Books matching: engagement with freedom
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- #1
Save:Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Ethics of Ambiguity' explores the core principles of existentialism and delves into the absurdity of existence from a unique perspective. The book presents a novel outlook on existentialist ethics, extending the ideas from Sartre's 'Being and Nothingness' into a comprehensive ethical system. Through a hierarchy of men based on their reactions to ambiguity, Beauvoir argues for the assertion of freedom in the face of existential uncertainty. The writing style is clear and well-thought-out, explaining key arguments from various schools of philosophy and drawing comparisons to stoicism.
“THE continous work of our life,” says Montaigne, “is to build death.” He quotes the Latin poets: Prima, quae vitam dedit, hora corpsit. And again: Nascentes morimur. Man knows and thinks this tragic ... - #2
Save:Setting Free the Bears by John Irving is a novel that explores themes of youth, energy, foolhardiness, and contradictions. The book follows the high-spirited adventures of Siggy and Graff, set against the backdrop of the free-spirited 60s and the foreboding 30s and war years in Austria. The story weaves together elements of history, youthful exuberance, and the complexities of human nature, providing a blend of innocence and darkness that captivates readers.
The writing style of Setting Free the Bears has been described as freewheeling and energetic, offering a great history lesson while delving into the characters' motivations and the era they inhabit. Despite some criticisms about the pacing and plot development, the book is praised for its vintage Irving touch when it comes to writing about the bears and for showcasing the promise of the author's future works.
- #3
Save:The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris is a novel set at the end of the U.S. Civil War in rural Georgia, exploring the aftermath of the Emancipation Proclamation and the struggles faced by freed slaves and returning Confederate soldiers. The story follows the lives of characters like George and Isabelle Walker, their son Caleb, and the freedmen brothers Prentiss and Landry as they navigate a changing society filled with prejudices, forbidden love, and tragic consequences. The author's writing style is described as beautifully written, compelling, and able to provide insights into the hearts and minds of the characters, evoking empathy and understanding for their struggles.
An entire day had passed since George Walker had spoken to his wife. He’d taken to the woods that very morning, tracking an animal that had eluded him since his childhood, and now night was falling. H... - #4
Save:In "The Man Who Japed," Philip K. Dick presents a post-apocalyptic society in 2114 where morality is strictly enforced through robotic spies and public trials. The protagonist, Allen Purcell, finds himself in a dilemma when he unwittingly commits a criminal act of humor by joking about a revered statue. As Allen grapples with the consequences and societal expectations, the narrative delves into themes of propaganda, morality, fascism, and the absurdity of a surveillance state. The story unfolds with a mix of social commentary, humor, and elements of paranoia, characteristic of Philip K. Dick's early works.
At seven A.M., Allen Purcell, the forward-looking young president of the newest and most creative of the Research Agencies, lost a bedroom. But he gained a kitchen. The process was automatic, controll... - #5
Save:The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye is a whimsical fairy tale about Princess Amethyst, the seventh daughter of a king and queen, who is gifted with the curse of being ordinary by a fairy at her christening. The story follows Princess Amy's journey as she embraces her ordinariness, runs away from an arranged marriage, and finds her own path in the world. The book is known for its charming and playful tone, with names based on qualities or stations in life, and a strong theme of self-acceptance and independence running through the narrative.
The writing style of M.M. Kaye in The Ordinary Princess is described as simple, beautiful, and lyrical by readers. Kaye's prose is praised for its ability to transport readers back to their childhood, with enchanting storytelling that inspires creativity and a love for writing. The book is also noted for its delightful illustrations by the author, adding an extra layer of magic to the enchanting tale of Princess Amy.
The list of invitations was so long that it took the Lord High Chamberlain from before breakfast until after suppertime to read it, while the roll it made was so large that it took six men-at-arms to ... - #6Oneby:
Save:Published in 1953, 'One' is a dystopian novel that follows the story of Mr. Burden, a professor of English, who works as a spy for a state that is planning to make an example out of him. The book sets a tone of mystery and suspense from the first page, with a gripping plot that delves into the struggles of an individual against a dystopian, collectivist state. The narrative is described as subtle, step by step, and pointed, pulling the reader in with its fabulous storytelling.
