Books matching: alcoholism and infidelity
32 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Blood Orange' by Harriet Tyce is a psychological thriller revolving around Alison, a barrister who appears to have it all - a successful career, a loving husband, and a beautiful daughter. However, behind closed doors, Alison's life is far from perfect as she struggles with alcoholism, infidelity, and a crumbling marriage. When she takes on her first murder case, the parallels between her client's life and her own start to unravel, leading to a series of shocking events and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as taut, tight, and addictive, with a dark and intense narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The October sky lies gray above me and my wheelie bag’s heavy but I wait for the bus and count my blessings. The trial is finished, kicked out at halftime after a legal argument on the basis of insuff... - #2
Save:'The Green Man' by Kingsley Amis is a ghost story set in an old inn, where the protagonist Maurice Allington encounters the ghost of the original owner, Thomas Underhill. The plot unfolds with elements of the occult, supernatural occurrences, and a mix of horror and humor. Maurice, an alcoholic and morally questionable character, navigates through ghostly encounters, familial issues, and a mysterious death, all while dealing with his own personal demons. The writing style is described as rich, realistic, and filled with dark humor, blending elements of a ghost story, moral fable, and comedy.
No sooner has one gone over one’s surprise at finding a genuine coaching inn less than 40 miles from London—and 8 from the MI—than one is marvelling at the quality of the equally genuine English fare ... - #3
Save:'Lines and Shadows' by Joseph Wambaugh is a true crime book that narrates the events surrounding a San Diego PD unit known as the 'Border Crime Task Force.' The unit, nicknamed B.A.R.F. (Border Alien Robbery Force), patrolled the Mexican border in the 1980s, facing challenges, shootouts, and personal struggles. The book captures the group's efforts to protect aliens from criminals while delving into the officers' lives, relationships, and the unconventional methods they employed to combat crime.
The writing style in 'Lines and Shadows' is described as captivating and skillful, with detailed recollections of events, dialogs, and thoughts. The author, Joseph Wambaugh, known for his law enforcement stories, paints a vivid picture of the dangerous border area and the officers' experiences, including the darker aspects of their lives such as infidelity and alcoholism. The book balances between portraying the officers as heroic figures and as a group teetering on the edge of lawlessness, leaving readers to interpret the events based on their perspective.
- #4
Save:'A Widow for One Year' by John Irving is a complex novel that follows the life of Ruth, a character who experiences a range of emotions and events from childhood to adulthood. The story delves into Ruth's relationships, struggles, and personal growth, portraying her as a multifaceted individual dealing with grief, love, and the complexities of life. The narrative weaves together different timelines and perspectives, offering a rich and detailed exploration of Ruth's journey as a child, writer, mother, and lover. Despite some flaws in cohesion, the book is praised for its interesting storytelling, deep character development, and the way it captures the essence of Ruth's life through various stages.
The novel is noted for its intricate storytelling, rich details, and compelling characters that drive the plot forward. Readers appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative, which combines elements of love, mystery, and real-life drama. The book explores themes of family dysfunction, grief, abandonment, loyalty, and the unpredictable nature of life. John Irving's writing style is described as funny, outrageous, and sad, with a knack for creating vivid characters and engaging storylines that keep readers invested in Ruth's tumultuous life journey.
A salesgirl who was also a waitress had been found dead in her apartment on Jarvis, south of Gerrard. It was an apartment within her means, but only because she had shared it with two other salesgirls... - #5
Save:'Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, from White House Princess to Washington Power Broker' by Stacy A. Cordery delves into the fascinating life of Alice Roosevelt, the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, and her journey from being a White House celebrity to becoming a prominent figure in Washington politics. The author skillfully weaves together anecdotes about Alice's upbringing, marriages, and relationships, showcasing her intelligence, wit, and influence in the political sphere. Through engaging storytelling and detailed research, Cordery paints a vivid portrait of a strong-willed and independent woman who left a lasting impact on American politics.
