reflect the challenges of contemporary Americans and offering an
honest exploration of social issues and statuses. It is a fascinating
romance set against the chaotic political and social backdrop of today's
American world. The characters are finely drawn, and from the opening
paragraph, readers instantly get a unique portrait of Emma, a character
that is flawed and struggles to get her thoughts out. ''It began when the
teacher reading a roll call heard no response to her name. He looked up
and told her to say “present” when he saw her raised hand. She signalled
her deafness with gestures.'' This romance that spans decades examines
this character's resilience and grit as she struggles to rise above her
handicap. The couple is really unusual — a deaf person in love with
someone musically gifted. You Speak for Me Now sparkles with elegant
writing and engaging dialogues, a story that breaks, soothes, and uplifts
the human heart. It is a mesmerizing emotional rollercoaster.
Puts readers through an emotional
rollercoaster while at the same time emphasizing music’s ability to
heal and bring people together
By Sandra Guerra-Cruz March 29, 2022
In his new novel “You Speak For Me Now,” Emma and John, a young couple,
risk their marriage, their business, and their lives to speak out against
inequality, racism, and fascism.
Emma Simon is a brave but introverted deaf woman of color and John McEwan
is an extrovert with a passion for politics and singing. When they meet
in the seventh grade, John is immediately smitten, proving that opposites
do attract. Not only do they find happiness in marriage, but as business
partners. They create an app – Sign-Talk, as a way to give deaf people
a way to talk to everyone. As the popularity of the app grows, so does
John’s public persona. While promoting Sign-Talk on national TV,
John turns the conversation into a discussion about politics. He is
quickly targeted by a popular conservative commentator who uses his
platform and social media following to attack John’s views and his
family. John becomes embroiled in this battle and drags Emma in with him.
Forces against them turn violent, driving them into seclusion, tearing them
apart, and destroying their rapidly growing company. In a world torn
between democracy and dictatorship, can America survive the onslaught
of authoritarianism and become once again a beacon of democratic leadership?
In a dramatic role reversal, Emma reveals how a strong individual can
rise in the face of crises.
Romance novels usually have a happy ending when a couple finally
ends up together. Rarely do they expand the narrative to include a
lifetime of ups and downs and unexpected surprises that come along
the way. This is what makes “You Speak For Me Now” a more realistic
account of one couple’s struggles and victories. Emma and John’s
story is not a typical ‘happily ever after’ account and is both heart
warming and heart breaking. Mr. Graham puts readers through an emotional
rollercoaster while at the same time emphasizing music’s ability to
heal and bring people together. It is an easy read and the action
is mostly dialogue driven and since the story spans decades, the
character development is excellent. It is worth mentioning that politics
and social issues, such as income and race inequalities, as well as the
current state of affairs in the United States plays a big part in the
story which will no doubt elicit strong reactions, depending on the
reader’s political leanings. Regardless, the book’s underlying message
of unity and the need for peace and understanding stands out.
“You Speak For Me Now” is a must read novel of love and courage in the
midst of life’s toughest moments and is recommended for readers who
enjoy romance and political fiction.
“Regardless of our political leaning, liberal or conservative, we must
come together to right our ship, to return to morality, integrity,
and mutual respect.”
At times I felt real anger, sadness, and empathy. I laughed, and I cried—a lot.
By B. Creech, Premium Reviewer, Online Book Club
March 20, 2022
John and Emma met in high school. Since Emma had come from a school for the deaf, she had a
hard time fitting in with the other students and doing classwork. Emma would know the answer
to a class question but couldn't communicate it to the teacher. John realized what was happening,
and he secretly took lessons in sign language and began to sign the classroom questions to Emma,
who would sign the answers back to John. Eventually, John and Emma fell in love. While in college,
Emma got an idea to add signing to smartphones to replace texting for the deaf. She and John formed
a company called Sign Talk, and it went viral. They got married and had a son named Peter. Peter was
a child prodigy when it came to music. He could sing and play the piano with no lessons by the time
he was four. He also composed a few songs before he was seven years old. After John's interviews on
television shows about his political opinions, Peter and John would sing to end the shows. Democratic
Party officials approached John to run for Congress due to his solid political stand. That is when
John and Emma's life turned upside down.
Sandy Graham is a talented author, and it showed in so many ways in his book You Speak for Me Now.
He writes in a manner that pulls you in emotionally and holds you there throughout the book. At times
I forgot the story was fiction. The character development is outstanding. I felt an instant connection
to the characters from the beginning. I experienced so many emotions as I read this book. At times I
felt real anger, sadness, and empathy. I laughed, and I cried—a lot.
