Meet New Books
Meet New Books

Books matching: challenging encounters

100 result(s)

Readers also searched for:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Jungle of Stone: The Extraordinary Journey of John L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, and the Discovery of the Lost Civilization of the Maya by William Carlsen
    Save:

    'Jungle of Stone' follows the extraordinary journey of John L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood as they discover the lost civilization of the Maya in the early 1800s. The duo faced numerous hardships including diseases, wars, and natural obstacles while exploring the Mayan ruins in Latin America. Through meticulous drawings by Catherwood and detailed accounts by Stephens, they shed light on the art and architecture of the Mayans, previously unknown to the world. The narrative captures the historic details of their explorations and brings to life the people involved in these early adventures, showcasing the insatiably curious nature of the explorers.

    Thirteen years earlier, before dawn, Stephens stepped aboard a British brig to embark on the boldest, most extraordinary journey of his life. In the early morning as the tide began to ebb along the do...

  2. #2

    Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance by Atul Gawande
    Save:

    'Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance' by Atul Gawande explores the complexities of the medical field through real-life stories and insightful narratives. Gawande delves into the challenges and triumphs of being a doctor, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail, ethics, and ingenuity in the practice of medicine. The writing style is compelling and thought-provoking, drawing readers into the world of healthcare and showcasing the dedication and struggles of medical professionals.

    Atul Gawande is one of the world’s most distinguished doctors. A 2006 MacArthur Fellow, he is a general surgeon at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, a staff writer for the New Yorker, an ass...

  3. #3

    Taking the Long Way by Lily R. Mason
    Save:

    Taking the Long Way by Lily R. Mason is a captivating story that delves into themes of alcoholism, mental health, addictive relationships, personal growth, work and school pressures. The novel follows the journey of two girls, Natalia and Bridget, through their ups and downs, trials and slips, showcasing their growth and evolution over a span of 10 years. The book is described as a realistic portrayal of life, with deep emotional moments that left readers questioning their own relationships and feeling a strong connection to the characters' struggles.

    The narrative is not just about a romantic relationship but also explores self-acceptance, societal views, and the complexities of human emotions. With a writing style that immerses readers into the characters' lives, the book takes them on a journey of love, growth, and understanding, making them reflect on their own experiences and relationships.

    If there was one thing Natalia Torres knew for certain now, it was that she was hopelessly, devastatingly in love. She was so in love that she could never be out of love. She was so in love that she w...

  4. #4

    Pamela by Samuel Richardson
    Save:

    'Pamela' by Samuel Richardson is a novel set in the 18th century, focusing on the story of a young servant girl named Pamela who faces the unwanted advances of her employer's son, Mr. B. The book is written in an epistolary format, with Pamela narrating her experiences through letters to her parents. The plot revolves around Pamela's struggles to maintain her virtue and resist Mr. B's advances, ultimately leading to a surprising turn of events where she ends up marrying him.

    I RETURN the Manuscript of Pamela by the Bearer, which I have read with a great deal of Pleasure. It is written with that Spirit of Truth and agreeable Simplicity, which, tho’ much wanted, is seldom f...

  5. #5
    Comet in Moominland
    Book 3 in the series:The Moomins

    Comet in Moominland - The Moomins by Tove Jansson
    Save:

    'Comet in Moominland' is a heartwarming tale set in Moominvalley where the Moomin family and their friends embark on an adventure to uncover the mystery of a comet heading towards Earth. As young Moomintroll and his friend Sniff journey to the Observatory in the Lonely Mountains, they encounter strange creatures, make new friends, and face challenges along the way. The story is filled with fantastic creatures, silliness, adventure, and drama, all while exploring themes of friendship, bravery, and the impending apocalypse.

    The book is written in a whimsical and comical style, blending elements of fantasy and adventure with profound philosophical undertones. Tove Jansson's storytelling captures the essence of childhood wonder and curiosity, creating a world that is both fantastical and relatable. Through vivid descriptions and endearing characters, the book offers a comforting and engaging read for both children and adults alike.

