Books matching: dreams vs. reality
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"The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" by Paul Zindel is a play that delves into the complicated relationships within a dysfunctional family. The story revolves around Tillie, a dreamer who finds solace in her love for science and her project to grow man-in-the-moon marigolds. The family dynamics include a bitter and cruel mother, an epileptic sister, and an elderly invalid boarding with the family, creating a situation ripe for conflict. The plot explores clashes between family members, school, and the challenges faced by Tillie in keeping her dreams alive amidst chaos. Zindel's writing style is noted for its sympathetic characterizations and naturalistic depiction of family life.
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In "Promise at Dawn" by Romain Gary, the author pays a heartfelt tribute to his mother, a remarkable woman who shaped him into the man and artist he became. Despite facing challenges and hardships, Gary's mother envisioned a bright future for him in France and dedicated herself to ensuring his success. The memoir recounts their journey from poverty in Russia to eventual triumphs in France, highlighting the unwavering bond between mother and son and the influence of a mother's love on shaping one's destiny.
It is over. The beach at Big Sur is empty and cool and the gentle sand is kind to the fallen. The sea mist blurs all things except memories; between ocean and sky not a mast to be seen; on a rock befo... - #3
National Velvet by Enid Bagnold is a heartwarming tale set in a small English village in the 1920s or 1930s, focusing on the protagonist, Velvet Brown, a teenage girl with a passion for horses. Velvet's dream of owning a horse unexpectedly comes true when she wins a wild piebald horse in a raffle and inherits five ponies from a generous gentleman. Determined to turn the piebald, known as The Pie, into a champion, Velvet sets her sights on entering him in the prestigious Grand National steeplechase, a race typically dominated by men. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including her age and gender, Velvet remains resolute in pursuing her dream, showcasing themes of determination, family support, and the pursuit of one's passion.
Enid Bagnold's writing style in National Velvet is praised for its unique characterizations, vivid setting descriptions, and realistic dialogue that immerses readers in the English countryside and the world of horse racing. The story follows Velvet's journey of self-discovery, highlighting her courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her beloved horse, The Pie. Through a blend of family dynamics, equestrian challenges, and unexpected turns of events, the book offers a timeless and engaging narrative that captivates readers of all ages.
UNEARTHLY humps of land curved into the darkening sky like the backs of browsing pigs, like the rumps of elephants. At night when the stars rose over them they looked like a starlit herd of divine pig... - #4
'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a poignant tale about the friendship between two drifters, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The story follows their journey as they seek work on a ranch in California, highlighting the challenges they face due to Lennie's mental disability and their shared dream of owning a farm. Through vivid character portrayals and a dialogue-driven narrative, Steinbeck masterfully captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in the 1930s.
The novella delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of dreams amidst a backdrop of sadness and violence. Through George and Lennie's endearing relationship, Steinbeck explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of tragic outcomes. The book's concise yet impactful storytelling style, coupled with its profound character development, evokes deep emotions in readers and leaves a lasting impression of the struggles faced by individuals during a tumultuous era.
A FEW MILES south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight b... - #5
Rubicon Beach by Steve Erickson is a mesmerizing blend of impressionistic fantasy and dystopia that captivates readers with its genuine human emotion and intricate storytelling. The novel takes place in a reimagined Los Angeles, offering vivid landscapes and dreamlike sequences that transport the reader into a world where reality and dreams intertwine. Erickson's writing style, described as nostalgic, lyrical, and emotional, creates a unique reading experience that challenges the boundaries of traditional narratives.
I got out late winter. I was off on the exact day by thirty-some hours, which is not bad calculations. I made the decision when I went in to keep track of the days, for the simple reason that it was t... - #6
'Billy Liar' by Keith Waterhouse follows the life of the titular character, Billy Fisher, a working-class 19-year-old living in a small town in Yorkshire. Billy is engaged to two girls while in love with a third, living a life of fantasies and lies as he dreams of becoming a comedy writer in the big city. The story captures the stifling atmosphere of small-town life as Billy navigates through his relationships, work troubles, and his own self-sabotaging behavior. The narrative cycles through one day in Billy's life, showcasing his escapism, lack of responsibility, and reluctance to grow up.
