Books matching: contemplative pacing
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- #1
Save:"Dancing at the Rascal Fair" by Ivan Doig is a historical fiction novel set in Montana in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The story follows two young Scottish immigrants, Angus McCaskill and Rob Barclay, as they settle in Montana and become sheep ranchers. The narrative spans over three decades, depicting their relationships, struggles, and triumphs in the harsh frontier environment. The writing style is described as lyrical and captivating, transporting readers to the rugged landscapes of Montana and immersing them in the lives of the characters as they navigate love, loss, and the challenges of pioneering.
Harbour Mishap at Greenock. Yesterday morning, while a horse and cart were conveying a thousand-weight of sugar on the quay at Albert Harbour, one of the cartwheels caught a mooring stanchion, which c...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Two Medicine Country ) - #2
Save:The Land of Green Plums by Herta Muller is a haunting and bleak novel set in Ceausescu's Romania, depicting the lives of four young people from rural areas who face constant fear, oppression, and harassment under the totalitarian regime. The narrative delves into the struggles of the characters as they navigate a country plagued by surveillance, interrogation, and persecution, ultimately leading to their despair and unhappiness. Through fragmented storytelling and vivid imagery, the book captures the atmosphere of a police state post-WWII Romania, offering a deep exploration of the psychological torment and subterfuge experienced by the characters.
The writing style of The Land of Green Plums is characterized by its lyrical prose, symbolic language, and atmospheric depiction of life under a dictatorship. Muller weaves together a narrative that is nonlinear and purposefully confusing, mirroring the sense of confusion and lack of sense in a world ruled by a dictator. The book is rich in symbolism, with every action and detail carrying layers of meaning, reflecting the subtle resistance and defiance of the characters against the oppressive regime.
- #3
Save:Set in the post-World War II era, 'The Jane Austen Society' by Natalie Jenner revolves around a group of individuals from the village of Chawton who come together due to their mutual love for Jane Austen. Facing the threat of the sale of Jane Austen's former home, the diverse characters form the Jane Austen Society with the goal of preserving her legacy by converting the cottage into a museum. As they navigate personal losses, relationships, and obstacles, the characters find solace and healing through Austen's works, forming friendships and possibly finding romance along the way.
Jenner's writing style beautifully weaves together the stories of the characters, capturing the essence of English village life and the enduring relevance of Austen's novels. The novel delves into discussions about Austen's heroines and heroes, paralleling the characters' lives with those in Austen's works, creating a charming and heartwarming tale that immerses readers into the world of the Jane Austen Society.
He lay back on the low stone wall, knees pulled up, and stretched out his spine against the rock. The birdsong pierced the early-morning air in little shrieks that hammered at his very skull. Lying th... - #4
Save:The Cellist of Sarajevo is a poignant novel set in a city under siege during the Bosnian war. The story follows the lives of four characters, each struggling to survive and maintain their humanity in the face of war atrocities. The plot revolves around a cellist who vows to play a piece symbolizing hope and rebirth at the site of a massacre each day for 22 days, honoring the victims while risking his life. Through snapshots of daily life, the author paints a vivid picture of the war-torn city and explores themes of resilience, survival, and the impact of war on civilians.
It screamed downward, splitting air and sky without effort. A target expanded in size, brought into focus by time and velocity. There was a moment before impact that was the last instant of things as ... - #5
Save:'Psychohistorical Crisis' by Donald Kingsbury is a science fiction novel that pays homage to Asimov's Foundation series, exploring a future society through the eyes of ordinary citizens caught between ruling Pscholars and a secretive rebel group of psycho historians. The book delves into espionage spanning centuries using tools of Psycho Historical Analysis and warring Mathematics, focusing on imagined social manipulation via esoteric formulae. The plot revolves around a man named Eron Osa attempting to uncover a forgotten crime in a universe where psychohistory plays a pivotal role in predicting and controlling civilizations across the galaxy.
- #6
Save:Loren Eiseley's 'The Unexpected Universe' is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between science and spirituality, written in an absorbing and interesting manner. The book delves into various topics such as man's place in the universe, evolution, and the mysteries of life, all conveyed through Eiseley's personal experiences and reflections. The writing style is described as artful, poetic, and personal, offering insights into humanity's climb in the animal world and encouraging readers to explore different perspectives and appreciate the beauty of the English language.
- #7
Save:'If It Bleeds' by Stephen King is a collection of four novellas that showcase King's talent for storytelling. The book features a mix of strange tales that offer food for thought on timely themes such as technology, mortality, and desperation. One of the novellas follows the character Holly Gibney, who is described as one of King's best creations, quirky, brilliant, and completely real. The stories range from subtly creepy to dark and compelling, with elements of horror and supernatural woven into each narrative.
The day Marty Anderson saw the billboard was just before the Internet finally went down for good. It had been wobbling for eight months since the first short interruptions. Everyone agreed it was only...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Outsider ) - #8
Save:The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner is a contemplative novel that follows Joe Allston, a retired literary agent, and his wife Ruth as they revisit a trip to Denmark from twenty years earlier. Through Joe's journal entries from the past, the couple confront unresolved issues in their marriage, particularly concerning a mysterious countess named Astrid. The book delves into themes of aging, love, and commitment, while exploring the impact of past choices on the present. Stegner's writing style is described as ruminative, melancholic, and rich in prose, capturing the complexities of relationships and the passage of time.
On a February morning, when a weather front is moving in off the Pacific but has not quite arrived, and the winds are changeable and gusty and clouds drive over and an occasional flurry of fine rain d... - #9
Save:'The Interior Castle' by Teresa of Avila is a Christian classic that delves into the spiritual inner life, offering insights on how to grow closer to God through prayer and contemplation. The book presents a metaphorical journey through the stages of prayer and the soul's progression towards union with God, using vivid imagery and analogies to guide the reader. St. Teresa's writing style is described as understandable, straightforward, and deeply moving, providing readers with a glimpse into the mystical and contemplative aspects of Christian spirituality.
Today while I was beseeching the Beloved to speak through me (since I couldn’t think of anything to say and had no idea how to begin to fulfill this particular vow of obedience), I had a vision that I... - #10
Save:Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist is a unique take on the zombie genre. Set in Stockholm, the novel explores a scenario where the dead come back to life after a strange occurrence, but they are not the typical brain-eating zombies. Lindqvist delves into the psychological horror of how the living handle the return of their deceased loved ones, posing questions about grief, loss, and family ties. The book weaves together intersecting storylines of different families affected by the reanimated dead, told through news reports, military records, and personal narratives, creating a thought-provoking exploration of human emotions in the face of the supernatural.
The writing style of Handling the Undead is characterized by a slow pace, heavy on character development and emotional depth rather than action. Lindqvist's narrative focuses on how people react to the return of their loved ones in a diminished form, highlighting themes of grief, longing, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel offers a fresh perspective on the zombie mythos, emphasizing the human element over traditional horror elements, making it a compelling and introspective read for those looking for a different approach to the genre.
Henning held up the box of Gato Negro and toasted the metal plaque in the sidewalk. A single withered rose lay on the spot where Prime Minister Olaf Palme had been gunned down sixteen years earlier. H...
