Books matching: ideological conflict
83 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Black Dogs" by Ian McEwan is a novel that delves into the complexities of relationships and ideologies through the lens of a young couple's marriage. The story follows the protagonist, Jeremy, as he tries to piece together the reasons behind the estrangement of his in-laws, Bernard and June, who were once devoted to each other but grew apart due to their differing beliefs and experiences. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events like World War II and the fall of the Berlin Wall, the narrative explores themes of spirituality, communism, and the impact of war on personal lives. The writing style is described as dense and thought-provoking, with a focus on psychological components that leave the reader enlightened.
- #2
Save:The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta explores the clash between abstinence teaching and religious beliefs in a suburban town. The novel follows Ruth Ramsey, a sex education teacher, and Tim Mason, a former addict turned born-again Christian, as their lives intersect amidst the controversy surrounding sex education and religion. Perrotta delves into complex issues like personal beliefs, societal expectations, and the struggle to find common ground in the midst of conflicting ideologies. The narrative is filled with well-developed characters, realistic emotions, and sharp observations that provide a nuanced exploration of the characters' inner conflicts and external challenges.
The story unfolds in a small town where the arrival of evangelical Baptists disrupts Ruth's life as a parent and teacher, while Tim grapples with his sobriety and faith. The novel presents a fresh and compelling take on the culture clash between traditional religious values and modern societal norms, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals navigating personal beliefs and societal pressures. Perrotta's writing style seamlessly weaves together humor, compassion, and social commentary, creating a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the complexities of human relationships and moral dilemmas.
'God and Man at Yale: The Superstitions of 'Academic Freedom'' by William F. Buckley Jr. is a critique of higher education, focusing on Yale University in the early 1950s. Buckley argues that academic freedom has been misused by faculty to push ideas that are inconsistent with American values of individualism and Judeo-Christian beliefs. He criticizes the teaching of collectivism over capitalism, the decline of religion as a binding factor in American culture, and the loss of individual spirit in the country. The book highlights specific courses, instructors, and textbooks at Yale that promote ideologies contrary to what Buckley deems as the best truths in practice.
Buckley's writing style is described as concise, well-documented, and insightful. He presents a compelling argument against the teachings of collectivism in academia, warning of the dangers posed by the decline of individualism and religion in American society. Through examples from Yale University, Buckley illustrates how academic freedom has been used to propagate ideas that go against the core values of democracy, Judeo-Christianity, and capitalism.
I call on all members of the faculty, as members of a thinking body, freely to recognize the tremendous validity and power of the teachings of Christ in our life-and-death struggle against the forces ...'The Undiscovered Self: The Dilemma of the Individual in Modern Society' by C.G. Jung delves into the severity of the human condition in today's society, exploring the dangers of capitalism, totalitarianism, and the role of personal beliefs. Jung discusses the importance of understanding oneself and the implications of losing individuality in a society dominated by mass ideology. Through a psychoanalytic perspective, Jung addresses the challenges individuals face in modern society and the significance of self-discovery in a world where people are encouraged to conform to societal norms.
Jung's writing style in 'The Undiscovered Self' is described as thought-provoking, insightful, and brilliant. Readers appreciate Jung's examination of society, his analysis of relationships between Christianity, the state, and western sciences, and his exploration of archetypes from a psychoanalytic viewpoint. Despite some critiques of Jung's views on certain topics, readers find the book engaging and stimulating, offering a unique perspective on the individual's dilemma in contemporary society.
What will the future bring? From time immemorial this question has occupied men’s minds, though not always to the same degree. Historically, it is chiefly in times of physical, political, economic, an...- #5
Save:After a nuclear apocalypse, two survivors, Rebeca and Mary, strive to protect a collection of books that may hold the last remnants of human knowledge. Their mission is jeopardized when a religious fundamentalist explorer arrives, sparking a clash between religion and science. The story delves into the struggle of preserving knowledge post-apocalypse, exploring themes of survival, the clash of beliefs, and the choice of what to rebuild in a new world.
