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Books matching: character and emotional development

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  1. #1

    This Close to Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith
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    'This Close to Okay' by Leesa Cross-Smith is a story that unfolds over a weekend, focusing on the emotional connection between Tallie, a therapist, and Emmett, a man she saves from attempting suicide. As they spend time together, sharing half truths and partial lies, the characters navigate themes of grief, loss, and the boundaries of professional ethics. The narrative alternates between Tallie and Emmett's perspectives, revealing their struggles with mental health and the complexities of their evolving relationship.

    Tallie saw him drop his backpack and climb over the metal railing, the bridge. The gray Ohio River below them, a swift-rippling ribbon. She was driving slowly because of the rain, the crepuscular ligh...

  2. #2

    Before Us by Jewel E. Ann
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    'Before Us' by Jewel E. Ann is a poignant and emotionally complex story that delves into themes of love, loss, grief, and healing. The narrative follows Zach, who loses the love of his life to cancer and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and finding love again. The book intricately explores the dynamics of unrequited love, soulmates, and the complexities of navigating relationships after loss. Through well-developed characters like Zach, Suzie, and Emersyn, the author weaves a story that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, touching on themes of love, kindness, and resilience.

    Jewel E. Ann's writing style in 'Before Us' is described as captivating, evocative, and thought-provoking. The book is praised for its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in readers, from laughter to tears, and for its exploration of deep and timeless love stories. The author skillfully navigates delicate themes with a light touch, creating a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after they have finished the book.


  3. #3

    Sunrise on the Reaping - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
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    "Sunrise on the Reaping" is the gripping prequel to the Hunger Games series, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy. The story delves into his past, revealing his connections to various characters from the original series, like Katniss's and Peeta's parents, Plutarch, and Mags. With unexpected twists and nostalgia, the plot maintains an emotional depth that keeps readers engaged throughout. Haymitch's character evolves from the troubled drunk we know into a resourceful and caring young man, grappling with the brutal realities of his world.

    Suzanne Collins's writing style captivates and immerses readers in the harsh climate of Panem. The novel is filled with poignant moments and surprising revelations that enhance the original trilogy's depth. It explores themes of love, loss, and the weight of government oppression, pulling at the heartstrings with its emotional narrative. The book's well-crafted characters, combined with thrilling plot developments, make it a must-read for both fans of the original series and newcomers alike.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Hunger Games )

  4. #4

    The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord
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    The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord is a coming-of-age novel that follows Lucy Hansson, a teenager dealing with her mother's cancer diagnosis. Lucy decides to volunteer as a camp counselor at a camp for troubled kids, where she forms new friendships and relationships while navigating faith, grief, and self-discovery. The book explores themes of anxiety, doubt, faith, and growth through well-formed characters and authentic storytelling.

    I reach for my satin clutch, which took my mom and me hours of shopping to find. This purse was our holy grail: elegant, a deep red to add color to my ensemble, and actually big enough for all my esse...

  5. #5

    The New Wilderness by Diane Cook
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    The New Wilderness is a dystopian novel set in a future where cities are dying due to climate change and overpopulation. The story follows a group of people living in a polluted city who are selected to live in the last remaining wilderness area, following strict guidelines to leave no trace. The focus is on the relationships between characters, particularly the mother-daughter duo of Bea and Agnes, as they navigate survival in a harsh environment while dealing with government inefficiencies and personal challenges.

    The baby emerged from Bea the color of a bruise. Bea burned the cord somewhere between them and uncoiled it from the girl’s slight neck and, though she knew it was useless, swept her daughter up into ...

  6. #6

    Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip
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    Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip is a lyrical fantasy novel that follows Nepenthe, an orphan raised in a royal library, who discovers a mysterious book written in thorny letters that reveals the intertwined stories of a long-ago king and his mage. As Nepenthe deciphers the unique alphabet, she becomes entangled in palace intrigue and must confront her own origins. The book weaves together themes of love, magic, and destiny, creating a dreamy and enchanting world filled with rich imagery and complex characters.

