Books matching: eccentric family dynamics
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- #1
Save:The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie is a quirky novel that follows the lives of Veblen, a temp worker with a penchant for talking to squirrels, and Paul, a researcher with family issues and a questionable engagement. The book delves into themes of marriage, family dynamics, ethical dilemmas in the medical industry, and the unexpected turns life can take. The writing style is crisp and lyrical, interweaving humor and thought-provoking moments throughout the narrative. The characters, including a squirrel with a significant role, provide a whimsical touch to the story, while also exploring deeper questions about living an ethical life amidst chaos.
- #2
Save:Vivienne Lorret begins a new series with this romance of a Duke Magnus who is roped into helping a spinster named Verity from getting into some serious hot water over a whopper of a lie that the 2 of them were engaged. This is a slow burn, possibly too much of a slow burn for some. As it turns out the duke is very familiar with her family. He believes that her father was responsible for a swindle 7 years before that had contributed to his father's death. Their path to forever twists and turns and burns up the pages. Miss Verity Hartley tells a big fib when put on the spot by her arch nemesis that she's engaged to none other than a DUKE, Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst. Unbeknownst to Verity, Magnus hears of the lie and sets out to put a stop to it before it ruins his chances of marrying an heiress. He's desperately in need of money to replenish the estate's finances after his father's big loss to a swindler. A new friendship blossoms between Verity and the heiress, Miss Anna Snow. There's funny moments, a steamy romance, and several mysteries to solve. Who is Anna's secret penpal Mr. Blossom, and who else was involved in the scheme causing the late Duke of Longhurst's financial loss and early death.
Florence King's memoir 'Confessions of a Failed Southern Lady' delves into her misanthropic childhood, spent with mismatched parents and an Old Guard maternal grandmother. The book recounts her struggle for a non-secretarial education, her search for alcohol in a dry state, and her discovery of her true sexual orientation. Through detailed accounts of her life in Washington, D.C., before World War II, King pierces through the subtle misogyny of her time, shedding light on societal norms and her personal journey towards self-acceptance. While her writing style is scathing and witty, King's memoir offers a candid portrayal of her experiences, blending humor, heartbreak, and incisive observations.
A romantic version of my address can be found on the first page of Thackeray’s Henry Esmond, which kicks off with a description of the Esmond family’s royal grant “in Westmoreland County between the R...- #4
Save:Georgette Heyer's 'Death in the Stocks' is a murder mystery set in a village where Arnold Vereker is found dead, locked in the stocks. The plot revolves around suspicion falling on his immediate family, the eccentric Vereker siblings, Kenneth and Antonia. The story is filled with plot twists, red herrings, and witty dialogues, all leading to the resolution of the murder by Inspector Hannasyde and his encounters with the madly eccentric Vereker family.
The book features quirky characters, humorous conversations, and a classic murder mystery vibe with a touch of romance. As the investigation unfolds, secrets, motives, and lies are unraveled, keeping the reader engaged till the very end. Georgette Heyer's writing style shines through with witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and a plot that keeps the reader guessing till the final pages.
It was past midnight, and the people who lived in the cottages that clustered round the triangular green had long since gone to bed and to sleep. No lamp shone in any window, but a full moon sailed in... - #5
Save:"I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith is a fantastic coming-of-age novel set in 1930s England, following Cassandra Mortmain and her eccentric family living in a crumbling castle gatehouse. The story revolves around Cassandra documenting her daily life and the challenges of living in poverty, which takes a turn when two men from America inherit the castle. The book beautifully captures the essence of teenage emotions and first love, chronicling Cassandra's experiences in a charming and insightful manner.
I am sitting in the kitchen sink. That is, my feet are in it; the rest of me is on the draining-board, which I have padded with our dog’s blanket and the tea-cozy. I can’t say that I am really comfort... - #6
Save:'A Proper Pursuit' by Lynn Austin follows the journey of the main character, Violet, as she navigates through various potential suitors and strives to find true love and uncover the mystery of her mother's abandonment. Set in the backdrop of the World's Fair in 1893, the story delves into Violet's experiences with her eccentric aunts, her pursuit of understanding the real meaning of love, and her realization of the importance of looking beyond outward appearances. weaves together elements of romance, humor, history, and moral standards, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and family relationships.
The writing style of Lynn Austin in 'A Proper Pursuit' is praised for its ability to bring characters to life, evoke deep emotions in readers, and build tension throughout the romantic elements of the story. Readers appreciate the accurate historical details, believable dialogues, and the tender romance portrayed in the book, along with the author's skill in creating complete and relatable personalities for each character, making them feel like family. is described as a captivating read that not only tells an excellent story but also addresses important issues of life, offering a journey of laughter, tears, and heartache that keeps readers engaged till the end.
I sat at Widow Maude O’Neill’s dining room table and stared at my father as the overcooked mutton on my plate grew cold. I would have cried out in protest and begged him to reconsider, but as a recent... - #7
Save:'The Facts of Life' by Graham Joyce is a novel set in Coventry, England, during and after World War II, focusing on the Vine family and their eccentricities. The story follows the youngest sister, Cassie, and her son Frank, who is raised by the family after being born out of wedlock. The book combines elements of fantasy, history, and family drama, touching on themes of life, love, and mystical experiences. The writing style is described as well-crafted, with a blend of realism and fantastical elements that keep the reader guessing about what is real and what is supernatural.
Cassie Vine, just turned twenty-one but dry-eyed, holds the unnamed baby inside her coat and squints into the wind. It is twelve noon, three weeks after Victory in Europe day, and she stands on the w... - #8
Save:'My Life and Hard Times' by James Thurber is a collection of humorous and insightful stories about Thurber's childhood, family, and everyday life experiences. The book presents Thurber's unique perspective on growing up in Columbus, Ohio, and the eccentricities of his family and neighbors. Through witty and droll humor, Thurber captures the essence of simple, uncomplicated living and the hilarity that can be found in mundane situations. Accompanied by the author's delightful cartoon drawings, the book offers a nostalgic and entertaining glimpse into Thurber's world.
Thurber's writing style is characterized by his ability to extract humor from ordinary events and portray them in a light-hearted and whimsical manner. The stories in 'My Life and Hard Times' are filled with charming anecdotes, playful observations, and clever wit, making the book a delightful read for readers of all ages. Thurber's concise and humorous storytelling, combined with his iconic illustrations, creates a timeless and endearing collection that continues to entertain and amuse readers.
- #9
Save:"Life with Father" by Clarence Day Jr. is a collection of charming and vivid stories depicting Day's family life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The narrative revolves around his unique parents, particularly his father, who is portrayed as a plain-spoken man with a commanding presence. captures the essence of living with eccentric yet endearing family members, providing glimpses into their daily interactions and the dynamics within the household. The writing style is engaging and flows well, making the stories easy to read and leaving readers wishing for more.
- #10
Save:'JPod' by Douglas Coupland is a quirky and humorous novel that follows the lives of characters working in a game development company. The story delves into the everyday life of the protagonist, Ethan, his interactions with his colleagues, his eccentric family, and a range of unusual situations he finds himself in. The writing style of the book is described as witty, brilliant, and technically savvy, with a loose and unconcerned tone that makes it an enjoyable and light read.
Through a rare and cheerful accident of freeway planning, I can get from the campus to my parents’ place by making two leftturns and two right turns, even though they live 17.4 miles away in the gloom...
