Today our guest author is Karen Charles, author of the thriller, Blazing Upheaval.
Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us!
In the movie Castaway,
if Tom Hanks unearthed a copy of Blazing Upheaval,
how would that help Tom find a way off the island?
As Chuck Noland scours the island for resources, he comes across a weathered copy of Blazing Upheaval. At first, he’s puzzled, but as he starts reading, he discovers more than just a story—it’s a lifeline.
In the book, the characters navigate through chaos and uncertainty during the Rodney King riots and the Northridge earthquake, showcasing resilience, resourcefulness, and hope. Chuck begins to see his situation through a new lens, inspired by these stories.
The book describes how people used everyday items in innovative ways to survive and rebuild. Chuck gets ideas on how to repurpose materials on the island to improve his shelter and tools.
Reading about the characters’ resilience helps Chuck maintain his sanity and stay hopeful, which is crucial for survival.
The book's themes of overcoming obstacles spark Chuck’s creativity, leading him to devise new strategies for signaling for help and finding food.
Blazing Upheaval provides a sense of companionship, making Chuck feel less isolated as he connects with the characters' struggles and triumphs. The characters' perseverance gives Chuck the motivation to keep trying to find a way off the island, no matter how bleak things seem. Reading about the upheavals and how people rebuilt their lives afterward helps Chuck put his situation into perspective, reinforcing the idea that survival is possible.
Everyone knows Miley
Cyrus is the wild child in the music business.
But she read your book and wants to let you know that it changed her
life for the better. Why did your book give
Miley a new lease on life?
Miley’s Revelation:
In a candid interview, Miley Cyrus reveals how Blazing Upheaval changed her life:
Miley: "I’ve always been this wild, untamed spirit in the music industry, pushing boundaries and living on the edge. But when I picked up Karen Charles’ Blazing Upheaval, something shifted inside me.
The book isn’t just a story—it’s a testament to human strength and resilience. Reading about the characters facing the Rodney King riots and the Northridge earthquake, I saw real courage and determination. These people went through hell but came out stronger. It made me reflect on my own life, my own struggles.
Why the Book Made a Difference:
Miley resonated with the book’s depiction of overcoming real-life turmoil. It reminded her that she, too, could face her challenges head-on and come out stronger.
The book’s portrayal of resilience in the face of chaos gave Miley a new perspective on her own resilience. She realized that her wild persona was a way of coping, but she had the strength to channel that energy more positively.
The characters’ journeys inspired Miley to make positive changes in her life. She saw that true transformation comes from within, through facing fears and embracing growth.
Miley found healing in the book’s themes of community and support. She realized the importance of surrounding herself with people who uplift and support her, just as the characters did for each other.
Miley: "Karen’s book didn’t just tell a story—it gave me a new lease on life. It reminded me that no matter how wild the ride gets, we all have the power to steer our lives in a new direction. For that, I’m forever grateful."
You are being pulled over for speeding. When the officer asks you for your license and you discover you left it at home, you decide to pull out your book instead. What do you tell the officer?
Karen: "Officer, I deeply apologize for not having my license with me today. In my rush, I left it at home. But I do have something else that might help explain why my mind was elsewhere."
(She hands the officer a copy of her book.)
Officer: "What’s this?"
Karen: "This is my book, Blazing Upheaval. It’s based on my experiences as a teacher during some intense times in Los Angeles, including the Rodney King riots and the Northridge earthquake. I was so absorbed in my thoughts about a recent award I received for this book that I completely forgot my license. I hope you can understand. I'd be happy to provide any other information you need or follow up at the station to show my license."
A homeless man was caught stealing your book out of a bookstore. When asked why he did it, he opened the book and pointed a passage out. What was that passage?
Summary of “Blazing Upheaval”
By Karen Charles
In the heart of the tumultuous Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, a dedicated teacher finds herself thrust into a hazardous situation. Struggling to navigate the chaos and reach safety on the freeway, she faces dangerous obstacles that jeopardize her life. An unexpected rescue during a brutal attack plunges her, her family, and two other families into a chilling series of enigmatic events and escalating violence.
As the city grapples with unrest, they are entangled in a web of mysteries swiftly building in intensity. In the turmoil, their bonds of family, loyalty, and love are put to the ultimate test. The tension mounts relentlessly until an unforeseen revelation, coinciding with the cataclysmic Northridge earthquake, irrevocably changes their lives forever.
This gripping true-story thriller delivers suspenseful twists and heart-pounding moments, weaving a narrative of family resilience, solidarity, and enduring love in the face of daunting circumstances. It is a tale that illuminates the strength found within the human spirit when confronted with extraordinary challenges.
This summary on the back cover of the book speaks to the themes of loss, resilience, and the search for hope. The homeless man might see himself in the imagery of the chaotic riots, a symbol of being overlooked and struggling in a world that seems to have forgotten them. But he might also find a glimmer of hope in Tiffany’s resolve and the message inscribed on the book, reminding him that even in darkness, there is light to guide the way.
You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, and the almighty judges will determine whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a NY Times Bestseller. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?
