Books matching: emotional weight of the story

100 result(s)

Readers also searched for:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    House of Evil by John Dean
    Save:

    'House of Evil' by John Dean recounts the tragic story of Sylvia Likens, a 16-year-old girl who was brutally abused and eventually murdered in 1960s Indianapolis. The narrative delves into the horrifying abuse inflicted upon Sylvia by Gertrude Baniszewski and her children, culminating in Sylvia's tragic death in a basement that had become her prison. raises questions about the failures of the system to protect Sylvia, the lack of intervention from those around her, and the disturbing events leading up to her untimely demise. Readers express a mix of shock, horror, and anger at the heartbreaking tale of Sylvia's suffering.

    The writing style of 'House of Evil' is noted to be both compelling and flawed by readers. While the content of the book is considered thorough and informative, some criticize the author for not delving deeper into Sylvia's last months of torture and for the inconsistent and patchy writing style. is described as a chilling and eye-opening account of one of the worst crimes committed in the country, shedding light on the dark reality of Sylvia's tragic fate.

    TWO CHILDREN—A boy and a girl in their early teens—knelt over the motionless body of another teenage girl, trying to breathe life back into her mangled, emaciated form. They were trying to deny what w...

  2. #2

    The Town and the City by Jack Kerouac
    Save:

    The Town and the City by Jack Kerouac is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the lives of the Martin family over the decades, pre and post-WWII. The story is a blend of fiction and non-fiction, portraying the working-class characters of Depression-era America with vivid descriptions of places and characters. Kerouac's unique writing style is evident, with a focus on comparing and contrasting characters, towns, and cities, as well as exploring themes of war and bankruptcy.

    The town is Galloway. The Merrimac River, broad and placid, flows down to it from the New Hampshire hills, broken at the falls to make frothy havoc on the rocks, foaming on over ancient stone towards ...

  3. #3

    A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher
    Save:

    In a post-apocalyptic world, the protagonist Griz embarks on a journey to retrieve his stolen dog, Jip, after a thief takes it from their isolated island. The narrative follows Griz's adventures through a depopulated world filled with challenges and surprises, as he navigates the ruins of the old world and documents his travels in a journal. The book delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the enduring bond between humans and dogs, set against a backdrop of a slowly fading world and the remnants of a forgotten society.

    When we were hunters and gatherers and walked out of Africa and began to spread across the world, they came with us. They guarded our fires as we slept and they helped us bring down prey in the long d...

  4. #4

    Coal Black Horse by Robert Olmstead
    Save:

    In "Coal Black Horse," a young boy named Robey Childs is sent out during the Civil War to find his soldier father, encountering evil and destruction along the way. The novel depicts his coming of age journey and his transformation from a boy to a man, emotionally and mentally, with the help of a coal black horse. The writing style is described as vivid and strong, capturing the horrors of war and the emotional growth of the protagonist in a dark and realistic manner.

    THE EVENING OF SUNDAY May 10 in the year 1863, Hettie Childs called her son, Robey, to the house from the old fields where he walked the high meadow along the fence lines where the cattle grazed, lick...

  5. #5

    Sadie by Courtney Summers
    Save:

    'Sadie' by Courtney Summers is a gripping YA novel that follows the story of Sadie, a teenage girl on a mission to avenge her sister's death. The book is structured with dual storylines - one from Sadie's perspective as she embarks on a dangerous journey to find her sister's killer, and the other from the viewpoint of a journalist creating a podcast about Sadie's disappearance. Through these alternating narratives, the reader gets a glimpse into Sadie's harrowing life filled with abandonment, abuse, and the search for justice.

    The writing style of 'Sadie' is unique and engaging, utilizing the podcast format to provide additional insights and perspectives into the story. The book delves into dark and serious topics such as drug addiction, sexual abuse, and family dysfunction, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally taut mystery that keeps readers on edge until the end.

    I’m going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren’t supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer. It’s no less than he...

