Books matching: exploration of identity and morality
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- #11
Save:'Dear Killer' by Katherine Ewell is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Kit, a 17-year-old assassin who receives secret letters instructing her on who to kill. Raised by her mother, a former serial killer, Kit struggles with her moral compass as she navigates her way through the world of murder and deception. The book delves deep into Kit's psyche, exploring her inner turmoil and the consequences of her actions, all while maintaining a fast-paced and engaging narrative style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel offers a unique perspective by presenting a protagonist who is a murderer, rather than the typical hero trying to stop crimes. The plot is filled with twists and turns, as Kit grapples with her identity, relationships, and the dark secrets of her past. Ewell's writing is both thought-provoking and chilling, painting a complex portrait of a young killer struggling to find her place in a world devoid of right and wrong.
That is the most important guideline, and the hardest one for most people to understand—but I have understood it my entire life, from the moment I laid my hands on that first victim’s neck to this ver... - #12
Save:'Pride of Baghdad' by Brian K. Vaughan is a graphic novel inspired by real events, depicting the fictional account of four lions escaping Baghdad zoo after the bombing in 2003. The book explores themes of war, humanity, and the consequences of conflict through the eyes of these animals, giving them personalities and emotions that resonate with readers. The writing style captures the dialogue between the animals in a way that imagines how they might interpret their circumstances, while the art beautifully portrays the city of Baghdad as a compelling character in itself.
- #13
Save:'The Outlaw of Torn' by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a historical adventure novel set in the time of Henry III, following the tribulations of King Henry III. The story revolves around the kidnapping and raising of Prince Richard away from his lineage, similar to the Prince and the Pauper tale. The plot unfolds as Prince Richard is influenced by the malevolent swordsman De Vac and the virtuous Father Claude, leading to a conflict of loyalties and a coming-of-age journey. The book is filled with medieval fighting, treachery, mystery, and romance, creating an excellent read for fans of historical fiction and adventure stories.
Here is a story that has lain dormant for seven hundred years. At first it was suppressed by one of the Plantagenet kings of England. Later it was forgotten. I happened to dig it up by accident. The a... Set in Paris just before and during WWII, the novel focuses on various characters who visit the Chameleon Club, which is reminiscent of the musical Cabaret. Genders slide easily at the club, where anyone can change their colors. The central character is Lou Villars, a transvestite woman who trains for the Olympics, sidetracks into dancing at the club, becomes a race car driver, and then betrays her country by working for Hitler. The story is told through the writings of different characters, including journals of the Baroness, Gabor the Hungarian photographer, Suzanne the French teacher, and Lou Villars' biographer. The narrative intertwines letters, memoirs, and biographies to present a story based on true facts about a lesbian athlete and Nazi sympathizer. The book raises questions about the nature of good and evil, exploring themes of love, relationships, and personal history.
Last night I visited a club in Montparnasse where the men dress as women and the women as men. Papa would have loved it. And Mama’s face would have crinkled in that special smile she has for Papa’s pa...- #15
Save:Voice of the Whirlwind by Walter Jon Williams follows the story of Etienne Njagi Steward, a clone seeking to uncover the mystery behind the murder of his original self, known as the alpha. Missing 15 years of memories, Steward navigates a dangerous world, chasing leads through a futuristic solar system while dealing with the arrival of advanced alien species. The plot is full of suspense, ethical dilemmas, and a focus on the philosophical implications of clone reincarnation, all presented in a terse and intense writing style that immerses readers in a world of future politics and technology.
The narrative delves into the complexities of identity, memory loss, and the blurred lines between friend and enemy in a world dominated by powerful political corporations. Steward's journey to uncover the truth about his past and his mission is intertwined with themes of self-discovery, revenge, and the quest for justice, creating a compelling and thought-provoking storyline that keeps readers engaged till the final chapters.