    Sniff didn't say anything, but he got very pale about the nose. And at that moment a cackle of spooky laughter broke the silence, and down fell a big blue plum, which nearly hit Moomintroll in the eye...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Moomins )

  6. #6

    Invisible Murder - Nina Borg by Agnete Friis, Lene Kaaberbøl
    Save:

    Invisible Murder by Lene Kaaberbøl is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Red Cross nurse Nina Borg as she gets entangled in a complex web of danger and intrigue while trying to help Hungarian refugees in Denmark. The book weaves together multiple plotlines involving characters like Sandor, a law student in Budapest, and Jorgen Skou Larsen, a retired Danish building inspector, to create a suspenseful tale that explores themes of racism, illegal immigration, and the plight of the Roma community in Europe.

    The authors, Kaaberbøl and Friis, skillfully blend together various storylines that eventually converge to reveal a thrilling mystery at the heart of the novel. Through their detailed research and compelling writing style, they paint a vivid picture of the characters' struggles, the socio-political issues they face, and the unexpected twists that keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

    When he got out of bed in the mornings, he felt a certain amount of resistance as he inhaled, as if breathing was no longer something that could be taken for granted. He had to exert himself. The pain...

    (Also, see 31 recommendations for the series Nina Borg )

  7. #7

    The Forest of Doom - Fighting Fantasy by Ian Livingstone
    Save:

    The Forest of Doom is a gamebook where you are tasked with exploring a deep, forbidding forest primeval to find the missing magical Hammer of Gillibran. The book is an interactive fantasy story with an RPG element, allowing readers to fight their way through treacherous forests filled with interesting creatures like beast men, goblins, giants, and more. The book combines storytelling with dice rolls, combat systems, and decision-making, making it an engaging and immersive experience for readers who enjoy fantasy adventures.

    The writing style of The Forest of Doom is described as captivating and engaging, drawing readers into a world filled with varied monsters and challenging encounters. The interactive nature of the book, where readers make choices that impact the outcome of the story, adds depth to the narrative and keeps readers actively engaged in the adventure. The book not only offers a thrilling fantasy story but also provides a game-like experience that allows readers to explore different paths and outcomes, making it a unique and enjoyable read for fans of the genre.


    (Also, see 34 recommendations for the series Fighting Fantasy )

  8. #8

    The Oregon Trail by Francis Parkman
    Save:

    'The Oregon Trail' by Francis Parkman is a detailed and immersive account of the author's journey West in the 1840s, providing firsthand experiences of traveling through the Great Plains and interacting with Native American tribes. Parkman's writing style is described as colorful, humorous, insightful, and historical, offering readers a glimpse into a bygone era with vivid descriptions of landscapes, rivers, prairies, forts, and life on the frontier. The book delves into the hardships endured by pioneers, the conflicts between whites and Native Americans, and the changing values of society during that time period.

    Last spring, 1846, was a busy season in the City of St. Louis. Not onlywere emigrants from every part of the country preparing for the journeyto Oregon and California, but an unusual number of traders...

  9. #9

    Fighting Monks and Burning Mountains by Paul Barach
    Save:

    'Fighting Monks and Burning Mountains' by Paul Barach is a humorous and insightful account of the author's challenging pilgrimage around the Japanese island of Shikoku. Through witty humor and honest storytelling, Barach takes the readers on a journey filled with highs and lows, overcoming record summer heat and exhaustion to complete the odyssey. The book highlights the significance of the pilgrimage, the encounters with locals, and the personal growth experienced by the author throughout the journey.


  10. #10

    Gringos by Charles Portis
    Save:

    'Gringos' by Charles Portis is a humorous and witty novel that follows the adventures of Jimmy Burns, an ex-Marine living in Mexico, as he navigates through a series of misadventures involving a diverse cast of characters including hippies, archeologists, and UFO enthusiasts. The plot revolves around Jimmy's search for a young man named Rudy Kurle, leading to unexpected encounters and challenges in the Mexican jungle. Portis' writing style is described as clear, insightful, and filled with dry humor, offering a satirical take on American expatriates living in Mexico.

    CHRISTMAS AGAIN in Yucatán. Another year gone and I was still scratching around on this limestone peninsula. I woke at eight, late for me, wondering where I might find something to eat. Once again the...

Page 1 of 10Next Page