    The writing style of Alphabet of Thorn is described as lyrical and poetic, with evocative language that immerses the reader in a realm of magic and fantasy. The plot unfolds through layers of storytelling, blending elements of mystery, romance, and coming-of-age themes. The novel explores the power of language, the importance of names, and the intricate connections between characters as they navigate a world where books hold secrets and libraries are at the heart of both knowledge and danger.

    On Dreamer’s Plain, the gathering of delegations from the Twelve Crowns of Raine for the coronation of the Queen of Raine looked like an invading army. So the young transcriptor thought, gazing out a ...

  7. #7

    A Ferry of Bones & Gold - Soulbound by Hailey Turner
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    'A Ferry of Bones & Gold' by Hailey Turner is an urban fantasy novel set in an alternative world filled with magic, weres, vampires, ancient gods, and sorcerers. The story follows Patrick and Jonno, who are thrown into a universe of magic and demons, where they must navigate through action-packed adventures involving gods, immortals, and creatures from hell. The book is praised for its complex and unpredictable plot, fantastic world-building, and engaging writing style that seamlessly incorporates elements of romance and supernatural beings.

    The book focuses on the journey of Patrick and Jonno as they face challenges, build a strong connection, and unravel mysteries in a world teeming with mythical creatures and powerful forces. Despite some criticisms about pacing and character development, readers appreciate the author's ability to create a captivating narrative that blends elements of action, romance, and magic into a compelling urban fantasy tale.

    New York City was not the beaches of Maui, where he should have been enjoying a long-delayed and much-needed vacation with as many tropical drinks as he could suck down. Instead, he was back on duty f...

  8. #8

    The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know by Shawn Coyne
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    Many readers found that 'The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know' by Shawn Coyne is a comprehensive guide on story structure and editing. The book delves into the importance of structure in storytelling, providing insights on how to use tools like The Story Grid to enhance one's writing process. Coyne uses examples from various genres to illustrate his points, focusing on elements like obligatory scenes, pacing, and character development. Some readers appreciated the detailed information on story creation, while others found the book to be more about revising and editing than initial writing guidance.

    When a manuscript that intrigues me arrives, I read it. I don’t take notes. I just read it. If I finish the entire book— twenty-four times out of twenty-five, I’ll abandon it early on as the obvious w...

  9. #9

    Want Me - Extracurricular Activities by Neve Wilder
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    'Want Me' by Neve Wilder is a steamy romance novel that follows the story of Nate and Eric, exploring themes of sexual exploration, self-discovery, and acceptance. The book delves into the relationship between the two main characters, starting as a hookup that evolves into a deep friendship and romance. The plot revolves around Nate's journey of realizing his bisexuality and coming to terms with his feelings for Eric, all while navigating the complexities of their growing connection. The writing style is described as detailed and descriptive, capturing the intense chemistry between Nate and Eric through sizzling sex scenes and emotional depth.

    The book is praised for its engaging plot that combines spice with a sweet romance, as well as the character development that showcases the nuanced personalities of Nate and Eric. Readers appreciate the exploration of themes such as sexual orientation, friendship, and acceptance, along with the author's ability to create relatable characters and a captivating storyline. Despite some pacing and editing issues, the book is commended for its steamy scenes, realistic character dynamics, and the balance between emotional depth and sensual moments.

    Upside: for once, I wasn’t nodding off in Western Civ II. Downside: it was because I was replaying last night. It wasn’t anything dramatic, and it wasn’t like I hadn’t been caught jerking off before; ...

  10. #10

    The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James
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    In the year 2109, the world's population has dwindled, leaving only two teenagers, Lowrie and Shen, as the last remaining humans on Earth due to a virus that rendered everyone sterile in 2024. Raised by a community of elderly individuals in central London, the two youngsters are taught essential life skills in preparation for a future where they will be the only survivors. As they uncover hidden truths about their existence and the world around them, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and unraveling the mysteries of their past, all while navigating the challenges of being the last of their kind.

    The plot of "The Quiet at the End of the World" delves into themes of survival, identity, and the consequences of a world devoid of new life. Through a mix of sci-fi elements and philosophical undertones, author Lauren James weaves a narrative that prompts readers to contemplate the fragility of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of an uncertain future.


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