Steward hung suspended beneath a sky the color of wet slate. Below him the ground was dark, indistinct. There was the sensation of movement, of gliding flight. Sometimes Steward’s stomach fluttered as...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hardwired ) - #16
Save:'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire offers a unique perspective on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, delving into the life of the supposed villain, the Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba. The narrative reimagines the well-known tale, exploring themes of morality, religious zealotry, human behavior, and the nature of good and evil. Through a dark and sometimes sexually explicit tone, the book provides a complex and intricate storyline that challenges readers' perceptions of traditional fairy tales.
The author, Gregory Maguire, skillfully weaves a tale that captivates adult readers by delving into the personalities of fairy tale characters, offering a fantasy world that blurs the lines between childhood memories and adult realities. is characterized by its imaginative storytelling, clever twists on familiar characters, and a narrative that goes beyond the surface story of Oz, delving into deeper themes and character motivations that resonate with readers on a philosophical level.
Journalists, armed with the thesaurus and apocalyptic scriptures, fumbled and were defeated by it. “A gulfy deliquescence of deranged and harnessed air” … “A volcano of the invisible, darkly construed... - #17
Save:'The Man Without Qualities' by Robert Musil is a massive novel that delves into the exploration of consciousness and societal changes in pre-WWI Austria. Musil's writing style is described as thick with philosophy, interlaced with meaning, and full of depth in character development. The novel presents a profound and witty portrait of life, dissecting the individual's place in the modern world amidst a backdrop of a crumbling empire.
A barometric low hung over the Atlantic. It moved eastward toward a high-pressure area over Russia without as yet showing any inclination to bypass this high in a northerly direction. The isotherms an... - #18
Save:A Fairly Honourable Defeat by Iris Murdoch is a compelling and intricate tale that delves into the lives of a group of interconnected characters from Britain's chattering classes. The plot revolves around the arrival of Julius King, a manipulative and enigmatic figure who disrupts the relationships and dynamics within the group, leading to a tragic turn of events. The book is characterized by its philosophical exploration of morality, love, and human nature, portrayed through rich character studies and complex interpersonal relationships. Murdoch's writing style is described as wordy yet captivating, with dialogues that delve into the inner thoughts and motivations of the characters, painting vivid scenes with poetic language.
Hilda and Rupert Foster, celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary with a bottle of rather dry champagne, were sitting in the evening sun in the garden of their house in Priory Grove, London, S.... - #19
Save:"Laughter at the Academy" by Seanan McGuire is a collection of 22 unattached short stories that showcase the author's range of interests in fantasy, horror, and science fiction. The stories cover a variety of themes, from magic and science to transformation and apocalypse, with each story having its own unique rhythm and lingering impact on the reader's mind and heart. McGuire's writing is nuanced and compelling, with fully realized and relatable characters, even in the shortest of tales. The book serves as both an introduction to McGuire's worlds for new readers and a genuine gift for long-time fans, offering a mix of creativity, humor, and darkness.
- #20
Save:In a world where vampires are a dangerous problem, a girl named Tana wakes up to a room full of dead people, including a vampire and her infected ex-boyfriend. Together, they must navigate through a vampire enclave known as Coldtown to go through a quarantine period. The story involves modern social media, complex plots, and a unique take on vampires as a disease. The book explores themes of identity, self-awareness, and the fear of a world beyond control, with a fast-paced plot and unflinchingly portrayed vampires.
The book follows Tana's journey as she grapples with the aftermath of a vampire attack, her interactions with a mysterious vampire named Gavriel, and their eventual journey to Coldtown. The writing style is described as vivid, gothic, and engaging, with a realistic teenager protagonist and well-rounded characters. The story is compelling, original, and offers a fresh perspective on the vampire genre, making it a worthwhile read for fans of vampire stories.
Tana woke lying in a bathtub. Her legs were drawn up, her cheek pressed against the cold metal of the faucet. A slow drip had soaked the fabric on her shoulder and wetted locks of her hair. The rest o...
