Books matching: flawed adults
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- #1
'Nine Stories' by J.D. Salinger is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The stories are described as original, well-written, and thought-provoking, with themes ranging from love and war to childhood innocence and mental instability. Salinger's writing style is praised for its ability to capture the essence of characters and evoke strong emotional responses from readers, offering a blend of humor, wit, and poignant observations on life.
THERE WERE ninety-seven New York advertising men in the hotel, and, the way they were monopolizing the long-distance lines, the girl in 507 had to wait from noon till almost two-thirty to get her call... - #2
"History of Wolves" by Emily Fridlund is a haunting novel that follows the life of Linda, a teenage girl with a complex upbringing in rural Minnesota. Raised in the aftermath of a failed commune, Linda navigates through isolation, strange relationships, and dark secrets. The story weaves together themes of parental neglect, cult beliefs, and the destructive power of ideologies, all seen through Linda's unique perspective as she tries to make sense of the world around her.
The narrative unfolds through multiple timelines, blending Linda's teenage years with her adult reflections, creating a layered exploration of loneliness, harm, and the search for belonging. Fridlund's evocative writing style captures the eerie beauty of the Minnesota woods, setting the stage for a gripping tale that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lasting impact of our formative experiences.
IT’S NOT THAT I NEVER THINK ABOUT PAUL. He comes to me occasionally before I’m fully awake, though I almost never remember what he said, or what I did or didn’t do to him. In my mind, the kid just plo... - #3
'Godshot' by Chelsea Bieker is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of the residents of a California farming town called Peaches, who are under the influence of a charismatic cult leader, Pastor Vern. The story follows Lacey, a 14-year-old girl abandoned by her mother and left to navigate the harsh realities of life in a community plagued by drought and manipulation. As Lacey grapples with her faith, family, and the dark secrets of the cult, the narrative unfolds with themes of abuse, resilience, and the search for salvation. Bieker's writing style vividly portrays the stark landscape and the emotional turmoil of the characters, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores the complexities of love, faith, and the human spirit.
In 'Godshot', Chelsea Bieker intricately weaves a narrative that captures the reader's attention with its raw portrayal of maternal relationships, religious fanaticism, and the quest for identity. The book's slow burn pacing gradually builds tension, leading to a captivating exploration of the characters' struggles and decisions. Bieker's ability to create multi-dimensional characters, such as the conflicted Lacey and the enigmatic Pastor Vern, adds depth to the story, making it a poignant reflection on the power dynamics within a community in crisis. Through themes of hope, despair, and the search for meaning, 'Godshot' offers a compelling narrative that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.
I waited for the click of the door, the jangle of keys, the sound of our broke-down Rabbit sputtering and fading down the road. I put on one of my mother’s dresses, floaty and white, one that made her... - #4
In the midst of a scorching summer in 1976, two ten-year-old girls, Grace and Tilly, embark on a quest to unravel the mystery of a missing neighbor, Mrs. Creasy, while also searching for God in their suburban British neighborhood. As they navigate through the secrets and complexities of the adults around them, the girls learn about the distinctions between goats and sheep, uncovering hidden truths and challenging societal norms. The novel weaves together themes of childhood friendship, prejudice, secrets, and the blurred lines between truth and lies, set against the backdrop of a nostalgic summer in England.
‘What’s he up to?’ My father nodded at the lace in the kitchen window. Mr Creasy was wandering the pavement in his shirtsleeves. Every few minutes, he stopped wandering and stood quite still, peering ... - #5
In 'The Rust Maidens' by Gwendolyn Kiste, the story revolves around Phoebe and her best friend Jacqueline, who undergo a tragic body transformation in their neighborhood. The narrative, told by Phoebe, effortlessly jumps between the past and present, blending cliffhangers and suspense. The book delves into themes of life, stubbornness, growth, and acceptance, portraying a dark tale of eerie body horror and the haunting effects of a mysterious illness on young women in a desolate town.
