Books matching: community dynamics
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Silver Moon by Catherine Lundoff is an urban fantasy novel that introduces a unique concept of menopausal women turning into werewolves to protect their community. The story follows Becca Thornton, a divorced woman going through menopause, who discovers her newfound abilities and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The writing style is described as well-crafted, with a slow start that eventually builds up to an engaging and action-packed plot, exploring themes of identity, love, and the challenges of embracing change.
- #2
Save:'The Ladies Auxiliary' by Tova Mirvis is a novel that delves into the lives of Orthodox Jewish women in Memphis, Tennessee. The story revolves around the arrival of a newcomer, Batsheva, who disrupts the community with her unorthodox behavior and challenges the traditions and norms of the community. Through the collective voice of the women in the community, the novel explores themes of identity, faith, community dynamics, and the clash between individualism and tradition. The narrative unfolds as the community grapples with change, insecurities, and the impact of Batsheva's presence on their tightly-knit world.
The book is characterized by its intricate portrayal of the Orthodox Jewish community in Memphis, blending religious traditions with Southern culture. Mirvis weaves a narrative that offers insights into the complexities of faith, belonging, and tradition, while also highlighting the struggles and conflicts faced by the characters as they navigate personal beliefs and community expectations. The novel's plot unfolds with a mix of drama, introspection, and societal commentary, drawing readers into a world where individuality clashes with conformity, leading to a poignant exploration of community dynamics and personal growth.
BATSHEVA APPEARED IN OUR lives on a Friday afternoon as we were getting ready for Shabbos. It was inappropriate that she moved in when she did. Not that there was any religious prohibition against it,... - #3
Save:'Courting Miss Hattie' by Pamela Morsi tells the story of Hattie Colfax, a plain woman of 29 years who has been tending her farm with the help of Reed Tyler, her childhood friend and now sharecropper. Reed has been working on the Colfax farm since he was a child, and now at 24, he dreams of buying the land from Hattie to make a life with his beautiful fiancée. However, when Hattie is courted for the first time, Reed realizes that it is not his fiancée, but Hattie that he truly desires. explores themes of friendship turning into love, self-acceptance, and the challenges of finding happiness in unexpected places.
Pamela Morsi's writing style in 'Courting Miss Hattie' is characterized by romantic tension, well-developed characters, and a touch of realism. beautifully portrays the evolution of feelings between Reed and Hattie, capturing the nuances of their relationship as it transitions from friendship to love. Morsi's storytelling weaves together themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, creating a heartwarming tale of finding love in familiar faces and unexpected places.
The stillness of the gray morning was abruptly shattered as the barn door flew open, slamming back on its hinges. Peering out as if to see if the coast was clear was a handsome, well-groomed nanny goa... - #4
Save:Set in the Shetland Islands, 'Raven Black' by Ann Cleeves follows Inspector Jimmy Perez as he investigates the murder of a teenage girl, uncovering a complex web of suspects and motives. The story is filled with twists and turns, drawing readers into a world of quiet contemplation and intriguing characters. The atmospheric writing style immerses the reader in the desolate yet captivating setting of the Shetland Islands, adding depth to the mystery.
Twenty past one in the morning on New Year’s Day. Magnus knew the time because of the fat clock, his mother’s clock, which squatted on the shelf over the fire. In the corner the raven in the wicker ca... - #5
Save:The Church Of Dead Girls by Stephen Dobyns is a psychological thriller set in a small town named Aurelius, where the disappearance of three teenage girls sends shockwaves through the community. The narrative delves into the town's descent into suspicion, fear, and violence as residents turn on each other amidst the gruesome murders. Dobyns intricately weaves a complex novel, focusing on the characters' backgrounds and motivations, providing a chilling portrayal of how suspicion tears apart the once close-knit town.
The book offers a slow build-up of tension, focusing on the behavior of the townspeople as they become as extreme and immoral as the killer. Through a school teacher's perspective, the reader is immersed in the characters' thoughts and motivations, creating a suspense-filled tale that explores the dark secrets and hidden desires of humanity in the face of tragedy.