Five-Star Review on Amazon
The book title, Blazing Upheaval could well describe the widespread violence, rioting, looting, shooting, and burning of businesses that took place in Los Angeles after the April 1992 acquittal of police officers who assaulted Rodney King in March of that year. Numerous articles and books have been written about Rodney King, but this book written by Karen Charles is more than just describing historical events and true facts. It is a tension-filled and riveting account of a variety of people—family members, teachers, business owners, everyday folks, and security officers—who were impacted by the hate-filled anarchy that inundated the city and expanded to nearby communities. The story focuses initially on Tiffany Carter, a first-grade teacher at an elementary school on the border of Koreatown in Los Angeles. It began with a call from the school principal’s office telling the teacher to bring her remaining student to the office for pick-up by the student’s mother. The school secretary also informed the teacher that it would be best for her as well to leave “NOW!” Driving home, though, was a terrifying experience as the teacher had to navigate her way to the safety of the freeway fourteen blocks away. Looting, fires, gunshots and the threat of murder by emotionally crazed citizens were the realities of the drive, especially if she took her normal route to the freeway. The only alternate routes would be to weave through side streets and alleys, but chaos lurked around every corner. These events were just the beginning of a series of heart-pumping unexpected challenges that followed one after the other throughout the book and kept this reader eagerly anticipating what dreadful event would happen next. The author did not disappoint, as she detailed the events of the next several months, most of those months filled with a mixture of joy and excitement on the one hand, interspersed on the other hand with unexpected tragedies and trauma. What was clear throughout the book was the commitment, creativity and love shown in the classroom by the first-grade teacher. It was a delight to discover how she made learning fun and effective. In the midst of horrific tragedy, recovering from riots and looting and destruction of property, facing constant threats and fear of what was coming next, the book Blazing Upheaval reveals the vital significance of faithfulness and commitment to family and friends in order to overcome adversity. Also vital in combating fear, mistrust, jealousy and vengeance administered by others is a community of people from various ethnic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds coming together to support one another when hardship strikes, whether from other people or from natural disasters like the Northridge earthquake which impacted not only the Carter family but also friends and neighbors. and co-workers. What impressed this reader were the depth of love, character, warmth, creativity, and commitment to routine, and emphasis on safety by both the Carter family and by friends who suffered alongside them.
This review of Blazing Upheaval is already compelling, but to make it stand out for the talent show judges, here’s how I would emphasize its strengths:
Realistic, Tension-Filled Narrative: The review highlights how Blazing Upheaval is more than just a recounting of historical events. It’s a gripping, tension-filled story that immerses the reader in the chaotic aftermath of the Rodney King riots. By presenting the narrative as both a heart-pounding thriller and a deep exploration of human resilience, it positions my book as a perfect candidate for a dramatic, high-stakes screenplay.
Cinematic Imagery and High Stakes: The review paints vivid images of the chaos Tiffany Carter faces, from navigating through looting and gunfire to making split-second decisions for survival. These scenes are already cinematic in their description, which would translate beautifully to the screen, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Universal Themes of Love and Commitment: The review praises the book for its portrayal of love, creativity, and commitment, even in the face of immense adversity. These universal themes are crucial for a successful film adaptation, as they resonate with a wide audience, ensuring that the story has emotional depth and widespread appeal.
Dynamic Characters and Relationships: The focus on Tiffany Carter and her interactions with family, friends, and the community showcases strong character development. This will appeal to judges looking for stories with rich, dynamic characters that audiences can connect with, making the transition from book to screen seamless.
Cultural and Emotional Resonance: The review touches on the book’s exploration of community and multicultural unity during times of crisis. This adds a layer of cultural and emotional depth to the story, making it not just a thriller but a meaningful narrative with social relevance—qualities that are highly valued in Hollywood.
Episodic Structure: The review mentions the series of “heart-pumping unexpected challenges” throughout the book, suggesting an episodic structure that could easily be adapted into a film or even a television series. The mix of joy, tragedy, and suspense keeps the story engaging, providing the perfect framework for a visually and emotionally dynamic screenplay.
Finally, you just got
word that your book has received the 2024 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and
you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be
there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an
acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?
My Acceptance Speech:
“Good evening, everyone. Wow, this is such an incredible honor. To stand here and accept the 2024 NY Times Bestselling Book Award is a dream come true.
First and foremost, I want to thank the readers. Your support, your passion for stories, and your belief in my work have brought me to this stage. Without you, this would be just a dream.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family and friends, who have been my rock through this journey. Your unwavering support and encouragement have meant the world to me.
A special thank you to my students and colleagues from my teaching days during the Rodney King riots and the Northridge earthquake. Your resilience and strength inspired this book and continue to inspire me every day.
To my incredible publisher and team, thank you for believing in my vision and helping me bring it to life. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.
Lastly, I want to thank every teacher, every writer, and every dreamer out there. Our stories matter, our voices matter, and tonight, we celebrate that together.
Thank you all so much!”
Website & Social Media:
Website ➜ http://weaveofsuspense.com
Twitter ➜ http://www.twitter.com/karenra24229683
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/karen.rabe.7/
As the city grapples with unrest, they are entangled in a web of mysteries swiftly building in intensity. In the turmoil, their bonds of family, loyalty, and love are put to the ultimate test. The tension mounts relentlessly until an unforeseen revelation, coinciding with the cataclysmic Northridge earthquake, irrevocably changes their lives forever.
This gripping true-story thriller delivers suspenseful twists and heart-pounding moments, weaving a narrative of family resilience, solidarity, and enduring love in the face of daunting circumstances. It is a tale that illuminates the strength found within the human spirit when confronted with extraordinary challenges.
Blazing Upheaval is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMM6BXLG.