Books matching: blended realities
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Year of the Monkey' by Patti Smith is a memoir that follows the author through the year 2016, starting on New Year's Eve. The book consists of entries from Smith's journals, musings on her experiences, and Polaroid photos. Throughout the year, Smith travels through various states, deals with the illness of close friends, and reflects on her own aging process. The writing style blends reality with dream sequences, providing intimate insights into Smith's thoughts and experiences.
The book captures Smith's journey through the year 2016, blending the real with the poetic and dreamlike elements. It delves into themes of life, death, aging, and personal reflections, all while incorporating references to pop culture, literature, and politics. Smith's writing style is described as lyrical, surreal, and poetic, offering a mix of stream of consciousness narrative and vivid imagery.
New Year’s morning in Santa Cruz, pretty dead. I had a sudden desire for a particular breakfast: black coffee, grits with green onions. Not much chance for such fare here but a plate of ham and eggs w... - #2
Save:Number9Dream by David Mitchell is a surreal and complex novel set in Japan, following the journey of the main character Eiji as he searches for his mysterious father. The story mixes elements of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes, portraying Eiji's encounters with obstacles such as the Yakuza and his transition from rural life to the bustling city of Tokyo. Mitchell's writing style is vivid and imaginative, incorporating dream sequences, interior dialogues, and various storytelling techniques to blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
The narrative is filled with tangents and layers of storytelling, often leaving the reader questioning the nature of reality and the reliability of the narrator. Mitchell's exploration of Japanese culture, the search for identity, and the interplay between dreams and reality adds depth to the plot, creating a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience.
‘It is a simple matter. I know your name, and you knew mine, once upon a time: Eiji Miyake. Yes, that Eiji Miyake. We are both busy people, Ms Kato, so why not cut the small talk? I am in Tokyo to fin... - #3
Save:The Dream Life of Sukhanov by Olga Grushin is a novel that delves into the life of Anatoly Sukhanov, a man in his 50s who is forced to confront the decisions he made in his youth that shaped his current existence. The story is set in Moscow during the politically tumultuous times of Russia from the 1930s to 1980s, where Sukhanov struggles with his crisis of conscience due to choices made in his past. Through vivid dream sequences and introspective reflections, the novel explores themes of art, sacrifice, conformity, and the impact of political ideologies on personal lives.
The white-and-yellow columns outside his window ceased their tiresome flashing, began to slow down, and in another moment fell obediently into their assigned places. A pale orange tentacle of a nearby... - #4
Save:'Reverie' by Ryan La Sala is a YA fantasy novel that follows Kane Montgomery, a gay high school student who experiences amnesia after a car crash. The story unfolds with a mix of reality and fantastical elements, where reveries—daydreams that come to life—play a significant role. As Kane navigates a world filled with magic, mystery, and danger, he grapples with uncovering the truth about his past and the supernatural events surrounding him. The writing style is described as detailed, imaginative, and at times confusing, with a focus on queer characters and unique fantasy elements.
It was on the verge of September, and the Housatonic River was swollen with late summer’s weeping. Kane stood among the bishop’s-weed frothing at the bank, trying to imagine what it’d been like the ni... - #5
Save:"The Private Lives of Trees" by Alejandro Zambra is a novella that delves into the life of Julian, a literature professor, as he waits anxiously for his wife Veronica to return home, all while telling his stepdaughter Daniela stories about the private lives of trees. Through Julian's musings and memories, the reader is taken on a journey of love, hope, and vulnerability, as past and present intertwine in a dream-like narrative. Zambra's writing style intricately weaves together ordinary stories of everyday life, allowing characters to slowly develop and mature, creating a poignant and introspective atmosphere.
At the heart of the novella is the exploration of human emotions and experiences, as Julian grapples with feelings of anxiety, love, and uncertainty while waiting for Veronica. The author skillfully captures the essence of storytelling and the complexity of relationships, offering a glimpse into the inner thoughts and imaginings of the characters, ultimately leading to a reflection on the nature of fiction and the importance of human connection.
