Books matching: flawed human nature
65 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #11
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... - #12
Save:In the novel "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, a group of English school boys is stranded on an island, leading to a depiction of civilization's descent into savagery amidst the absence of adult supervision. The author uses symbolism throughout the book to explore themes of human nature, society, and the consequences of unchecked behavior. The narrative delves into the darker side of humanity, portraying the struggle between order and chaos as the boys attempt to survive and navigate the complexities of power dynamics within their group.
The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon. Though he had taken off his school sweater and trailed it now from one hand, his grey... - #13
Save:"After the Flood" by Kassandra Montag is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where rising floodwaters have submerged most of the land, leaving only scattered settlements on high peaks and people living on boats. The story follows Myra, a mother trying to survive with her daughter Pearl, as they embark on a dangerous journey to find Myra's older daughter, Row, who was kidnapped years ago. The book is praised for its fast-paced writing style, strong character development, and a plot filled with adventure, survival, and emotional depth.
The novel explores themes of family, survival, trust, and resilience in the face of disaster. It follows Myra's desperate quest to reunite with her lost daughter, navigating a treacherous world filled with marauders, challenges, and unexpected alliances. The gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and vivid world-building make "After the Flood" a compelling read that delves into the complexities of human nature and relationships in extreme circumstances.
Seagulls circled over our boat, which made me think of Row. The way she squawked and waved her arms when she was first trying to walk; the way she stood completely still for almost an hour, watching t... 'Everything That Rises Must Converge: Stories' by Flannery O'Connor is a collection of short stories set in the deep South, focusing on themes of race, morality, and the human spirit. The stories feature flawed and unlikeable characters who often meet ironic and sometimes violent fates, showcasing O'Connor's uncompromising writing style that delves into the complexities of human nature. The book captures the essence of the Southern culture, blending humor with tragedy and offering poignant insights into societal issues of the time.
She was a girl who started with a gift for cartooning and satire, and found in herself a far greater gift, unique in her time and place, a marvel. She kept going deeper (this is a phrase she used) unt...- #15
Save:'North American Lake Monsters' by Nathan Ballingrud is a collection of dark and haunting short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and the monstrousness within us. The book explores a variety of horror elements such as vampires, zombies, werewolves, and supernatural beings, but focuses more on the psychological terror induced by human actions rather than the supernatural events. The stories are deeply emotional, beautifully written, and filled with vivid imagery that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
You Go Where It Takes You He did not look like a man who would change her life. He was big, roped with muscles from working on offshore oil rigs, and tending to fat. His face was broad and inoffensive... - #16
Save:'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is a chilling dystopian novel that paints a vivid picture of a society where women are oppressed and used for reproduction. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, as she navigates her confined life under an oppressive regime. Through flashbacks, readers witness the downfall of society into a theocratic military dictatorship and the struggles of women who are reduced to mere objects for men's use. Atwood's writing style is starkly elegant, conveying the stultifying life of the central character and offering glimpses of her past existence before the world was turned upside down.
The narrative explores themes of totalitarianism, religious fundamentalism, and the exploitation of women, all set in a world where traditional values have been taken to terrifying extremes. Atwood's brilliant storytelling weaves together a thought-provoking commentary on morality, societal laws, and the consequences of a society built on repression and control. The non-linear storytelling, coupled with the first-person perspective, provides a compelling and disturbing insight into a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible.
We slept in what had once been the gymnasium. The floor was of varnished wood, with stripes and circles painted on it, for the games that were formerly played there; the hoops for the basketball nets ... - #17
Save:'Dark Prince' by David Gemmell is a gripping tale that follows the legendary General Parmenion on his quest for fame and land amidst mighty conquests and dark magic. The story unfolds with epic battles in Ancient Greece, mythical creatures, magic duels, assassination attempts, and intricate political intrigues. Gemmell's writing style seamlessly blends history and fiction, creating a world that is fantastic, dark, and gritty, with characters that are well-drawn and believable. The narrative is action-packed, visceral, and epic, keeping readers engaged as they cheer on the characters through their struggles.
The book delves into the alternate dimension of Ancient Greece, where the famed conqueror Alexander the Great is possessed by a Demonic War God, leading to intense action, commentary on human nature, and a blend of history and fantasy. Gemmell's characters are not mere archetypal heroes but flawed individuals battling overwhelming odds, making them more dimensional and relatable. The plot twists and turns, incorporating elements of myth and reality, while the writing style immerses readers in a captivating and authentic tale of General Parmenion's achievements as a soldier and a person.
The golden-haired child sat alone, as he usually did, and wondered whether his father would die today. Some distance away, across the royal gardens, his nurse was talking to the two sentries who guard...
(Also, see 32 recommendations for the series Sipstrassi ) - #18
Save:'Apt Pupil' by Stephen King is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark depths of human nature. The story follows Todd Bowden, a young boy who discovers that his elderly neighbor, Arthur Denker, is actually a former Nazi SS officer named Mr. Dussander. Todd becomes obsessed with learning about the unspeakable crimes committed during World War II and blackmails Dussander into sharing his horrifying war stories. As their twisted relationship unfolds, both characters spiral into madness, revealing the sinister side of humanity. The plot is intense, gripping, and explores themes of evil, manipulation, and the potential for darkness within individuals. The writing style is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and haunting, with a slow but steady pace that showcases the gradual disintegration of Todd's morals and sanity.
He looked like the total all-American kid as he pedaled his twenty-six-inch Schwinn with the apehanger handlebars up the residential suburban street, and that’s just what he was: Todd Bowden, thirteen... - #19
Save:'Expensive People' by Joyce Carol Oates is a novel that delves into the life of adolescent Richard Everett, who narrates his troubled childhood leading up to committing a murder. The story is set in the 1960s American suburbs, portraying the dynamics within a dysfunctional family, the struggles of affluent parents, and the awakening of a troubled youth from a privileged background. Oates uses a first-person narrative style to explore themes of social class, family dysfunction, and the psychological complexities of the characters, creating a darkly humorous and satirical commentary on suburban life.
Joyce Carol Oates, one of America's most versatile and prolific contemporary writers, was born in the small town of Lockport, New York, on June 16, 1938. She grew up on a farm in nearby Erie County an... - #20
Save:'Come Along With Me' by Shirley Jackson is a collection of short stories, including her unfinished novel of the same name. The book features a variety of well-crafted stories that delve into the lives of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Jackson's writing style is enigmatic and disturbing, with narrators who seem to inhabit a world that is both familiar and unsettling. The stories leave much to the imagination and often explore themes of conformity, deception, and the complexities of human nature.
I always believe in eating when I can. I had plenty of money and no name when I got off the train and even though I had had lunch in the dining car I liked the idea of stopping off for coffee and a do...
