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Books matching: intense read

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
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    Set in Tokyo during the late 1960s, "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami tells the story of Toru, a college student navigating the aftermath of his best friend's suicide and the mental health struggles of his friend's girlfriend, Naoko. As Toru meets Midori, a progressive fellow student, he is faced with the challenge of letting go of the past to embrace the future. The novel delves into themes of mental health, suicide, relationships, and personal growth in a realistic and reflective manner, all set against the backdrop of late 1960s Tokyo.

    Murakami's writing style in "Norwegian Wood" is described as poignant, reflective, and touching. The novel unfolds at a walking pace, punctuated by small moments of loss and heartbreak, devoid of the magical realism present in his other works. The characters, particularly Toru, Naoko, and Midori, are portrayed with depth and complexity as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal struggles.

    I WAS THIRTY-SEVEN THEN, STRAPPED IN MY SEAT AS THE HUGE 747 plunged through dense cloud cover on approach to the Hamburg airport. Cold November rains drenched the earth and lent everything the gloomy...

  2. #2

    Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
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    In "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro, readers are taken on a haunting journey through the lives of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, who were students at the enigmatic Hailsham School. Set in a darkly skewed version of contemporary England, the story delves into the characters' attempts to come to terms with their childhood at Hailsham and the inevitable fate that awaits them as clones raised for organ donation. The narrative, narrated by Kathy at the age of 31, unfolds slowly, revealing the fragility of life and exploring themes of love, friendship, memory, and the eerie reality of their existence.

    The book masterfully weaves together themes of identity, purpose, and the inevitability of mortality, all set within an unsettling alternative reality where the characters grapple with their predetermined destinies. Ishiguro's writing style is described as quiet, foreboding, and painterly, with a patient reveal of the narrative that evokes deep emotions and contemplation. Through a conversational form of storytelling, the novel raises ethical questions and leaves readers pondering the characters' lives and the haunting concept of never being able to escape their fate.

    My name is Kathy H. I’m thirty-one years old, and I’ve been a carer now for over eleven years. That sounds long enough, I know, but actually they want me to go on for another eight months, until the e...

  3. #3

    The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
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    'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.

    MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru...

  4. #4

    Circe by Madeline Miller
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    In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.

    When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist. They called me nymph, assuming I would be like my mother and aunts and thousand cousins. Least of the lesser goddesses, our powers were so modes...

  5. #5

    Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
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    Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a mind-bending science fiction thriller that follows the protagonist, Jason Dessen, as he is kidnapped and thrown into a world of parallel universes. The book explores the consequences of choices, the concept of multiverses, and the intense journey of Jason trying to get back to his family through various alternate realities. The writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.

    No one tells you it’s all about to change, to be taken away. There’s no proximity alert, no indication that you’re standing on the precipice. And maybe that’s what makes tragedy so tragic. Not just wh...

  6. #6

    Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
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    Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic mystery novel that revolves around the second Mrs. de Winter, who marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves to his grand estate, Manderley. The shadow of Maxim's late wife, Rebecca, looms large over the household, with the housekeeper Mrs. Danvers and other characters adding to the mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere. The story is filled with plot twists, dark secrets, and a haunting sense of doom that keeps readers engaged until the shocking ending.

    Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and ...

  7. #7

    Ancient Tillage by Karen Sherwood Sotelino, Raduan Nassar
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    Ancient Tillage by Raduan Nassar is a novel that delves into the conflicts within a traditional rural family in Brazil, focusing on a boy who starts to develop forbidden feelings for his sister. The book is described as a poetic and philosophical exploration of family dynamics, rural life, and societal norms, with biblical undertones that add depth to the narrative. The writing style is noted for its dense and intense structure, with sentences that unwind continuously, creating a captivating and breathless reading experience.


  8. #8

    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
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    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who is found with her dead husband, tied to a chair and shot multiple times in the face. Alicia never speaks again and is sent to a mental institution. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, takes a job at the facility to treat Alicia and unravel her secrets. The book is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprising conclusion, making it a gripping and engaging read.

    The novel is centered around the relationship between Alicia, the silent patient, and Theo, the psychotherapist determined to make her speak. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's case, the story unfolds through entries from Alicia's diary and Theo's own perspective. The plot weaves together themes of mental illness, trauma, and suspense, keeping the readers guessing until the unexpected twist at the end. The Silent Patient explores complex characters and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.

    They had been married for seven years. They were both artists—Alicia was a painter, and Gabriel was a well-known fashion photographer. He had a distinctive style, shooting semi-starved, semi-naked wom...

  9. #9

    What Lies Between Us by John Marrs
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    'What Lies Between Us' by John Marrs is a psychological thriller that delves into the twisted and dysfunctional relationship between a mother, Maggie, and her daughter, Nina. The story unfolds in a domestic setting, revealing dark secrets and unexpected twists that keep the readers on edge. The narrative alternates between Maggie and Nina's perspectives, creating unreliable narrators that add layers of suspense and intrigue to the plot. Marrs skillfully weaves a tale of manipulation, abuse, and hidden truths, leaving readers questioning the reality of the characters' motives and actions.

    The book is praised for its gripping and disturbing storyline that explores the depths a mother would go to protect her daughter, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. Marrs' writing style is commended for its ability to captivate the readers, with each chapter unraveling shocking revelations and keeping the suspense high until the very end. The plot is described as a rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns, offering a unique and intense reading experience that sets it apart from traditional psychological thrillers.

    You can’t see me from my place up here in the crow’s nest. No one going about their business in the street can. I know that because I must have waved at my neighbours hundreds of times and they’ve nev...

  10. #10

    The Marbury Lens - The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith
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    The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith is a dark and intense young adult novel that follows the story of Jack, a teenager who is kidnapped and drugged by a doctor. After escaping, Jack finds himself in an alternate world called Marbury, where he must navigate between reality and fantasy with the help of his friend Conner and love interest Nickie. The book covers mature themes such as mental illness, violence, abuse, and death, making it best suited for older teenage readers. The narrative blurs the lines between sanity and insanity, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is a figment of Jack's mind.

    The plot of The Marbury Lens is gripping and disturbing, featuring vivid world-building and a narrative that intertwines the real world with the horrors of Marbury. Andrew Smith's writing style is described as gritty and well-crafted, immersing readers in Jack's journey and the nightmarish landscape of Marbury. The book is not for the faint of heart, as it delves into graphic violence and explores complex themes of trauma, parallel universes, and the supernatural, leaving readers on edge and questioning their own perception of reality.

    It was one of the biggest houses in Glenbrook. Wynn built it when my mother was just a kid. It sat on over four hundred acres of some of the best grape-growing land in Central California, and that’s h...

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