Books matching: gritty writing style
100 result(s)
- #1
'You Beautiful Thing, You' in the series 'Bad Boys of Bardstown' by Saffron A. Kent is a story that delves deep into the characters of Ledger and Tempest, exploring their intense and possessive relationship. Ledger, known as the Angry Thorn, is portrayed as a broken soul, while Tempest is described as a powerhouse, strong and loving, holding everything together. The book follows their journey of finding happiness and love amidst their troubled pasts and complicated emotions. The writing style is described as unique, captivating, and filled with intense chemistry between the characters.
The plot of 'You Beautiful Thing, You' revolves around the complex dynamics of two couples with mentally abusive parents, leading to abandonment issues and manipulative behavior. The story focuses on the growth and development of Tempest and Ledger, showcasing their struggles, internal conflicts, and eventual triumph over their past traumas. The book is praised for its character development, emotional depth, and the way it weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and overcoming obstacles.
- #2
"Rule of the Bone" by Russell Banks follows the journey of a teenage boy named Bone who is struggling with a troubled home life and a search for his identity. After a series of challenging events, Bone embarks on a transformative odyssey that takes him from upstate New York to Jamaica, where he encounters various characters who shape his understanding of the world. The narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of adolescence, all portrayed through a unique writing style that combines grittiness with humor and poignant character development.
You’ll probably think I’m making a lot of this up just to make me sound better than I really am or smarter or even luckier but I’m not. Besides, a lot of the things that’ve happened to me in my life s... 'The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner' by Alan Sillitoe is a collection of short stories set in pre and post-World War II British working class society. The title story follows an adolescent boy from a working-class background who is caught up in petty crime and sentenced to a borstal. Allowed to train outside the facility for a long-distance running competition, the story delves into his internal struggles between winning the race and defying the authorities. Other stories in the book portray characters facing loneliness, desperation, and societal inequalities, evoking a sense of anger, alienation, and desolation.
The writing style of Alan Sillitoe in this book is described as gritty, dark, and reminiscent of Dickens in its portrayal of the working class of England. The stories are said to be beautifully crafted, tragic, moving, and thought-provoking, capturing the trauma of wartime, the harsh realities of the class divide, and the struggles of individuals trying to break free from their circumstances.
AS soon as I got to Borstal they made me a long-distance cross-country runner. I suppose they thought I was just the build for it because I was long and skinny for my age (and still am) and in any cas...- #4
The Wanderers by Richard Price is an episodic novel that focuses on the antics of an Italian American Bronx-based gang in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The story follows the last months of the teenage street gang called The Wanderers, exploring their relationships, schools, neighborhoods, and often dysfunctional families. The novel is structured like a series of interconnected short stories, with characters popping in and out of the set events as we move through the lives of the gang members. Richard Price's gritty, dialogue-driven writing style, known for its high energy dialogue and real street language, captures the essence of the era and the rawness of the characters' experiences.
THERE HE WAS in Big Playground. Richie Gennaro. Seventeen. High Warlord of the Wanderers. Surrounded by the Warlords of the Rays, Pharaohs, and the Executioners. Touchy allies. Tense convention. Issue... - #5
'Blue Belle' in the 'Burke' series by Andrew Vachss follows the story of Burke, a private investigator specializing in cases involving child abuse, who is hired to investigate the Ghost Van, a vehicle targeting prostitutes. The novel delves into Burke's world filled with dark characters and the pursuit of justice, with a touch of explicit sex and violence that may not be suitable for all readers. The writing style captures the tough, gritty essence of hard-boiled mysteries, depicting a surreal world that borders on the edge of reality.
I WAS working in a dead–end hotel, but I'd gotten the job in the back seat of a limousine. The customer was a Wall Street lawyer. He dressed the part to perfection, but he didn't have enough mileage o...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Burke ) - #6
'The Electric Ant' by Philip K. Dick is a graphic novel adaptation of a short story exploring the theme of perception and reality. The story follows a man who discovers he is not human but a biological android, leading him into a spiral of self-discovery and questioning existence. The book delves into the inner mechanisms of the protagonist and presents a slightly altered reality experience, blending elements of sci-fi with psychological exploration.
The graphic novel adaptation of 'The Electric Ant' captures the essence of Philip K. Dick's work, with beautiful illustrations by David Mack and a narrative that evokes a typical Dick atmosphere throughout. The story revolves around a planet filled with people unknowingly imitating robots, adding layers of complexity to the exploration of reality and identity.
- #7
'We Who Are About To...' by Joanna Russ is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set on an uninhabited planet where a group of survivors from a starship crash must face the harsh reality of their situation. The narrative delves into themes of survival, group dynamics, and gender relations, offering a unique twist on the typical space adventure story. The writing style is described as gritty, relentless, and feminist, challenging traditional tropes and providing a fresh perspective on existential questions and human nature.
- #8
'Broken English' by Marita A. Hansen is a compelling story that delves into the forbidden romance between a young student, Dante, and his English teacher, Clara. The author's writing style is described as realistic and raw, capturing the dark past of Dante and Clara's struggles with temptation and desire. The plot unfolds with Clara trying to navigate her feelings towards Dante while also recognizing the challenges and risks involved in their relationship.
- #9
'Zombie: a gruesome horror novel' by Iain Rob Wright follows a mother and daughter fighting for their lives in a new breed of zombie apocalypse, set in a normal real-life situation. The story flows with clever pacing, realistic characters, and a touch of gore that keeps the readers engaged. The plot revolves around a mysterious, dodgy company, corporate greed, sacrifices, and the determination of a mother to uncover the truth, all while facing a zombie outbreak in a small area with a small group of people. The writing style effectively portrays the detailed and creepy story of the zombies and the victims involved, providing a realistic and immersive experience for the readers.
(Also, see 4 recommendations for the series The Cursed Manuscripts ) 'Quiller' in the series 'Quiller' by author Adam Hall is a spy thriller set in Berlin during the Cold War, following the protagonist Quiller, a British secret agent, as he navigates a world of double-crosses, Nazi hunting, and espionage. The narrative delves deep into Quiller's inner thoughts and thought processes, providing a unique perspective on the events unfolding in the story. The plot is described as standard for spy novels, with a focus on the mental state of the super agent, rather than physical attributes or appearance.