Books matching: cultural traditions
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:"The Takeover Effect" in the series "The Singh Family" by Nisha Sharma is a fast-paced rollercoaster that follows the relationship between well-developed characters amidst family dynamics, culinary delights, career aspirations, and sensual encounters. The plot revolves around corporate espionage, with a focus on the chemistry between Hem and Mina, two American Punjabi Sikhs. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of romance, business intrigue, and familial relationships, creating a captivating story that leaves readers eager for the next installment in the trilogy.
The writing style of Nisha Sharma breathes life into the characters, making them feel real and relatable. The book explores themes of love, ambition, and loyalty against the backdrop of a business takeover, providing a blend of romance and suspense that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #2
Save:'The Barefoot Woman' by Scholastique Mukasonga is a tribute to the author's mother and her unwavering devotion to Rwandan traditions and customs. Through a collection of vignettes and stories, Mukasonga illustrates the cultural practices and the constant fear of violence that her family, particularly the Tutsis, lived with. The narrative is set in the 1960s, portraying a different perspective of Rwanda beyond the well-known genocide of '94, shedding light on the struggles of displaced Tutsis and the innovative solutions they come up with to navigate their harsh reality.
- #3
Save:Nineteen-year-old Chloe Wang is at odds with her traditionalist Taiwanese parents who have promised her to the son of a wealthy family. To avoid the marriage proposal, Chloe hires a fake boyfriend, Andrew Chan, from a company specialized in providing fake boyfriends. As the lines between real and pretend blur, Chloe and Andrew develop feelings for each other, leading to a complicated situation. The story follows Chloe's journey to stand up to her parents and her community, ultimately seeking autonomy over her life.
The book explores themes of cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the complexities of relationships. It delves into Chloe's experience as a child of Chinese immigrants and her struggles with anxiety, communication, and love for her parents, all while navigating a fake dating scenario that turns into something more real and challenging.
Since he already knew my life story (at least the parts that mattered), it was “highly recommended” we not meet before the “assignment” to minimize confusion. Which meant my Uber picked me up from the... - #4
Save:"The Ghost Bride" by Yangsze Choo is a historical fantasy novel set in 19th-century Malaysian society. The story follows Li Lan, a young woman who is asked to become a ghost bride for the deceased son of a wealthy family. As Li Lan delves into the supernatural world to uncover the truth behind her potential groom's death, she navigates through Chinese folklore, ghost cities, vengeful spirits, and the mysterious Chinese afterlife. The narrative blends elements of romance, mystery, and cultural traditions, offering readers a unique and immersive reading experience.
The book is praised for its rich and intricate storytelling, blending historical fiction with urban fantasy elements seamlessly. Yangsze Choo's writing style is described as hauntingly beautiful, drawing readers in with its vivid descriptions and engaging narration. The novel explores themes of family, tradition, and the supernatural, providing a captivating glimpse into Chinese culture and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife.
One evening, my father asked me whether I would like to become a ghost bride. Asked is perhaps not the right word. We were in his study. I was leafing through a newspaper, my father lying on his ratta... - #5
Save:'Maps for Lost Lovers' by Nadeem Aslam is a poignant tale of a first-generation immigrant Muslim couple dealing with the disappearance of a family member under suspicious circumstances in an unnamed town in England. The story delves into the complexities of family relationships, societal pressures, and the struggle to find meaning in a community caught between two cultures. Through lush poetic language and metaphors, the author paints a vivid picture of the Pakistani community in Northern England, highlighting issues like honour killings, race relations, and the challenges of reconciling religious teachings with changing morals and different lifestyles.
Shamas stands in the open door and watches the earth, the magnet that it is, pulling snowflakes out of the sky towards itself. With their deliberate, almost-impaired pace, they fall like feathers sink... - #6Honorby:
Save:'Honor' by Elif Shafak is a captivating novel that delves into the Islamist principles of a Kurdish family struggling with migration and settlement in a new land. The story skillfully contrasts the modern daily lives of families living in Kurdistan and in London, particularly focusing on the different paths chosen by the three children of a sister who left her homeland. The plot unfolds in London during the 70s, amidst the punk and skinhead scene, intertwining themes of honor killings, family dynamics, and the clash between traditional rules and modernity.
The narrative seamlessly moves between Kurdistan and London, exploring the complexities of love, honor, and the struggles faced by women and men in making choices between tradition and personal desires. Through richly developed characters and carefully timed flashbacks, the author sheds light on the cultural nuances and mindset of Turkey, offering a thought-provoking insight into a foreign culture and the practice of honor killings.
