Books matching: compelling prose
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'To Walk the Night' by William Sloane is a slowly building science fiction horror story that was first published in 1937. The plot revolves around the protagonist, Berekley Jones, who narrates the circumstances leading up to the suicide of his friend Jerry Lister to Jerry's father. The story unfolds with the discovery of the dead body of one of their former professors, which leads Jerry and Berekley to encounter the enigmatic widow Selena. While Jerry falls for Selena, Berekley harbors a deep fear of her, setting the stage for a mysterious and eerie courtship. As the narrative delves deeper into Selena's true nature, the tension escalates, creating a palpable sense of dread throughout the book.
The writing style of 'To Walk the Night' is praised for its compelling prose and disconcerting themes. The author, William Sloane, skillfully combines elements of horror, mystery, and subtle science fiction influences to create a masterpiece of slowly building suspense. The story is described as a blend of psychological horror and tension, with a narrative that evokes a haunting and unforgettable mood, making it a unique and captivating read.
- #2
Save:'The Romantic' by Barbara Gowdy is a non-linear, unconventional love story that follows the life of Louise Kirk and her obsession with Abel Richter. The story explores themes of unrequited love, loneliness, and the impact of childhood abandonment on Louise's life. The narrative is filled with complex characters, including Louise's beautiful but distant mother, Grace, and the introspective and self-destructive Abel. The book's writing style is described as beautifully descriptive with a mix of humor, sadness, and existentialist themes, creating a compelling and emotionally engaging read.
Right after Abel died, every memory of him was so fresh that it seemed part of an ongoing story, like the smell of somebody’s cigarette smoke or perfume lingering in an empty room. I kept expecting to... - #3
Save:'Fall Semester' by Stephanie Fournet follows the story of Malcolm, a college professor feeling unworthy of love and life, who finds solace in a new teaching assistant, Maren. Their journey is filled with self-scrutiny, ambition, lust, grief, and desire, all set against the backdrop of an unremarkable local university. The author, Stephanie Fournet, skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and emotional growth through vibrant characters and expressive writing, creating a compelling and emotional tale of forbidden love.
Malcolm Vashal didn’t make a habit of looking in the mirror, not directly, anyway. He would give his reflection a downcast focus at the medicine cabinet when he shaved each morning, but while brushing... 'The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession' by Michael Finkel delves into the real-life story of Stéphane Breitwieser, an art thief who embarked on a decade-long spree of stealing valuable artworks from museums across Europe, alongside his girlfriend Anne Catherine Kleinklaus. The narrative explores Breitwieser's obsession with art and his daring heists, shedding light on the psychological motivations behind his criminal activities. Finkel's writing style is described as compelling, with a perfect balance between intricate details of the art world and the emotional depth of the characters, making the book both informative and captivating.
The author skillfully navigates the complexities of the art theft world, offering readers a unique and refreshing perspective on true crime storytelling. With impeccable pacing and a narrative that unfolds with new revelations and twists in every chapter, Finkel keeps the readers engaged and eager to uncover the next turn of events. not only provides insights into the art world and the psychology of theft but also delves into the love story at the core of the saga, emphasizing the universal themes of connection, obsession, and the extremes to which individuals are driven by their desires.
- #5
Save:'War Witch' by Layla Nash is a gripping urban fantasy novel set in a post-war era where magic has been unleashed upon the world, revealing the existence of supernatural beings known as Others. The story follows Lily, a powerful yet despised War Witch with a haunted past and PTSD from the brutal war between humans and supernaturals. As an Unaligned witch, Lily navigates a dangerous world of shifting alliances, dark magic, and political intrigue while trying to uncover the mysteries behind the escalating threats to her city and herself. The book's fast-paced plot, filled with action-packed scenes, demons, spirits, and complex relationships, keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they delve into a world of magic, betrayal, and survival.