The dialogue in 'One' is praised for being intelligent and insightful, the characters are fascinating, and the situation is described as terrifying. The book presents a vision of a feasible and disturbing future, with an ending that is tough, sad, believable, and deeply satisfying. Readers find the book to be a wonderful read that keeps them engaged until the very last page, with some comparing it to the likes of '1984' and 'Anthem'.
The faculty dining hall was built in the ancient collegiate tradition, with high, oak-paneled walls and thin, clerestoried windows providing the major source of light. In the renovating period of the ... Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi is a memoir about a female professor of literature who held secret book clubs after the Islamic regime banned the books she used to teach. The book details the author's experiences in Iran after the revolution and her move to America, focusing on a class she teaches in her home where forbidden western classic books, including Lolita, are read. Through the discussions of literature, the women in the book club express their individuality and opinions, finding freedom from the restrictions of the Islamic State. The narrative structure jumps around in time but remains engaging, holding the reader's attention by immersing them in the lives and emotional struggles of the author, her students, and the societal restrictions faced in post-revolutionary Iran.
In the fall of 1995, after resigning from my last academic post, I decided to indulge myself and fulfill a dream. I chose seven of my best and most committed students and invited them to come to my ho...- #8
Save:Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho tells the story of Maria, a young Brazilian woman who leaves her village for Geneva in search of fame and fortune but ends up working as a prostitute. Through Maria's journey, the book explores themes of love, sex, self-discovery, and the sacredness of relationships. The writing style is described as daring, gripping, and frank in its discussion of sex and romance, with a focus on the difference between love and sexual pleasure.
The novel delves into Maria's inner struggles, her quest for true love, and her transformation as she navigates the world of prostitution in Geneva. Coelho sensitively explores the spiritual nature of sex and love, challenging readers to confront their prejudices and embrace their inner light. The plot unfolds through Maria's experiences, choices, and relationships, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of human emotions and desires.
Once upon a time, there was a prostitute called Maria. Wait a minute. “Once upon a time” is how all the best children’s stories begin and “prostitute” is a word for adults. How can I start a book with... - #9
Save:Tara Conklin's 'The House Girl' is a historical fiction novel that weaves together the lives of two women from different centuries. In one narrative, readers follow Lina Sparrow, a young lawyer in modern-day New York City, working on a class action case seeking reparations for descendants of American slaves. In parallel, the story unfolds the life of Josephine Bell, a house slave in antebellum Virginia, who is believed to be the real talent behind her mistress's famous artwork. The book expertly switches between the viewpoints of these two protagonists, exploring themes of slavery, art, family secrets, and the pursuit of justice.
Mister hit Josephine with the palm of his hand across her left cheek and it was then she knew she would run. She heard the whistle of the blow, felt the sting of skin against skin, her head spun and s... - #10
Save:'The Alchemy of Stone' by Ekaterina Sedia is a steampunk novel revolving around the character of Mattie, an emancipated automaton who is on a journey of self-discovery and independence. The story delves into themes of love, freedom, and the struggle to find one's identity in a world filled with political unrest and societal conflicts. Through Mattie's interactions with various characters like gargoyles, alchemists, and mechanics, the reader is taken on a journey through a complex and intriguing world where the lines between humanity and machinery blur.
The narrative is filled with multiple plotlines running parallel to each other, weaving together themes of rebellion, friendship, and the search for purpose. The writing style is described as charming, haunting, and beautifully written, with a focus on character development and intricate world-building that immerses the reader into a fantastical steampunk setting.
We scale the rough bricks of the building’s facade. Their crumbling edges soften under our claw-like fingers; they jut out of the flat, adenoid face of the wall to provide easy footholds. We could’ve ...
