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Books matching: identity and faith

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  1. #1

    Declare by Tim Powers
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    'Declare' by Tim Powers is a supernatural espionage thriller set during the Cold War period, blending elements of espionage, historical fiction, and dark fantasy. The story follows the involvement of three spies over 60 years in dealing with creatures known as djinn and fallen angels. The plot intricately weaves together British and Soviet military operations, espionage activities, and supernatural elements, creating a complex and detailed narrative that spans different time periods. The author's writing style combines spy novel tropes with Arabian Nights tales and Lovecraftian horror, offering a unique and engaging reading experience.

    The book delves into the world of secret agencies working to recruit, control, or eliminate supernatural beings within their national spy agencies, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to the plot. Powers' meticulous research and incorporation of real historical events into the narrative provide a sense of authenticity, while his skillful storytelling keeps readers engaged with a blend of espionage, magic, and historical intrigue.

    Hale had automatically started counting, and Spenser made four. “I imagine so,” he said, hastily and at random. “Uh, ‘which being dead many years, shall after revive,’ is the bit you’re thinking of. I...

  2. #2

    From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
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    'From Sand and Ash' by Amy Harmon is a historical fiction novel set in World War II Italy, following the forbidden love story between Eva, a Jewish girl, and Angelo, a Catholic boy. The book beautifully captures the horrors of war, the resilience of those trying to help their Jewish neighbors, and the role of the Catholic church in protecting Italian Jews. The story is a heart-wrenching tale of bravery, sacrifice, hope, and love set against the backdrop of Nazi occupation and the collaboration with Mussolini's Fascists.

    Amy Harmon's writing style in 'From Sand and Ash' is described as moving, captivating, and breathtaking. She expertly crafts a story that slowly builds up the characters, leading readers to fall for them before shattering their emotions with the harsh realities of war. The book delves into the depths of human kindness and wrongs, emphasizing the importance of love, faith, and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

    Eva’s father, Camillo Rosselli, knew what was coming. He thought he had sheltered his daughter from it, or maybe she was just Italian enough, young enough, naïve enough, that she completely missed the...

  3. #3

    Leaving the Saints by Bernadette Dunne, Martha N. Beck
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    "Leaving the Saints" by Martha Beck is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences growing up in the Mormon Church and the subsequent revelations of her father's abuse. Through the author's narrative, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, questioning the boundaries between religious dogma and spirituality. Beck's writing style blends humor with difficult topics, offering insights into feminism, Mormonism, and organized religion.

    Beck's memoir not only uncovers the dark side of the Mormon Church but also explores themes of transformation, spirituality, and the search for personal peace. The author's candid storytelling sheds light on her struggles with faith, her family's history, and her journey towards finding her own path to God outside the confines of institutionalized religion.

    So there he stands, not five feet away from me. He looks almost unchanged since the last time I saw him, ten years ago—fabulous, for a man now in his nineties. His features are still sharply cut, his ...

  4. #4

    Disobedience by Naomi Alderman
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    Disobedience by Naomi Alderman is a beautiful exploration of identity, faith, tolerance, and sexuality set within an Orthodox Jewish community. The story follows two gay women navigating their relationships and personal growth, with themes of choice, self-acceptance, and the complexities of leaving one's community. Alderman intricately weaves the Orthodox Jewish religion into the characters' life experiences, creating a compelling narrative that delves into the characters' motives and self-awareness.

    The book portrays the dynamic between the main characters, highlighting their endearing flaws and the complexities of their relationships. The writing style is praised for its sensitivity, humor, and complexity, engaging readers in a thought-provoking reflection on life and societal expectations.

    The Rav had brought them through the High Holy Days, had remained standing during the two-hour service at the end of the Yom Kippur fast, though more than once his eyes had rolled back as though he wo...

  5. #5

    Minaret by Leila Aboulela
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    Leila Aboulela's 'Minaret' follows the life of Najwa, a Sudanese woman who transitions from a Westernized teen in Khartoum to a devout Muslim woman working as a nanny maid in London. The novel delves into themes of class, religion, culture, and gender, portraying Najwa's personal journey of finding solace in the Islamic faith after fleeing political upheaval in Sudan. Through a narrative that jumps between different times, readers witness Najwa's evolution from a life of privilege to that of a refugee in a foreign land, highlighting her struggles, spiritual enlightenment, and adaptation to a new way of life.

    Written in a simple and straightforward style, 'Minaret' offers insights into Islamic and Sudanese culture, shedding light on contemporary issues faced by Muslim women and exiles. The story captures Najwa's emotional journey of self-discovery, depicting her search for identity, acceptance, and belonging amidst societal pressures and personal dilemmas.

    ‘Well, I’m going without you.’ I walked to the far end of his room, past his cupboard and the poster of Michael Jackson. I switched the air conditioner off. It died down with an echo and heat surround...

