Books matching: identity crises
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
"Heads of the Colored People" by Nafissa Thompson-Spires is a collection of short stories that delve into uncomfortable and painful experiences, particularly focusing on women's mental health struggles and African American experiences of racism in various settings. The stories feature characters from middle and upper-class backgrounds dealing with societal expectations, gender identity, and the reality of being a person of color in the US. The author skillfully weaves together a range of tones, from humor to satirical to touching, creating a rich and diverse narrative that explores different dimensions of modern-day life.
Riley wore blue contact lenses and bleached his hair—which he worked with gel and a blow-dryer and a flatiron some mornings into Sonic the Hedgehog spikes so stiff you could prick your finger on them,...- #2
'Monster' by Christopher Pike is a horror novel set in the small town of Point, where newcomer Angela finds herself entangled in a chilling mystery after her best friend, Mary, goes on a shooting spree during a party, claiming her victims are monsters. As Angela delves deeper into the twisted events, she becomes drawn to Jim, Mary's boyfriend, questioning his true nature and facing dark revelations about the people around her. The writing style of the book is described as darker and more gruesome than typical for Pike, with a wild and unpredictable storyline that keeps readers engaged.
Angela Warner was on the couch finishing her third beer when Mary Blanc entered Jim Kline's house carrying a loaded shotgun. The time was close to ten; Jim's party should have been good for another tw... - #3
Nathan Zuckerman, a Jewish novelist, navigates newfound fame and fortune after the success of his satiric comedy novel, Carnovsky. The book delves into Zuckerman's struggles with his family relationships, particularly with his dying father and younger brother, amidst the challenges brought on by his celebrity status. The story provides insight into Zuckerman's persona, showcasing both his good and bad qualities, while drawing parallels to author Philip Roth's own experiences and reactions to fame and criticism.
It was a small, husky young fellow with a short haircut and a new business suit who wanted to know; he had been daydreaming over an automotive magazine until he saw who was sitting next to him. That w...
(Also, see 28 recommendations for the series Nathan Zuckerman ) - #4
Adrian Tomine's 'Killing and Dying: Stories' is a collection of graphic short stories that offer glimpses into contemporary lives with compassion, humor, and honesty. The stories range from funny to weird to poignant and sad, touching on themes of exuberance and disappointment, masks chosen or imposed, and deceptions of others and oneself. Each story showcases Tomine's range as an artist and writer, exploring ordinary and often unlikable characters facing emotional battles and poignant moments in their lives.
'The Martian Child' by David Gerrold tells the heartwarming story of a single father adopting a son who believes he is a Martian. Through the eyes of the adoptive father, readers get a glimpse into the challenges and joys of parenting a child who has a unique perspective on the world. The writing style is described as charming, emotional, and engaging, drawing readers in and making them care deeply about the characters and their journey.
The plot revolves around the father's journey of understanding and acceptance of his son's belief in being a Martian, as well as the challenges of raising an adoptive child who has experienced instability in various families and facilities. offers insights into the complexities of adoption, the bond between a parent and child, and the themes of love, acceptance, and hope that resonate throughout the narrative.
"I beg your pardon?" I wasn't certain I had heard her correctly. I had papers scattered all over the meeting room table — thick piles of stapled incident reports, manila-foldered psychiatric evaluatio...- #6
'Beautiful Lies' by Jessica Warman is a gripping and haunting story about identical twins, Rachel and Alice, who share a rare and deep connection. As the story unfolds, secrets, mysteries, and unexpected twists keep the readers engaged. The writing style is described as natural and lyrical, making it hard to put the book down as readers are drawn into the complex relationships and timelines within the narrative.
It’s one of those cool, crisp fall nights that make you feel like the air is ripe with possibility, like anything could happen. From where we stand on the jogging trail, my sister and I can see the wh... - #7
Set in post-WWII Tokyo, "Tokyo Year Zero" by David Peace follows Detective Minami as he investigates a series of murders in a devastated city. The writing style is described as rhythmic, almost poetic, with a complex narrative that delves into the mental state of the main character. The plot is intricate, keeping readers guessing about the identity of the real perpetrator until the very end.
Just four hours gone, eight still to go, then down to Shinagawa, down to Yuki. Three, four hours there and then out to Mitaka, to my wife and my children. Try to take them some food, bring them someth... 'Perchance to Dream: Selected Stories' by Charles Beaumont is an eclectic collection of short stories that range from drama to horror, from science fiction to weird. The writing style is reminiscent of episodes of The Twilight Zone, as Beaumont was a writer for the show. The stories are described as having a good amount of imagination, with characters, scenes, and settings coming to life deftly and showcasing a verisimilitude to the human condition that is hard to match. The book features a variety of topics, from a blues band's needs to a murderer trying to avoid the electric chair, offering a plethora of experiences in a single collection.
Ray Bradbury introduces the author in the book, highlighting Beaumont's talent for storytelling and the influence he had on classic TV shows of the 50s and 60s. The stories in the collection were written between 1952 and 1960, yet they are said to have aged well, with the words flowing off the page like notes from an expert musician. Overall, the book is praised for its reflection of the author's talents in horror, science fiction, and satire, making it a recommended read for fans of The Twilight Zone and those interested in weird fiction.
Automatically, Hall sat down. Instinctively, he leaned back. Dizziness flooded through him, his eyelids fell like sashweights, the blackness came. He jumped up quickly and slapped his right cheek, the...- #9
'The Female of the Species' by Joyce Carol Oates delves into tales of serious psychosis and sociopathic behaviors, exploring the capacity of women to do evil. The stories revolve around protagonists of varying ages and circumstances, all facing desperate personal situations that lead them down dark and disturbing paths. Oates skillfully weaves narratives that touch on highly interesting and sometimes perverse topical areas, such as a kiddie prostitution scheme and a psychopathic boy's obsession with a woman he believes he has a connection to.
Oates' writing style in this collection is noted for its plain language and focus on character development. While some opinions mention that the plots and endings lack poignancy and that some stories are lacking in development, the overall theme of exploring the exploitation and marginalization of women in society through horror and suspense shines through in this book.
- #10
Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder is a unique blend of horror, fantasy, cosmic elements, and apocalyptic themes. The story revolves around a new virus with harsh qualities that leads to an impending apocalypse, as experienced by three women who are transformed in different ways by the virus. The novel starts off strong, setting the tone for a scary horror story with creepy situations and disturbing events, but takes unexpected twists and turns that delve into cosmic horror, biblical folklore, and Lovecraftian mythos. The writing style is even and approachable, with foreshadowing and just enough explanation to keep readers curious and engaged.