Waterhouse's writing style evokes a nostalgic and evocative world of small-town Yorkshire life before the cultural shift brought by the Beatles. delves into themes of youthful rebellion, self-delusion, and the consequences of living in a world of lies and fantasies. Despite some humorous moments, the story ultimately portrays Billy as a conflicted and frustrating character, surrounded by caricatures that highlight his own flaws and self-destructive tendencies.
By rights, the march-past started in the Avenue of the Presidents, but it was an easy thing to shift the whole thing into Town Square. My friends had vantage seats on the town-hall steps where no flag... - #7
Hurricane Season by Lauren K. Denton is a Southern Romance novel that follows the story of two sisters, Betsy and Jenna, as they navigate their starkly different lives. The plot revolves around Jenna, a single mother of two daughters, who gets an opportunity to pursue her lifelong ambition of photography at a retreat. She leaves her children with her sister, Betsy, and as the story unfolds, the impact of this decision on both sisters, their families, and their relationships is explored. The book delves into themes of family ties, pursuing dreams, and the consequences of life choices, all set against the backdrop of an impending storm that mirrors the personal storms the characters face.
She usually stayed in bed until at least six, but this morning she was restless, like animals get when the barometric pressure drops before a storm. It wasn’t the cows, or the approaching hurricane se... - #8
'A Walk on the Wild Side' by Nelson Algren is a gritty and poignant portrayal of the lives of society's down and out, losers, and has-beens lived out in the streets, cheap hotels, dingy bars, and brothels of New Orleans in the 1930s. The story follows Dove Linkhorn, a 16-year-old illiterate teenager from an outback town, as he navigates through the hardships of the Great Depression era. Dove's journey is filled with encounters with pimps, whores, con men, and various colorful characters, shedding light on the unfairness of wealth distribution and the struggles faced by the truly poor during that time.
Algren's writing style in this book is described as fabulous, with a mix of sing-song rhyme and southern drawl, creating a vivid and melancholic atmosphere. The narrative is a series of small dramas that highlight the harsh realities of life during the 1930s, showcasing moments of compassion, loyalty, and shared misery among the characters. The book delves into themes of poverty, human resilience, and the complexities of humanity, painting a stark picture of a bygone era that still resonates with current social and economic issues.
For what had embittered him Fitz had no name. Yet he felt that every daybreak duped him into waking and every evening conned him into sleep. The feeling of having been cheated – of having been cheated... - #9
"A Burning" by Megha Majumdar is a riveting debut novel set in present-day India, focusing on the intertwined lives of three characters: Jivan, a young Muslim woman falsely accused of terrorism after a train bombing; Lovely, a hijra aspiring actress; and PT Sir, a gym teacher entangled in right-wing politics. The story delves into themes of class, corruption, justice, and sacrifice, showcasing the harsh realities of modern Indian society through deep character analysis and powerful narratives. Majumdar's writing style is described as hauntingly painful, deceptively simple, and thought-provoking, offering a poignant reflection on the consequences of social judgments and political mishaps.
“Eight thirty,” he is grumbling, because he is not wishing to share with me the fruits of his wristwatch. Leave him. I am abandoning my stylish walk and running like a horse to the local railway stati... - #10
Violet & Claire is a story about two very different girls, Violet and Claire, who become close friends as they navigate through the highs and lows of life in Los Angeles. The book delves into their individual strengths and weaknesses, showcasing their ambitions and vulnerabilities. Through vivid descriptions and alternating perspectives, readers witness the evolution of their friendship, the challenges they face as they pursue their dreams, and the impact they have on each other's lives. The narrative captures themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and innocence, painting a picture of a deep and complex relationship between the two protagonists.
Francesca Lia Block's writing in Violet & Claire is described as impressive and engaging, weaving together beautiful imagery and relatable characters. The book is praised for its emotional depth, fast-paced storytelling, and the realistic portrayal of the friendship dynamics between Violet and Claire. Block's ability to create flawed yet authentic characters and to explore themes of self-discovery and friendship resonates with readers of all ages. The novel is a blend of coming-of-age elements, Hollywood glamour, and poignant reflections on life's complexities, making it a captivating read that captures the essence of youth and friendship.
The helicopter circles whirring in a sky the color of laundered-to-the-perfect-fade jeans. Clouds like the wigs of starlets—fluffy platinum spun floss. Below, the hills are covered with houses from ev...