My mother died twice. I promised myself I would not let her story be forgotten, but I could never find the time or the will or the courage to write about it. That is, until recently. I don’t think I’l... - #7
Save:What a wonderfully lavish world Natalie Mae has created in The Kinder Poison. This story is a fast-paced adventure about a girl named Zahru that just wants to visit the palace. Instead, she ends up becoming the sacrifice in the royal's game, The Crossing. The Crossing is a race across the desert, and the heir that makes it to the end must sacrifice the chosen Zahru to become the next Mestrah. The world-building is beautiful and, from the start, the characters had just enough depth to them to keep me intrigued. Each heir Jet, Sakira, and Kasta has their own drive to win the race or abandon it, and as the story progresses more secrets are revealed, and each character becomes more complex. There's a love triangle for a bit of the story and some slow-burn romance, but I wouldn't say the romance drives the plot, it's just a nice addition. The story does end with a cliffhanger as The Kinder Poison is the first book in a new series. I am greatly looking forward to reading the next book and have a few theories about what may happen.
Zahru is a whisperer, which means she can talk to and understand animals. Hers is considered a lowly form of magic. She longs to escape her small town, explore the Kingdom of Orkena, and have some excitement and chocolate along the way. Her best friend devises a plan to fake her way onto a boat destined for the palace and crash a royal party. The King has announced that the Crossing will occur for the first time in 400 years, a treacherous race across the desert with a human sacrifice at the end to determine which of the three heirs will rule Orkena. Zahru finds herself that sacrifice by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The characters are the strength of this story. They are complex and have motives that aren't always immediately apparent. The magic system is interesting and original. A person's magic or lack of it dictates their place in the social hierarchy. The world-building is well done, and the pace never lets up. Just as Zahru escapes one sticky situation, she is thrown into another. This is the kind of fantasy novel that keeps you turning the pages. It is full of surprises, and the adventure never stops.
This is the questionable mantra I repeat in my head as we watch the boat come in. It’s a beautiful vessel, so unlike the plain wooden canoes that always flock Atera’s river docks. The hull is glass, a... - #8
Save:'Haunted Nights' is a Halloween anthology featuring a collection of short stories by various authors, including Seanan McGuire, Jonathan Maberry, Garth Nix, and more. The stories explore Halloween in unique ways, blending traditional horror tropes with unexpected twists and character-driven narratives. Some stories delve into legends and traditions, while others offer creepy and imaginative scenarios set on Halloween night.
The book offers a mix of shorter and longer tales, varying from gore to more subtle scares, and spans from stories based on older times and traditions to those set in modern settings. Readers can expect a diverse selection of Halloween stories that capture the imagination and evoke the spirit of the season, making it a solid anthology not to be missed by any horror enthusiast.
“IT’S HALLOWEEN,” Mary told Cook while Cook boiled caramel and dipped apples and laid them on the table to dry, buttery and glistening in their new candy shells. Cook smiled indulgently and gave Mary ... - #9
Save:"Honor" by Thrity Umrigar delves deeply into the themes of women's struggles, religious differences, and socioeconomic disparities in India. The story follows Smita, a journalist, who returns to India to cover the tragic story of a Hindu woman who marries a Muslim man, leading to devastating consequences. The narrative unfolds through dual timelines, offering a poignant exploration of cultural traditions, personal choices, and the impact of society on individuals. The writing style is captivating, intertwining themes of love, loss, and resilience in a way that engages readers emotionally and intellectually.
- #10
Save:'People of the Sea' by David Thomson is a captivating collection of folk tales that explore the interactions between people and seals along the coast of Scotland. Through the stories, the author delves into the rich folklore of the Selkie stories in Celtic culture, painting a vivid picture of real people at a specific point in history. The writing style is described as poetic and evocative, transporting readers to a past way of life that is rapidly disappearing, while also highlighting the melancholic yet wonder-filled tone that is characteristic of Celtic storytelling.
The author embarks on a journey along the western coasts of Scotland and Ireland, seeking out storytellers who hold the tales of the selchie selkie or sea folk. As modernization sweeps through these regions, the book also touches upon the loss of traditional storytelling practices and bardic arts, showcasing the struggle between reality and the otherworld in a changing world. not only presents folk tales but also provides glimpses into the lives of the people who shared these stories, making it a unique and immersive read for anyone interested in folklore and Celtic culture.
Of all the houses that I remember with love the house called Tigh na Rosan is the sweetest smelling and the brightest. That is to say it is the best of the clean and ordered houses I have lived in. Th...
