Books matching: child's innocent perspective
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- #1
Save:Philip Roth's 'The Plot Against America' is an alternative history novel that explores a world where Charles Lindbergh, a Nazi sympathizer, defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election. The story follows a Jewish family living in Newark, primarily through the eyes of a young Philip Roth, as they navigate the rise of anti-Semitism and the consequences of Lindbergh's presidency. The writing style is described as compelling, with long but readable sentences that present an altered reality that is both familiar and chilling.
Fear presides over these memories, a perpetual fear. Of course no childhood is without its terrors, yet I wonder if I would have been a less frightened boy if Lindbergh hadn't been president or if I h... - #2
Save:'The Mermaid's Revenge' by Amy Cross tells the story of Sylvia, a 10-year-old girl living with her mother in an upscale apartment. Their lives take a dark turn when Sylvia's mother captures a real-life mermaid and keeps her imprisoned in their home. The plot unfolds as Sylvia navigates the complexities of her mother's actions, the mermaid's captivity, and the greed that sets off a chain of events leading to a fight for survival. The narrative is filled with mystery, murder, mayhem, betrayals, and spine-tingling gore, making it a unique and intense read. The story is told from a child's perspective, adding an innocent yet chilling layer to the overall narrative.
The writing style of the book is described as a bit slow-paced with a lot of buildup and intensity. Despite some reiterations and repetitions in the storytelling, the book grips readers with its terrifying tale and unexpected twists. The author, Amy Cross, weaves a different kind of mermaid story, offering a fresh and intriguing take on the genre. The characters are strong, and the plot, although slow at times, delivers an acceptable resolution with a few surprises along the way.
- #3
Save:'My Name is Leon' by Kit de Waal is a poignant story that follows the life of Leon, a nine-year-old boy navigating the complexities of the foster care system in 1980s England. Born to a struggling mother dealing with postpartum depression and addiction, Leon finds himself separated from his baby brother, Jake, who gets adopted, while he continues to search for a sense of belonging and understanding in a world filled with challenges. The book beautifully captures Leon's emotional journey, touching on themes of family, love, identity, and resilience, all narrated through the innocent yet perceptive voice of a child.
The writing style of 'My Name is Leon' is deeply moving and thought-provoking, striking a delicate balance between heartbreak and hope. Through Leon's perspective, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as he grapples with loss, abandonment, and the yearning for connection amidst a backdrop of racial tension, mental health struggles, and the complexities of the foster care system. De Waal's storytelling skillfully weaves together themes of family dynamics, sibling relationships, and societal issues, creating a narrative that is both engaging and impactful.
She smiles at Leon and he knows that she’s kind and that she’ll look after the baby when he isn’t there. The baby has the smallest fingers Leon has ever seen. He looks like a doll with its eyes closed... - #4
Save:"The House at Pooh Corner" is a heartwarming continuation of the Pooh stories, where readers are taken on a journey through the Hundred Acre Wood with beloved characters like Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and the new addition, Tigger. The book is a collection of delightful tales that revolve around friendship, simple adventures, and the bittersweet realization that Christopher Robin is growing up and won't have as much time for his old friends. The writing style is simple, sweet, and English, with a touch of melancholy towards the end, leaving readers feeling warm and welcomed by the wholesome friendships portrayed.
By this time they were getting near Eeyore’s Gloomy Place, which was where he lived, and as it was still very snowy behind Piglet’s ears, and he was getting tired of it, they turned into a little pine...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Winnie-the-Pooh ) - #5
Save:To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic novel set in a small Southern town during the 1930s and 1940s. The story is told through the eyes of Scout, a young girl, and revolves around her father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends an African American man accused of rape. The book delves into themes of racial inequality, prejudice, family dynamics, and the loss of innocence, capturing the social issues and moral dilemmas prevalent during that era. The narrative style is engaging, with a mix of heartwarming moments, social commentary, and a child's perspective on the complexities of life.
When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem’s fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious abou... - #6
Save:'Thursday's Child' by Sonya Hartnett is a poignant story set in the harsh Australian outback during the Great Depression. The book follows the struggles of the Flute family, particularly focusing on young Harper Flute and her brother Tin, who has a unique talent for digging tunnels. Through Harper's eyes, readers witness the challenges faced by the family as they navigate through tough times, family dynamics, and personal tragedies. The author's masterful writing style, filled with amazing descriptions, beautifully captures the emotions and sorrows of the characters, making it a moving and realistic portrayal of family life during spartan times.