AN APPALLING double tragedy overshadowed the joy that should have welcomed Alice Lee Roosevelt’s entrance to the world on February 12, 1884. The popular, young New York assemblyman Theodore Roosevelt ... 'I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon' by Crystal Zevon is a compelling biography that delves into the complex life of the musician Warren Zevon. The book portrays Zevon as a multifaceted individual, showcasing his whimsical yet fatalistic views on life and death through his music. It explores his turbulent upbringing, volatile personality, and non-commercial vision, painting a vivid picture of a genius with a dark sense of humor and a troubled past. Through a series of firsthand accounts from friends, family, and collaborators, the book provides a warts-and-all narrative of Zevon's life, highlighting his flaws, struggles, and ultimately his impact on those around him.
I had talked to him the night before, and he was having some trouble breathing but still had an order for Chalet Soup and maybe tapioca pudding. He called me back with the OCD signoff “Nothing’s bad l...- #7
Save:'Just to See Hell' by Chandler Morrison is a collection of short stories that interconnect with each other, weaving into a complex and compelling universe. The stories are characterized by lewd, graphic, and cosmically horrific elements, focusing on deeply tragic characters facing heart-rending issues. The writing style is described as brilliant, bleak, psychologically devastating, and powerful, delving into themes of sex, gore, depravity, and blasphemy.
The book delves into dark and cynical themes, blurring the lines between madness and paranormal menace, exploring the ordinary resentments and extreme violence that exist in human nature. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of religion, social issues, and the darker aspects of life, leaving readers questioning their beliefs and societal norms.
- #8
Save:'Appointment in Samarra' by John O'Hara is a novel set in a small city in Pennsylvania during the Prohibition era, focusing on the life of Julian English, a wealthy and self-destructive young man. The story follows Julian's downward spiral over three days around Christmas 1930, shedding light on the dissolute upper middle class and their issues with alcoholism, social hypocrisy, and dishonesty. O'Hara's writing style is described as clear, poetic, and full of twists and turns, driving inexorably towards the fatal appointment that Julian seems destined for.
The book explores themes of class, self-destructiveness, inevitability of loss, suffocating social norms, and the intricacies of human relationships during the Jazz Age. O'Hara's storytelling is praised for its brilliance, ironies, and portrayal of characters slipping into inebriated blabbering, providing a pessimistic yet insightful look at the falsehoods of American life in that era.
Our story opens in the mind of Luther L. (L for LeRoy) Fliegler, who is lying in his bed, not thinking of anything, but just aware of sounds, conscious of his own breathing, and sensitive to his own h... - #9
Save:Len Deighton's 'London Match' is the third novel in the Game, Set, Match trilogy, part of a larger series of spy novels. The story follows Bernard Samson, a British intelligence officer, as he navigates the complexities of espionage during the end of the Cold War. Samson grapples with personal betrayals, including his wife's defection to the Russian KGB, while trying to uncover a potential mole within London Central. Deighton's writing style is characterized by precise British prose, detailed character interactions, and a focus on the emotional reactions and actions of the protagonist.
I shook the bottle, dividing the last drips of whisky between the two white plastic cups that were balanced on the car radio. I pushed the empty bottle under the seat. The smell of the whisky was stro...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bernard Samson ) - #10
Save:'Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?' by Raymond Carver is a collection of short stories that delves deep into the pain and struggles of everyday life, portraying normal people facing issues such as infidelity, economic desperation, and loneliness. Carver's writing style is described as spare, punchy, and economical, getting right to the heart of the matter with human stories that are relatable and thought-provoking. The stories are said to be superbly constructed, expressing the power of narratives in shorter lengths and showcasing the author's expertise in playing with different forms and styles of the short story medium.
The book is praised for its ability to transport readers into the lives of its characters with simple yet powerful narratives. Carver's writing is likened to jazz music, conveying a depth of emotions and experiences with minimalistic yet impactful storytelling. Readers appreciate the book for its exploration of the human condition, its engaging storytelling, and its unique ability to capture the essence of ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
This fat man is the fattest person I have ever seen, though he is neat-appearing and well dressed enough. Everything about him is big. But it is the fingers I remember best. When I stop at the table n...