  6. #6

    Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
    Save:

    Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand is a novel that delves into the aftermath of a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Meredith's husband, leaving her ostracized and under investigation. Seeking refuge in Nantucket with her childhood friend Connie, the story unfolds as the two women navigate through their individual struggles and past grievances, finding solace and healing in their rekindled friendship. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Meredith and Connie, offering insights into their evolving relationship against the backdrop of the picturesque Nantucket setting.

    They had agreed not to speak about anything meaningful until Meredith was safely inside the house on Nantucket. First, they had the highway to face. Meredith knew it too well, just like every other Am...

  7. #7

    Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
    Save:

    'Grown' by Tiffany D. Jackson follows the story of Enchanted Jones, a teenager with dreams of becoming a singer. When she meets R&B singer Korey Fields, she is taken under his wing, but soon realizes the nightmare of exploitation and abuse she is caught in. The plot delves into the manipulation and grooming of minors, shedding light on the dark reality faced by young girls in abusive relationships. The writing style is described as spare, quick-witted, and engaging, with alternating timelines adding a layer of mystique to the narrative.

    I roll over, spine unforgiving, and struggle to my feet, knees wobbling, pain shooting stars through my skull. Out of the one eye that isn’t swollen, everything is a bright blur. The blinding sun shin...

  8. The Burning Mountain by Alfred Coppel is an alternative history novel that explores the scenario of the invasion of Japan if the atomic bombs were not dropped. The book delves into the detailed war plans of both Japan and the United States, focusing on characters from both sides to depict the horrors and complexities of such a large-scale military operation. Through interconnected short stories, the author paints a comprehensive picture of the conflict, with a particular emphasis on the personal experiences and emotions of individual soldiers, pilots, and civilians caught in the midst of war.

    The narrative of The Burning Mountain is set against the backdrop of Operation Coronet, the fictional invasion of the main Japanese island of Honshu, following the disruption of the Trinity test and the subsequent necessity for a ground invasion. Alfred Coppel, drawing on his experience as a former Air Force officer and pilot, provides a well-researched and authentic portrayal of the characters' backgrounds, attitudes, and perceptions during this alternate historical event. The book offers insights into the military strategies, cultural differences, and human costs of the invasion, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of what could have transpired if the nuclear bombs had not ended World War II.

    The storm rides the jet stream, spinning ice veils and black cloud across the continent. At 70,000 feet, where no aircraft yet designed flies, the wind blows west to east at 200 knots, driven by the C...

  9. #9
    Pretty Thing
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Naughty Things

    Pretty Thing - Naughty Things by J.A. Huss
    Save:

    'Pretty Thing' by J.A. Huss is a poignant tale of three friends, Kali, Kyle, and Aiden, whose lives are intertwined since childhood. The story delves into themes of love, loss, grief, and forbidden desires as the trio navigates the aftermath of Kyle's tragic death. The narrative unfolds the emotional journey of Kali and Aiden as they come to terms with their feelings for each other while dealing with the guilt and loyalty associated with their friend's passing. Through the concept of 'Dead Notes,' the characters find solace, healing, and closure as they unravel messages left behind by Kyle from beyond the grave.

    The book is described as a heartfelt and emotional story that beautifully captures the complexities of relationships, the depths of grief, and the resilience of the human spirit. With a blend of romance, tragedy, and supernatural elements, 'Pretty Thing' offers a compelling narrative that evokes a range of emotions in the readers, from tears to laughter, and from heartbreak to hope. The author skillfully weaves a tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery, making it a captivating read that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.


  10. #10

    We Used to Be Friends by Amy Spalding
    Save:

    'We Used to Be Friends' by Amy Spalding follows the story of James and Kat, who have been best friends since kindergarten but find themselves drifting apart during their senior year of high school. The narrative is structured in a unique way, moving forward and in reverse, expertly showing the dissolution of a friendship and the hurt it can cause. Readers appreciate the author's ability to portray the painful, awkward, and confusing aspects of a best friendship breakup, making the story both bitter and sweet with nostalgia and heart-wrenching realizations. Despite the friendship breakup being the central theme, the book also touches on the erasure of bisexuality in our culture, highlighting the importance of representation in literature.


Page 1 of 10Next Page