Books matching: existential exploration
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'A Voyage to Arcturus' by David Lindsay is a surreal and inventive novel that follows the protagonist, Maskull, on a metaphysical journey to the planet Tormance orbiting the twin stars of Arcturus. The story delves into themes of reality, faith, and the nature of existence, with bizarre and eccentric elements such as new colors, strange body transformations, and encounters with enigmatic characters. Lindsay's writing style is described as unique, imaginative, and at times, philosophical, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges traditional storytelling norms.
On a march evening, at eight o'clock, Backhouse, the medium - a fast - rising star in the psychic world - was ushered into the study at Prolands, the Hampstead residence of Montague Faull. The room wa... - #2
Save:The Chandelier by Clarice Lispector is a dense and introspective novel that delves deep into the inner life of a woman, offering a stream of consciousness narrative akin to Virginia Woolf's style. The writing is described as rich, purposeful, and clear, providing a detailed description of the protagonist's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The book captures moments on a moment-to-moment level, intertwining the human experience with elements of nature like horses and trees. Despite its challenging nature, readers appreciate the poetic and almost hallucinatory prose that Lispector employs, creating a unique and profound exploration of being and existence.
- #3
Save:Wild Animus by Rich Shapero tells the story of Ransom, a man who embarks on a journey to Alaska, leaving behind everything to follow his obsession with a Dall sheep ram named Animus. The book weaves between real life events and Ransom's drug-induced trips where he dresses up as the ram, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. As Ransom navigates his inner demons stemming from childhood trauma and a sense of not belonging, he must choose between the people who care for him and his belief in the god Animus waiting for him in the Alaskan wilderness.
The book offers vivid descriptions of Alaska, realistic characters that draw readers in, and a fairly intense drama that explores themes of identity, trauma, and the search for meaning. The narrative style, mixing real-life experiences with drug-induced fantasies, creates a unique and engaging reading experience that delves into the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of self-discovery.
- #4
Save:Afterlife by Marcus Sakey is a unique take on the afterlife concept, where the protagonist, Will, finds himself in a different plane of existence after being killed. The story delves into a world where absorbing someone's essence grants superpowers, leading to a war between good and evil. The narrative combines elements of crime thriller, romance, and supernatural fiction, exploring complex themes of life, death, and the battle between light and darkness.
“I don’t understand.” Chad Watkins sat on a vibrant red sofa in the center of his bright living room. Feet on the rug, elbows on knees, hands clasped together. Leaning in with his head slightly cocked... - #5
Save:Rudy Rucker's 'White Light' follows the story of Felix Rayman, a math professor who embarks on an out-of-body experience in search of infinity and beyond. The novel weaves together elements of abstract mathematics, mysticism, drug-induced experiences, and philosophical contemplation. Through a blend of humor and intellectual stimulation, the narrative explores themes of the soul's quest for God and the Absolutely Infinite, offering a unique and mind-bending journey reminiscent of works like 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Wizard of Oz'.
The writing style in 'White Light' is characterized by a mix of irreverent humor, brilliant imagination, and intricate discussions of abstract mathematics. Rudy Rucker's debut novel presents a comic and entertaining narrative that delves into the realms of transrealism, drawing parallels to the author's own mystical experiences. The story unfolds with a series of absurd problems involving infinity, set theory, and existential exploration, creating a thought-provoking and visually stimulating reading experience.
Wednesday afternoon, I walked up Center Street to the graveyard on Temple Hill. The rain was keeping the others away, and it was peaceful. I stood under a big twisting tree, a beech with smooth gray h... - #6
Save:'The Outsider' by Colin Wilson is a deep exploration of existentialism and the concept of being an outsider in society. Wilson delves into the idea of individuals who feel disconnected from the world around them, providing insights into why they feel the way they do and how they can navigate their unique perspective. The book offers a survey of great poets and artists, discussing their struggles and successes in a world that often misunderstands them. Wilson's writing style is described as complex yet insightful, offering readers a profound look into the minds of those who see the world differently.
In the air, on top of a tram, a girl is sitting. Her dress, lifted a little, blows out. But a block in the traffic separates us. The tramcar glides away, fading like a nightmare. Moving in both direct... - #7
Save:'The Republic of Wine' by Mo Yan is a dark comedy, detective novel, and an existential exploration of China's transformation over the past thirty years. The book weaves together multiple threads, including the story of an investigator sent to Liquorland to investigate reports of babies being eaten, an exchange of letters between Mo Yan and a Doctor of Liquor Studies in Liquorland who is also an amateur writer, and the stories the amateur writer sends to Mo Yan. These threads culminate in a hallucinatory ending that leaves many aspects unresolved, creating an immersive and bizarre narrative experience. Mo Yan creates the world of Liquorland, a province characterized by extreme gluttony, alcoholism, and grotesque practices, utilizing absurd scenes filled with humor, horror, and satire to explore complex themes through the lens of food and drink.
Special Investigator Ding Gou’er of the Higher Procuratorate climbed aboard a Liberation truck and set out for the Mount Luo Coal Mine to undertake a special investigation. He was thinking so hard as ... 'Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope' by Mark Manson delves into deep philosophical and psychological concepts while exploring the human experience of pain, happiness, and hope in the modern world. Manson challenges beliefs and societal norms, weaving together references from various fields to provoke thought and introspection. The author's writing style is a blend of humor, education, and introspection, leading readers on a journey of self-discovery and questioning of long-held beliefs.
On a small plot of land in the monotonous countryside of central Europe, amid the warehouses of a former military barracks, a nexus of geographically concentrated evil would arise, denser and darker t...- #9
Save:Kleinzeit by Russell Hoban is a surreal and poetic story that follows the protagonist, Kleinzeit, as he navigates through a world filled with illness, significance, love, sex, mystery, and meaning. The narrative is fractured, humorous, and abounds in wordplay and allusions, creating a hallucinatory stream of consciousness that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as a mix of weird truth, freaky beauty, and psychedelic freakouts, offering a unique reading experience that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.
The fat man in the bed next to Kleinzeit sat up, smiled, nodded over his teacup. From his bedside locker he took four fruity buns, sliced them in half, spread them with butter, loaded four of the halv... - #10
Save:'The Aleph and Other Stories' by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories that showcase the author's unique writing style and imaginative storytelling. The book includes musings, commentaries, and fictional tales that delve into themes of reality, philosophy, mysticism, and the blurred lines between past, present, and future. Borges's stories often feature labyrinths, unexpected twists, and thought-provoking narratives that challenge the reader's perception of the world.
