Books matching: dark coming of age story
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- #1
Save:'Revival' by Stephen King follows the story of Jamie Morton and Rev. Charlie Jacobs, whose lives intertwine over nearly five decades. The book delves into themes of religion, music, addiction, illness, and death, with a touch of horror and existential despair. King's writing style is described as riveting, fascinating, and utterly terrifying, with detailed character development and a unique take on the afterlife.
I came from a big family—four boys, one girl—and as the youngest I always got lots of presents. Claire always gave the best ones. I don’t know if it was because she was the eldest, because she was the... - #2
Save:The Wasp Factory by Iain M. Banks is a dark and disturbing novel that delves into the mind of a young psychopath named Frank. Living on an isolated island off the coast of Scotland with his father, Frank's life takes a twisted turn as he navigates through violent and unsettling events, including a shocking revelation about his past. The book explores themes of violence, family dysfunction, and psychological horrors, all narrated in a gripping and intense writing style that immerses readers into Frank's distorted world.
At the north end of the island, near the tumbled remains of the slip where the handle of the rusty winch still creaks in an easterly wind, I had two Poles on the far face of the last dune. One of the ... - #3
Save:'White Ivy' by Susie Yang follows the journey of Ivy Lin, a Chinese immigrant who struggles to fit in and navigate between her family's values and her aspirations for a wealthier lifestyle. The story delves into Ivy's complex character, her manipulative tendencies, and her relationships with Gideon, a wealthy classmate, and Roux, a mysterious figure from her past. The narrative weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and deception as Ivy grapples with her desires and past transgressions, leading to a gripping and suspenseful exploration of privilege and self-discovery.
The book is characterized by its intricate plot that unfolds through unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. Susie Yang's writing style is praised for its ability to portray Ivy as a multifaceted and flawed protagonist, evoking a mix of emotions from readers as they witness her journey from a young girl yearning for acceptance to a woman entangled in a web of lies and secrets that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed facade.
IVY LIN WAS A THIEF but you would never know it to look at her. Maybe that was the problem. No one ever suspected—and that made her reckless. Her features were so average and nondescript that the brai... - #4
Save:The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe is a dark and tender coming-of-age story that delves into the unlikely friendship between two misfits, Bunny and Michael. Bunny, an athletic and tall teenage girl, and Michael, an alienated gay teenage boy, form a deep bond despite their differences. The story explores themes of adolescence, friendship, and the struggles of growing up in California suburbs, where traumatic events shape the characters' lives. The narrative is written from Michael's perspective, offering a poignant and honest portrayal of their complex relationship and individual journeys.
The book is praised for its vivid character portraits, distinct descriptions of people and places, and a compelling writing style that combines humor, tragedy, and insight. Readers are drawn into the multi-layered narrative that explores love, violence, and friendship through the lens of two outsiders navigating the challenges of adolescence and self-discovery.
That was 2004, which was incidentally the same year the pictures of Abu Ghraib were published, the same year we reached the conclusion there were no weapons of mass destruction after all. What a whoop... - #5
Save:In 1900, a group of girls and their teachers from an Australian boarding school go for a picnic at nearby Hanging Rock. When three girls disappear while hiking on the rock, the subsequent investigation uncovers all sorts of secrets being kept among students and staff alike, but few real answers. The central mystery of what happened to the girls and the math teacher on the rock remains unsolved, leaving a sense of unease and disquiet among the characters and readers alike. The book delves into the aftermath of the disappearance, exploring the effects on those left behind and the eerie atmosphere of the Australian landscape.
The writing style of the book is praised for its atmospheric and eerie quality, using the backdrop of the Australian bush to create a sense of isolation and suspense. The author skillfully weaves a tale that combines elements of mystery, psychological depth, and historical setting, keeping readers engaged with the story of the vanished girls and the lingering impact of the tragic event.
Although Saint Valentine’s Day is usually associated with the giving and taking of presents, and affairs of the heart, it is exactly thirteen years since the fatal Saturday when a party of some twenty... - #6
Save:The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.
The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a... - #7
Save:'The Book of Lost Things' by John Connolly is a dark and haunting coming-of-age story that follows young David as he copes with the loss of his mother and struggles to accept his new family dynamics. The book seamlessly weaves together various fairy tales into a nightmarish world that David stumbles into, where he embarks on a quest to find the king and uncover the secrets of the Book of Lost Things in order to find his way back home. The writing style is described as rich with lovely language and a fairy tale lyricism that immerses the reader in a world filled with peril and fantastical creatures.
He had, in truth, been losing her for a very long time. The disease that was killing her was a creeping, cowardly thing, a sickness that ate away at her from the inside, slowly consuming the light wit... - #8
Save:'The Year of the Witching' by Alexis Henderson is a dark fantasy novel set in an oppressive society controlled by a patriarchal religious order. The story follows Immanuelle, a young biracial woman, who discovers her connection to ancient witches living in the forbidden Darkwood forest. Immanuelle uncovers hidden truths and embarks on a dangerous journey to end the horrors plaguing her community, leading to a feminist twist in this dark, coming-of-age tale. The book combines elements of horror, fantasy, and feminist themes, creating a richly imaginative world with a creepy atmosphere and a quick pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
IMMANUELLE LAY BY the river’s edge with her friend, Leah, shoulder to shoulder, both of them drunk off the warmth of the midday sun. Yards away, the rest of the congregation gathered in fellowship. Fo... - #9
Save:Bridge to Terabithia is a heartwarming story about friendship and imagination, focusing on the bond between two young children, Jess and Leslie. The two friends create a magical kingdom in the woods, Terabithia, where they escape their reality and face challenges together. The book takes a turn when a tragic event occurs, forcing Jess to navigate through loss and find strength in the memories and teachings of Leslie. The writing style is engaging and emotionally impactful, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into the world of Terabithia.
One time last year Jesse had won. Not just the first heat but the whole shebang. Only once. But it had put into his mouth a taste for winning. Ever since he’d been in first grade he’d been that “crazy... - #10
Save:'My Dark Vanessa' by Kate Elizabeth Russell is a chilling and unsettling novel that delves into the story of a 15-year-old girl, Vanessa Wye, who falls under the spell of her much older English teacher, Mr. Strane, at a prestigious boarding school. The book explores the grooming process and manipulation tactics used by the teacher to make Vanessa feel special and in control of their relationship. As the story unfolds, it follows Vanessa into her adult life, where she grapples with the long-lasting impact of the abuse she experienced as a teenager. The narrative alternates between past and present timelines, shedding light on Vanessa's emotional turmoil and her struggle to come to terms with the true nature of her relationship with her abuser.
The author, Kate Elizabeth Russell, skillfully navigates the sensitive and disturbing subject matter of abuse and exploitation in 'My Dark Vanessa'. Through Vanessa's perspective, the readers witness the complexities of her emotional journey, her distorted self-image, and the lifelong consequences of her traumatic experiences. The book offers a profound insight into the psychological effects of such abuse, highlighting the blurred lines between consent and manipulation, and the lasting scars it leaves on the victim's psyche.
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