Books matching: corporate greed
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- #1
'The Ax' by Donald E. Westlake follows the story of Burke Devore, a middle-aged man who gets laid off from his job and remains unemployed for two years. Frustrated with the intense competition for available managerial positions in the paper industry, Devore devises a sinister plan to eliminate his competition by resorting to murder. The plot unfolds as Devore meticulously identifies and targets his rivals, leading to a chilling narrative that delves into the dark depths of desperation and corporate greed. Westlake's writing style, characterized by clean and simple sentences, effectively captures the protagonist's twisted logic and justifications for his heinous actions, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking storyline.
As the story progresses, readers are taken on a gripping journey through Devore's morally ambiguous decisions and the consequences of his ruthless actions. Westlake masterfully blends elements of a hard-boiled noir thriller with a critique of corporate capitalism, presenting a compelling exploration of the protagonist's descent into madness as he navigates the cutthroat world of job hunting through extreme measures. The novel challenges readers to ponder ethical dilemmas and the lengths individuals may go to in the face of unemployment and societal pressures, ultimately delivering a haunting and unforgettable narrative that blurs the lines between right and wrong.
The Luger went into my overnight bag, in the same plastic bag as my black shoes. The Luger had been my father’s, his one souvenir from the war, a sidearm he’d taken from a dead German officer that eit... - #2
'Going Postal' by Terry Pratchett follows the story of Moist von Lipwig, a conman given a second chance by Lord Vetinari to revitalize the defunct Post Office in Ankh Morpork. With the rise of the clacks semaphore telegraph system, Moist must navigate a cutthroat battle between traditional mail delivery and modern technology. The book is a humorous fantasy novel filled with satirical social commentary, eccentric characters, and witty language that keeps the momentum going, making it a delightful read for fans of Pratchett's Discworld series.
The plot of 'Going Postal' revolves around the redemptive journey of Moist von Lipwig as he reinvents himself and the institution he has been tasked with revitalizing. The book combines elements of corporate greed, government workings, and the power of second chances, all presented in Pratchett's signature style of blending humor with profound themes. With engaging characters like Lord Vetinari, golems, and Adora Belle Dearheart, the story unfolds with great puns, high and low culture references, and social commentary that make it a rollicking adventure through the whimsical world of Discworld.
THEY SAY THAT the prospect of being hanged in the morning concentrates a man’s mind wonderfully; unfortunately, what the mind inevitably concentrates on is that, in the morning, it will be in a body t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #3
'Colony One Mars' by Gerald M. Kilby is a fast-paced science fiction novel that captures the readers' attention with its intriguing plot set on Mars. The story follows a group of characters as they navigate the challenges of colonizing Mars, dealing with mysteries, and facing unexpected threats. The writing style is engaging and keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, making it a quick and enjoyable read for those interested in space exploration and futuristic adventures.
In less than fifteen minutes Dr. Jann Malbec would be either walking on the surface of Mars or be dead, and there were plenty of ways for her to die. She could burn up in the atmosphere if the heat sh... - #4
'Fallen Dragon' by Peter F. Hamilton is a science fiction novel set in a future where mega corporations control the galaxy and engage in 'asset realisation' missions, seen as robbery by the colonies. The story follows Lawrence Newton, a disillusioned interstellar mercenary, and Denise Ebourn, a schoolteacher involved in a resistance movement on the planet Thallspring. As the plot unfolds, it alternates between Newton's past as a corporate prince and his present as a corporate soldier, and Ebourn's tales for her students about a long-dead empire. The book explores themes of space exploration, colonization, economic constraints, and the influence of science fiction on the future, all while presenting clear and exciting combat sequences and technological skullduggery.
TIME WAS WHEN THE BAR WOULD HAVE WELCOMED A MAN FROM ZANTIUBraun’s strategic security division, given him his first beer on the house and listened with keen admiration to his stories of life as it was... 'Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us' by Michael Moss is an eye-opening exploration of the processed food industry, revealing how companies manipulate sugar, salt, and fat to create addictive products that contribute to health issues. The book delves into the marketing tactics used by food conglomerates, the detrimental effects on consumers' health, and the challenges faced by those within the industry who seek to make positive changes. Moss presents a well-researched and compelling narrative that sheds light on the complex relationship between profit-driven corporations and public health concerns.
