Books matching: grappling with loss
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Best of Friends' by Lucinda Berry revolves around a tragic incident involving three teenage boys, leaving one dead, another in a coma, and the third too traumatized to speak. The story is narrated from the perspectives of the three mothers who are best friends, highlighting themes of friendships, secrets, loss, and the aftermath of the shocking turn of events. The plot unfolds through multi-perspective writing, revealing dark secrets and lies that challenge the friendship and raise questions about the characters' knowledge of their children.
The writing style of 'The Best of Friends' by Lucinda Berry is emotionally stirring, thought-provoking, and intense. seamlessly transitions between characters, keeping the plot moving with timely revelations. The author's background as a trauma psychologist brings depth to the narrative, tackling heavy issues like abuse, domestic violence, and gun violence. The story captures the readers' attention with its realistic portrayal of the characters' emotional turmoil and the complexity of their relationships, ultimately leaving them wondering about the truth behind the tragedy.
I slam the trash compactor shut and toss my plate in the sink. I’m too angry to eat. My phone rests on the granite countertop, where I left it after getting Dani’s text. The screen has long since gone... - #2
Save:'The Death of Sleep' in the 'Planet Pirates' series by Jody Lynn Nye and Anne McCaffrey follows the story of Lunzie Mespli, who escapes a space liner attacked by pirates and ends up in cryogenic stasis for much longer than expected. The plot revolves around Lunzie's journey of survival and adaptation to the changes in her life, uncovering details about the history of the Planet Pirates and exploring the dynamics between different human groups like heavyworlders and lightweights. The writing style is noted for its strong character development, engaging world-building, and exploration of themes like bias racism and romantic relationships.
(Also, see 49 recommendations for the series Planet Pirates ) - #3
Save:"Sequins and Spurs" by Cheryl St. John tells the story of Ruby, a woman who returns home after eight years of pursuing a career as a singer and actress, only to find her family tragically gone. She must face her brother-in-law Nash, who harbors resentment towards her for leaving her family behind. The novel explores themes of regrets, forgiveness, trust, and second chances as Ruby and Nash navigate their complex emotions and relationships while dealing with past traumas and building a new future together.
- #4
Save:Winter Ward is a short, intense story about a young college student named Bellamy who is sent to stay with her father's best friend, Felix, a famous musician, during winter break. Despite initial indifference from both parties, a mutual attraction forms between them, leading to a passionate relationship filled with tension, angst, and age gap romance. The book delves into themes of loneliness, music, and the healing power of love as Bellamy and Felix navigate their feelings for each other in a gothic-like setting with a backdrop of winter weather and a dark, cold townhouse.
The writing style of Winter Ward is described as engaging, with characters that jump off the page and a comfortable flow that keeps readers turning the pages. The author, Cassie Mint, expertly builds up the relationship between Bellamy and Felix, creating a hauntingly beautiful love story that is both intense and emotional, leaving readers wanting more even after the story concludes.
- #5
Save:"A Death in the Family" by James Agee is a poignant exploration of the impact of a father's sudden death on his family, particularly seen through the eyes of his young son, Rufus. The narrative weaves back and forth in time, delving into the thoughts and emotions of each family member as they navigate grief and loss. Agee's writing style is described as beautifully lyrical, evocative, and almost poetic, capturing the raw emotions and confusion surrounding death, religion, and family dynamics.
The story is set in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1915, where a tragic car accident shatters the domestic happiness of the Follett family. Through intimate portrayals of the characters and evocative descriptions of their emotions, the novel unfolds as a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships in the face of tragedy.
DEEP IN THE NIGHT they experienced the sensation, in their sleep, of being prodded at, as if by some persistent insect. Their souls turned and flicked out impatient hands, but the tormentor would not ... - #6
Save:In "The Child in Time" by Ian McEwan, the story revolves around a man, Stephen Lewis, who is grappling with the loss of his daughter, Kate, who was kidnapped from a supermarket. The book delves into Stephen's journey of coming to terms with this tragedy, his strained marriage with his wife Julie, and his involvement in a government commission on child rearing. The narrative is non-linear, exploring themes of time, grief, and personal reflection as Stephen navigates through his sorrow and attempts to find meaning in his life post the abduction.
