Books matching: impoverished setting
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- #1
Save:Juicy, fast-paced, and emotionally charged, "Perfect Chemistry" is a sure bet for anyone craving a forbidden high school romance with real issues and super-steamy chemistry. Not groundbreaking, but totally addictive!
'Perfect Chemistry' by Simone Elkeles is a young adult novel that follows the story of Brittany Ellis, a popular white girl, and Alex Fuentes, a Mexican gang member, who are forced to be lab partners in senior chemistry class. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and the stereotypes surrounding them, Brittany and Alex find themselves attracted to each other. As they navigate through racial prejudice and societal expectations, they must break free from these constraints to be together. The book explores themes of love, friendship, gang life, and the challenges faced by teenagers from diverse backgrounds.
The plot of 'Perfect Chemistry' is a modern twist on classic tales like Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, portraying a romance between two individuals from opposite sides of the tracks. The author, Simone Elkeles, skillfully alternates between the voices of Brittany and Alex, providing insight into their lives, emotions, and struggles. The writing style is engaging, realistic, and relatable, capturing the complexities of teenage life, relationships, and societal pressures.
2008•376 pages - #2
Save:An absorbing, character-driven exploration of female friendship, class, and identity - atmospheric and nuanced, but best for readers willing to savor the journey rather than rush to the destination.
"My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante is a captivating novel that follows the friendship between two intelligent girls, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the impoverished and violent setting of mid-twentieth century Naples. The story delves into their diverging paths in life, detailing Elena's academic pursuits and Lila's struggles with family obligations and early marriage. Through rich period details and intricate character development, the book explores themes of friendship, rivalry, societal expectations, and the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment.
Elena Ferrante's writing style in "My Brilliant Friend" is praised for its ability to vividly capture the essence of childhood and adolescence, blending detailed descriptions with insightful reflections on life. The narrative, told from Elena's perspective, offers a child's view of the world while weaving in deeper themes of friendship, societal norms, and personal growth. The book sets the stage for a compelling quartet that delves into the evolving relationship between Elena and Lila against the backdrop of post-war Italy.
Lila appeared in my life in first grade and immediately impressed me because she was very bad. In that class we were all a little bad, but only when the teacher, Maestra Oliviero, couldn’t see us. Lil...2011•354 pages - #3
Save:A gorgeously written, magic-infused, slow-burn fairy tale romance perfect for readers who like their love stories with depth, yearning, and just a dash of danger. Not for the impatient, but deeply rewarding for those who savor the journey.
'The Moonfire Bride' by Sylvia Mercedes is a slow-burn magical romance set in a world where a human girl, Valera, is claimed as a Fae Bride. The book delves into the complex relationship between Valera and Erolas, focusing on their emotional and physical attraction despite Valera's mistrust and fear of the fae. The plot unfolds gradually, with a detailed exploration of Valera's character development and her evolving perceptions of the fae world. The writing style combines vivid descriptions, heartwarming moments, and intense conversations between the characters, creating a captivating and enchanting story with elements of fairy tale retellings.
Strange. I could have sworn that a voice—deep and dark as a moonless night—whispered directly into my ear. Even now I feel the tickle of warm breath raising gooseflesh on my neck. But no. The room is...March 2021•370 pages - #4
Save:'Little Infamies' by Panos Karnezis is a collection of strikingly original short stories set in a small, nameless village in Greece. The stories are described as extraordinary, shocking, colorful, amusing, resonant, and sometimes tragic. Karnezis' writing style is praised as fresh, lyrical, and enriched, with the ability to subvert English into a delight to read. captures the essence of contemporary Greece while being compared to the works of renowned authors like James Joyce, Raymond Carver, and Guy de Maupassant.
Since dawn the air had the sultriness of fermenting juices and later, just before lunch, the dog started barking for no reason and did not stop until Father Yerasimo chased her away with stones. He co...2002•289 pages - #5
Save:In "Marilou Is Everywhere," Sarah Elaine Smith tells the gripping story of Cindy, a 14-year-old girl who impersonates a missing neighbor to escape her lonely and impoverished life. With a vacant mother and troubled brothers, Cindy sees an opportunity when Jude, a confident girl from a different background, goes missing. The plot explores themes of identity, longing, and the impact of neglect, all set against a backdrop of rural Pennsylvania. Readers journey through Cindy's mind as she navigates her complex emotions and questionable decisions while yearning for maternal affection and a better life.
Smith's writing is both poetic and hypnotic, drawing readers into Cindy's fragmented world. The narrative flows like a stream, building suspense through Cindy's meandering thoughts and actions, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. While the story features dark themes of poverty, abuse, and neglect, Smith's compassionate portrayal of her characters adds depth and humanity. Her unique style and heartfelt prose make this debut novel not just an exploration of a girl's troubled journey, but an invitation to understand the complexities of human nature.
