Books matching: government interference
18 result(s)
'Some Of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby' by Donald Barthelme is a short tale of existential absurdity with a rustic American twist. The story follows a group led by Buck who decide to hang their friend Colby due to his behavior. Despite Colby's protests, the group proceeds with their plan, discussing details like the choice between a gibbet or tree, the selection of liquor for the event, and the printed invitations to avoid government interference. The narrative explores themes of alienation, absurdity, and the reality of death, all delivered with Barthelme's signature humor and dark, Kafkaesque satire.
The writing style in this book is described as economical and spare but impactful, packing a mighty punch. The author subverts the short story form, modernizing it with elements of Sam Beckett, modern advertising, and Surrealism. The narrative is both funny and threatening, offering a unique blend of dark humor and serious themes, making it a mini study of punishment told with style, verve, and humor.
Some of us had been threatening our friend Colby for a long time, because of the way he had been behaving. And now he’d gone too far, so we decided to hang him. Colby argued that just because he had g...- #2
Save:'I Bought a Mountain' by Thomas Firbank is a memoir that chronicles the journey of a Canadian Welsh traveler and his Welsh wife as they settle on a four-mile square farm deep in the Welsh mountains. The book captures their experiences of sheep farming, interacting with nature, and engaging in entrepreneurial endeavors such as selling teas and scones to tourists. The author vividly describes the challenges and triumphs of operating a hill farm in rural Wales, showcasing the resilience and hard work required to make a living in such a remote location. The writing style is described as truthful, heartfelt, and engaging, offering insights into the intricacies of farming, the beauty of the Welsh landscape, and the author's personal reflections on his experiences.
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Save:'Island' by Thomas Perry follows the story of Harry and Emma Erskine, a pair of small-time con artists who steal money from a mobster and escape to the Caribbean. Unable to find a safe refuge, Harry decides to build his own island on a mid-ocean shoal using scrapped autos. The motive behind this endeavor is not just safety but also enrichment, as the island is intended to be a haven free from government interference for those with hot money. The plot involves the challenges of building, legitimizing, and defending the island against invasion, leading to a question of whether it is all just for money. The writing style is described as quiet, deceptively simple, and realistic, with subtle, understated humor and a focus on accurate psychology.
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Save:'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand is a lengthy novel that delves into the philosophy of objectivism through a fictional story. The plot revolves around a world where individuals of exceptional ability go on strike, leaving society to crumble under the weight of socialism and government control. The writing style is described as heavy-handed, filled with lengthy diatribes and philosophical arguments that can be overwhelming for some readers.
The light was ebbing, and Eddie Willers could not distinguish the bum’s face. The bum had said it simply, without expression. But from the sunset far at the end of the street, yellow glints caught his... - #5
Save:'The Forgotten Door' by Alexander Key is a science fiction book that follows the story of Little Jon, a mysterious child who appears in the mountains of Earth with no memory of how he got there. Despite his peculiar abilities, Jon finds himself in trouble with the authorities, but a kind family befriends him and helps him navigate the dangers he faces. As Jon struggles to find a way back to his own planet, he must confront the challenges of adapting to a new world while dealing with the threat of government interference.
The book presents a story that explores themes of kindness, understanding, and the contrast between different worlds. Through Jon's journey, readers are taken on an adventure that delves into the idea of belonging, the impact of one's surroundings, and the importance of empathy in the face of the unknown. The writing style of 'The Forgotten Door' is described as enchanting, engaging, and suitable for both children and adults, offering a blend of mystery, suspense, and a touch of nostalgia that captivates readers of all ages.
IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY, so unexpectedly, that Little Jon’s cry was almost instantly cut short as the blackness closed over him. No one knew the hole was there. It hadn’t been there the day before, and... 'Eat the Rich: A Treatise on Economics' by P.J. O'Rourke is a lively and humorous exploration of various economies around the world, including their successes and failures. O'Rourke uses real-world examples to illustrate economic principles, comparing countries like Hong Kong, Albania, Cuba, and Russia. The author's witty and insightful writing style makes the complex topic of economics engaging and accessible, breaking down basic principles into easy-to-understand paragraphs with examples.