Layla Nash's writing style in 'War Witch' is described as gritty, unpredictable, and well-crafted, offering a refreshing take on urban fantasy with a strong female lead character. The story is not only about magical abilities and supernatural creatures but also delves into the psychological and physical toll of war, portraying realistic characters with flaws, trauma, and complex motivations. The book's darker tone, intricate world-building, and intricate plot twists make it a compelling read that delves deep into themes of trust, loyalty, and the consequences of past actions.
The buses never ran close enough to where I wanted to go. The rain held off as the bus lurched to a halt, still a mile from where my best friend's birthday party had no doubt kicked into high gear. Th... - #6
Save:'Skin Deep' by Liz Nugent is a gripping thriller that follows the life of Delia, a complex and intriguing character with a sociopathic personality. The story delves into Delia's childhood on the Island of Inishcrann, her relationships, and the dark events that unfold in her life. The book is a character study that intricately weaves together folklore, personal drama, and suspenseful elements. Nugent's writing style is described as compelling, with alternating perspectives and shocking revelations that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.
In our family, there were two sides, Mammy and the boys on one, and Daddy and me on the other. My brothers were loud and wild and rough. Brian was born two years after me, then Aidan a year later, and... - #7
Save:'A Storm of Swords' by George R.R. Martin is the third book in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, known for its intricate plotting, strong characters, and heady narrative. The book delves deeper into the world of Westeros, filled with chaos, betrayals, and dramatic climaxes. Readers are drawn into a web of complex characters, unexpected twists, and shocking moments that keep them on the edge of their seats. With a mix of soap opera-like drama and epic storytelling, the book explores the blurred lines between heroes and villains, making every character's journey compelling and modern.
The book is praised for its fast-paced and compelling storytelling, with a rollercoaster of emotions that range from surprises and heartache to satisfaction and eeriness. Martin's ability to create a beautifully complicated narrative, where major characters undergo drastic transformations and unexpected turns, captivates readers until the final page. As the plot unfolds, the story becomes more complex, engaging, and emotionally immersive, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
An east wind blew through his tangled hair, as soft and fragrant as Cersei’s fingers. He could hear birds singing, and feel the river moving beneath the boat as the sweep of the oars sent them toward ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series A Song of Ice and Fire ) - #8
Save:'You Are Not a Stranger Here' by Adam Haslett is a collection of short stories that delve into the themes of mental illness, emotional trauma, and identity. The stories feature characters facing various struggles such as depression, suicide, and loss, portrayed with a raw and intense writing style. Each story explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships, often leaving readers with a deep sense of empathy towards the flawed and hurt characters.
TWO THINGS TO get straight from the beginning: I hate doctors and have never joined a support group in my life. At seventy-three, I’m not about to change. The mental health establishment can go screw ... 'The End of Loyalty: The Rise and Fall of Good Jobs in America' by Rick Wartzman delves into the economic transformation in the late 20th century, highlighting how corporate America shifted its focus from community and employee welfare to solely prioritizing shareholder interests. Through detailed examples of companies like GM, GE, Kodak, and Coca Cola, the author illustrates the evolution of corporate values and the impact on workers and society. Wartzman weaves a compelling narrative that explores the erosion of the employer-employee relationship over the decades, questioning the implications of this shift in the context of the American Dream.
We tend to paint history as a series of sharply defined events, as if someone flicks a switch and one era instantly gives way to the next. Sometimes, these neat blocks are viewed as cause and effect: ...- #10
Save:Sex, Lies & Nikolai by R.J. Lewis is a powerful and emotional story that delves into the lives of Alina, a young girl struggling with poverty and desperation, and Nikolai, an ex-Mafia Russian with a mysterious and complex personality. The book explores the deep connection and chemistry between Alina and Nikolai, as well as the challenges and hardships they face in their respective lives. R.J. Lewis' writing style is described as raw, compelling, and descriptive, capturing the angst, lust, and emotions of the characters in a way that immerses the reader in the story from the very beginning.
I stand behind the counter of the convenience store and watch him enter. His blue eyes meet mine for a fraction of a second, enough to make my spine tingle and my cheeks heat, and then he looks away a...