  6. #6

    The Sickness Unto Death by Søren Kierkegaard
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    'The Sickness Unto Death' by Søren Kierkegaard delves into the complex themes of despair, faith, and identity. Through deep reflections on the nature of despair and its relationship to human psychology and faith, Kierkegaard challenges readers to confront their own existence and the concept of self. Drawing on spiritual and existential perspectives, the book explores the idea of the self as a conscious synthesis of infinitude and finitude, with a key emphasis on the role of faith in resolving contradictions and achieving self-realization. Kierkegaard uses biblical references, such as the story of Lazarus, to provoke thought and introspection on the human condition.

    Kierkegaard's writing style in 'The Sickness Unto Death' is described as profound, complex, and thought-provoking by readers. While some find the book difficult to read and comprehend at first, others appreciate the depth of his insights and the way he challenges traditional beliefs and philosophical concepts. Through a blend of philosophy, spirituality, and existentialism, Kierkegaard presents a unique perspective on sin, redemption, and the evolving nature of the self, making the book a profound exploration of human identity and its relation to faith.

    Despair is a sickness of the spirit, of the self, and so can have three forms: being unconscious in despair of having a self (inauthentic despair), not wanting in despair to be oneself, and wanting in...

  7. #7

    When Gravity Fails by George Alec Effinger
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    George Alec Effinger's 'When Gravity Fails' is a cyberpunk detective noir novel set in a future Middle Eastern world where the protagonist, Marid Audran, navigates a dark and gritty society filled with sex, drugs, and murder. The story follows Marid as he becomes entangled in solving a mystery while exploring themes of identity, faith, and societal issues in a world where technology plays a significant role in modifying personalities.

    Effinger's writing style combines elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with cyberpunk, creating a unique and immersive world that blends traditional noir storytelling with futuristic technology. The narrative delves into the complexities of the characters and the setting, offering a fast-paced and intriguing read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    Chiriga’s nightclub was right in the middle of the Budayeen, eight blocks from the eastern gate, eight blocks from the cemetery. It was handy to have the graveyard so close-at-hand. The Budayeen was a...

  8. #8

    Exodus 20:3 by Freydis Moon
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    Exodus 20:3 by Freydis Moon is a captivating blend of horror, romance, and religion that follows the journey of Diego as he finds himself in the Texan desert repairing an abandoned chapel with the enigmatic Ariel. The book intricately weaves themes of self-acceptance, intimacy, and spirituality, with a writing style that is evocative, haunting, and sensual. Readers are drawn into a world where the lines between reality and fiction blur, as Diego and Ariel's relationship unfolds amidst references to glory, worship, and sin, creating a tale that is part queer absolution, part monster romance, and wholly compelling.

    The novella explores the complexities of faith and identity through Diego and Ariel's bond, offering a thought-provoking narrative that leaves readers questioning beliefs, acceptance, and the true essence of self. Freydis Moon's writing style effortlessly transports readers to the sweltering heat of the Texan desert, immersing them in a story that is equal parts introspective and captivating, with a touch of sensuality that adds depth to the characters and the plot.

    He cradled his phone against his ear and tried to focus on his mother’s voice, exhausted and cold, rasping through the speaker. The gas station was quiet—nearly abandoned—but his attention darted to a...

  9. #9

    The Chaplain's War by Brad R. Torgersen
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    The Chaplain's War by Brad R. Torgersen is a science fiction novel that delves into themes of faith, interstellar conflict, and the human condition. The story follows the protagonist, Harry, as he navigates through a war against alien beings, intertwining elements of soldier training, philosophy, and personal growth. The book explores the concept of faith in a nuanced manner, portraying characters who struggle, doubt, and seek meaning in a vast and complex universe. Torgersen's writing style is described as less complex, yet engaging, with a focus on military themes and flashbacks that provide depth to the narrative.

    I WAS PUTTING FRESH OIL INTO CLAY LAMPS AT THE ALTAR WHEN the mantis glided into my foyer. The creature stopped for a moment, his antennae dancing in the air, sensing the few parishioners who sat on m...

  10. #10

    Pirate Freedom by Gene Wolfe
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    "Pirate Freedom" by Gene Wolfe is a tale about Chris, a priest who finds himself transported back in time to the era of pirates in the Caribbean. Becoming a pirate, Chris struggles to reconcile his newfound lifestyle with the faith he grew up with. The narrative is structured as a memoir written after his return, detailing his adventures and moral dilemmas without explaining the method of time travel. The story is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with action, albeit lacking in detailed descriptive passages.

    SOMETIMES IT SEEMS that I spend most of my time trying to explain things to people who do not want to understand. This may be more of that. My evenings are free once I have locked up the Youth Center....

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