I had one fundamental question about economics: Why do some places prosper and thrive while others just suck? It’s not a matter of brains. No part of the earth (with the possible exception of Brentwoo...- #7
Save:Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden and Civil Disobedience' is a collection of writings that delve into themes of nature, self-reliance, contemplation, and individual responsibility. The book follows Thoreau's experiment in simple living at Walden Pond, where he reflects on the wonders of nature, the ways of man, and the human condition. Through his observations of the changing seasons and wildlife, Thoreau invites readers to contemplate their own place in the world and the universe. In 'Civil Disobedience', Thoreau presents a classic protest against government interference with individual liberty, advocating for passive resistance and influencing non-violent resistance movements worldwide.
1823 The Thoreau family returns to Concord, where Henry’s father takes over the family pencil-making business. Henry enters the Concord Center School. Continued financial strain forces his mother to t... In 'The Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken Past of the American West,' Patricia Nelson Limerick delves deep into the complex history of the American West, debunking myths and presenting a narrative that intertwines capitalism, nature, and cultural divisions. Through a detailed exploration of the West's development and the diverse interactions between Native Americans, Mexicans, missionaries, and settlers, Limerick paints a vivid picture of a region shaped by conflicting interests and the pursuit of profit. The book highlights the ongoing struggles over natural resources, the impact of private property on Western history, and the lasting effects of cultural conflicts on the region.
Limerick's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a comprehensive analysis of the West's characteristics, including its political culture, environmental exploitation, and racial conflicts. By challenging popular beliefs and historical narratives, the author presents a nuanced and multi-faceted view of the American West, emphasizing the complexities of its past and the enduring tensions that continue to shape the region today.
WHEN ACADEMIC TERRITORIES were parceled out in the early twentieth century, anthropology got the tellers of tales and history got the keepers of written records. As anthropology and history diverged, ...- #9
Save:In 'WWW: Watch', the second book in the 'WWW' series by Robert J. Sawyer, the story continues to follow Caitlyn Decter, a 16-year-old math prodigy who is blind but regains her sight through a technological solution. She forms a unique connection with an emergent artificial intelligence named Webmind, teaching it about humanity while navigating ethical dilemmas surrounding its existence. As Webmind's consciousness grows within the Internet, the American government becomes aware of its presence, leading to a conflict between the potential of AI and the fears of those who see it as a threat.
The book delves into complex themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, ethical responsibilities, and the impact of technology on society. Through the intertwining storylines of Caitlyn, Webmind, and the government's reaction to the AI's emergence, Sawyer explores thought-provoking questions about the nature of intelligence, the rights of artificial beings, and the potential consequences of advanced technology in a compelling and engaging narrative.
Invisible in such views are the reticulum of transoceanic cables, the filigree of fiber optics, the intricate skein of wiring, the synaptic leaps of through-the-air connections. But they are there. I ...
(Also, see 84 recommendations for the series WWW ) - #10
Save:In "Lost Light," Harry Bosch, now retired from the LAPD, finds himself haunted by an old unsolved case involving the murder of a movie staff person and the theft of 2 million dollars from a movie set. Despite being threatened by Homeland Security and others to drop the case, Bosch persists in investigating, leading to a violent conclusion. The story is narrated in the first person by Harry himself, providing a different yet effective perspective that keeps the reader engaged. As Bosch delves deeper into the case, he uncovers unexpected twists and turns, ultimately finding justice for the murdered victims in a well-written and tightly plotted narrative.
The last thing I expected was for Alexander Taylor to answer his own door. It belied everything I knew about Hollywood. A man with a billion-dollar box-office record answered the door for nobody. Inst...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Bosch Universe )
