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Books matching: american dream critique

13 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 13 
  1. #1

    All We Ever Wanted Was Everything by Janelle Brown
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    'All We Ever Wanted Was Everything' by Janelle Brown follows the lives of the Miller family as they navigate through various struggles and challenges in their affluent lives. The story delves into themes of the American Dream, self-expectations, and the pursuit of happiness while dealing with addiction, debt, and family dynamics. Janelle Brown's writing style is described as witty, captivating, and brutally honest, providing a realistic portrayal of the characters' journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance.

    june in santa rita is perfect, just perfect. the sun sits high in the sky—which is itself just the right shade of unpolluted powder blue—and the temperature averages a mild eighty-three. It isn’t too ...

  2. #2

    May We Be Forgiven by A.M. Homes
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    May We Be Forgiven by A.M. Homes is a darkly comic novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal transformation. The story follows Harold Silver, a historian and Nixon scholar, whose life takes a drastic turn when his brother George is involved in a violent incident. As Harold navigates through a series of bizarre and often far-fetched situations, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, ultimately leading to the formation of a new kind of American family.

    The book is characterized by its fast-paced plot filled with dark humor, unexpected twists, and a diverse cast of characters. A.M. Homes weaves together themes of love, loss, redemption, and the search for meaning in a modern world, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    The warning sign: last year, Thanksgiving at their house. Twenty or thirty people were at tables spreading from the dining room into the living room and stopping abruptly at the piano bench. He was at...

  3. #3

    The Swimmer by John Cheever
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    The Swimmer by John Cheever is a haunting and thought-provoking short story that delves into the unsettling aspects of suburban life. The story follows the main character, Ned, as he embarks on a journey through swimming pools in his neighborhood, reflecting on his past and the changes in his life. The narrative style of Cheever keeps readers engaged, with a simple yet genius idea that culminates in an ending that leaves a lasting impact, giving readers chills and prompting introspection.


  4. #4

    The Rise of Ransom City - The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman
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    The Rise of Ransom City is a fantasy steampunk novel that follows the journey of Professor Harry Ransom as he travels from town to town on the Rim separating the made and unmade worlds. The main character, Harry Ransom, is described as plucky and entertaining, always dusting himself off and going on despite the challenges he faces. The book explores Harry's lifelong aspiration to make a better world through the application of a free energy device, all while getting entangled in the conflict between The Gun and The Line. The writing style is described as subtle yet vivid, painting a hazy, mystical sheen over the alternate history Wild American West setting.

    Well, we moved on from the big red barn. One of the Line’s Heavier-Than-Air Vessels was spotted overhead. It circled, writing a kind of black-smoke question mark in the sky. Most likely it had nothing...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Half-Made World )

  5. #5

    Amerika by Franz Kafka
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    'Amerika' by Franz Kafka is a novel that delves into the journey of Karl Rossman, a young immigrant who finds himself in America after being sent away from home. The book captures Karl's struggles as he navigates through a strange land filled with newcomers seeking happiness and wealth. Despite facing challenges and being taken advantage of by those he encounters, Karl's story unfolds through surreal and dreamlike scenes that touch on industrialization, modern technology, and social relations in a fragmented narrative style that reflects Kafka's signature writing.

    The novel paints a vivid picture of America through Kafka's unique perspective, showcasing the absurdities and complexities of immigrant life in a land of opportunities. Through Karl's experiences, the book explores themes of naivety, survival, and the loss of identity in a foreign land, offering a darkly humorous and thought-provoking commentary on the struggles faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.

    Karl soon got used to his new circumstances in his uncle’s house, and his uncle was also very kind to him in every little matter, so Karl never had to learn from bitter experience, which is the lot of...

  6. #6

    Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
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    "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller is a timeless play that delves into the struggles of Willy Loman, an aging salesman, as he grapples with his shattered dreams and the pressures of the American Dream. The story follows Willy's descent into madness as he tries to find happiness through his sons' success, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The play masterfully explores themes of family dynamics, the myth of the American Dream, and the profound impact of societal expectations on individuals. Miller's writing style intricately weaves together present events, selective memory, and hallucinations to create a poignant narrative that resonates with readers long after the final act.