McEwan's writing style in "The Child in Time" is described as beautiful, well-told, and innovative, with a mix of emotional depth and wry humor. The book intricately weaves together complex situations and characters, such as a children's book author grieving the loss of his child, a friend experiencing a regression to childhood, and a reflection on the ephemeral nature of childhood itself. Through poignant scenes and thought-provoking storytelling, McEwan explores the delicate balance between grief and hope, reality and mysticism, creating a moving and compelling narrative.
Subsidising public transport had long been associated in the minds of both Government and the majority of its public with the denial of individual liberty. The various services collapsed twice a day a... - #7
Save:In the small town of Coldwater, Michigan, a mysterious phenomenon occurs where several residents start receiving phone calls from their deceased loved ones. This leads to a split in beliefs among the townspeople, with some embracing the calls as a blessing, some questioning their authenticity, and others suspecting an elaborate hoax. The story follows the lives of the characters as they grapple with the implications of these calls from heaven, intertwining themes of faith, miracles, and the afterlife. Through Mitch Albom's storytelling, the book explores the impact of these supernatural phone calls on the individuals involved and the community as a whole.
Mitch Albom's writing style in "The First Phone Call from Heaven" is described as thought-provoking, emotional, and engaging. He weaves together multiple narratives, incorporating elements of suspense, historical facts about Alexander Graham Bell, and reflections on life, death, and spirituality. The book delves into profound questions about faith, belief, and the human response to extraordinary events, inviting readers to contemplate the possibility of communication beyond the realms of the living.
Despite the chilly weather, Sullivan Harding was walking. He could have borrowed his father’s car, but after ten months of confinement, he preferred the open air. Wearing a ski cap and an old suede ja... - #8
Save:'Humboldt's Gift' by Saul Bellow follows the story of Charlie Citrine, a successful writer reflecting on his talents and life after the death of his friend, Humboldt Fleisher. Citrine navigates through various challenges including dealing with a young mistress, a want-to-be gangster, the IRS, and his ex-wife's legal battles. The novel delves into themes of friendship, jealousy, success, and the complexities of human relationships, all narrated through Citrine's introspective and philosophical musings. Bellow's writing style combines rich prose, satire, and humor to paint a vivid portrait of American life, particularly focusing on Chicago as a representation of the country.
The narrative in 'Humboldt's Gift' is sprawling yet contained, offering a deep exploration of Citrine's inner struggles and external conflicts. explores themes of love, loss, intellectualism, and the pursuit of meaning in life, all set against the backdrop of Citrine's evolving relationships with those around him. Bellow weaves together philosophical reflections, complex character dynamics, and sharp observations on society to create a multi-layered story that challenges readers to ponder on the nature of success, friendship, and the human experience.
The book of ballads published by Von Humboldt Fleisher in the Thirties was an immediate hit. Humboldt was just what everyone had been waiting for. Out in the Midwest I had certainly been waiting eager... - #9
Save:'Part of Your World' in the 'A Twisted Tale' series by Liz Braswell is a dark twist on the classic Disney tale of 'The Little Mermaid'. The story explores an alternate reality where Ursula is victorious, Ariel remains voiceless and is now Queen of the Sea, and Eric is under a spell. The plot follows Ariel's journey to rescue her father, King Triton, defeat Ursula, and restore peace to both the land and sea. The book is told from multiple perspectives, providing a deeper insight into well-known characters like Ariel, Eric, and Ursula, while introducing new characters that add depth and heart to the story. The writing style is described as engaging, with a well-paced narrative that keeps the reader turning the pages eagerly.
It was a beautiful day, almost sparkling. The pines weren’t yet brittle from late summer heat and the deciduous trees were in full glory, their dark green leaves crackling in the wind. The mountains w...
(Also, see 15 recommendations for the series A Twisted Tale ) - #10
Save:Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty is a science fiction murder mystery set in space where cloning technology is used for potential immortality. The story follows six clones who wake up on a spaceship to find all crew members murdered and must unravel the mystery of their own deaths while dealing with the ethical implications of cloning. The plot unfolds with a mix of psychological drama, suspense, and time-travel elements, creating a gripping narrative that explores themes of identity, humanity, and morality. The writing style varies from engaging and well-constructed to occasionally repetitive, but overall, the book presents a clever and thought-provoking examination of the consequences of technological advancements in a futuristic society.
Sound struggled to make its way through the thick synth-amneo fluid. Once it reached Maria Arena’s ears, it sounded like a chain saw: loud, insistent, and unending. She couldn’t make out the words, bu...
