Books matching: contemplation of death
40 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy is a novella that delves into the contemplation of death and the meaning of life through the lens of the protagonist, Ivan Ilyich. The story follows the journey of a high-level judge who discovers he has an incurable illness, leading him to question his life choices, relationships, and societal norms as he approaches his inevitable death. Tolstoy masterfully captures the psychological turmoil of a dying man and explores themes of suffering, decay, and the human struggle to come to terms with mortality.
The narrative skillfully portrays Ivan Ilyich's internal struggles, self-reflection, and existential crisis as he grapples with his impending death. Through a series of introspective moments, the reader is confronted with the stark reality of mortality and the protagonist's quest for redemption and understanding in the face of life's uncertainties.
1847 Inherits estate of Yasnaya Polyana. Recovering from gonorrhoea, draws up scheme for self-perfection. Leaves university without completing studies ‘on grounds of ill health and domestic circumstan... - #2
Save:This book delves into the contemplation of death and the spiritual journey surrounding it, offering a unique perspective from a Buddhist monk. Thich Nhat Hanh provides comforting wisdom and guidance on understanding the concept of death and what lies beyond, using simple and easily digestible stories to convey profound teachings. The book is filled with poetic language and philosophical arguments that may challenge readers but ultimately offer insights into the nature of birth, death, and rebirth.
In my hermitage in France there is a bush of japonica, Japanese quince. The bush usually blossoms in the spring, but one winter it had been quite warm and the flower buds had come early. During the ni... - #3
Save:'Satin Island' by Tom McCarthy follows the life of U., an anthropologist working for a mysterious corporation on a project that involves reflecting the company back to itself. The novel delves into U.'s musings and reflections on his job, relationships, and life, with a focus on themes such as the search for meaning, perception, and the impact of humanity on the environment. Written in a unique and erudite style, the book navigates through U.'s consciousness, his interactions with colleagues, and his quest to create a new way of presenting his study, all while exploring patterns, symbolism, and philosophical musings.
- #4
Save:The Professor's House by Willa Cather is a novel that delves into the life of a successful history professor, Godfrey St. Peter, who finds himself emotionally isolated from his family after they move to a new home. The story follows his reflections on key relationships in his life, particularly with his daughter Rosamond and her deceased fiance Tom Outland. The narrative is divided into three parts, exploring family dynamics, the adventurous life of Tom Outland in the American Southwest, and St. Peter's internal struggles and existential crisis. Willa Cather's writing style is described as beautifully descriptive, illuminating both the Midwestern town and the Southwest landscapes, with richly developed characters that are multifaceted and completely human.
The moving was over and done. Professor St. Peter was alone in the dismantled house where he had lived ever since his marriage, where he had worked out his career and brought up his two daughters. It... - #5
Save:The Heather Blazing by Colm Toibin is a quiet novel that follows the life of Eamon Redmond, a High Court judge in Dublin, as he reflects on his past, family, and relationships. Set in Ireland, the book explores themes of memories, family dynamics, politics, and the passing of time. The narrative flows effortlessly between past and present, revealing a complex interconnection between the protagonist's childhood experiences and his adult life, all while showcasing the beautiful Irish landscape and sea.
Eamon Redmond stood at the window looking down at the river which was deep brown after days of rain. He watched the colour, the mixture of mud and water, and the small currents and pockets of movement... - #6
Save:Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that follows the conversations between a young girl named Cecilia, who is terminally ill, and an angel named Ariel. As Cecilia grapples with her impending death, the interactions between the two characters touch upon deep philosophical and theological issues, exploring themes of life, death, faith, and the universe. The novel beautifully weaves together the perspectives of a mortal human and a celestial being, creating a touching narrative that challenges readers to contemplate the mysteries of existence.
Through a series of dialogues, Gaarder skillfully delves into the complexities of human emotions and the nature of spirituality, all while maintaining a sense of charm and sensitivity in his storytelling. The book presents a unique blend of fantasy, philosophy, and faith, inviting readers of all ages to ponder on the profound questions about life and mortality, making it a compelling and engaging read that leaves a lasting impact.
- #7
Save:'As We Are Now' by May Sarton is a poignant story that follows Caroline Spencer, a single 76-year-old former school teacher, as she is placed in a private nursing home by her brother and his wife. The journal kept by Caro during her stay at Twin Elms, a run-down and cruelly run nursing home, provides a glimpse into her slow descent into hopelessness and despair. The book sheds light on the mistreatment and neglect faced by elderly individuals in such facilities, drawing parallels between nursing homes and concentration camps.
The narrative of 'As We Are Now' is deeply introspective, exploring themes of aging, loneliness, and the loss of dignity. Through Caro's reflections on her life, memories, and regrets, the book paints a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by the elderly in society. May Sarton's writing style captures the emotional depth of Caro's experiences, inviting readers to empathize with her struggles and contemplate the complexities of growing old gracefully.
I am not mad, only old. I make this statement to give me courage. To give you an idea what I mean by courage, suffice it to say that it has taken two weeks for me to obtain this notebook and a pen. I ... 'Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear' by Margee Kerr is a book that explores fear through a mix of personal experiences and scientific research. Kerr delves into various scary places around the world, such as the Suicide Forest in Japan and Toronto's CN Tower Edge Walk, while also examining the physiological and psychological aspects of fear. The writing style is a blend of memoir and investigation, providing insights into the author's own limits when it comes to fear and offering a travelogue of spine-chilling locations.
Kerr's book takes readers on a journey through the development of fear, offering a mix of personal anecdotes and statistical data to shed light on the complexities of fear. The author's approachable writing style makes the science of fear understandable and engaging, while her exploration of different scary experiences and haunted locations adds depth to the narrative. Overall, 'Scream' presents a unique perspective on fear, blending personal fears with scientific analysis to provide a comprehensive look at the subject.
- #9
Save:'Goldenrod: Poems' by Maggie Smith is a collection of 54 poems that delve into themes of parenthood, loss, isolation, and living in a world filled with trauma. The poems are deeply human, relatable, and thought-provoking. Maggie Smith's writing style is described as passionate, inspiring readers to savor each poem and reflect on their own emotions and experiences. captures the multitudes of the journey many individuals are on, especially mothers and women, making readers feel less alone in the world.
Maggie Smith's poems in 'Goldenrod' touch on the mundane aspects of life and elevate them to eternal significance. The collection explores the tension between doubt, faith, and the struggle with God in times of trauma and loss. Through her poetry, Maggie Smith doesn't provide answers but rather invites readers to ponder life's complexities and uncertainties. also includes poems that reflect on personal experiences, such as the author's encounter with tinnitus, transforming a seemingly ordinary sound into a profound reflection on attention and awareness.
- #10
Save:'Where I Was From' by Joan Didion delves into the complexities of California's history and culture through a mix of memoir, history, and essay. Didion reflects on her family's migration to California, separating fact from fiction in the stories told about her family and the state. She explores themes of the California dream versus its reality, the impact of pioneers and westward movement on shaping the state, and the relationship between Californians' values and the state's dependence on the federal government for its economic well-being. Didion's writing style is described as beautiful, insightful, and clear, providing a deep analysis of California's past and present.
MY great-great-great-great-great-grandmother Elizabeth Scott was born in 1766, grew up on the Virginia and Carolina frontiers, at age sixteen married an eighteen-year-old veteran of the Revolution and...