My favorite aspect of the book was Peter. A little boy with talents more considerable than imaginable
for a four-year-old, and he wasn't shy about displaying them. He was intelligent beyond his years and
seemed to have a unique ability to sense how people felt, especially his dad. He played the piano
without any initial lessons and composed a song, with words and melody, to sing to his dad while John
was in a coma. His character touched my heart. Another of my favorite parts was how Emma learned to
talk after she had cochlear implants. John had been the speaker and singer in the family, but their
roles reversed while he was in a coma. Emma started doing the speeches, and when John woke up, he could
only hum to the music when Peter sang.
What I didn't like about the book was the political side. Current issues were the political part of
the story. I felt the book favored one political party and blamed the other one for all the problems
we have in the country today. I would have given the book a top rating for the many vital messages
on global warming, voter fraud, the importance of family, and unity in our country. However, there
were enough errors in the book to cause me to have to take away one point.
You Speak for Me Now by Sandy Graham is an excellent book. It has suspense, action, tenderness,
and much more. Any reader will find it captivating whether they agree with the political side or not.
The book is exciting, emotional, and challenging and deserves the highest rating. However, I have to
give it 3 out of 4 stars. Because most of the errors were typos, I still believe the book had
professional editing. This book is suitable for ages fourteen and up, as there is very minimal
cursing and no sexual content. I recommend this book to those who love an emotional read and those
who enjoy books about politics.
Author Comment: The reviewer kindly provided a list of ten typo/missing word errors found.
All are now corrected and another pass through the story has revealed no others. I deliberately abuse the
English language within dialog at times to make it reflect what the character might say. For example, a toddler says
his Dad is getting "loster" and an Austrian music teacher uses grammar reflecting a Germanic influence.
Also, some unnecessary words are removed from sentences being signed rather than spoken in order
to give the impression they are signed.
Thought-provoking novel that is thoroughly involving and enlightening.
By D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review.
December 7, 2021
You Speak for Me Now introduces young Emma Simon, who is trying to fit
into a normal classroom environment after years of attending a school
for the deaf. She's entering her teens as a stranger and oddity in a
classroom filled with students have shared hearing abilities, but she's
also a minority girl of color navigating a sea of possible prejudice.
However, class leader and kind extrovert Johnny McEwan recognizes her
as a fellow soul, right away: "Humility came from an empathy that
invariably led him to stand up for the less fortunate. That first day,
Emma struck him as one of them. Discussing her with his mother introduced
him to the world of sign language and like learning to play the piano,
he made mastering it a project."
Therein lies the key to changing not just class dynamics, but Emma's life,
making it both inclusive and connected in ways she couldn't have
envisioned in her years in a school for the deaf.
As Emma traverses 11th grade and grows into adulthood, the support and
struggles she experiences in childhood blossom into unexpected controversy
as she becomes embroiled in social and racial issues.
Did she deliberately plot to have a US citizen murdered, or was she the
victim of a man who tried to kill her?
You Speak for Me Now holds many unexpected twists and thought-provoking
moments that move beyond a story of prejudice or a young deaf woman
integrating into society—and that's part of its charm.
Sandy Graham could all too easily have made this a predictable story
about integration issues. Instead, he creates a masterful inspection
of "the American Way" and various challenges to its institutions that
arise from clashing perspectives and social strife.
As violence escalates and issues of moral and ethical choices enter
the picture, readers are treated to a milieu in which Emma becomes
the focal point of social controversy.
Graham's ability to depict his character as representative of the tragedies
that divide Americans and challenge hearts, souls, and values creates
a story that operates on many levels.
His ability to begin with the nexus of personal experience and perspective
and work outward to embroil Emma in the types of social issues that
confront Americans today makes for a thought-provoking novel that is
thoroughly involving and enlightening.
Collections strong in fictional representations of American cultural and
social struggles will find in You Speak for Me Now a powerful story of
interconnected lives, ironic twists, and democratic challenges that
move from the personal to the political and back again in a compelling,
thought-provoking manner.
A masterfully crafted tale that is wise, yet sad, when we look
at the daunting prospect that America may end up like the decline of
the Roman Empire.
By Norm Goldman, Reviewer, Author Interviewer, Publisher, and Editor of Bookpleasures.com
December 7, 2021
Sandy Graham has created a novel using a story format to unleash his
frustration regarding the threat to democracy the United States is now
encountering.
