Books matching: flawed human nature
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- #1
Save:Rock Paper Scissors is a thrilling domestic thriller that revolves around a troubled married couple, Adam and Amelia, who win a weekend getaway to Scotland in an attempt to mend their failing marriage. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through secrets, lies, and unexpected revelations. The narrative is skillfully crafted with alternating points of view, short chapters, and a gripping plotline that culminates in a jaw-dropping twist that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
I feel him staring at me as I drive, and wonder what he sees. Nobody else looks familiar to him either, but it is still strange to think that the man I married wouldn’t be able to pick me out in a pol... - #2
Save:Tome, the second installment in the 'Juniper' series by Ross Jeffery, delves into the dark and dreary world of Juniper Correctional Facility, a place teeming with evil and corruption. The story follows the lives of the inmates, guards, and the corrupt Chief Warden, Fleming, as they navigate through a world filled with violence, depravity, and supernatural elements. Ross Jeffery's writing style is described as powerful, brutal, and intimate, creating a mesmerizing novel of dread and suspense in a correctional facility where physical evil clashes with moral goodness.
- #3
Save:The World War II Trilogy by James Jones is a collection of three novels that provide a raw and realistic portrayal of soldiers' experiences during World War II. From the months leading up to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii to the brutal combat in Guadalcanal, the stories delve into the heroism, fear, boredom, and abuse faced by those who served. The writing style evolves throughout the trilogy, offering a sense of authenticity that makes the readers feel like they are witnessing real events.
- #4
Save:In 'Urban Gothic' by Brian Keene, a group of suburban teenagers find themselves stranded in a dangerous part of town after their car breaks down. Seeking refuge in an old abandoned house, they soon realize they have stumbled into a nightmare inhabited by mutant cannibals. The fast-paced and relentless plot keeps readers on edge as the teenagers fight for survival against gruesome horrors lurking within the house. Keene's vivid descriptions and realistic decision-making of the characters immerse readers into the terrifying world he has created, making it a gripping and disturbing read.
A car rolled slowly past, its underside so low to the ground that it almost scraped against the road. The windows were tinted, and they couldn’t see the driver, but the vehicle’s stereo was turned up ... - #5
Save:'Where I'm Calling From' by Raymond Carver is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of ordinary people facing themes of alcoholism, dysfunctional relationships, and quiet desperation. Carver's writing style is described as spare and simple, yet powerful, capturing the realism of everyday life with stark characterizations and abrupt endings that mirror the unpredictability of life's challenges.
The stories in the book are mostly vignettes that focus on small moments and interactions, showcasing the complexities and struggles of the characters. Carver's narratives are often set in suburban settings, exploring themes of loneliness, failed relationships, and the darker aspects of human nature with a touch of hope and resilience shining through the despair.
I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they were arguing. Then it got quiet and she started to cry. I elbowed George. I thought he would wake up and say something to them so they would feel guilty... Su Tong's novel Rice, translated effectively by Howard Goldblatt, is a riveting read with unforgettable scenes of cruelty. The author peoples the book with vivid characters caught in a struggle for survival within a family that is of the take-no-prisoners variety. The plot revolves around a poor country boy, Five Dragons, seeking his fortune in the big city and eventually being taken in by the wealthy Feng family who run a rice emporium. The narrative is layered with themes of hunger, power, and revenge, serving as a symbol for the turning point in Chinese history before the Communist takeover. The story unfolds in a bleak nest of vipers family saga in southern China during the early 20th century, where the characters are bitter, hate-filled, and cruel, leading to the self-destructive downfall of the Feng clan.
In contrast, another reader found the representation of rice as an aphrodisiac and instrument of sexual torture to be fetishistic rather than cultural or historical. The book was critiqued for lacking a wider discussion on the topic, with a focus on one character's fixation on rice stuffing without much exploration of its deeper significance or motivations.
- #7
Save:'The Valley of the Kings' by Cecelia Holland is a historical fiction novel that revolves around the story of Howard Carter and the events leading up to the death of Tutankhamun. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Carter's expedition in the early 20th century, while the second part delves into ancient Egypt during Tutankhamun's reign. combines these two distinct stories under one title, exploring the challenges faced by Carter during his search for Tutankhamun's tomb and providing a glimpse into the life in ancient Egypt.
My name is Howard Carter, and I am English; I am an Egyptologist. In 1902 I was working for the Egyptian Department of Antiquities, supervising the diggings in the Valley of the Kings, near the ancien... - #8
Save:The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.
The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a... - #9
Save:'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is a political allegory that tells the story of farm animals who rebel against their human oppressors to create their own community. The animals aim for equality and a better life, but power dynamics shift as the pigs take control, leading to corruption, deception, and the rise of a new oligarchy. Through a fable-like narrative, Orwell critiques political systems and highlights the dangers of power and totalitarianism. The book serves as a parallel to historical events, particularly the Russian Revolution, and offers a cautionary tale on how political ideals can devolve into tyranny.
The writing style of 'Animal Farm' is straightforward and simple, yet carries a deeper political meaning that resonates with readers of all ages. Orwell cleverly uses animal characters to depict complex political themes, making the book accessible to a wide audience while delivering a powerful message on the nature of power, corruption, and the failures of socialist ideals.
Mr Jones, of the Manor Farm, had locked the hen-houses for the night, but was too drunk to remember to shut the pop-holes. With the ring of light from his lantern dancing from side to side he lurched ... - #10
Save:The 'SCUM Manifesto' by Valerie Solanas is a radical feminist text that critiques society's treatment of women and calls for the eradication of men. Solanas paints men as oppressive and selfish beings, arguing that women must rise up as the Society for Cutting Up Men (SCUM) to abolish the current social structures and establish a female-dominated society. The manifesto delves into topics such as gender programming, societal oppression, and the need for radical change in the face of male dominance.
In 1968 Jacques Derrida brought out his pathbreaking essay, “The Ends of Man,” and Valerie Solanas began earnestly distributing SCUM Manifesto. In June of that year she gunned down Andy Warhol as he w...