    The characters in "Death of a Salesman" are richly developed, each with their own flaws and motivations that drive the plot forward. The play skillfully reveals the complexities of human nature and the harsh realities of life, making it a compelling and thought-provoking piece of literature. Miller's exploration of Willy Loman's internal struggles and the disintegration of his family paints a poignant picture of the dark side of the American Dream, leaving the audience with a deep sense of reflection on the nature of success, identity, and fulfillment.

    Before us is the Salesman’s house. We are aware of towering, angular shapes behind it, surrounding it on all sides. Only the blue light of the sky falls upon the house and forestage; the surrounding a...

  7. #7

    Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.
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    'Requiem for a Dream' by Hubert Selby Jr. is a dark and gritty novel that delves into the lives of four individuals in Brooklyn - Harry, Tyrone, Marion, and Sara - as they navigate through addiction, poverty, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The book portrays the characters' downward spiral into drug addiction and the illusions of a better life, while also critiquing modern society's obsession with materialism and unattainable goals. Selby's writing style, characterized by heavy Brooklyn accents, long sentences, and a unique narrative structure, draws readers in and immerses them in the harsh realities of the characters' lives.

    HARRY LOCKED HIS MOTHER in the closet. Harold. Please. Not again the TV. Okay, okay, Harry opened the door, then stop playin games with my head. He started walking across the room toward the televisio...

  8. #8

    What Makes Sammy Run? by Budd Schulberg
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    'What Makes Sammy Run?' by Budd Schulberg is a novel that delves into the life of Sammy Glick, an unprincipled Jewish boy from the slums of New York who is determined to climb to the top at any cost. The story follows Sammy's ruthless ambition and relentless drive for success, showcasing the dark side of Hollywood through vivid prose and realistic dialogue. Set in the 1930s, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of Al Manheim, a newspaper reporter who is both mystified and repulsed by Sammy's ruthless tactics as he ascends to become one of Hollywood's most powerful producers.

    The book presents a cautionary tale about ambition, power, and the price of success. It offers a raw and unapologetic portrayal of Hollywood's cutthroat industry, where backstabbing, corruption, and manipulation are common practices. Through the character of Sammy Glick, Schulberg explores the themes of ambition, friendship, and the moral compromises individuals are willing to make in pursuit of fame and fortune.

    He raced out, too quickly, a little ferret. Smart kid, I thought. Smart little yid. He made me uneasy. That sharp, neat, eager little face. I watched the thin, wiry body dart around the corner in high...

  9. #9

    The Story of Stuff by Louis Fox, Henk Popken, Ruben DeLuna, Annie Leonard
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    The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard is a thought-provoking and eye-opening exploration of the environmental and social impacts of our obsession with material possessions. Through engaging storytelling and real-life examples, Leonard delves into the interconnected issues of overconsumption, pollution, and global warming, urging readers to consider the consequences of their actions on a personal and global scale. The book covers not only environmental aspects but also delves into social, economic, and political issues, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges we face as a society in creating a more sustainable world.

    As I grew older, I learned that there are more than sentimental reasons to worry about the fate of our trees. Trees create oxygen, which—may I remind us—we need to breathe. That alone would seem suffi...

  10. #10

    Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar
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    "Homeland Elegies" by Ayad Akhtar is a unique blend of memoir and fiction that delves into the American experience from the perspective of a Pakistani American. The book explores themes of identity, family relationships, immigrant experiences, and the impact of major events like 9/11 on individuals. Through a mix of personal reflections and social commentary, the author navigates complex topics such as prejudice, American exceptionalism, and the challenges faced by Muslim Americans in a post-9/11 world. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, insightful, and honest, offering a powerful conversation about America through the eyes of a first-generation American Muslim.

    I had a professor in college, Mary Moroni, who taught Melville and Emerson, and who the once famous Norman O. Brown—her mentor—called the finest mind of her generation; a diminutive, cherubic woman in...

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