Books matching: episodic storytelling
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Department of Sensitive Crimes' by Alexander McCall Smith is set in Malmo, Sweden and follows Detective Ulf Varg and his team as they investigate unusual and quirky crimes that require a sensitive touch. The plot involves cases such as a man stabbed in the back of the knee, the disappearance of an imaginary boyfriend, and strange occurrences at a spa owned by the police commissioner's cousin. The writing style is described as quick, humorous, and enjoyable, with a focus on the characters' interactions and philosophical musings rather than the crimes themselves.
“Søren,” said Dr. Svensson, gravely, but with a smile behind his horn-rimmed glasses; and then waited for the response. There would be an answer to this one-word sentence, but he would have to wait to... - #2
Save:Magic for Marigold by L.M. Montgomery follows the imaginative young girl Marigold Lesley as she grows up in a large and intriguing family on Prince Edward Island. The novel showcases Marigold's childhood filled with whimsical adventures and her close relationship with her imaginary friend, Sylvia. While some readers found the plot to be lacking and the character of Marigold less compelling compared to other Montgomery heroines, the book is praised for its charming depiction of growing up in a magical yet grounded world.
Once upon a time—which, when you come to think of it, is really the only proper way to begin a story—the only way that really smacks of romance and fairyland—all the Harmony members of the Lesley clan... - #3
Save:"Mr. Midshipman Hornblower" by C.S. Forester is the first volume in the Horatio Hornblower series, following the early naval career of the young hero during the Napoleonic Wars. The narrative is structured as a collection of short stories or episodes, each showcasing a different adventure or challenge faced by Hornblower as a midshipman and later as a lieutenant in the British Royal Navy. The writing style is described as detailed, engaging, and fast-paced, providing insight into the life of a British seaman in the late 18th century through the eyes of the gawky yet resourceful Hornblower.
A January gale was roaring up the Channel, blustering loudly, and bearing in its bosom rain squalls whose big drops rattled loudly on the tarpaulin clothing of those among the officers and men whose d... - #4
Save:'Slade House' by David Mitchell is a mysterious and eerie tale that revolves around a hidden house in London where unsuspecting victims disappear every nine years. The story follows a series of characters lured into Slade House, each chapter set nine years apart, as they encounter supernatural elements and face the chilling reality of the house's inhabitants. David Mitchell's writing style intricately weaves together multiple characters and timelines, creating a haunting and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
Whatever Mum’s saying’s drowned out by the grimy roar of the bus pulling away, revealing a pub called The Fox and Hounds. The sign shows three beagles cornering a fox. They’re about to pounce and rip ... - #5
Save:Women's Barracks is a semi-autobiographical account of life in the Free French Army in London during World War II, offering a thoughtful coming-of-age memoir peppered with themes of love, war, and identity. The story follows a group of women who arrive full of hope but leave with jaded feelings towards adulthood and humanity, exploring the complexities of relationships and the impact of war on their optimism for the future.
When the war began, I was in my last year of school at the convent of St. Celestine. I was seventeen and unobtrusive, though not really plain. I had never even gone out with a boy. I had been raised i... - #6
Save:The Moffats is a heartwarming story about a family of five plus a cat living in a yellow house on New Dollar Street. The children, Sylvie, Joe, Jane, and Rufus, face the fear of having to move when their house is put up for sale. Despite the underlying theme of potential displacement, the book is a collection of light and cheerful short stories about the children's daily adventures and mischiefs in a small Connecticut suburb in the early 20th century.
The book captures the innocence and simplicity of childhood, set in a time just after World War I when life was more carefree. The episodic nature of the story allows readers to follow the Moffats as they navigate chores, small town errands, and occasional mischief, providing a glimpse into a different era when children had more freedom and responsibilities. Through humorous and relatable anecdotes, Eleanor Estes paints a nostalgic picture of family life and sibling relationships in a bygone era.
The Moffats were moving! They were going to live in a different house on a different street altogether. Yes, it was really so! The yellow house had been sold! Those Murdocks did buy it! So this was th... - #7
Save:"Space" by James A. Michener is a historical fiction novel that delves into the history of NASA and the U.S. space program. Through a mix of real events and fictional elements, Michener explores the evolution of space exploration from the early days of rockets to the space shuttle era. provides a detailed look at the issues, inner workings, debates on evolution, and the glam and tragedy associated with space exploration. Readers appreciate Michener's rich characterization and portrayal of the space program, making it an engaging read for NASA enthusiasts.
Despite some criticism for being too lengthy and occasionally dull, "Space" captures the reader's attention with its well-written narrative and interesting subject matter. Michener's storytelling skill shines through as he weaves together the historical events of the space program with fictional elements, creating a compelling portrayal of the U.S. astronaut program and the Apollo missions. While some readers find the book to be thick and at times meandering, others praise it as one of Michener's better efforts in historical fiction, offering a unique perspective on the space race and NASA's achievements.
ON 24 October 1944 planet Earth was following its orbit about the sun as it has obediently done for nearly five billion years. It moved at the stunning speed of sixty-six thousand miles an hour, and i... - #8
Save:'Rogues' edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois is a collection of short stories from a variety of authors, focusing on the theme of rogues as characters. The book features stories from different genres, showcasing roguish characters in various settings and situations. The writing style varies from engaging and rich in detail to episodic and mixed in quality, providing readers with a diverse range of storytelling approaches.
The bloody blinding fogs and the bloody slapping water and the bloody universal sickening stink of rot. The bloody parties and masques and revels. Fun, everyone having bloody fun, or at least pretendi... - #9
Save:'Starship Sakira' in the series 'Delphi in Space' by Bob Blanton is a character-driven science fiction story that follows the discovery of an alien spaceship, the Sakira. The plot revolves around a group of protagonists who use the advanced technology found on the spaceship to propel humanity into space, exploring themes of alien contact, technological transformation, and space flight without resorting to typical sci-fi cliches like FTL travel. The writing style combines elements of action, humor, and world-building, creating an engaging and entertaining narrative that appeals to fans of TV series like 'Star Trek' and 'Stargate'.
- #10
Save:In "Rush" by Kandi Steiner, readers are immersed in the captivating world of Palm South University, where secrets, love triangles, and intense relationships unfold among a group of college students. Through multiple points of view, the book delves into the lives of characters like Cassie, Skylar, and Jess as they navigate the complexities of Greek life, relationships, and self-discovery. The episodic nature of the story, reminiscent of a TV series, keeps readers engaged as they uncover truths, surprises, and drama within the PSU community.
The writing style of "Rush" mirrors the fast-paced and dynamic nature of college life, with short, engaging episodes that leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Through relatable characters and vivid storytelling, Kandi Steiner weaves a narrative that explores themes of friendship, love, ambition, and personal growth, capturing the essence of young adulthood and the challenges that come with it.
