Books matching: deep reflections on reality
8 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley is a profound exploration of altered perception and consciousness, particularly through the lens of psychedelic experiences. The book delves into the author's personal encounters with mind-altering substances like mescaline, offering insights into reality, physics, and mysticism. Huxley's writing style in The Doors of Perception is described as a blend of essay and journal entry, providing a transformative and vivid account of his experiences and observations.
It was in 1886 that the German pharmacologist, Louis Lewin, published the first systematic study of the cactus, to which his own name was subsequently given. Anhalonium lewinii was new to science. To ... - #2
Save:Red Sorghum by Mo Yan is a multi-generational novel set in rural China during the Japanese invasion, told through a non-linear narrative style. The book delves into themes of family history, folk tales, superstition, myth, tradition, and the extraordinary violence of the Chinese gang wars and the Japanese occupation. The author's unique storytelling weaves together short vignettes that provide a vivid portrayal of the characters and the setting, creating a powerful emotional impact on the reader. Despite the graphic violence and challenging timeline, the book offers a deep exploration of the characters' motivations and actions during difficult times, leaving a lasting impression on those who delve into its pages.
THE NINTH DAY of the eighth lunar month, 1939. My father, a bandit’s offspring who had passed his fifteenth birthday, was joining the forces of Commander Yu Zhan’ao, a man destined to become a legenda... - #3
Save:'Gods of Howl Mountain' by Taylor Brown is a gritty country noir novel set in the Southern Mountains just after the Korean War. The story follows Rory, a young disabled Korean war veteran and moonshine runner, as he navigates the violent and atmospheric world of Howl Mountain. The plot revolves around Rory's involvement in moonshine trade, his interactions with colorful characters like Granny Mae and Eustace, and the unfolding consequences of Granny May's feud with a rival moonshiner. The writing style is described as beautiful and powerful, with finely layered characters and a setting that immerses the reader in the mountains of northwest North Carolina.
The machine started at dusk, headlights slashing their way down the old switchbacks that ribbed the mountain’s slopes, thunder and echo of thunder vaulting through the ridges and hollers on every side... - #4
Save:The Master of Go by Yasunari Kawabata is a novel that chronicles a championship Go match between an aging master and a younger challenger, set against the backdrop of Japan on the cusp of WWII. Through the game, the story delves into the battle between old traditions and modern pragmatism, capturing a timeless struggle between two strong personalities. Kawabata's writing style is described as subtle, graceful, and delicate, mirroring the strategic and elegant nature of the game of Go.
January 18 is an easy day to remember in Atami. “Remember in years to come the moon of this night of this month,” said Kan’ichi in the famous scene from Kōyō’s melodramatic novel of the nineties, Demo... - #5
Save:Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle is a novel that delves into the mind of an isolated and disfigured young man named Sean Phillips, who creates a text-based game called Trace Italian. Through alternating chapters and a non-linear timeline, the book reveals the cause of Sean's disfigurement and the tragic consequences of a player taking the game too literally. The writing style is described as lyrical, beautiful, and evocative, with a focus on memory and a unique structure that includes themes of subliminal messages and parallels to music.
The book explores themes of loneliness, escapism, and the consequences of impulsive actions through the lens of a psychologically troubled protagonist. It offers a deep dive into the protagonist's troubled mind, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere cluttered with pop culture references and vivid imagery. The narrative style, told in the first person by Sean, is described as unique, captivating, and thought-provoking, with a structure that reveals potent revelations throughout the story.
My father used to carry me down the hall to my room after I came home from the hospital. By then I could walk if I had to, but the risk of falling was too great, so he carried me like a child. It’s a ... - #6
Save:'Shalimar the Clown' by Salman Rushdie is a multi-layered novel that weaves together historical events, political conflicts, and personal relationships. Set in Kashmir, the story delves into themes of terrorism, love, revenge, religion, and cultural differences. The narrative spans across different time periods and locations, from World War II-era France to present-day California, showcasing the impact of political turmoil on individuals.
The book explores the complexities of faith, betrayal, and the consequences of breaking trust. Rushdie skillfully intertwines the personal stories of morally compromised characters with the larger backdrop of political history, offering insights into the East-West relationships and the tragic realities of human nature.
At twenty-four the ambassador’s daughter slept badly through the warm, unsurprising nights. She woke up frequently and even when sleep did come her body was rarely at rest, thrashing and flailing as i... - #7
Save:Midnight Cowboy by James Leo Herlihy follows the journey of Joe Buck, a naive and aspiring male prostitute from Houston, as he navigates the harsh realities of New York City. The book delves into Joe's painful backstory, his struggles with loneliness and disillusionment, and his unlikely friendship with the crippled Rico Ratso Rizzo. Through Herlihy's insightful writing, readers are immersed in Joe's world of desperation, alienation, and the quest for connection in a decadent and exploitative society.
Herlihy's narrative weaves a tale of vulnerability and powerlessness, exploring the themes of loneliness, alienation, and the pursuit of the American dream. The book offers a poignant commentary on societal abandonment, manipulation, and the complexities of human relationships, all portrayed through the lens of Joe Buck's tumultuous journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.
- #8
Save:'Seeker' in the series 'Noble Warriors' by William Nicholson follows the journey of three teens, Morning Star, Seeker, and Wildman, who aspire to become Noble Warriors and protect their island, Anacrea, from a secret weapon meant to destroy it. As they unite forces and set out on a quest to find this weapon in the city of Radiance, they encounter challenges, grow in their understanding of their purpose, and face a formidable villain, Soren Similin. The story unfolds through multiple narrators and intertwining storylines, culminating in a suspenseful climax with surprising twists that keep readers engaged and eager for the next installment.
explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the value of working together to achieve monumental goals. Through well-developed characters and a captivating plot, the author skillfully weaves a tale that balances philosophical reflections on reality with elements of action, suspense, and humor. Readers are drawn into a world where unique characters like Seeker, Morning Star, and Wildman evolve, learning to harness their individual strengths to combat evil and find their rightful place as Noble Warriors on Anacrea.