Afterward everyone said it began with the disappearance of the first girl, but it began earlier than that. There are always incidents that precede an outrage and that seem unconnected or otherwise inn... - #6
Save:"Evidence of Love" by John Bloom is a true crime story that delves deep into the lives of the main characters involved in a tragic murder in small-town Texas. The narrative provides a complete picture of the individuals, their backgrounds, and the events leading up to the gruesome ax murder, all while maintaining an engaging and eloquent writing style that captures the reader's attention. The story unfolds in a way that keeps readers enthralled, making it difficult to put the book down as they are drawn into the complexities of human deception and the disturbing nature of the crime.
The children stopped fidgeting in the church pews, and all you could hear was the whir of the ceiling fan and the occasional rattle of paper as the younger ones played with their song sheets. All fift... - #7
Save:'Deadbreak' by Jorge Sanchez is a post-apocalyptic zombie tale following the protagonist, Jeremiah, on a mission to find his daughter in a world filled with survival, fear, and the best and worst sides of humanity. The story is fast-paced, filled with action, humor, and tension, while also exploring deeper themes of community, settlements, and the darker side of human nature. The narrative is immersive, engaging readers from the first page and offering a unique take on the zombie genre with well-developed characters and a strong female hero.
I’d spent the last eight hours surrounded by the undead, trapped in an upstairs bedroom of a suburban home. You know the ones, those cookie cutter houses in generic subdivisions where people pick up t... - #8
Save:In the small town of Gilson Creek, under the full moon, multiple deaths awaken a deep fear among the residents. Sheriff Joe must confront his past to save his daughter and the town from the terror unleashed by a man-eating and ruthless werewolf. The book is described as a classic werewolf story with a unique twist, where the werewolves are not mindless creatures but intelligent beings seeking vengeance. The plot is fast-paced, full of action, blood, and gore, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats from the first chapter to the tense final act.
Glenn Rolfe's writing style is praised for its ability to creep out readers and create a world that feels both refreshing and familiar. The author's world-building and knowledge of small-town living shine through in this epic tale, reminiscent of the works of iconic horror authors like King and Keene. The characters are well-developed, realistic, and engaging, adding depth to the story and allowing readers to connect with their struggles and relationships.
Brian Rowel’s evening had been full of mind-numbing conversations inspired by an endless stream of stupid questions. Add in a devilish dark-haired temptress and this torrential downpour, and the whole... - #9
Save:'Folk Around and Find Out' by Penny Reid follows the story of Charlotte, a divorced mother of four, who applies for a job as an exotic dancer in search of her cousin. Despite the town's shock, Hank, the strip club owner, reluctantly offers her another position. As they spend time together, they realize they never truly knew each other and begin to see each other in a new light. explores their evolving relationship, filled with friction, understanding, and mutual support, set against the backdrop of a small town with complex community ties.
Readers praise Reid's ability to create realistic and relatable characters, especially the dynamic between Charlotte and Hank. The writing style is described as engaging, with a perfect balance of emotions, struggles, and vulnerabilities in the characters, making them come alive on the page. The story is a blend of romance, family dynamics, and character development, offering a heartfelt and tender love story that captures readers' hearts.
(Also, see 49 recommendations for the series Good Folk: Modern Folktales ) - #10
Save:'The Sparrow Sisters' by Ellen Herrick is a captivating story about three sisters, Sorrel, Nettie, and Patience, who run a plant nursery in a small American town. The sisters possess magical abilities to make plants flourish beyond belief. However, their idyllic life takes a dark turn when a young boy dies, and one of the sisters is accused of causing his death. The book delves into themes of sisterhood, community, love, loss, and the power of women coming together to protect their own. The writing style is enchanting, reminiscent of Alice Hoffman's, and draws readers in with its vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters' habits and relationships.
Once there were four Sparrow Sisters. Everyone called them the Sisters, capitalized, and referred to them as a group, even when just one had come to the post office to collect the mail. “The Sisters a...
