Books matching: ambition
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare is a classic tragedy that delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, guilt, and the consequences of seeking power for its own sake. The story follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, who is driven by prophecies to commit murder in order to fulfil his ambitions, ultimately leading to his downfall. The play is known for its dramatic and intense plot, supernatural elements, and memorable characters like Lady Macbeth and the three witches.
A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her lap, And munch'd, and munch'd, and munch'd:— 'Give me,' quoth I: 'Aroint thee, witch!' the rump-fed ronyon cries. Her husband's to Aleppo gone, master o' the Tiger... - #2
Save:'To Die For' by Joyce Maynard is a darkly humorous and engaging tale that delves into the narcissistic ambitions of Suzanne Moretto, a woman obsessed with achieving television fame at any cost. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a unique and intriguing insight into Suzanne's manipulative ways and the tragic events that unfold as a result. The plot revolves around Suzanne's ruthless pursuit of her goals, leading to a murder orchestrated by her through seduction and manipulation of a naive teenage boy.
The writing style of 'To Die For' is noted for its multiple narrator format, with each chapter presenting the story from a different character's viewpoint. This technique gradually unveils the layers of deceit, ambition, and tragedy that drive the narrative forward, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the full extent of Suzanne's manipulations and their consequences.
JUST TO GIVE YOU an idea of Susie. What a go-getter she was, right from the start. I can remember back when we lived on Sunrise Lane, her standing in front of the mirror, giving weather reports. She c... - #3
Save:Gold Diggers by Sanjena Sathian is a unique and imaginative novel that delves into the cultural challenges faced by Indian immigrants in the U.S. The story follows Neil Narayan, a second-generation teenager, as he navigates the expectations of his family and community while grappling with his own ambitions and desires. Through a blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and romance, the author captures Neil's angst and humorously pokes fun at desi stereotypes. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity, ambition, and the clash between traditional practices and American culture, all intertwined with a mysterious alchemical potion made from stolen gold.
The plot of Gold Diggers unfolds through two timelines, showcasing Neil's struggles during his high school years in Atlanta and his graduate years in San Francisco. The story touches on themes of self-exploration, love, and the challenges of blending into a new country while retaining one's identity and traditions. With engaging characters, soulful writing, and moments of magical realism, the book offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of immigrant experiences, cultural shifts, and the pursuit of ambition.
When I was younger, I consisted of little but my parents’ ambitions for who I was to become. But by the end of ninth grade, all I wanted for myself was a date to the Spring Fling dance. A hot one. The... - #4
Save:Lost Illusions by Honore de Balzac follows the journey of Lucien Chardon, a talented but naive poet, who aspires to make a name for himself in the glamorous world of Paris. Through a series of betrayals, ambitions, and tragedies, the novel explores the systematic destruction of illusions in characters striving for success in art and business. Balzac's writing style captures the harsh realities of society in the 19th century, where talent often succumbs to money, intrigue, and unscrupulousness.
It was your birthright to be, like a Rafael or a Pitt, a great poet at an age when other men are children; it was your fate, the fate of Chateaubriand and of every man of genius, to struggle against j... - #5
Save:Set in the bustling city of Shanghai, "Five Star Billionaire" by Tash Aw follows the interconnected lives of five individuals striving for success in different aspects of their lives. From migrant workers to aspiring entrepreneurs, each character navigates the challenges of the Chinese economy while dealing with past traumas and personal ambitions. The narrative unfolds through deep character exploration and rich descriptions of the city, capturing the essence of Shanghai's fast-paced and unforgiving nature. As their stories intertwine, readers witness the characters' journeys of growth, setbacks, and unexpected connections in a city where fortunes are made and hearts are tested.
