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Books matching: disillusionment with adulthood

5 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 5 of 5 
  1. #1

    The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
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    'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger follows the narrative of sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield, who has recently been expelled from his fourth boarding school. The story unfolds as Holden decides to spend a night in New York City before facing his parents, showcasing his encounters with old friends, strangers, and his inner turmoil. Through Caulfield's stream of consciousness narration, readers delve into his rebellious and angst-ridden journey, exploring themes of teenage alienation, identity crisis, and the disillusionment with the adult world.

    The novel is characterized by a unique writing style that captures the raw emotions and turbulent thoughts of its protagonist. Salinger's portrayal of Holden's inner turmoil and his cynical perspective on society resonates with readers, offering a poignant exploration of adolescent struggles and the quest for authenticity amidst a world perceived as phony.

    IF YOU REALLY WANT TO HEAR about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me...

  2. #2

    The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima
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    In the book 'The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea' by Yukio Mishima, the story revolves around Noboru, a 13-year-old boy who idolizes a sailor named Ryuji. However, Noboru's admiration turns to disdain when Ryuji chooses a domestic life with Noboru's mother over a life at sea. This decision triggers a revenge plot by Noboru and his friends, leading to a disturbing and shocking ending. The narrative delves into themes of masculinity, youth, and the clash between traditional values and modern influences, all portrayed through Mishima's elegant and captivating prose style.

    The book explores the complexities of relationships and the dark aspects of human nature, with a focus on the distorted perceptions of the characters and the consequences of their actions. Mishima skillfully weaves together a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge, creating a haunting and impactful story that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.

    Noboru’s mother closed his bedroom door and locked it. What would she do if there were a fire? Let him out first thing—she had promised herself that. But what if the wooden door warped in the heat or ...

  3. #3

    The Lola Quartet by Emily St. John Mandel
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    The Lola Quartet by Emily St. John Mandel is a novel that delves into the lives of the members of a jazz band from high school, exploring themes of loneliness, desperation, and the consequences of choices made. The plot moves through flashbacks and investigations, revealing the intertwined lives of the quartet members over a span of ten years. The writing style of Mandel is described as moody, descriptive, and shifting between perspectives and timelines, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative.

    Anna had fallen into a routine, or as much of a routine as a seventeen-year-old can reasonably fall into when she's transient and living in hiding with an infant. She was staying at her sister's frien...

  4. #4

    Banal Nightmare by Halle Butler
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    Banal Nightmare by Halle Butler follows Moddie, a discontented woman who returns to her hometown after ending a long relationship. The narrative dives into her experiences with her old high school friends, revealing deep insecurities, rivalry, and dysfunction within their lives. The story is both humorous and painfully relatable, exposing the disillusionment of adulthood while balancing dark and witty commentary. Readers witness the struggles of a group plagued by unhappiness, money troubles, and frustrating jobs, with Moddie's sharp observations providing a bittersweet humor amidst the chaos.

    Butler's writing style is described as virtuosic and sharp, blending deadpan humor with insightful critiques of millennial life. The prose explores the nuances of relationships and self-awareness, weaving through characters and their unhappiness with a mix of funny yet disturbing reflections. The book is filled with cultural critiques and social commentary, showcasing the pressures of adulthood and the pitfalls of privilege. Despite its darker themes, Banal Nightmare remains entertaining, leaving readers amused yet thoughtful.


  5. #5
    Rabbit, Run
    Book 1 in the series:Rabbit Angstrom

    Rabbit, Run - Rabbit Angstrom by John Updike
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    'Rabbit, Run' by John Updike follows the story of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, a former high school basketball star who feels trapped in his mundane life as a husband and father. The novel explores Rabbit's selfish and self-centered nature as he makes questionable decisions, such as leaving his pregnant wife, leading to a series of misadventures and failed attempts at finding fulfillment. Updike's writing style captures the complexities of human relationships and emotions, portraying Rabbit's inner turmoil and the impact of his actions on those around him.

    Amidst the backdrop of Rabbit's internal struggles and external conflicts, Updike weaves a narrative that delves into themes of disillusionment, selfishness, and the pursuit of identity and purpose. The novel intricately depicts Rabbit's journey of self-discovery and the consequences of his impulsive actions, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition and the complexities of personal relationships.

    BOYS are playing basketball around a telephone pole with a backboard bolted to it. Legs, shouts. The scrape and snap of Keds on loose alley pebbles seems to catapult their voices high into the moist M...

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