Books matching: dialogue driven storytelling
28 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Sunset Limited' by Cormac McCarthy is a thought-provoking piece centered around a dialogue between two characters, Black and White, with opposing beliefs about religion and life. The book delves into deep conversations about faith, the meaning of life, and the human condition. Written in a play format, the story explores themes of existentialism, nihilism, faith, and the complexities of human nature through the interactions between the two characters.
This is a room in a tenement building in a black ghetto in New York City. There is a kitchen with a stove and a large refrigerator. A door to the outer hallway and another presumably to a bedroom. The... - #2The Man Who Sold the MoonBook 2 in the series:Future History/Heinlein Timeline
Save:Containing some relatively early stories, this collection feels more dated than most Heinlein works, if only because his predictions for the future were so far off, leading to the book feeling anachronistic. Some stories are truly engaging and captivating in their own way, but more are sadly lacking. Full of the usual mild Heinlein sexism, this book will likely be truly enjoyable only to the dedicated Heinlein reader. The stories in this book are a bit dated, so while the ideas in them might have seemed far fetched back when they were written, they seem quaint and strangely described today. Heinlein was an engaging writer, and the ending to the titular story is pretty sweet. A Collection of the first of Heinlein's future history collection. Heinlein, as always, mixes amazing technological foresight and scientific knowledge with well-crafted characters and how humans deal with the trials that are thrown at them.
George Strong snorted at his partner’s declaration. “Delos, why don’t you give up? You’ve been singing this tune for years. Maybe someday men will get to the Moon, though I doubt it. In any case, you...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Future History/Heinlein Timeline ) - #3
Save:Jane Goes North by Joe Lansdale is a Southern gothic comedy that follows Jane, a woman from East Texas who embarks on a road trip to attend her semi-estranged sister's wedding in Boston. She teams up with Henry, an ornery muscle lady, and together they encounter a series of quirky and insane predicaments along the way. The plot explores themes of friendship, unlikely alliances, and the idea of finding your community while embracing life's unexpected twists and turns. Lansdale's writing style is described as snappy, humorous, and filled with memorable dialogue that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #4
Save:In My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen, Roos finds herself being investigated for murder while recounting her story to a doctor to determine her sanity. The narrative unfolds through conversations between Roos and her psychologist, Dr. Montague, as well as the chilling events that took place. Set in the 1950s, the story follows Roos and her mother staging fake seances, until a widow named Agnes Knoop invites Roos to live with her. As Roos navigates her complex relationships with Agnes and her spirit companion Ruth, a gruesome death occurs, leading to accusations and a dark turn of events.
The book blends elements of gothic horror, supernatural occurrences, and psychological suspense as it delves into the intricacies of Roos' past, her connections to the spirit world, and the unfolding murder trial that tests her sanity. The format of the story, with Roos narrating to her psychologist, creates a compelling and eerie atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged in uncovering the mysteries surrounding Roos, Agnes, and the supernatural forces at play.
- #5
Save:In a world where murder victims inexplicably come back to life, a new job of a Dispatcher emerges - someone who kills people before they die so they can return to life. The novella follows a police detective and a Dispatcher as they investigate the disappearance of a fellow Dispatcher, delving into the morality and consequences of this unique phenomenon. John Scalzi blends fantasy with reality in a believable way, creating a fast-paced and intriguing story that leaves readers wanting more.
“Tell me that’s not the person I think it is,” Chao said, to Sheila Reeves. Reeves, a hospital administrator, had accompanied me into the scrub room. Chao was scrubbing up and after the initial glance... - #6
Save:'Point Omega' by Don DeLillo is a novella that delves into themes of isolation, intellectual musings, and the impact of war on individuals. The story follows a filmmaker, Jim Finley, who seeks out an elderly scholar named Richard Elster, a former defense establishment advisor. As Jim attempts to persuade Richard to participate in a film project, their interactions in the desert lead to introspective observations and a mysterious event involving Richard's daughter, Jessica. The narrative is intertwined with a framing device involving a man watching an art installation of 'Psycho' slowed down, adding layers of complexity to the storytelling.
There was a man standing against the north wall, barely visible. People entered in twos and threes and they stood in the dark and looked at the screen and then they left. Sometimes they hardly moved p... - #7
Save:Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie is a departure from her usual detective novels, set in ancient Egypt around 4000 years ago. The story revolves around Renisenb, a young widow who returns to her family home after her husband's death. The peaceful household is disrupted when her father brings home a manipulative concubine named Nofret, leading to tensions and ultimately, murder. The plot unfolds like a country house mystery, with family members suspecting each other and the real culprit remaining hidden until the end. Despite the exotic setting, the mystery is typically Christie, with well-developed characters and a richly evoked ancient Egyptian backdrop.
In the distance she could hear faintly the upraised voices of her brothers, Yahmose and Sobek, disputing as to whether or no the dykes in a certain place needed strengthening or not. Sobek’s voice was... - #8
Save:'None Shall Sleep' by Laura Giebfried is a dark and gripping mystery set in a secluded boarding school. The story follows two roommates, Enim and Jack, as they try to solve the disappearances and murders haunting their school. The narrative is driven by the internal struggles of Enim, the complex and unreliable narrator, who grapples with personal tragedies and a blurred line between truth and fiction. The writing style is described as strong but detailed, contributing to the slow pacing that mirrors Enim's sense of being bogged down.
She died on a Friday, right in time to ruin the holiday plans for the students who had hoped to take the ferry to the mainland for the long weekend. The boys stood on the shore even still, watching as... - #9
Save:The Digger's Game by George V. Higgins follows the story of a degenerate gambler and his brother, a man of the cloth, as the former digs himself into a deep hole with a loan shark and plans a robbery for insurance money. Set in 70s Boston and other locations, the book delves into themes of gambling, debt, family issues, criminal elements, and the complex relationships between the characters. Higgins' writing style is characterized by gritty dialogue-driven storytelling, with conversations playing a central role in driving the narrative forward.
The plot of The Digger's Game weaves through various locations and characters, portraying a world of criminals, enforcers, chancers, and family dynamics. The book's focus on dialogue, flawed characters, and morally questionable individuals creates a rich and realistic portrayal of Boston's less reputable social circles during the seventies. Higgins' unique approach to storytelling, where characters are studied through their interactions and conversations, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven crime fiction.
“Back door,” the driver said. “Three steps, aluminum railing, no outer door. No alarm. You got a problem of being seen. There’s a whole mess of apartments back up on the place, and they got mostly kid... - #10
Save:The Hellion and the Hero by Emily Sullivan follows Lady Georgiana, a widow and a businesswoman running fabric factories, who starts receiving threats. Her brother enlists the help of Captain Henry, a national hero turned private investigator, to protect her. As they uncover the mystery behind the threats, their past history together adds layers to their relationship, leading to a journey filled with angst, introspection, suspense, and adventure. The book is praised for its engaging plot twists, brave and self-sufficient characters, and the exploration of social justice values within a historical setting.
(Also, see 48 recommendations for the series League of Scoundrels )
