Books matching: impact of trauma
100 result(s)
- #1
Long Black Veil by Jennifer Finney Boylan is a murder mystery novel that takes readers on a journey involving a group of friends who find themselves trapped in an abandoned prison, leading to a tragic event that impacts their lives for decades. The story unfolds through shifting timelines, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and love, while delving into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of secrets and past traumas.
This was a long time ago, before my first death, and none of us now are the people we were then. Instead we are ghosts: two of us dead, a third unrecognizable, a fourth suspected of murder. It would b... - #2
Carry the One by Carol Anshaw is a novel that delves into the lives of a group of individuals who are all connected by a tragic event - the accidental death of a young girl. The story follows these characters over a span of 25 years, exploring how the incident shapes their relationships, careers, addictions, and perspectives on life. Through well-developed and complex characters, the author portrays the different ways in which people are affected by the same event, highlighting the lasting impact of one night on Carmen and the five people in the car.
The narrative of Carry the One moves seamlessly through time, shifting between different characters and their stories in a structurally perfect manner. The writing style is described as smooth, with strong character development and a touch of wry humor. Anshaw's storytelling skillfully weaves together the interconnected lives of the characters, portraying the aftermath of a single tragic moment and how it reverberates through the years, ultimately prompting readers to reflect on the consequences of choices and the passage of time.
So Carmen was married, just. She sat under a huge butter moon, on a windless night in the summer of 1983, at a table, in front of the remains of some chicken cordon bleu. She looked toward the improvi... - #3
Dick Francis' "The Danger" follows the story of Andrew Douglas, a kidnap and ransom expert, who is called to Italy to assist with a missing young jockey. As he delves into the case, he finds himself entangled in a web of interconnected kidnappings across different countries, leading him back to the UK and eventually to the US. The novel intricately weaves together elements of crime, romance, and horse racing, showcasing Francis' signature style of storytelling that keeps readers engaged with its fast-paced plot and well-developed characters.
The book primarily focuses on Andrew Douglas' expertise in rescuing kidnap victims, highlighting the intense and thrilling nature of his job as he navigates through multiple kidnapping cases within the horse racing world. The narrative not only explores the action-packed scenarios of kidnapping but also delves into the emotional aftermath faced by both the victims and the rescuers. With a blend of suspense, meticulous detailing of the kidnapping incidents, and a touch of romance, "The Danger" offers readers an exciting and gripping read that showcases Francis' adept storytelling skills.
The most dangerous, delicate stage of any kidnap is the actual handing over of the ransom, because it is then, at the moment of collection, that someone, somehow, must step out of the shadows . . . an... - #4
"Blood: A Memoir" by Allison Moorer delves into the heartbreaking and traumatic childhood experiences of the author and her sister, Shelby Lynne, following the murder-suicide of their parents. Moorer reflects on themes of abusive relationships, alcoholism, forgiveness, and survival, using a nonlinear narrative style to recount her past and present reflections. Through lyrical writing, she explores the impact of her parents' tragic deaths on her life and her journey towards healing and understanding.
- #5
"After" by Francine Prose revolves around a high school that undergoes a transformation in the aftermath of a nearby school shooting at Pleasant Valley. A serious counselor, Mr. Willner, enters the school and implements strict rules that turn the once normal school into a restrictive and oppressive environment. The plot explores the impact of the counselor's actions on the students, their relationships, and the overall atmosphere of the school. The writing style effectively captures the paranoia and fear among the teenagers as they navigate the changes enforced by the new authority figure.
- #6
'A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty' by Joshilyn Jackson is a story that delves into the lives of three generations of women - Big Ginny, mother to Liza who suffered a stroke at a young age, and Liza's teenage daughter Mosey. The family is living under a curse that strikes every fifteen years, and when a box of infant bones is discovered, buried secrets are brought to light, changing the Slocumb family forever. The plot revolves around mystery, coming of age, love, and redemption, with a southern setting that combines elements of prestige and wealth with poverty and slums.
The story is narrated through alternating chapters from the perspectives of the three Slocumb women, each with a distinct voice and facing the threat to their family in their own way. The characters are well-developed and multifaceted, with secrets and difficulties that are slowly revealed, making the readers emotionally invested in the story. The book captures the essence of southern women's fiction, blending humor and heartache, along with a core of pain and heartache at its center.
INEVER WOULD have known about the other Mosey Slocumb if Tyler Baines hadn’t brought his mullet head and a chain saw over to murder my mom’s willow tree. I wouldn’t have bet someone else’s dollar that... - #7
Tony and Susan is a story within a story, where Susan, a reader, is sent a novel by her ex-husband Edward. The novel she reads is a dark and violent thriller that grips her like a vice, while also making her reflect on her own life and relationships. The book delves into themes of fear, revenge, and the impact of fiction on reality, with a writing style that switches between a straightforward thriller narrative and a more introspective and thought-provoking tone.
That night, as Susan Morrow settles down to read Edward’s manuscript, a fear shocks her like a bullet. It begins with a moment of intense concentration which disappears too fast to remember, leaving a... - #8
After the Silence by Louise O'Neill is a murder mystery novel that unfolds through multiple time frames, revealing secrets and uncovering the truth about a ten-year-old unsolved murder on an island off West Cork. The plot is driven by the making of an investigative documentary, seamlessly moving between past and present events while exploring themes of domestic violence on physical and psychological levels. The writing style captivates readers with a unique structure that includes interviews, past and present character stories, creating a compelling narrative resembling the making of a documentary.
'Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival' by Laurence Gonzales is a non-fiction book that delves into the harrowing events surrounding the crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in 1989. The book provides a detailed account of the crash, the survivors' stories, the investigation into the mechanics of failure, and the aftermath of the tragedy. Gonzales skillfully weaves together technical details of the crash with gripping narratives of survival and recovery, offering a comprehensive and compelling insight into the human drama and the complexities of aviation disasters.
Martha Conant traveled regularly for her job with Hewlett-Packard in Denver. On that Wednesday, she was on her way to Philadelphia to work with a client. She didn’t even look at her ticket until she w...- #10
Aftermath by Peter Robinson is a gripping police procedural novel that delves into the aftermath of a series of horrific crimes, focusing on the impact on the victims and those involved in the investigation. The story begins with the capture of a serial killer, leading Detective Inspector Alan Banks and his team to uncover a web of dark secrets and moral dilemmas. Robinson's writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seats, weaving a complex narrative that explores themes of abuse, police brutality, and personal struggles.
Maggie Forrest wasn’t sleeping well, so it didn’t surprise her when the voices woke her shortly before four o’clock one morning in early May, even though she had made sure before she went to bed that ...
(Also, see 90 recommendations for the series Inspector Banks )