Books matching: intimate look at struggles
12 result(s)
'The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star' by Nikki Sixx is a memoir chronicling the descent of the Motley Crue bassist into the depths of drug addiction, particularly heroin, cocaine, and alcohol abuse. Through diary entries from 1986-1987, the readers get an intimate look at Nikki Sixx's struggles with addiction, paranoia, and hallucinations, providing a raw and honest portrayal of his dark journey. is structured in a unique format, combining diary entries with commentary from friends, family, and the author himself, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on the life of a rock star battling inner demons.
Founder, chief songwriter and bassist for Mötley Crüe, assiduous diary keeper and the antihero of this tale. A man who was so hooked on heroin and cocaine that he had to die twice before he began to c...- #2
'Charms for the Easy Life' by Kaye Gibbons is a heartwarming story that follows three generations of strong, loving women living in North Carolina from the early 1900s through World War II. The book revolves around the lives of Charlie Kate Birch, a tough-minded grandmother known for her healing skills, her headstrong daughter Sophia, and her shy granddaughter Margaret. The story is narrated by Margaret, who admires her grandmother's unconventional approach to medicine and learns valuable life lessons from both Charlie Kate and Sophia. The bond between the three women deepens as they navigate through love, loss, and the challenges of the time period, showcasing their strengths as individuals and as a family.
The novel beautifully captures the essence of the characters and their relationships, offering a poignant portrayal of three women who defy societal norms and depend on each other for support and strength. The writing style is described as smart, funny, and poignant, with well-developed characters that are strong, loving, sensitive, flawed, and believable. The story unfolds against the backdrop of North Carolina in the 1930s and 1940s, showcasing the resilience and determination of the women as they face various trials and tribulations, ultimately finding solace and joy in their unconventional way of life.
ALREADY by her twentieth birthday, my grandmother was an excellent midwife, in great demand. Her black bag bulged with mysteries in vials. This occupation led her to my grandfather, whose job was oper... - #3
Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel is a memoir that delves into the author's struggle with depression, offering a raw and honest account of her battle with mental illness. Wurtzel narrates her experiences with atypical depression, detailing her personal journey from childhood through her time at Harvard, and her eventual reliance on Prozac to manage her condition. The writing style is described as poetic and beautifully capturing the complexities of depression, providing readers with an intimate look into the author's inner turmoil and emotional struggles.
I start to get the feeling that something is really wrong. Like all the drugs put together—the lithium, the Prozac, the desipramine, and Desyrel that I take to sleep at night—can no longer combat what... - #4
'Gentleman Wolf' by Joanna Chambers is a historical paranormal romance set in 18th century Scotland, focusing on the character Lindsay Somerville, a werewolf who finds himself torn between loyalty to his past captor and newfound feelings for Drew Nicol, an architect. The story unfolds as Lindsay navigates complex relationships, dangerous situations, and a mysterious mission, all while embracing his flamboyant personality and enduring struggles from his past. The narrative is rich with historical details and vivid descriptions of Edinburgh in 1788, creating a unique setting for the characters to explore themes of love, trust, and self-discovery.
At this prompt, he glanced up. The dealer, who had a fine pair of flashing black eyes and an even finer arse, stroked the topmost card of the deck with his forefinger, eyeing Lindsay with subtle inter... - #5
'Inside Out' by Demi Moore is a candid and introspective memoir that delves into the personal life and struggles of the renowned actress. The book provides a raw and honest account of Moore's journey, from her troubled childhood to her rise to stardom, her marriages to Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher, battles with addiction, and the complexities of balancing career and family. Readers found the narrative to be insightful and eye-opening, shedding light on the challenges faced by Moore behind the glamorous facade of Hollywood. The writing style is praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, making the reader feel connected to Moore's story on a personal level.
It may sound strange, but I remember the time I spent in the hospital in Merced, California, when I was five years old as almost magical. Sitting up in bed in my soft pink fleecy nightgown waiting for... - #6
'The Science of Breakable Things' by Tae Keller follows twelve-year-old Natalie as she navigates her mother's depression through a plan to win an egg drop contest. Alongside her friends Twig and Dari, Natalie delves into the scientific method to understand breakable things and how to protect them, all while dealing with new and existing friendships and challenging family dynamics. Through Natalie's perspective, readers witness her growth and changes as she copes with her mother's mental illness and embarks on a journey of hope and resilience.
*1 Scalpels, for the record. *2 Yeong-jin: Dad’s Korean name, which Twig found on his diploma in his office. He goes by John, but Twig refuses to call him anything else, and I think Twig scares Dad, s... - #7
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine is a heartwarming and enlightening novel that follows the story of Caitlin, a 10-year-old girl with Asperger's Syndrome, as she copes with the loss of her brother in a school shooting. The book delves into Caitlin's unique perspective on the world, her struggles with understanding emotions and social cues, and her journey towards finding closure and empathy with the help of her counselor and new friend, Michael. Written in the first person, the novel beautifully depicts Caitlin's internal processes and the challenges she faces as she navigates grief, relationships, and personal growth.
IT LOOKS LIKE A ONE-WINGED bird crouching in the corner of our living room. Hurt. Trying to fly every time the heat pump turns on with a click and a groan and blows cold air onto the sheet and lifts i... - #8
'The Letters of Vincent van Gogh' presents a collection of personal letters by the artist himself, offering insights into his family relationships, thoughts on art, struggles, and genius. The letters provide a glimpse into van Gogh's mind, his deep emotions, and his profound connection with his brother Theo. The writing style is described as introspective, insightful, and authentic, showcasing van Gogh's gift not only in painting but also in expressing his innermost thoughts through words.
Vincent Willem van Gogh was born on 30 March 1853 in Groot-Zundert, a village in Brabant on the Belgian border, the oldest son of Theodoras van Gogh and his amiable wife, Anna Cornelia Carbentus (thei... - #9
Plainsong by Kent Haruf is a beautifully written novel set in a small town in Colorado, focusing on the lives of various residents including two old bachelor brothers, a pregnant teenager, a single father with two young sons, and a high school teacher. The book weaves together the interconnected stories of these characters, portraying themes of family, community, loneliness, and redemption. Haruf's writing style is described as sparse yet powerful, capturing the essence of the characters and the landscape with understated prose and dialogue.
Here was this man Tom Guthrie in Holt standing at the back window in the kitchen of his house smoking cigarettes and looking out over the back lot where the sun was just coming up. When the sun reache... - #10
'Moab Is My Washpot' by Stephen Fry is a candid and brutally honest autobiography that delves into the early life of the author, covering his childhood, teenage years, and struggles with identity. Fry narrates his experiences at boarding school, his conflicts with authority, his exploration of his sexuality, and his run-ins with the law, all with a blend of humor, charm, and introspection. The book provides a detailed insight into Fry's formative years, offering a raw and unfiltered account of his journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.
Fry's writing style in 'Moab Is My Washpot' is characterized by wit, intelligence, and a knack for storytelling that keeps readers engaged throughout the narrative. He seamlessly weaves together anecdotes from his past, reflections on his experiences, and musings on broader themes such as love, mental illness, and personal growth. The book is a mix of humor, poignancy, and candidness, showcasing Fry's ability to share his vulnerabilities and triumphs with authenticity and charm.
FOR SOME REASON I recall it as just me and Bunce. No one else in the compartment at all. Just me, eight years and a month old, and this inexpressibly small dab of misery who told me in one hot, husky ...