The author, Gwendolyn Kiste, intricately describes the decaying town of Cleveland, creating an atmospheric setting that enhances the anguish of the story. The writing style is described as beautiful and seductive, drawing readers into a world of eerie transformations and dark secrets. The plot unfolds through Phoebe's eyes as she revisits her childhood home, revealing the impact of the girls' transformation on both survivors and victims, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they finish the book.
I shiver in the street near the old steel mill, reading and rereading those graffiti letters on the crumbling asphalt. The red spray paint is faded now, but time hasn’t erased it the way it should hav... - #6
'A Summer Affair' by Elin Hilderbrand follows the story of Claire Danner Crispin, a wife, mother, and artist who agrees to chair the Summer Gala on Nantucket, unknowingly turning her life upside down. The book delves into themes of human needs, flaws, and urges, exploring Claire's journey of self-discovery amidst an affair, family responsibilities, and the complexities of relationships. Set against the backdrop of Nantucket, the story weaves together elements of love, guilt, vulnerability, and the pursuit of happiness, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged till the surprising end.
The book is praised for its exploration of flawed yet relatable characters, particularly Claire, Max, and Siobhan. Elin Hilderbrand's writing style is commended for its ability to draw readers into the characters' lives, making them empathize with their struggles, indecisions, and growth throughout the story. The ambiance of Nantucket serves as a rich backdrop for the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters and the challenges they face, ultimately leading to a satisfying and thought-provoking read.
It was something to do with the charity, she decided. Since selling his company in Boston and moving to Nantucket year-round, Lock Dixon had graciously agreed to serve as the executive director of Nan... - #7
Anna Pitoniak's 'The Futures' follows the lives of Julia and Evan, recent graduates from Yale University, as they navigate the challenges of starting their adult lives in New York City amidst the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis. The story delves into their relationship, individual struggles, and the impact of external forces on their futures, all portrayed with a writing style that intricately weaves together emotions, observations, and reflections from various characters' perspectives.
I could hear footsteps and murmurs from the other room. The creak of the door opening finally dissolved the last shards of sleep. When I opened my eyes, there was a pale face peering through the crack... - #8
'Ordinary Monsters' by J.M. Miro is an imaginative and well-told story set in a fantastical yet oddly beautiful and real late 19th-century world. The plot revolves around children with 'talents' who are brought to the Cairndale Institute to discover how to best use their unusual gifts. The story is filled with monsters, villains, bravery, and talent, creating an epic tale with many layers. The characters, both adults and children, are well-developed and engaging, with a mix of heart, ambition, and sometimes a mean streak.
The book combines elements of fantasy and historical settings in old London and America, creating a unique and original story that keeps readers engaged throughout. The author's storytelling skill is described as excellent and almost lyrical, with a dark tone reminiscent of a more adult-themed Harry Potter, making it a compelling read for those looking for a captivating and well-written story.
The first time Eliza Grey laid eyes on the baby was at dusk in a slow-moving boxcar on a rain-swept stretch of the line three miles west of Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk, England. She was sixteen years ... - #9
Many readers found "We Need to Do Something" by Max Booth III to be a dark and unnerving horror novella that centers around a dysfunctional family trapped in a bathroom during a tornado. The book explores themes of dark magic, tension, claustrophobia, and family dynamics, with a writing style that keeps the readers glued to the pages and delivers a mix of supernatural and psychological horror elements.
- #10
'Children of Chaos' by Greg F. Gifune is a dark and thought-provoking novel that follows the lives of three friends, Phil, Jamie, and Martin, who are haunted by a crime committed in their youth. The book delves into themes of guilt, atonement, and the consequences of past actions, as the characters navigate through dark and dangerous paths, both physically and psychologically. Gifune's writing style is described as sublime, with poetic yet horrifying prose that creates a gripping and atmospheric narrative, leading readers on a journey filled with tension and suspense.
The story unfolds as Phil is hired to find and bring back Martin, who has become the leader of a dangerous cult in Mexico. As Phil embarks on this perilous journey through the eerie Corridor of Dreams, he is confronted with his own demons and forced to confront the darkness that has plagued their lives since that fateful encounter with a scarred stranger. The novel weaves together elements of horror, psychological thriller, and supernatural mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intense narrative and complex characters.