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Books matching: american literature

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  1. #1

    The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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    "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic American novel set in the 1920s, depicting the excesses and struggles of the Jazz Age. The story follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby who transforms himself to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan, showcasing themes of the corrupting influence of wealth and the elusive nature of the American Dream. Fitzgerald's writing style is praised for its clear, melodious prose with engaging rhythm, and the book is noted for its rich symbolism and portrayal of flawed and complex characters.

    He didn’t say any more, but we’ve always been unusually communicative in a reserved way, and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that. In consequence, I’m inclined to reserve all judgmen...

  2. #2

    The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn by Mark Twain, Anna Kirwan
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    The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a classic American novel that follows the journey of a young boy named Huck Finn as he escapes from his abusive father and embarks on an adventure down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave named Jim. The book is known for its exploration of themes such as racism, friendship, loyalty, and moral dilemmas, all told through Twain's masterful use of dialect, humor, and satire. The story is filled with mischief, excitement, and heartwarming moments between Huck and Jim, making it a timeless tale of growth and companionship set against the backdrop of pre-Civil War America.

    Huckleberry Finn's narrative is a blend of humor, adventure, and social commentary, showcasing Twain's ability to address difficult themes like race relations and slavery in a way that is accessible to readers of all ages. Through Huck's eyes, readers witness the contradictions of a society that claims to be free and equal while perpetuating racism and segregation. Twain's use of regional dialect and vivid storytelling brings the characters and setting to life, making the book a poignant reflection on the complexities of human nature and societal norms.

    You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain't no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly. There w...

  3. #3

    The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn by Mark Twain, Anna Kirwan
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    The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a classic tale following the mischievous adventures of a young boy named Tom. The book captures the essence of boyhood, filled with humorous situations, pranks, and escapades that Tom and his friends find themselves in. Set in the American West of the 1840s, the novel weaves together comic vignettes based on Tom's exploits, linked by a darker storyline involving his life-threatening encounter with the murderer Injun Joe. Mark Twain's writing style beautifully portrays the rolling Southern beauty and the stereotypical stories that the readers can enjoy.

    1850 Sam’s brother Orion, ten years his senior, returns to Hannibal and establishes the Journal; he hires Sam as a compositor. Steamboats become the primary means of transport on the Mississippi River...

  4. #4

    The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie
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    "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" by Sherman Alexie is a collection of interconnected short stories set on a Spokane Indian reservation. The stories delve into the lives of Native Americans grappling with poverty, alcoholism, and the clash between their cultural heritage and the modern world. Through a mix of stark realism and fantasy, Alexie portrays the struggles of the characters as they navigate issues of identity, tradition, and substance abuse. The writing style alternates between humor and despair, painting a vivid picture of life on the reservation and the challenges faced by its residents.

    JW:The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is 20!?! Your email sent me scurrying to my signed copy. I looked at the jacket photo and there you are, with the greatest Breakfast Club pro-wrestling...

  5. Robert Alter's 'Pen of Iron' is a scholarly exploration of the influence of the King James Bible on American prose, focusing on works such as Moby Dick, Absalom Absalom, and Seize the Day. Alter delves into the connections between these literary masterpieces and the language, style, and themes found in the Bible, emphasizing the lasting impact of this religious text on American literature. Through detailed analyses, Alter demonstrates how the King James Bible serves as a rich source of ideas, images, and metaphors, as well as a manual of style for classical writing, shaping the literary heritage of the United States.

    Alter's writing style in 'Pen of Iron' is both erudite and accessible, making a challenging subject approachable for readers interested in American literature. By providing in-depth discussions on iconic works and authors like Melville, Faulkner, and Hemingway, Alter offers a compelling narrative that highlights the enduring influence of the King James Bible in shaping the literary landscape of America. His meticulous research and insightful interpretations bring to light the profound connections between biblical themes and the evolution of American prose over the centuries.


  6. #6

    The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow
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    'The Adventures of Augie March' by Saul Bellow is a novel that follows the life of Augie March, a poor Jewish boy growing up during the Depression in Chicago. The story is long and descriptive of the hardships of that time, with Augie depicted as a flawed character who navigates through various jobs, women, and war experiences without significant growth or maturity. The writing style of Bellow is described as complex, with long, dense descriptions of characters and settings, and references to mythology and philosophy woven throughout the narrative.

    The plot of 'The Adventures of Augie March' is a rambling picaresque set in Chicago and Mexico, showcasing Augie's adventures and encounters with diverse characters. Bellow's writing is praised for its excellent prose, detailed characterizations, and sharp observations, capturing the spirit of Chicago and presenting a mix of humor, heart, and profound insights into American life during the 1930s and 1940s.

    I am an American, Chicago born—Chicago, that somber city—and go at things as I have taught myself, free-style, and will make the record in my own way: first to knock, first admitted; sometimes an inno...

  7. #7

    Pym by Mat Johnson
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    Former professor of American literature Chris Jaynes is determined to find out the truth behind Edgar Allen Poe's novel The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket. After finding an old slave manuscript that seems to allude to the same subject as Poe's novel, Jaynes convinces a crew of six other black men to follow Pym's trail to the South Pole to search for the answer to one of literature's greatest mysteries. The book is described as a bizarre, hilarious, scathing satire of American racism, all refracted through the lens of Poe's work, with a mix of comedic elements, social commentary, and exploration of race relations.

    ALWAYS thought if I didn’t get tenure I would shoot myself or strap a bomb to my chest and walk into the faculty cafeteria, but when it happened I just got bourbon drunk and cried a lot and rolled int...

  8. 'The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations' by Toni Morrison delves into various topics such as the importance of the humanities, the black experience, and the art of writing. Morrison creatively depicts the reality around slavery, discrimination, and black stereotypes, aiming to reclaim the narrative and redefine the meaning of being black in America. Through a blend of essays, stories, and journal entries, readers are taken on a journey that offers powerful insights and nuggets of wisdom, urging them to reflect, think, and apply the lessons found within the compilation.

    Some have God’s words; others have songs of comfort for the bereaved. If I can pluck up courage here, I would like to speak directly to the dead—the September dead. Those children of ancestors born in...

  9. #9

    Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences by Mark Twain
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    Mark Twain's 'Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences' is a satirical review that humorously dissects James Fenimore Cooper's writing style, particularly focusing on its internal inconsistencies and inaccurate observations. Twain's critical roast of Cooper's work is filled with sharp observations and witty commentary, highlighting the flaws in Cooper's writing, especially in works like 'The Deerslayer' and 'The Last of the Mohicans'. Twain's essay not only serves as a critique of Cooper's literary offenses but also provides readers with a guide on good writing by pointing out the reasons why Cooper's writing fell short.


  10. #10

    The Dollmaker by Harriette Simpson Arnow
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    The Dollmaker by Harriette Simpson Arnow is a poignant and haunting tale set during World War II, following the Nevels family as they leave their rural life in Kentucky to work in Detroit. The story delves into the struggles and hardships faced by the characters, particularly Gertie Nevels, a strong and independent woman who navigates the challenges of adapting to a new life in the city. The narrative captures the essence of the war era, exploring themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the impact of war on ordinary people.

    DOCK’S SHOES ON THE rocks up the hill and his heavy breathing had shut out all sound so that it seemed a long while she had heard nothing, and Amos lay too still, not clawing at the blanket as when th...

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