Moss's writing style is engaging and informative, combining extensive research with personal accounts and insider stories to provide a comprehensive view of the food industry. The book prompts readers to reconsider their food choices, question the influence of processed foods, and take a critical look at the tactics employed by big food companies to maximize profits at the expense of consumer well-being.
Forget what we learned in school from that old diagram called the tongue map, the one that says our five main tastes are detected by five distinct parts of the tongue. That the back has a big zone for...- #6
In "No Mercy" by John Gilstrap, readers are introduced to Jonathan Grave, a wealthy ex-Spec Ops operative who runs a specialized private investigations firm. Grave excels in retrieval missions, particularly of the human variety, working under the cover of anonymity with a team of devoted friends and associates. When hired to save a kidnapped college student, a job that goes awry, Grave finds himself entangled in a web of danger and deception that threatens everything he holds dear. The book is a tightly written thriller with plenty of action from the very beginning, featuring a gripping plot that keeps the reader engaged long after finishing the book.
The narrative of "No Mercy" is filled with fast-paced action, multiple storylines converging, and well-developed characters. Readers can expect a true page-turner with non-stop action, great characters, and a fantastic story that leaves them eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. With a mix of suspense, mystery, and intense rescue operations, the book delves into themes of justice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the world of covert operations.
- #7
In 'Fuzzy Nation', Scalzi revisits the classic science fiction tale of encountering a race of small, fuzzy humanoids on a planet being exploited by a large corporation. The story follows Jack Holloway, a contractor who stumbles upon these creatures and must fight against corporate greed to prove their sentience. The narrative is fast-paced, featuring elements of legal drama, humor, and engaging characters like the lovable rogue Jack and the adorable Fuzzies.
The book combines witty sci-fi storytelling with a legal thriller theme, exploring the consequences of corporate exploitation and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the discovery of sentient life forms. Scalzi's writing style is described as accessible and humorous, making the story both enjoyable and thought-provoking for readers. The plot unfolds with surprising twists, presenting complex ideas in a fluid and entertaining manner, ultimately delivering a tale that balances action, humor, and social commentary.
“I can’t believe we have to go through this again,” Holloway said. “It’s not that I don’t value you as part of this team, Carl. I do. Really, I do. But I can’t help but think that in some way, I’m jus... - #8
The Others by Jeremy Robinson is a wild ride that combines myths, legends, extraterrestrial life, Cryptozoology, and government secrets. The story follows Dan Delgado, a private investigator on a mission to save a missing child, but soon finds himself caught up in a situation that goes beyond the norm. Alongside his elderly partner Wini, they befriend a pastor and an adventurous Uber driver, uncovering an alien mystery, encountering a polygamist compound, and facing Greys. Robinson's writing style is easy to read, with relatable characters and a blend of action, humor, and moral dilemmas that keep the reader engaged.
They’re ghosts. There’re no criminal records north or south of the border, which means Marta successfully moved between countries without being caught. There’s no mention of them in any newspapers. No...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Infinite ) - #9
'Micro' by Michael Crichton, finished by Richard Preston after Crichton's death, follows a group of Cambridge graduate students who are shrunk to half an inch high and stranded in the Hawaiian wilderness. The book combines elements of 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' and 'Jurassic Park', with a mix of action, suspense, and survival. The plot, although somewhat formulaic and lacking in character development, becomes a page-turner once it gains momentum, making it hard to put down.
The writing style in 'Micro' is described as both engaging and lacking depth. While some readers appreciate the fast-paced action and cinematic sequences reminiscent of an action movie, others criticize the flat, cliched characters and the plot's tendency to break the suspension of disbelief. The book, with its mix of advanced technology, shrinking experiments, and a fight for survival against the natural world, offers an imaginative and thrilling storyline that keeps readers engaged despite its shortcomings.
I n the second-floor biology lab, Peter Jansen, twenty-three, slowly lowered the metal tongs into the glass cage. Then, with a quick jab, he pinned the cobra just behind its hood. The snake hissed ang... The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a classic children's book that focuses on environmental conservation and the impact of human actions on nature. The story follows the Once-ler, who cuts down all the trees in a forest to make sweaters for profit, leading to the devastation of the environment and the displacement of the animals living there. The Lorax, a character who speaks for the trees, tries to warn the Once-ler and the readers about the importance of preserving nature and the consequences of greed. The book uses rhyming language, colorful illustrations, and imaginative storytelling to convey its message about the need to care for the environment.