Books matching: engaged readers
100 result(s)
The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life by Sherry Gore is a moving memoir that delves into the author's journey of seeking a simpler life within the Amish community. Despite facing triggers such as abortion, drug overdose, and the death of a child, Gore's writing style captivates readers, making it challenging to put the book down. The narrative follows Gore's quest for meaning and fulfillment, leading her to embrace a Plain Life as she navigates through personal struggles, relationships, and a deep connection to her faith.
Through Gore's storytelling, readers witness a transformation that stems from absolute trust in a loving God and a profound sense of community. The book not only sheds light on the challenges and pain in life but also inspires readers to reflect on their own journeys, finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Gore's honest portrayal of her experiences, along with her unwavering faith, offers a poignant and uplifting narrative that resonates with those seeking a deeper understanding of life's complexities.
My little sister April called in the evening, but I wasn’t home; I was in the park with my friend Fannie watching Amish men play shuffleboard. Snowbird season was at its height in Pinecraft, when busl...- #2
Josh Waitzkin's 'Art of Learning' is a multifaceted autobiography that delves into his journey from being a chess prodigy to mastering Tai Chi. The book intertwines accounts of his experiences in both fields, providing insights into his strategies, mindset, and approach to learning. Through detailed discussions of chess matches and martial arts competitions, Waitzkin explores the connection between seemingly disparate pursuits and emphasizes the importance of depth over breadth in mastering skills. The writing style is sentimental and vibrant, with Waitzkin sharing his personal experiences and theories of excellence influenced by Eastern philosophies, making the book a compelling narrative on peak performance and learning.
I remember the cold late winter afternoon in downtown New York City, my mother and I holding hands while walking to the playground in Washington Square Park. I was six years old, a rough-and-tumble ki... - #3
Readers praise 'The Quiet Man' for its inventive plot, quirky and interesting characters, rich and sensory language, and the ability to make them laugh out loud. The book features a complex and big cast of characters with surprisingly interconnected narratives, keeping readers satisfied and entertained. The story is exciting, keeping readers turning the pages with a mix of silliness, fun, and a bit of violence, creating a very enjoyable and memorable read.
(Also, see 4 recommendations for the series McGarry Stateside ) - #4
'Scream Queen' by Edo Van Belkom revolves around a haunted house reality show with rigged effects unbeknownst to the participants, aiming to provide viewers with chills and thrills. The story is described as having an interesting B movie premise, but the execution falls short with cheesy dialogue and clichéd characters. Despite the potential for a wonderful read, the lack of character depth and the predictable interactions hinder the overall experience. The writing style is criticized for being trite and silly, resembling fanfiction rather than a well-crafted horror novel.
- #5
'The Chosen Witch' in the series 'The Coven: Elemental Magic' by Chandelle LaVaun is a captivating and immersive story that follows multiple supernatural species, primarily focusing on witchcraft. The plot arches are compelling, and the series intertwines different storylines, creating an overlapping narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book introduces the readers to powerful characters like Teagan and Emyrsyn, twins who embark on a journey to save the universe, accompanied by their boyfriends and a cool posse. The writing style is described as gripping, emotionally investing readers in the characters' journeys, making them laugh, cry, and root for every character.
The book is praised for its well-written storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, reminiscent of popular series like Harry Potter and Twilight. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters and the intricate world-building that Chandelle LaVaun has created. The book is recommended to those who enjoy witchy series with supernatural elements, showcasing the author's ability to craft a compelling narrative that appeals to readers of all ages.
- #6
In 'Made Things' by Adrian Tchaikovsky, readers are transported into a fantastical world where puppeteer Coppelia AKA Moppet discovers that her closest companions are not human but made of wood, steel, candlewax, and paper. Set in a city ruled by powerful mages, the story follows Coppelia's journey as she navigates through the underworld of thieves and the struggles against the Magelords of Loretz, accompanied by her homunculi friends Tef and Arc. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where intricate characters, including the homunculi and the thieves, face challenges and dangers while trying to find their place in a society dominated by magic and power struggles. With a lyrical writing style and solid plot twists, 'Made Things' is a captivating blend of action, adventure, and fantasy that explores themes of friendship, survival, and the quest for identity.
COPPELIA ALWAYS GOT TOO into her performances. For an actual puppeteer it would have been a good trait, but for a thief it was terrible. Still, she was doing Simeon the Garden-Born, and that was worth... - #7
Severed is a horror graphic novel that follows the story of a young boy in the early 1900s searching for his father while being pursued by a mysterious cannibal monster who preys on children with unique talents. The book is praised for its different and gripping storyline, along with its great art that complements the eerie atmosphere created by the author's writing style. Readers appreciate the depth of the plot development, the suspenseful narrative, and the well-crafted characters that make the horror elements truly engaging.
The writing style of Scott Snyder is highlighted as a standout feature of Severed, showcasing his ability to create compelling stories that resonate with readers, even those who are not typically fans of the horror genre. The book is described as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of trusting adults and chasing dreams without being aware of the lurking evil in the world. Overall, Severed offers a unique blend of horror, suspense, and emotional depth that sets it apart from other graphic novels in the genre.
- #8
A Small Death in the Great Glen by A.D. Scott is a murder mystery set in 1950s Scotland, focusing on the murder of a young boy named Jamie. The story delves into themes of abuse, both physical and societal, and the silent acceptance that perpetuates such abuses within a close-knit community. The narrative weaves together multiple plot threads surrounding the hunt for Jamie's killer, touching on issues such as gender inequality, alcoholism, and the aftermath of World War II. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-developed characters and a strong sense of time and place.
The steep hill that ran from the Highland Gazette office to the castle was cobbled; hard to walk on in the best of weathers, lethal in the rain. In the open expanse in front of the castle Flora Macdon... - #9
The Drixonian Warriors series by Ella Maven follows the captivating stories of Earth women being kidnapped and saved by the Drix warriors. The books are filled with action, adventure, and romance, as the strong female protagonists challenge and win the hearts of the alien males. The series intricately weaves together dangerous situations, strong character development, and a well-crafted world-building that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The author, Ella Maven, skillfully creates a matrilineal society within the Drix universe, where the love and respect between the alien males and their human mates shine through. Each book in the series builds upon the last, delivering a seamless flow of storytelling that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what happens next. With a touch of humor and a unique take on alien romance, Ella Maven's writing style keeps readers hooked throughout the entire series.
I crouched low against the outside wall of my building, trying to control my breathing, as I waited for the mingo to show itself. Dusk was when the little creature ventured up a tree near outside the ... Rebecca Alexander's memoir, 'Not Fade Away', details her journey living with Usher Syndrome Type III, a rare genetic mutation that results in loss of sight and sound. Despite the challenges she faces, Rebecca's story is one of resilience, hope, and determination. The writing style is described as narrative, engaging, and hard to put down, offering a glimpse into her world filled with a full range of emotions - from sad and shocking to funny and hopeful. Through her experiences, Rebecca shares valuable insights into a world that many may not fully understand, showcasing her ability to turn tragedy into triumph on a daily basis.
Even though the doctor’s office was warm, I was freezing. A nineteen-year-old California girl in the midst of my first winter at the University of Michigan, I couldn’t shake the cold that seemed to se...