Books matching: contrasting character dynamics
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- #1
Save:'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' by Horace McCoy is a dark and grim novella set during the Great Depression that follows the story of Robert and Gloria, two young individuals trying to break into Hollywood. They team up to enter a marathon dance competition in hopes of gaining recognition and financial stability. The book delves into themes of desperation, exploitation, and disillusionment, all set against the backdrop of a grueling dance marathon that becomes a metaphor for the struggles of the era. The narrative is framed around a hearing, with flashbacks revealing the events leading up to a tragic outcome, creating a suspenseful and tension-filled storytelling style.
IT WAS FUNNY THE way I met Gloria. She was trying to get into pictures too, but I didn’t know that until later. I was walking down Melrose one day from the Paramount studios when I heard somebody holl... - #2
Save:In 'Super Sad True Love Story' by Gary Shteyngart, readers are taken on a journey through a dystopian future America where materialism, social media, and global financial crises shape the society. The novel follows the love story between an aging protagonist, Lenny, and a materialistic young woman, Eunice, as they navigate a world obsessed with technology and consumerism. The writing style incorporates a mix of diary entries, text messages, and chat logs to provide a glimpse into the characters' inner thoughts and relationships, offering a satirical commentary on modern life and relationships.
Others will die around me. They will be nullified. Nothing of their personality will remain. The light switch will be turned off. Their lives, their entirety, will be marked by glossy marble headstone... - #3
Save:Water Music by T.C. Boyle is a historical novel set in the late eighteenth century, following the adventures of Scottish explorer Mungo Park and London rogue Ned Rise as they attempt to navigate the Niger River in Africa. The book is described as a bawdy and humorous account of their failed mission, intertwining playful storytelling with historical events. Boyle's writing style is noted for its bravura language, clever allusions, and a mix of humor and depth that explores themes of human folly and privilege.
- #4
Save:In 'Tomboy' by Avery Flynn, Fallon, a nurse, is roped into helping Zach Blackburn, a grumpy and troubled Ice Knights defenseman, when he falls ill. Despite their initial negative impressions of each other, they find themselves drawn together as Fallon helps Zach navigate his personal and financial struggles. Their relationship develops amidst banter, personal growth, and unexpected twists, leading to a heartwarming and captivating romance that challenges both characters to confront their pasts and trust in love.
Phone pressed against her ear, Fallon Hartigan walked out into the cool, crisp fall night after a shift in the St. Vincent’s Hospital Emergency Room that had lasted approximately sixty years. The voic...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Hartigans ) - #5
Save:Set in an alternate medieval-like world, 'The Last Knight' follows the adventures of Sir Michael, a chivalrous knight errant, and his squire, Fisk, a con man. The duo embarks on a quest to rescue Lady Ceciel, who is accused of murdering her husband. The plot is a blend of fantasy adventure and detective mystery, with tantalizing world-building and character development that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as simple yet engaging, with a focus on character interactions and witty banter.
To say it was a dark and stormy night would be a gross understatement. It was colder than a witch’s kiss, wetter than a spring swamp, and blacker than a tax collector’s heart. A sane man would have be... - #6
Save:In the book 'Numbers' by Rachel Ward, we follow the story of Jem, a teenage girl who has the ability to see the date of a person's death when she looks into their eyes. Orphaned and in foster care since her mother's overdose, Jem leads a lonely and isolated life until she meets Spider, a fellow misfit at school. Together, they embark on a trip to London where they witness a chilling revelation about people's death dates, leading to a series of events that turn them into fugitives and suspects of a terrorist investigation. The book is a fast-paced thriller with a unique premise, delving into themes of friendship, love, and the consequences of knowing the future.
The plot of 'Numbers' is gripping and full of unexpected twists, keeping readers guessing and engaged throughout the story. The writing style is described as captivating, touching, and at times, unsettling, creating a blend of suspense and emotional depth that makes the book a compelling read for both young adults and adults alike.
There are places where kids like me go. Sad kids, bad kids, bored kids, and lonely kids, kids that are different. Any day of the week, if you know where to look, you’ll find us: behind the shops, in b... - #7
Save:The River by Gary Paulsen follows the protagonist, Brian Robeson, as he embarks on a journey in the Canadian wilderness to demonstrate survival skills to a psychologist. The story is filled with thrilling adventures, including navigating a treacherous river and facing unexpected challenges. Readers are drawn into the realistic and detailed descriptions of Brian's wilderness experiences, making them feel like they are right beside him throughout the journey. The writing style, as described by readers, is engaging and immersive, capturing the essence of survival and courage in the face of adversity.
Brian opened the door and stood back. There were three men, all in dark suits, standing on the front porch. They were large but not fat, well built, with bodies in decent shape. One of them was slight...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Brian's Saga ) - #8
Save:Dark of the Moon is the second installment in the Chronicles of the Kencyrath series by P.C. Hodgell. The book follows Jame, a tough and resourceful girl, on a quest to find her brother Torisen, who is now the High Lord of the Kencyr. The story is filled with political intrigue, battles, and complex societal traditions within the Kencyr society. As Jame navigates through her adventures with her allies, including a telepathically linked blind hunting cat, readers are taken on a journey filled with action, adventure, and a touch of humor.
"Wake, wake!" shouted city guards under windows barred for the night. Fists pounded on doors. Bells began to shrill. From the roof of the Council Hall came the sudden boom of the warning horn, all fiv...
(Also, see 59 recommendations for the series Chronicles of the Kencyrath ) - #9
Save:'Savage Mafia Prince' by Annika Martin is the final installment in the 'Dangerous Royals' series, focusing on the youngest Dragusha brother, Kiro. The story follows Kiro, who was separated from his family as a baby and grew up in the wild, reminiscent of a real-life Tarzan. The plot weaves together themes of family bonds, romance, and danger, as Kiro finds himself in a drug-induced state and must navigate his past to reunite with his brothers. The writing style captures the intense emotions, suspense, and primal instincts of the characters, particularly Kiro and Nurse Ann, creating a gripping and passionate narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Randall is arosy-cheeked man with a long gray beard and kind eyes. He sits on a bolted-down bench at the corner of his room in the Fancher Institute, formerly known as Fancher Institute for the Crimin...
(Also, see 21 recommendations for the series Dangerous Royals ) - #10
Save:Set in the world of 'The Curse of Chalion' series, 'Penric's Demon' follows the story of Penric, a young lordling who acquires a demon from a dying sorceress on his way to his betrothal. The book explores Penric's journey of understanding and adapting to his new situation, along with the dynamics between him and the demon named Desdemona. The writing style is praised for its depiction of Penric's character development, divine meddling, and the nuances of demon possession in a fantasy setting.
The morning light sloped across the meadows, breathing pale green into the interlaced branches of the woods beyond, picking out shy pink and white blossoms here and there among the new leaves. The spr...