The novel's deliberate pace enhances the depth of character development, allowing readers to delve into the complexities of each protagonist's motivations and struggles. Through simple yet poignant prose, Tash Aw paints a vivid portrait of Shanghai, portraying it as a dynamic backdrop that shapes the characters' destinies. As the narrative unfolds, themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of success in a rapidly changing society are explored, offering a glimpse into the diverse lives and aspirations of those seeking their place in a city filled with opportunities and challenges.
There was a boy at the counter waiting for his coffee, nodding to the music. Phoebe had noticed him as soon as he walked through the door, his walk so confident, soft yet bouncy. He must have grown up... - #6
Save:'Room at the Top' by John Braine is a post-war novel that follows the story of Joe Lampton, a young and ambitious ex-serviceman from a modest background who moves to the affluent town of Warley to pursue a career in local government. The book delves into Joe's social ambitions, romantic entanglements with two women - Susan and Alice, and his relentless pursuit of success and social status. Set in a time of social mobility challenges and societal constraints, the novel explores themes of class, ambition, love, and the impact of war experiences through a flawed first-person narrative.
Braine's writing style in 'Room at the Top' is described as cynical, realistic, and compelling, offering a detailed portrayal of post-war northern England with a mix of romance, tragedy, comedy, and social commentary. The narrative is known for its dispassionate tone even in the face of dramatic events, and the characters, especially Joe Lampton, are depicted with flaws and complexities that reflect the societal norms and challenges of the time.
My stomach was rumbling with hunger and the drinks of the night before had left a buzzing in my head and a carbonated-water sensation in my nostrils. On that particular morning even these discomforts ... - #7
Save:'The Red and the Black' by Stendhal follows the story of Julien Sorel, a young ambitious Frenchman from a humble background, navigating the complexities of post-Napoleonic French society. The novel delves into themes of social climbing, love, ambition, and hypocrisy, portraying the capriciousness and changing hearts of its characters. Stendhal's writing style is described as sharp, dark satire with a touch of droll humor, reflecting the history and societal tensions of the time.
THE small town of Verrières may be regarded as one of the prettiest in the Franche-Comté. Its white houses with their steeply pitched roofs of red tile are spread over a hillside where clumps of sturd... - #8
Save:"The Ensemble" by Aja Gabel follows the lives of four talented musicians who form a string quartet and navigate their personal and professional journeys over a span of two decades. The characters, including prodigy Henry, ambitious Jana, struggling Daniel, and romantic Brit, face challenges, conflicts, and growth both individually and as a group. The novel is a character-driven exploration of relationships, music, and the complexities of human emotions, with a writing style that delves deep into the internal lives of its characters.
It’s a love story, the famous violinist had said, and even though Jana knew it was not, those were the words that knocked around her brain when she began to play on stage. The famous violinist, Fodori... - #9
Save:A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne follows the manipulative and ambitious protagonist, Maurice Swift, as he navigates the world of literature by plagiarizing others' stories to achieve fame and success. The novel delves into Swift's morally questionable actions, his lack of empathy, and his relentless pursuit of becoming a renowned writer. Through multiple narrators, the story spans over 30 years, offering insights into the publishing industry and the dark side of ambition and manipulation. Boyne's writing style is described as engrossing, with a seamless flow that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
From the moment I accepted the invitation, I was nervous about returning to Germany. It had been so many years since I’d last been there, after all, that it was difficult to know what memories might b... - #10
Save:Marjorie Morningstar is a novel by Herman Wouk that follows the story of Marjorie, a middle-class Jewish girl who aspires to become an actress. The plot revolves around her first love, Noel Airman, a charming but unreliable man, and their tumultuous relationship over the years. Set mainly in the 1930s, the book delves into Marjorie's struggles, ambitions, and relationships, providing a glimpse into her coming-of-age journey. The writing style includes philosophical monologues, witty dialogues, and detailed character development, capturing the essence of New York City prior to World War II.
Marjorie’s mother looked in on her sleeping daughter at half past ten of a Sunday morning with feelings of puzzlement and dread. She disapproved of everything she saw. She disapproved of the expensive...
