Books matching: identity and purpose
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- #1
Anne Rice's 'The Road to Cana' is the second volume in the 'Christ the Lord' series, providing a fictionalized account of Jesus' life from childhood to the beginning of his ministry. The book delves into the unrecorded years of Jesus' life, exploring his family dynamics, struggles, and the discovery of his divine nature. Through meticulous research and imaginative storytelling, Rice paints a vivid picture of Jesus as a young boy grappling with his identity and destiny, set against the backdrop of a turbulent first-century Palestine.
Readers are taken on a journey with Jesus, known as Yeshua in the book, as he navigates through everyday challenges and extraordinary events, such as his baptism, temptations in the wilderness, and the calling of his first disciples. Rice's writing style combines historical accuracy with fable and imagination, filling the gaps in the biblical narrative and offering a unique perspective on the life of Jesus before his public ministry.
IWAS SEVEN YEARS OLD. What do you know when you're seven years old? Allmy life, or so I thought, we'd been in the city of Alexandria, in the Street of theCarpenters, with the other Galileans, and soon...
(Also, see 27 recommendations for the series Christ the Lord ) - #2
Time and Time Again by Ben Elton is a time travel novel that follows the story of Hugh Stanton, a former soldier recruited to travel back in time to 1914 with the mission of preventing the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and averting the outbreak of World War I. The book explores the complexities of time travel, unintended consequences, and the ethical dilemmas of altering historical events. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, engaging the reader until the final page, and the writing style effectively combines historical research with a suspenseful narrative.
IN CONSTANTINOPLE, ON a bright, chill early morning in June 1914, Hugh Stanton, retired British army captain and professional adventurer, leant against the railings of the Galata Bridge and stared int... - #3
'The Imperfectionists' by Tom Rachman is a collection of interconnected stories centered around the employees, readers, and founders of an English language international newspaper based in Rome. Each chapter delves into the lives of different characters, portraying their imperfections, struggles, and relationships with the newspaper. The book weaves together individual character sketches, historical vignettes, and the overarching narrative of the newspaper's rise and eventual decline, offering a poignant exploration of human connection, compassion, and the complexities of life abroad.
The novel combines elements of comedy and tragedy, with a focus on character-driven storytelling that captures the essence of the newspaper industry and the diverse individuals who inhabit this world. Through a series of vignettes, the author paints a vivid picture of the newspaper's evolution over five decades, revealing the intertwining lives of its staff members and the emotional highs and lows they experience within the backdrop of a changing industry and a bustling city like Rome.
LLOYD SHOVES OFF THE BEDCOVERS AND HURRIES TO THE FRONT door in white underwear and black socks. He steadies himself on the knob and shuts his eyes. Chill air rushes under the door; he curls his toes.... - #4
"Memoirs Found in a Bathtub" by Stanisław Lem is a Kafkaesque tale set in a post-apocalyptic world where a cataclysmic paper blight has wiped out all existing knowledge. The story follows a nameless protagonist navigating through a massive underground bureaucracy, trying to uncover a mysterious mission while being surrounded by double agents, bureaucratic obstacles, and a sense of paranoia. The writing style involves wordplay, satire, and a circuitous path that leads the reader through a labyrinth of espionage and absurdity, leaving the protagonist and the reader questioning reality and purpose.
. . . I couldn’t seem to find the right room—none of them had the number designated on my pass. First I wound up at the Department of Verification, then the Department of Misinformation, then some cle...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ijon Tichy ) - #5
The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams follows the journey of Theo Vilmos, a struggling musician who discovers a magical world of Faerie through his uncle's diary. As Theo navigates the intricate politics and conflicts within Faerie, he becomes entangled in a war between the Flower lords. The story unfolds with Theo trying to uncover his true identity while facing the challenges and dangers of a parallel universe filled with gnomes, faeries, dragons, and duels. Williams weaves a tale of adventure and intrigue, blending elements of fantasy with a touch of reality, as Theo embarks on a quest to prevent the destruction of both worlds.