Graham’s You Speak For Me Now seamlessly weaves a compelling
narrative of human resilience and courage featuring three characters,
Emma Simon, an African American, who is deaf, Johnny McEwan, a musician,
and their toddler son, Peter. The characters first engage the reader’s
curiosity, then affection.
Emma and John meet in the seventh grade. They were opposites in many aspects.
Emma is introverted, while John is extroverted. Both are exceptionally
astute, have sharp senses of wit, and are physically attractive.
Over the years, their friendship strengthens, leading to love and ultimately
marriage.
Growing up, Emma was also engaged in computer programming, which prompted
her to invent an app called Sign-Talk for deaf people to empower them to
communicate with everyone. Emma and John set up a business to market and
sell Sign-Talk, which becomes quite profitable.
The pivotal theme of the story is introduced within the initial few pages
when John, while in class, questions who actually won the American Civil
War?
It is his unwavering conviction that, notwithstanding what the history
textbooks inform us, the Confederates won. The Union may have won battles,
but not the war.
He pens a class report to justify his stand, where he stresses that the
war is nevertheless continuing on and has extended to the northern states.
According to John, “It’s really about those who control wealth fighting
against change. In the south, it was rich landowners holding down black
and poor whites. It’s spread to Tea Party resistance to change with
essentially the same goal. Radical conservatives employ propaganda,
character assassination, and intimidation. They use the power of Congress
to further goals of a very vocal minority.” Sound familiar? And as
one of John’s teachers summarizes: “John has put his finger on one of
the most fundamental issues facing society today, the conflict between
authoritarian leaderships hoarding wealth and universal welfare and
happiness.”
To advance his convictions regarding the peril that the United States
is gradually sinking, John takes to social media and personal appearances,
employing his musical skills as a songwriter to warn people of the
destructive effects that emerge when unchecked economic power rests in
the hands of a few individuals and corporations.
It doesn’t take long when John is approached to run for Congress for
the Democrats. At first, he hesitates, but eventually, he agrees to
run. Unfortunately, his first foray into politics proves to be quite a
challenge, both physically and psychologically. His house is burned down
and his relationship with Emma is at a low point. Nonetheless, this
does not stop John from trying again, placing him and his family in
extreme peril which almost costs them their lives.
While plenty happens in the tale, the message communicated through its
characters’ mouths is the vehicle for a wake-up call of how the United
States is at a pivotal crossroad in its history. Graham portrays a society
where a good chunk of its citizens is indifferent or naive of corporate
power’s dangers that no longer respond to state controls. Where a modest
group seizes power and manipulates everyone to enrich themselves.
Where economic inequality is one of the notable causes of polarization.
Where steps taken threaten to make us all poorer,unhealthier, more
undernourished, less informed and less able to vote universally.
Parallels to the Nazi movement in the 1930s are inescapable.
Storytelling has long been a valued mode of communication. Graham with
You Speak For Me Now realizes that the most effective way to
influence and inspire people is to tell a story. It is a way to get
inside the heads of people. In a way it moves them into a place where
they can trust the storyteller. Simply reciting boring facts can
rarely sway people. These can easily be twisted and manipulated.
In the end, Graham gives his readers a masterfully crafted tale that
is wise, yet sad, when we look at the daunting prospect that America
may end up like the decline of the Roman Empire.
An up-to-the-minute fictional look at the
state of American politics
By The Cyberlibtariancom November 29, 2021
You Speak for Me Now is an up-to-the-minute fictional look at the
state of American politics through the eyes of a couple and their young son.
John and Emma were high school sweethearts, overcoming many odds, including
race and disability, to marry and develop a successful business. John becomes
enamored with the possibility of becoming a politician, causing a great deal
of anxiety to their relationship. Ultimately, John becomes a liberal media
sensation, and the target of a conservative commentator.
...Spoiler removed...
Interestingly, the story is told almost entirely through dialogue, which
I discovered was a little difficult to wade through. I found myself getting
lost in the dialogue in much the same way that I can get lost in too
much background description.
Ultimately, You Speak for Me Now is a polemic disguised as a novel.
While I agreed with most of John’s political aspirations and political
viewpoints, the book ended up being too tedious for me. Specific readers,
however, will probably be satisfied with Graham’s work.
I am intrigued with the author, Sandy Graham, and his journey to express
his political viewpoints through his novels. Here is his website.
Also an interview with reviewer, Norm Goldman. I was sent the book via
his publicist. I admire Graham’s initiative and the enjoyment he gets
from his writings.