Books matching: complex friendships
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire is the third book in the October Daye series, following changeling Toby as she navigates the fae world in San Francisco. In this installment, children, including fae, changeling, and human, have gone missing, leading Toby on a dangerous quest to save them from Blind Michael, a powerful figure leading the Wild Hunt. The book is praised for its dark and suspenseful plot, intricate world-building, and the growth of the main character as she faces impossible challenges and learns to accept help from others.
ONE THING I’VE LEARNED IN MY TIME working as a private investigator-slash-knight errant for the fae community of the San Francisco Bay Area: if something looks like it’s going to be simple, it probabl...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series October Daye ) - #2
Save:'I Kissed Alice' by Anna Birch is a complex story about two girls, Iliana and Rhodes, who despise each other in real life but unknowingly connect online through an Alice in Wonderland fanfiction page. The book delves into toxic friendships, mental health struggles, bribery, and the complexities of high school drama as the girls compete for an art scholarship. The plot unfolds with the girls navigating their muddled history, online personas, and personal animosities, leading to a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tale filled with art, privilege, and self-discovery.
The writing style of 'I Kissed Alice' is engaging, funny, and romantic when needed, with a good pace that keeps readers hooked. The story explores themes of fandom, art, writing, rivalry, and representation, set against the backdrop of Birmingham. The characters are depicted as complex and nuanced, showcasing the struggles and growth of teenage girls dealing with personal issues, academic pressures, and complicated relationships.
We’re standing in the doorway of the dorm room Rhodes shares with Sarah Wade, my best friend since we were kids, and I never have any idea what’s happened here. She doesn’t tell me when she fights wit... - #3
Save:'Narcissus Ascending: A Novel' by Karen McKinnon is a modern story that delves into the joys and sorrows of friendship, focusing on the complex and self-absorbed characters of Becky and Callie. The narrative, written in a unique diary-like style, explores the intertwined lives of four friends in New York's East Village, each dealing with the aftermath of their interactions with the mysterious Callie. Through introspective character development and engaging storytelling, the book offers a revealing look at human nature and the struggles of young adults in today's society.
The writing style of 'Narcissus Ascending' is described as engaging and thought-provoking, with a narrative structure that requires the reader to delve deeper into the intertwined lives of the characters. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of friendship, neurosis, desire, and ambition, as well as the complexities of human relationships in a modern setting, leaving readers contemplating the characters' actions and motivations long after finishing the book.
- #4
Save:'The Black Wolves of Boston' by Wen Spencer is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Joshua, a dorky teen who becomes a werewolf and has his life turned upside down. Alongside characters like Seth, the werewolf Prince of Boston, Elise, a semi angelic warrior, and Decker, an ancient vampire, they must deal with evil magic workers who want to capture and use Joshua for their nefarious schemes. The story unfolds with well-rounded characters, an interesting magic system, and a twisty plot, creating an enjoyable read that intertwines the lives of the characters as they navigate a world suddenly gone very strange.
The plot of the book delves into themes of love, friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery, all within an urban fantasy setting. With multiple viewpoints from characters like Joshua, Decker, Seth, and Elise, the story follows their journey as they come together to uncover and defeat the evil plans of the Wickers, a faction of witches aiming to take over the werewolf Prince of Boston. Through funny and touching moments, the book explores the relationships and dynamics between the characters, offering a mix of adventure, humor, and emotional depth in a well-thought-out fantasy world.
He hit yet another oak tree, this one only about four inches wide, but enough to knock him down and nearly knock him out when he hit it. Acorns rained down on him. It felt like the oak tree was laughi... - #5
Save:'Forbidden Colors' by Yukio Mishima is a complex and dark exploration of homosexuality, manipulation, and revenge in postwar Japan. The book follows the story of Yuichi, a beautiful young man manipulated by the aging author Shunsuke to seek revenge on women who have scorned him. As Yuichi delves deeper into Tokyo's gay scene, the novel delves into themes of beauty, obsession, and the blurred lines between love and hatred. Mishima's writing style is described as detailed, poetic, and at times shocking, with a focus on the exploration of human relationships and desires.
It was the summer of 1950. Mornings Shunsuke received no visitors. If he felt like it, he would work. If he didn’t, he would write letters, or have his chair set out in the garden and stretch out in i... - #6
Save:'Blood: A Novel' by Patricia Traxler follows the story of Norrie, a painter who receives a Radcliffe Fellowship and moves to an apartment in Harvard Housing to focus on her art. The book delves into Norrie's passionate affair with Michael, a married writer, and her relationships with her friends Clara and Devi. As the plot unfolds, a murder occurs, leading to suspicions and tensions among the characters. Traxler's writing style intricately weaves together themes of love, art, friendship, and the darker aspects of human nature.
- #7
Save:In "Grist Mill Road" by Christopher J. Yates, the story revolves around three childhood friends, Hannah, Patch (Tricky Patrick), and Matthew, whose lives are forever intertwined by a tragic event that occurs in their youth. The narrative alternates between the past, when a horrific crime takes place in 1982, and the present in 2008, as the characters grapple with the repercussions of their actions. The novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, love, loyalty, and the lasting impact of past events on the characters' lives.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, providing insights into the complex relationships and emotions of the characters. As the plot unfolds, secrets are slowly revealed, and the reader is taken on a journey of suspense, mystery, and psychological exploration. The writing style is described as descriptive, tight, and engaging, with a structure that alternates between timelines to create a sense of intrigue and depth to the narrative.
I remember the gunshots made a wet sort of sound, phssh phssh phssh, and each time he hit her she screamed. Do the math and the whole thing probably went on for as long as ten minutes. I just stood th... - #8
Save:Love Monkey by Kyle Smith is a witty and humorous tale centered around Tom Ferrell, a sarcastic and cynical manboy navigating his love life in New York City. The story follows Tom's misadventures, romantic pursuits, and interactions with a colorful cast of friends and acquaintances. The plot takes a turn after the September 11th attacks, impacting Tom's relationships and leading to a mix of both positive and negative outcomes.
1:00. To the Met. Check out Vermeer exhibit. Strike up conversation with cute twenty-five-year-old Dutch graduate student I meet standing in front of Woman Wearing Doily Around Her Neck; obtain her nu... - #9
Save:'A House Like a Lotus' is a coming-of-age novel that follows Polly O'Keefe, the daughter of characters from the 'A Wrinkle in Time' series, as she navigates through various social issues while growing up. The book delves into adult themes such as sexuality, sexual orientation, and forgiveness, all handled tastefully but with a touch of datedness. Polly's introspective journey is intertwined with flashbacks and present-day experiences, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and engaging.
(Also, see 7 recommendations for the series O'Keefe Family ) - #10
Save:"Tears in Rain" by Rosa Montero is set in a future Earth where replicants, genetically engineered human beings, are created with false memories and face discrimination despite theoretical equal rights. The story follows Bruna Husky, a retired combat rep turned private investigator, as she uncovers a conspiracy involving replicants with infected memories committing crimes and an anti-replicant hate group rising to power. Montero weaves a narrative exploring themes of memory, death, and societal coexistence in a dystopian setting, reminiscent of Blade Runner but with a deeper exploration of characters and emotions.
A whiplash of pain shot between her temples. The apartment was in semidarkness and the early evening light was fading on the other side of the window. Dazed, she looked out over the familiar urban lan...
