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Books matching: academic environment

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  1. #1

    The Groves of Academe by Mary McCarthy
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    Mary McCarthy's 'The Groves of Academe' is a novel set in a small Pennsylvania college in the 1950s, delving into the intricacies of academic politics and the challenges faced by professors. The story follows Henry Mulcahy, a struggling male professor dealing with poverty, a sickly wife, and the unexpected non-renewal of his teaching contract, all unfolding against the backdrop of the Joseph McCarthy era. McCarthy's writing style is described as perceptive and satirical, offering a deep dive into the inner workings of the academic world.

    WHEN HENRY MULCAHY, A middle-aged instructor of literature at Jocelyn College, Jocelyn, Pennsylvania, unfolded the President’s letter and became aware of its contents, he gave a sudden sharp cry of im...

  2. #2
    Timescape
    Book 1 in the series:Timescape

    Timescape - Timescape by Gregory Benford
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    In 'Timescape' by Gregory Benford, scientists in the late 1990s are facing global environmental catastrophes and attempt to send messages back in time to prevent the disasters. Meanwhile, in the early 1960s, a scientist discovers a mysterious message from the future hidden in his experimental data. The book delves into the themes of time travel, ecological collapse, and the challenges faced by scientists in different timelines. The writing style alternates between past and present settings, showcasing detailed scientific discussions and character-driven plotlines.

    REMEMBER TO SMILE A LOT, JOHN RENFREW thought moodily. People seemed to like that. They never wondered why you kept on smiling, no matter what was said. It was a kind of general sign of good will, he ...

  3. #3

    My Education by Susan Choi
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    'My Education' by Susan Choi is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and desires of its characters. The story follows Regina, a young graduate student who becomes infatuated with her professor's wife, Martha. As Regina pursues Martha recklessly and obsessively, the novel explores themes of love, lust, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as dense and layered, with complex sentences that contrast Regina's reckless behavior with her analytical mind.

    Since arriving the previous week I’d kept hearing about a notorious person, and now as I entered the packed lecture hall my gaze caught on a highly conspicuous man. That’s him I declared inwardly, whi...

  4. #4

    Real Life by Brandon Taylor
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    "Real Life" by Brandon Taylor is a novel that delves into the life of Wallace, a young black man navigating the challenges of being a graduate student in a predominantly white academic environment. The book explores themes of loneliness, racial discrimination, and the struggle for intimacy, all while portraying the inner turmoil of the protagonist. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, the author paints a poignant picture of Wallace's emotional journey as he grapples with his past, present, and uncertain future.

    The narrative of "Real Life" unfolds over a few days in Wallace's life, capturing his experiences with microaggressions, hostilities, and his own depression. The writing style is characterized by its beauty, emotional depth, and the ability to evoke realistic social moments and raw emotions. The novel skillfully addresses complex topics such as racism, sexuality, and personal trauma, while also highlighting the challenges of academic life and the search for connection amidst isolation.

    It was a cool evening in late summer when Wallace, his father dead for several weeks, decided that he would meet his friends at the pier after all. The lake was dimpled with white waves. People covete...

  5. #5

    Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
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    In "Heavy: An American Memoir" by Kiese Laymon, the author addresses his mother in a powerful and emotional memoir that delves into his tumultuous relationship with her, marked by physical abuse and high expectations. Laymon shares his experiences growing up as a Black man in America, navigating issues of racism, addiction, and self-discovery. Through a series of essays, Laymon explores the complexities of his upbringing, the impact of his mother's actions on his life, and the societal challenges he faces as a Black man.

    The book candidly addresses themes of abuse, racism, addiction, and cultural identity, as Laymon reflects on his struggles with weight, relationships, and societal expectations. The narrative is raw and intimate, offering a poignant insight into the author's journey from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the lasting effects of trauma and the quest for self-understanding in a world marked by inequality and injustice.

    You stood in a West Jackson classroom teaching black children how correct usage of the word “be” could save them from white folk while I knelt in North Jackson, preparing to steal the ID card of a fif...

  6. 'The Riddle of the Labyrinth' by Margalit Fox is a fascinating account of the decipherment of the ancient script known as Linear B. It highlights the efforts of individuals like Alice Kober, who laid the groundwork for deciphering the script, and Michael Ventris, who ultimately cracked the code. delves into the challenges faced in deciphering the unknown language, the historical context of the script's discovery, and the personal stories of those involved in the decipherment process.