The book is characterized by its detailed world-building and character development, offering a unique twist on the concept of Faerie. Through Theo's eyes, readers explore a realm where fairies live realistic lives, facing power struggles and societal issues akin to those in the mortal world. The narrative combines elements of mystery, magic, and political intrigue, creating a rich tapestry of parallel universes and complex relationships that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.
T heo felt a small flutter of guilt as he turned the cell phone back on, especially when he noticed he’d left it off for more than two hours, and was relieved to see that there were no messages. He’d ... - #6
The Sol Majestic by Ferrett Steinmetz is a coming-of-age science fiction novel set on a space station where a young man, Kenna, breaks away from his religious parents to work at a unique restaurant. The book explores themes of individuality, found family, and the power of self-discovery. It delves into complex relationships, personal growth, and the impact of one's actions on the lives of others. Steinmetz's writing style is described as warm-hearted, quirky, and engaging, focusing on the glory of food and ordinary human experiences.
His gut rumbles as he wills himself to walk down the corrugated steel corridor. There are four of them, well-fed workers’ sons hulking with gene-enhanced muscles. They laugh as they push light-balls b... - #7
In a world where magic creatures and humans coexist, Larissa is born at the instant the Realms collided, making her the key to survival amidst monsters and enforcers chasing her. Terak, the leader of a clan of gargoyles, becomes her protector and as they uncover a prophecy together, their attraction sparks. The book is set in a unique urban fantasy realm with a fast-paced writing style and a mix of supernatural beings like werewolves, elves, and vampires. The story follows the journey of Larissa and Terak as they navigate a world where good and evil clash, leading to unexpected twists and turns.
The plot of 'Stone Guardian' revolves around Larissa, a human teacher watched over by her overprotective family in a post-collision world of humans and supernatural beings. Terak, a gargoyle, is tasked with guarding Larissa, leading to a developing relationship between them amidst a backdrop of mystery, action, and romance. The book introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and roles in the Guild, a secret society that plays a crucial part in the unfolding events.
Jack Miller aimed his shotgun at the monster’s grey-skinned head and pulled the trigger. Green sludge and bits of bone and flesh splattered through the air to land on the street, the gory aftermath re... - #8
TO LOVE A THIEF by Julie Anne Long tells the story of Gideon Cole, a brilliant barrister, and Lily Masters, an orphan pickpocket from the slums of St. Giles. As Lily is transformed into a lady of high society to help Gideon's plan to make the marquis's daughter jealous, they find themselves drawn to each other and start to fall in love. The book uses the inspiration of Pygmalion but goes beyond to create a unique and heartwarming tale with well-developed characters and a witty writing style.
No one knew the precise nature of Uncle Edward’s illness, only that it seemed to require him to be bedridden and waited on hand and foot and had created handsome dowries for each of the parish doctor’... - #9
The Surviving Trace by Calia Read is a time-travel romance novel that follows Serene Parow, an antique shop owner with a passion for the past. After finding an old photograph at a flea market, Serene mysteriously travels back to 1912 where she discovers she is married to Etienne, the man from the photo. As Serene navigates her new life in the past, she must uncover the reason for her journey and the connection she shares with Etienne. The book is written in a first-person perspective, alternating between Serene and Etienne's point of view, creating a captivating and immersive storytelling experience that blends romance and time-travel elements.
The first time, I was fourteen. I watched my aunt die in a small hospital room. We were prepared for her death, but seeing her life slowly fade away was chilling. My parents, brothers, and I surrounde... - #10
'Her Majesty's Wizard' by Christopher Stasheff is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Matt Mantrell, a slacker who discovers a scrap of runic poetry that transports him to a parallel world where magic is real. In this new world, Matt discovers he has a talent for magic and becomes a powerful wizard. The book explores themes of faith, friendship, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil as Matt navigates this new world and works to save the kingdom from dark forces. The writing style is described as character-driven, with elements of rhyme and romance, and a touch of old English verse cantata, creating a unique and engaging fantasy world.
Matthew Mantrell leaned forward across the little table in the campus coffee shop and tapped the sheet of rune-covered parchment before him. He tried to put some of the urgency he felt into his voice...