- #6
Save:Anna Kavan's 'Sleep Has His House' is a deeply surreal and introspective exploration of dreams, memories, and emotions. The book weaves together a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, taking the reader on a journey through the protagonist's subconscious mind. With elements of memoir and dream-like sequences, the story delves into themes of isolation, childhood trauma, and the complexities of human emotions.
Kavan's writing style in 'Sleep Has His House' is described as poetic, vivid, and hauntingly beautiful. The book combines surreal adventures with introspective reflections, creating a narrative that is both enigmatic and thought-provoking. Through the use of dreamscapes and symbolic imagery, Kavan invites readers to delve into the depths of the protagonist's psyche, offering a unique and immersive reading experience.
IT is not easy to describe my mother. Remote and starry, her sad stranger’s grace did not concern the landscape of the day. Should I say that she was beautiful or that she did not love me? Have shadow... - #7
Save:A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill is a dark family drama intertwined with horror elements that explore themes of family trauma, mental illness, and the supernatural. The story follows the Turner family, haunted by monsters both real and imagined, as they navigate through generations of darkness and love. The writing style is described as beautiful, engaging, and complex, with layers of meaning and different time periods woven together by family bonds and mysterious monsters.
Like me, my mother was born somewhat late into her parents’ marriage. Unlike me, however, she reaped the benefits of being born to financially successful parents. Her father, Christopher Byrne, was a ... - #8
Save:'Tokyo Cancelled' by Rana Dasgupta is a collection of thirteen modern-day fables framed within the story of passengers stranded at an airport on their way to Tokyo. The stories range from disturbing fairy tales to dystopian visions of the future and past, with unexpected twists and clear yet imaginative writing style. The characters in the stories accept a magical world with few questions, and the book delves into deep themes of love, struggle, and survival.
The book presents a scintillating world where reality blends into fantasy, similar to the fairy tales of childhood, with stories involving frozen Sleeping Beauty, twin dwarfs in love, and trees growing from people. The author's writing style is described as rich and varied, akin to Salman Rushdie's, with excellent imagery and a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged and pondering the deeper meanings woven throughout the tales.
A 747 had disgorged its 323 passengers into the middle of a vacant, snow-brushed tarmac expanse, left them to trudge across it through the cold and the floodlit glare to a terminus whose neon name was... - #9
Save:Aspiring actress Kimmie Jayne Starr auditions for the leading role on a new reality show called Hitched, where she will be seeking to fall in love and marry one of 25 young men. Unbeknownst to her, these men are all supernatural creatures, and as she navigates through eliminations and group dates, she faces danger and mysterious accidents orchestrated by an unknown assailant. The book combines elements of reality TV drama with paranormal romance, keeping readers on edge with intrigue, danger, and the suspense of uncovering the show's secrets.
The story unfolds on a private island where Kimmie meets her suitors, each vying for her affections while she tries to figure out their true identities. The writing style is captivating, drawing readers into a world of supernatural suitors, suspenseful twists, and unexpected turns. With a mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy, the book offers a fresh and engaging take on the reality TV genre, keeping readers hooked on the suspenseful journey of the bachelorette as she navigates through the challenges of love and danger.
- #10
Save:In the novella "Black Dog" by Neil Gaiman, readers are taken on a journey with the familiar character Shadow Moon from the series 'American Gods'. The story delves into the encounter of Shadow with evil in its true nature, intertwined with themes of life and death. Gaiman's writing style captivates readers with its dark and disturbing elements, exploring ghosts, symbolism linked with depression, and the mystical figure of the Black Dog.
The novella is described as a continuation of the American Gods series, offering a short but intense narrative that leaves readers feeling uncomfortable yet intrigued. Gaiman skillfully weaves together elements of mythology, folklore, and modern storytelling to create a compelling and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Shadow was still not entirely convinced that he was in a pub. True, there was a tiny bar at the back of the room, with bottles behind it and a couple of the huge taps you pulled, and there were severa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series American Gods )