The story delves into themes of bravery, cowardice, action, and inaction, exploring the complexities of family relationships and the impact of difficult circumstances on individual characters. Despite some readers finding parts of the story dark and depressing, the book is commended for its ability to engage readers with its flowing narrative and vivid storytelling. With a blend of realism and a touch of magic, 'Thursday's Child' is a beautifully written depiction of family life, offering a unique and captivating reading experience.
NOW I WOULD LIKE to tell you about my brother, Tin. James Augustin Barnabas Flute, he was, born on a Thursday and so fated to his wanderings, but we called him Tin for short. He wasn’t my youngest bro... - #7
Save:'When We Were Romans' by Matthew Kneale is a poignant story narrated by a nine-year-old boy named Lawrence, who tries to hold his family together as his mother grapples with mental instability. The book follows Lawrence, his mother, and younger sister as they move from place to place to escape the children's father, with Lawrence recognizing the need to be strong and take care of his family. Through Lawrence's eyes, the reader witnesses the emotional journey of a child caught in the aftermath of his parents' separation, dealing with bewilderment, anguish, and mixed loyalties.
The narrative style of the book is unique, written as a stream of consciousness from Lawrence's perspective. The author, Matthew Kneale, successfully captures the voice of a child, incorporating phonetic spellings and authentic childlike thoughts. The story unfolds through Lawrence's eyes, revealing the challenges he faces in trying to maintain normalcy in a dysfunctional family situation, ultimately leading to a sad and compelling exploration of childhood and family dynamics.
- #8
Save:'What Maisie Knew' by Henry James delves into the tumultuous life of young Maisie, who becomes the unwitting pawn in the bitter divorce of her parents, Beale and Ida Farange. The story unfolds as Maisie is shuttled between her neglectful parents and their new spouses, all of whom use her as a means to further their own agendas. Through Maisie's innocent eyes, the reader witnesses the moral failings, deviousness, and selfishness of the adults in her life, highlighting the complexities of adult relationships and the impact on a child caught in the midst of it all. Henry James weaves a narrative that explores themes of divorce, custody battles, manipulation, and the loss of innocence, all through Maisie's perspective, providing a unique and compelling insight into the adult world as seen through a child's eyes.
The writing style of 'What Maisie Knew' is characterized by long, convoluted sentences, intricate descriptions, and a narrative that is filtered through Maisie's perceptions. Henry James skillfully presents the story in a manner that allows the reader to observe the moral inadequacies and deviousness of the adult characters, while Maisie remains the innocent observer, gradually gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of adult life. The book challenges the reader to navigate through the tangled tale of relationships, power dynamics, and societal norms, all while maintaining a sense of wit and lightness that adds depth to the narrative.
The child was provided for, but the new arrangement was inevitably confounding to a young intelligence intensely aware that something had happened which must matter a good deal and looking anxiously o... - #9
Save:Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman is a horror novel following a young girl named Bela, who is haunted by a malevolent supernatural entity she calls Other Mommy. The story unfolds as Bela's family navigates the terror created by this strange presence, leading them to seek help from friends and family while attempting to escape the horrors within their own home. The plot starts off intriguingly, building tension and suspense, yet some readers found the pacing slow and the resolution unsatisfying, feeling the end fell flat in comparison to the earlier gripping narrative.
Malerman's writing style has been described as beautifully creepy, with an engaging flow that immerses readers despite some criticisms of the narrative voice not quite fitting the perspective of a child. His unique choice to write this novel in silence adds a layer of depth to the haunting imagery. However, some felt the experimental format distracted from the experience and the character development lacked coherence. Overall, while the book delivers chilling moments, opinions vary on its effectiveness as a horror story.
- #10
Save:'Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha' by Roddy Doyle is a novel that delves into the childhood adventures of Patrick Paddy Clarke, a ten-year-old boy living in the Dublin suburbs. The book portrays Paddy's mischievous antics with his group of friends, their interactions with parents, teachers, and the community, as well as the gradual dissolution of his parents' marriage. Doyle's writing style is unconventional, with no chapters but breaks between episodes, offering readers a glimpse into Irish life in the 1960s through Paddy's eyes. The narrative follows Paddy's growth, his relationships, and the challenges he faces as his family dynamics change.
We were talking about having a dead ma. Sinbad, my little brother, started crying. Liam was in my class in school. He dirtied his trousers one day - the smell of it rushed at us like the blast of heat...