- #6
Save:The Joke by Milan Kundera is a novel set in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia, following the story of Ludvik, a young communist university student whose life takes a drastic turn after a practical joke goes wrong. The book explores themes of love, betrayal, revenge, and resilience in the face of political injustices, all while offering a glimpse into Czechoslovakian cultural life post-World War II. Through multiple perspectives and nested 'jokes,' the novel delves into the impact of totalitarian politics on individuals and society, with a narrative that unfolds like a musical quartet, revealing the consequences of Ludvik's actions and his quest for revenge.
The first version was published in London in 1969 by Macdonald, in a translation by David Hamblyn and Oliver Stallybrass. I remember my amazement when I received the book in Prague; I didn't recognize... - #7
Save:'Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror' by Nonie Darwish is a compelling memoir that delves into the author's personal journey from growing up in Cairo and Gaza in a culture of hate and oppression to renouncing Jihad and embracing a new life in America. Darwish vividly describes the indoctrination of hatred towards the West, the deep-rooted anti-Semitism in Arab culture, and the struggles faced by women in Muslim societies. Through her experiences, she sheds light on the realities of Islamist radicalism, the Arab-Israel conflict, and the oppression of women and minorities within Islamic societies.
The book is written in a heartfelt and engaging style that offers readers a unique perspective on the complexities of terrorism, the impact of radicalism on free societies, and the challenges faced by Muslims in the West. Darwish's narrative is illuminating, thought-provoking, and essential for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics at play in the global war on terror and the clash of cultures between the East and the West.
Shortly after the hardcover publication of this book in November 2006, students from Brown University in Rhode Island invited me to their campus for a discussion, to be sponsored by the Jewish student... - #8
Save:"Raising the Stones" by Sheri S. Tepper is the second installment in the Arbai trilogy and explores themes of prejudice, religion, and gender. Set on different planets, the story follows characters like Sam and Maire Girat as they navigate through complex societies influenced by alien entities and conflicting beliefs. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, richly detailed, and reminiscent of other renowned science fiction authors like Le Guin, Vance, and Herbert.
• The God’s name was Bondru Dharm, which, according to the linguists who had worked with the Owlbrit before the last of them died, meant something to do with noonday. Noonday Uncovered was the most fr...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Arbai ) - #9
Save:The Battle For Spain by Antony Beevor is a comprehensive account of the Spanish Civil War, delving into the complexities of the conflict involving various factions like nationalists, republicans, anarchists, and communists. The book explores the international dimensions of the struggle, highlighting the involvement of major powers like Germany, Italy, and the Soviet Union. Antony Beevor's writing style provides a detailed narrative of the war, focusing on the battlefield, political controversies, and the internal conflicts within different groups in Spain.
Antony Beevor's The Battle For Spain offers a detailed examination of the Spanish Civil War, tracing its origins back to historical divisions in Spain and exploring the aftermath of the conflict until the death of the dictator Franco. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Beevor sheds light on the brutalities of the war, the political maneuvering of different factions, and the impact of foreign interventions on the outcome of the conflict.
On an unsurfaced road in Andalucia or Estremadura, one of the first automobiles in Spain has broken down. In the photograph a young man grasps the steering wheel. He is not very good-looking, due to a... - #10
Save:'You Bright and Risen Angels' by William T. Vollmann is an epic postmodernist novel that delves into themes of history, politics, capitalism, and the human condition. The book is known for its complex narrative structure, blending digressions with action sequences, and featuring a wide array of characters navigating a world filled with allegory and satire. Vollmann's writing style is described as lush, philosophical, and at times overwhelming, with a dark sense of humor that challenges readers to suspend their disbelief and engage with the intricate layers of the story.
Synthetic Cognitions a Priori—In the Jungle—Station Identification—Snakes and Ladders (1909)—Premonitions of the Ideal (1805—1878)—Mr. White Makes His Million (1898)— The Rise of the Blue Globes (1663...
