Books matching: characters' struggles
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Save:'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman is a novel that delves into the life of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially isolated and awkward office worker with a traumatic past. The story follows Eleanor as she navigates through her daily routines, forming unexpected friendships, confronting her past, and gradually undergoing a transformation towards self-discovery and healing. The narrative style provides insights into Eleanor's quirky and complex personality, showcasing her struggles, growth, and interactions with those around her.
The book combines elements of humor, poignancy, and personal triumph as it unravels Eleanor's journey towards overcoming her deep sense of loneliness and guilt. Through subtle storytelling and engaging character development, the author paints a vivid picture of Eleanor's life, highlighting the power of small acts of kindness, the importance of human connection, and the themes of resilience and hope that resonate throughout the novel.
It’s definitely a two-tier system in the office; the creatives are the film stars, the rest of us merely supporting artists. You can tell by looking at us which category we fall into. To be fair, part... - #2
Save:The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.
The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a... - #3
Save:'The Way of Kings' in 'The Stormlight Archive' series by Brandon Sanderson is an epic fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world filled with unique magic systems, intricate world-building, and deep character development. The plot revolves around multiple main characters, each with their own complex storylines that eventually intertwine. The magic system in the book is innovative and tied to gems that capture stormlight, which powers magical armor and various other elements in the world. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of slow-paced world-building and action-packed sequences that keep readers hooked throughout the 1000+ pages of the book.
“You’ve killed me. Bastards, you’ve killed me! While the sun is still hot, I die!” —Collected on the fifth day of the week Chach of the month Betab of the year 1171, ten seconds before death. Subject ... - #4
Save:The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of Charlie, a high school freshman who navigates through the complexities of teenage life. The story is uniquely told through letters written by Charlie, allowing readers to delve into his inner thoughts and emotions as he grapples with issues such as friendship, love, loss, and self-discovery. The narrative captures the essence of being a teenager in the early 1990s, touching on themes of loneliness, mental health, and the challenges of growing up.
The book portrays Charlie's journey as he forms relationships with his peers, including the charismatic Patrick and enigmatic Sam, who help him navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. Through Charlie's introspective observations and poignant reflections, readers are drawn into a world of teenage struggles and triumphs, ultimately leading to a powerful and emotional exploration of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of youth.
I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn’t try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have. Please don’t try to figure out who she is because then... - #5
Save:Craig Gilner, a high school student struggling with depression and stress, checks himself into a psychiatric hospital after having suicidal thoughts. During his stay, he forms relationships with other patients and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The book portrays Craig's experiences in the adult psychiatric ward, highlighting themes of depression, teenage struggles, and finding hope amidst darkness. Ned Vizzini's writing style is described as insightful, humorous, and emotional, offering a unique perspective on mental health issues faced by teens.
It’s so hard to talk when you want to kill yourself. That’s above and beyond everything else, and it’s not a mental complaint—it’s a physical thing, like it’s physically hard to open your mouth and ma... - #6
Save:Turtles All the Way Down by John Green is a contemporary young adult novel that delves into the struggles of a teenage girl, Aza, who battles severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) while navigating relationships and attempting to solve a mystery involving a missing billionaire. The book skillfully explores the complexities of mental illness, friendship, and family dynamics, portraying the internal torment and external challenges faced by the protagonist with authenticity and insight. Through eloquent writing and a dual narrative of personal struggles and a gripping mystery, Green crafts a poignant story that sheds light on the realities of living with mental health issues.
The narrative in Turtles All the Way Down is enriched by John Green's trademark writing style, which combines philosophical reflections, poignant character dynamics, and introspective moments. The book offers a compelling exploration of themes such as anxiety, OCD, friendship, and identity, capturing the essence of teenage angst and the nuances of mental health struggles. Through a blend of heartfelt storytelling and realistic portrayals of characters, Green weaves a narrative that resonates with readers, evoking empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental illness.
AT THE TIME I FIRST REALIZED I might be fictional, my weekdays were spent at a publicly funded institution on the north side of Indianapolis called White River High School, where I was required to eat... - #7
Save:"Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky follows the story of Raskolnikov, a destitute former student who commits a murder without remorse, delving into the psychological and philosophical arguments behind his crime. The protagonist struggles with guilt, paranoia, and justification for his actions, ultimately facing the consequences of his crime before his punishment is delivered. The novel offers a deep exploration of the criminal mind, the complexities of morality, and the societal implications of one's actions, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia.
Dostoyevsky's writing style in "Crime and Punishment" is described as captivating, suspenseful, and multi-layered, offering an exciting and intriguing narrative with well-developed subplots. is praised for its ability to provoke introspection and raise thought-provoking questions, making readers consider existential crises, moral dilemmas, and the nature of sin. Despite some finding the book dense or challenging, many appreciate the novel for its depth, complexity, and timeless relevance in addressing profound themes.
He had successfully avoided meeting his landlady on the stairs. His closet of a room was under the roof of a high, five-floor house and was more like a cupboard than a place in which to live. The land... - #8
Save:'Hunger' by Knut Hamsun is a gripping and emotionally evocative novel that follows the unnamed protagonist, a starving writer journalist, as he navigates extreme poverty and hunger in the streets of Oslo. The narrative delves into the protagonist's descent into madness, his struggles with pride and self-destruction, and his relentless pursuit of dignity amidst dire circumstances. The writing style is stark, intense, and primal, portraying the protagonist's inner turmoil and erratic behavior with vivid descriptions of near insanity and misery.
Despite the bleak and intense atmosphere, 'Hunger' is lauded for its ability to immerse readers in the protagonist's psyche, leading them through moments of sublime passion, despair, and defiance. The novel offers a compelling exploration of themes such as pride, honor, shame, self-deception, and the complexities of human irrationality. Through a stream of consciousness narrative, the book provides a chilling and uncompromising look at the harsh realities of literary life in Oslo at the turn of the twentieth century, making it a thought-provoking read for those contemplating a life in artistic pursuits.
Lying awake in my attic room, I hear a clock strike six downstairs. It was fairly light already and people were beginning to walk up and down the stairs. Over by the door, where my room was papered wi... - #9
Save:"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman is a novel that has been compared to Harry Potter for adults, blending elements of magic, fantasy worlds, and coming-of-age themes. The story follows Quentin, an anxious and unhappy genius who discovers the existence of magic and is invited to a wizard school. However, as Quentin navigates through this world, he faces challenges, makes questionable decisions, and struggles with issues of self-identity and maturity. The book has been praised for its unique take on the magic school genre, incorporating elements of darkness, angst, and flawed characters reminiscent of those in "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt.
He snapped the cigarette away and set off across the wide lawn. He didn’t look back to see if Quentin was following, which at first Quentin didn’t, but then a sudden fear of being left alone in this p... - #10
Save:"No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai is a bleak and introspective novel that delves into the life of Oba Yozo, a character struggling with feelings of alienation and disconnection from society. The book explores themes of loneliness, suicide, and existential dread through Yozo's eyes as he navigates a world where he feels like an outsider. The writing style is described as powerful and impactful, with a narrative that captures the protagonist's internal turmoil and despair in a poignant manner.
I can’t even guess myself what it must be to live the life of a human being. I was born in a village in the Northeast, and it wasn’t until I was quite big that I saw my first train. I climbed up and d...