July 2019•287 pages - #6
Save:Brutal, disturbing, and darkly funny, "Cruddy" is a one-of-a-kind journey that lingers long after the last page. Not for everyone, but unforgettable if you can ride the wave.
'Cruddy' by Lynda Barry is a dark and disturbing coming-of-age tale that follows the life of 16-year-old Roberta, also known as Clyde, as she recounts her troubled past. Kidnapped by her father at age 11, Roberta is taken on a violent and surreal road trip in search of her grandfather's hidden inheritance. The narrative alternates between Roberta's harrowing past and her drug-fueled teenage years, where she befriends outcasts and delves into a world of chaos and self-discovery. The book is described as a blend of horror, humor, and dark realism, with compelling characters and a unique storytelling style that keeps readers gripped until the end.
The Turtle said, “Would you ladies like to join me in New Orleans? Would you like to experience the malodor of the sad drunk’s urine in Pirate’s Alley? Would you care to gaze upon the House of the Ris...1999•318 pages "Infections and Inequalities: The Modern Plagues" by Paul Farmer is a compelling exploration of the modern epidemics of tuberculosis and HIV infection, focusing on the challenges faced by impoverished victims in countries like Haiti, Peru, and the US. Farmer provides clinical vignettes that vividly showcase the impact of inequalities on health and the struggles of those affected by infectious diseases. delves into the political economy of disease while emphasizing the global interconnectedness of health issues and the urgent need for action to address health disparities worldwide.
As I prepared this book, an anonymous reviewer of an early draft suggested that, since the book reflects a personal journey, it should make explicit the itinerary taken. The idea of a confessional cas...1999•424 pages- #8
Save:A wonderfully honest and entertaining autobiography that’s perfect for film lovers, history geeks, and anyone curious about the life behind the legendary Little Tramp.
'My Autobiography' by Charlie Chaplin is a detailed account of the legendary actor's life, from his poverty-stricken London childhood to his rise to fame in Hollywood. The book delves into Chaplin's introspective character, his emotional journey, and his experiences in the film industry, providing insights into his personal life and career. The writing style is described as simple, honest, and emotional, allowing readers to connect with Chaplin on a deeper level and gain a better understanding of the man behind the iconic 'Little Tramp' character.
I WAS born on 16 April 1889, at eight O’clock at night, in East Lane, Walworth. Soon after, we moved to West Square, St George’s Road, Lambeth. According to Mother my world was a happy one. Our circum...1964•530 pages - #9
Save:Unforgiving, poetic, and deeply dark - "Outer Dark" is an Appalachian fever dream for fans of literary horror and Southern Gothic fiction. Approach with caution if you want light or closure, but prepare for haunting prose if you go in.
Outer Dark by Cormac McCarthy is a dark and haunting tale set in rural Appalachia, following the story of a brother, Culla, and his sister, Rinthy. The plot revolves around the disturbing events of incest, abandonment, and the search for a lost baby. Throughout their journeys, the siblings encounter various characters, both kind and cruel, as they navigate a bleak and unforgiving world. The writing style of McCarthy is described as beautifully expressive, with haunting prose that effectively captures the brutality and beauty of the characters and their surroundings.
She shook him awake from dark to dark, delivered out of the clamorous rabble under a black sun and into a night more dolorous, sitting upright and cursing beneath his breath in the bed he shared with...January 1968•256 pages A raw and powerful look at the realities of life after prison, illuminated through one woman’s struggle; it’s moving, thought-provoking, and important - though its conclusions are messy, just like real life.
Author Jennifer Gonnerman follows the story of Elaine from her life growing up in New York as one of a number of siblings who eventually face tremendous struggles with imprisonment and drugs to her journey of trying to reestablish her life after receiving clemency 16 years into her sentence. Gonnerman writes in a simplistic, direct style that weaves the political and social climate with the details of Bartlett's personal journey. She gives a fair portrayal of Bartlett who is not altogether a saint nor completely an unredeemable sinner. The story highlights the injustice in the three strikes law. Gonerman is a fairly good writer and excellent researcher. Elaine did a stupid thing in carrying drugs and should have had a shorter sentence. It was severe injustice. But she and her family did not appear to be giving much of an effort to dig out of their misery. One wonders how they feel with the author exposing all of their misdeeds another assault by the privileged. Surely there are families more deserving to have their story told or told with more penetrating understanding of their plight. The book opens on the morning of January 26, 2000, when Bartlett is set free and returns to New York City. At 42, she has virtually nothing no money, no job, no real home. All she does have is a large and troubled family, including four children, who live in a decrepit housing project on the Lower East Side. I left one prison to come home to another, Elaine says.
2004•369 pages