    The narrative style of the book is described as a compelling historical detective story that brings to life the real drama behind the decipherment of Linear B. It showcases the meticulous work done by individuals using primitive resources like 3x5 cards, diligent searching, and mathematical skills to uncover the secrets of the script. The author skillfully weaves together the stories of Arthur Evans, Alice Kober, and Michael Ventris, shedding light on the unacknowledged contributions of Kober and the ultimate triumph of deciphering the ancient script.

    EVANS CAME TO CRETE TO fill a void. In 1876, Heinrich Schliemann, a wealthy German businessman with a burning interest in the classics, began excavating a site on the Greek mainland, about seventy mil...

  7. #7

    The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
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    The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish is a historical fiction novel that alternates between 17th-century London and the early 21st century, following the intertwined tales of two remarkable women: Ester Velasquez, a young Jewish emigrant from Amsterdam secretly scribing for a rabbi, and Helen Watt, a historian passionate about Jewish history but suffering from Parkinson's Disease. The story revolves around the discovery of 300-year-old Jewish documents in plague-ridden London, with themes of intellectual pursuits, interfaith relationships, and the challenges faced by women in different time periods.

    Half past one—and the American hadn’t so much as telephoned. A lack of professionalism incompatible with a finding of this magnitude. Yet Darcy had said the American was his most talented postgraduate...

  8. 'Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth' by Avi Loeb delves into the intriguing topic of the potential existence of extraterrestrial life, focusing on the interstellar object 'Oumuamua that passed through our solar system in 2017. Loeb presents a theory that challenges conventional beliefs, suggesting that 'Oumuamua may have been designed and launched by an extraterrestrial intelligence. Through a mix of scientific analysis and personal anecdotes, Loeb explores the possibility of life beyond Earth and raises thought-provoking questions about humanity's place in the universe. The writing style oscillates between scientific explanations and philosophical reflections, urging readers to consider the mysteries of the cosmos and the implications of encountering intelligent life beyond our planet.

    It came into our neighborhood a stranger, but it departed as something more. The object to which we had given a name had left us with a host of unanswered questions that would fully engage scientists’...

  9. #9

    The Water-Method Man by John Irving
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    The novel revolves around the mishaps of its narrator, Fred Trumper, a floundering late twenty-something graduate student with serious commitment and honesty issues that earn him the nickname Bogus. It follows a non-linear narrative in the form of a sort of 'confession' authored by Trumper, who humorously recounts his various failures in life and love, from his New England childhood through his experiences on foreign study in Vienna, Austria, and as a graduate student in Iowa, leading up to the present action setting, early 1970s New York. The title refers to a method prescribed to Trumper for the treatment of non-specific urological disorders relating to his abnormally narrow urinary tract, showcasing Irving's fixation on using physical ailment and disfiguration as metaphorical constructs.

    I’m going to begin by telling you about Miss Frost. While I say to everyone that I became a writer because I read a certain novel by Charles Dickens at the formative age of fifteen, the truth is I was...

  10. #10

    Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
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    Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay is a heartwarming novel that follows Samantha Moore, a young woman who grew up in the foster care system, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth. The story is told through a series of letters written by Samantha to her unknown benefactor, Mr. Knightley, who is funding her education. As Samantha navigates her new life at journalism school, she faces challenges, makes mistakes, and learns to trust herself and others. Through the letters, readers get a glimpse into Samantha's past struggles, her love for literature, and her transformation into a more confident and hopeful individual.

    The book cleverly weaves themes of family, relationships, trust, and faith, incorporating elements of classic literature, especially Jane Austen's works. The format of letters adds a unique touch to the storytelling, allowing readers to connect with Samantha on a personal level as she shares her thoughts, experiences, and emotions. With a mix of humor, love, heartache, and growth, Dear Mr. Knightley offers a poignant and uplifting narrative that explores the complexities of life, love, and the importance of forging meaningful connections.

    In the meantime I’ve settled into my old ways and my old jobs: I resumed tutoring at Buckhorn Cottage (Grace House’s cottage for 8- to 13-year-old boys) and I picked up a few shifts at the public libr...

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