Books matching: economic struggles
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- #1
Save:Jacqueline Woodson's 'Another Brooklyn' is a lyrical and poetic novel that follows the life of August as she navigates her coming of age in Brooklyn during the 1970s. The story delves into themes of friendship, family, race, and growing up as a young black woman. Through short vignettes and poetic prose, Woodson weaves a narrative that moves back and forth in time, revealing the complexities of August's memories and experiences growing up in Brooklyn alongside her close friends.
The book captures the essence of female friendship and the challenges faced by August and her friends as they transition from childhood to adolescence in a gritty urban environment. Woodson's writing style is described as spare yet rich, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the emotions and memories of the characters as they navigate life's joys and struggles in Brooklyn.
I tried not to think about the return to my father’s apartment alone, the deep relief and fear that came with death. There were clothes to be donated, old food to throw out, pictures to pack away. For... - #2
Save:'The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane' in the 'Blue Cedar Falls' series by Jeannie Chin follows the story of June Wu, who helps run her family's struggling inn in North Carolina while dealing with financial hardships after her mother's stroke, and Clay Hawthorne, a grumpy and solitary man who is pursuing his friend's dream of opening a bar in town. Their initial rivalry turns into a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance as they navigate personal growth, community dynamics, and small-town prejudices. touches on themes of family, responsibility, friendship, diversity, and emotional growth, set against the backdrop of Blue Cedar Falls, a town facing economic challenges and societal issues.
- #3
Save:'Hitting the Wall' in the 'Stonecut County' series by Cate C. Wells is a story about Shay, a young mother facing challenges in her life, including raising an autistic child and dealing with difficult circumstances. The plot revolves around Shay's journey as a strong and resilient mother, navigating through life's obstacles while trying to provide the best for her daughter. The writing style in the book is praised for its emotional depth, realistic portrayal of characters, and the ability to draw readers into the story with powerful and relatable storytelling.
My hands wanna shake, but I force them steady so no one notices I’m peeking through the blinds. Grandpa’s lady friend, Connie, is shuffling around at the sink. She’s spying, too. Bet she’s steaming ma... - #4
Save:'Shirley' by Charlotte Bronte is a novel set in a woolen mill town in Yorkshire during the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on the lives of characters such as the beautiful heiress Shirley Keeldar, her friend Caroline Helstone, and mill owner Robert Moore. The story touches on themes of labor unrest, economic hardship, and personal relationships, with a backdrop of social upheavals in the North of England during the historical period. The writing style is described as passionate and deep, with emotions barely held in check, reminiscent of Bronte's more famous work, 'Jane Eyre'.
The novel is noted for its exploration of women's independence and social issues, presenting a forthright work in favor of women's rights and equality. Bronte's writing is praised for its cleverness and progression towards a great Victorian social novel, with a focus on the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The narrative unfolds slowly, revealing the complexities of small-town society during a period of change, and features thought-provoking discussions on women's roles and relationships.
Of late years, an abundant shower of curates has fallen upon the north of England: they lie very thick on the hills; every parish has one or more of them; they are young enough to be very active, and ... - #5
Save:'From Hell' by Eddie Campbell and Alan Moore is a fictional graphic novel that presents a unique take on the Jack the Ripper mystery, weaving in elements of mysticism, historical conspiracy theories, and intricate details of 1880s London. The narrative delves deep into the social history of the era, offering a dark and atmospheric portrayal of Victorian society. The story follows the unsolved crimes of Jack the Ripper, exploring the intricate web of conspiracy, speculation, and real-world details surrounding the infamous case.
The book is known for its extensive research and attention to detail, with appendices providing additional context and clarification on the mix of fact and fiction within the narrative. The artwork, though initially described as crude and ugly, is praised for its ability to evoke the squalor and beauty of Victorian London, adding depth to the storytelling and creating a hauntingly immersive reading experience.
- #6
Save:'Friendship' by Emily Gould is a novel that revolves around the lives of two main characters, Bev and Amy, who are navigating adulthood in New York City. The book explores their friendship, struggles, and self-discovery as they face challenges such as unexpected pregnancies, job instability, and finding their paths in life. The writing style is described as detailed, focusing on the daily struggles and nuances of contemporary American life, particularly highlighting the themes of money, status, and friendship. The plot is seen as charged and intriguing at first, but some readers feel that it falls flat towards the end, leaving loose ends.
The temp agency’s application was only four pages long, but somehow Bev hadn’t managed to fill it out. She’d told herself that she would do it on the subway on the morning of the interview, but then t... - #7
Save:'A Word Child' by Iris Murdoch follows the life of the main character, Hilary Burde, an English civil servant, who gets entangled in a web of affairs and tragedies involving his friends and colleagues. The plot unfolds with Hilary's affair with Gunnar's wife, leading to a car crash that results in the death of Gunnar's wife and unborn child. As the story progresses, Hilary's life becomes more complicated with multiple affairs, conflicts, and unexpected turns of events, ultimately leading to a series of tragic incidents. The narrative style of the book is described as filled with lots of words, vivid descriptions of London, and a plot that keeps the readers intrigued despite the unlikeable nature of the main character.
- #8
Save:'Skagboys' by Irvine Welsh is a prequel to Trainspotting, focusing on the early lives of characters like Renton, Spud, Begbie, and Sick Boy before their descent into heroin addiction. The writing style is described as superb, capturing the gritty reality of Edinburgh's drug scene in the 1980s with vivid and detailed descriptions. delves into the characters' struggles with drugs, violence, betrayal, and loss, painting a dark and authentic picture of their lives.
Even the plank-stiffness of this old, unyielding settee can’t arrest my body’s slink into deliverance. It reminds me of the university residences in Aberdeen; lying in the dark, basking in exalted fre...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Trainspotting / Mark Renton ) Paul Preston's book on the Spanish Civil War is a detailed and authoritative history that examines the social conditions leading to the civil war and its ultimate outcome. The author holds both sides up to close scrutiny, not shying away from criticizing the Republicans or the left, while also highlighting the brutality and cruelty of Franco and his Fascist supporters. The book provides a history not just of battles, but of people, offering a valuable background to the conflict.
- #10
Save:Desperate Remedies by Thomas Hardy is a sensational novel that delves into themes of identity fraud, murder, love entanglements, and social and economic struggles of the day. The plot revolves around Cytherea, a young woman who finds herself in a web of mysteries, dark secrets, and romantic entanglements as she navigates through deceit, death, bigamy, and unexpected twists. Set in the late 1800s English countryside, the book combines elements of gothic romance and sensation novels to create a compelling narrative filled with remarkable coincidences and unexpected revelations.
