Books matching: introspective musings
37 result(s)
'The Book of Disquiet: The Complete Edition' by Fernando Pessoa is a collection of fragmented thoughts and musings of fictional Portugese bookkeeper Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa's heteronyms. The book is a diary-like account of Soares' existential reflections on life, literature, poetry, sensibility, and metaphysics, with no plot or story arc. Pessoa's poetic prose is described as beautiful and profound, with virtually every sentence being a gem. The book is best experienced by dipping into it over a long period of time, rather than reading it cover to cover, as it offers insights into the depths of human emotions and existential ponderings.
The writing style of 'The Book of Disquiet' is characterized by its rich expressiveness, introspective nature, and melancholic tone. Pessoa weaves together observation and introspection, creating a deeply existential and existentialist work that challenges readers to contemplate the imperfections of life and the struggle of living authentically. The book is a blend of diary, fiction, autobiography, philosophy, and poetry in prose, offering a unique reading experience that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human emotions and the futility of longing for the impossible.
Lisbon has a certain number of eating establishments in which, on top of a respectable-looking tavern, there’s a regular dining room with the solid and homey air of a restaurant in a small trainless t...- #2
Save:"Wandering" by Hermann Hesse is a collection of prose, poetry, and watercolor sketches that captures the essence of the true wandering spirit. Hesse's writing style in this book is contemplative and meditative, reflecting on themes of wanderlust, love, nature, and the search for meaning. The book explores the idea of wandering as a way of life, where the journey itself is more important than the destination. Hesse's deep connection with nature and his observations during his time hiking through the Alps are reflected in the prose, creating a sense of clarity and simplicity in his storytelling.
Hesse's exploration of the concept of Home as a place within oneself rather than a physical location is a prevalent theme in the book. The author delves into the complexities of human emotions, the longing for belonging, and the acceptance of impermanence. Through poignant passages and reflections on life's transient nature, Hesse invites readers to embrace the idea of wandering not just physically, but also spiritually and emotionally, in search of inner peace and fulfillment.
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Save:Autobiography by Morrissey is a candid exploration of the singer's life, delving into his materially deprived childhood and his rise to success, while also exposing his struggles with anger, depression, and resignation. The book offers glimpses into Morrissey's thoughts at different points in his life, discussing what he deems important and showcasing his raw emotions. The narrative is a mix of poetic descriptions, dark humor, and introspective musings, providing a unique insight into the mind of the iconic musician.
We are not vulgarians, yet here we are, in rent-demanding Queen’s Square backing onto the high walls of Loreto Convent, with its broken glass atop lest we, below, get any fancy ideas. The family is yo... - #4
Save:'Pretend I'm Dead' by Jen Beagin is a quirky and darkly humorous novel following the adventures of Mona, a cleaning woman with a self-deprecating sense of humor and a chaotic life. The story begins in Lowell, Massachusetts, where Mona volunteers at a needle exchange and falls in love with an older man named Mr. Disgusting. After their relationship ends, Mona embarks on a journey to Taos, New Mexico, where she encounters eccentric characters and navigates her own internal struggles. The novel is characterized by Mona's witty observations, bizarre encounters, and introspective musings on life.
FOR MONTHS HE WAS JUST A NUMBER TO HER: SHE COUNTED HIS dirties, he dropped them in the bucket, she recorded the number on the clipboard, and he moved down the line. Another pelican mired in oil, worn... - #5
Save:"Zeno's Conscience" by Italo Svevo is a psychological novel written in a journal style, featuring a neurotic narrator named Zeno Cosini. The book delves into Zeno's introspective musings on various aspects of his life, including his struggles with smoking, the death of his father, his marriage, his affair, and his business dealings. Through the unreliable narration of Zeno, the reader gets a glimpse into his self-delusions, hypocrisies, and attempts to understand his own psyche. Set in the city of Trieste, the book captures the essence of life in the early 20th century, showcasing a mix of humor, neuroticism, and self-reflection.
Zeno's character is portrayed as selfish, cynical, and ironic, yet also likable and relatable in his flawed humanity. The book weaves together themes of love, business, family dynamics, and psychoanalysis, creating a narrative that is both humorous and insightful. The writing style of "Zeno's Conscience" is described as a mix of wit, self-consciousness, and psychological depth, presenting a unique blend of humor and introspection that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.
Sometimes the eye falls upon a dusty volume on the shelves, a book read more than once but not for some years. And there it was: Zeno’s Conscience, by Italo Svevo, published in Italian in 1923 and in ... - #6
Save:'The Sportswriter' by Richard Ford follows the protagonist Frank Bascombe over the course of an Easter weekend, as he navigates his recent divorce, the anniversary of his son's death, and a mid-life crisis. The narrative is reflective and ponderous, exploring Frank's internal struggles and emotional detachment as he interacts with various characters in his life. Ford's writing style is described as intelligent yet unpretentious, with a focus on character development and internal monologues rather than a fast-paced plot.
For the past fourteen years I have lived here at 19 Hoving Road, Haddam, New Jersey, in a large Tudor house bought when a book of short stories I wrote sold to a movie producer for a lot of money, and... - #7
Save:'The Writing Life' by Annie Dillard is a collection of reflections on the challenging and often lonely experience of being a writer. Dillard delves into the agony and tedium of writing, highlighting the solitary nature of the craft and the relentless pursuit of perfecting sentences and characters. offers introspective musings on the writing process, interspersed with anecdotes about other writers and adventurers, ultimately providing a glimpse into the life of a writer through a series of meditative vignettes.
WHEN YOU WRITE, you lay out a line of words. The line of words is a miner’s pick, a woodcarver’s gouge, a surgeon’s probe. You wield it, and it digs a path you follow. Soon you find yourself deep in n... - #8
Save:A Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle is a haunting yet humorous tale that takes place in a cemetery, focusing on the character of Jonathan Rebeck, a man who lives among the dead and helps them pass on. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and what it means to be human, with a touch of the supernatural through the interactions between the living and the dead. The narrative is character-driven, filled with introspective musings and minor mysteries that keep the reader engaged till the end.
The plot revolves around the relationships between the characters, including ghosts slowly losing their memories, a man who has isolated himself in the cemetery, and a widow who befriends him. Through philosophical conversations and interactions, the book explores profound questions about life, death, and the human experience, ultimately leading to a heartwarming and thought-provoking conclusion.
The baloney weighed the raven down, and the shopkeeper almost caught him as he whisked out the delicatessen door. Frantically he beat his wings to gain altitude, looking like a small black electric fa... - #9
Save:'Diary of a Mad Old Man' by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki is a novel written in the form of a diary, exploring the mental and physical deterioration of a 77-year-old man and his growing sexual obsession over his daughter-in-law, Satsuko. The protagonist's declining health and obsession with his daughter-in-law's beauty and behavior lead to a complex exploration of desire, aging, and family dynamics. The story delves into themes of mortality, obsession, and the blurred lines between love, lust, and familial duty, all narrated through the lens of the old man's diary entries.
The novel presents a bittersweet portrayal of the protagonist's inner turmoil as he navigates his physical limitations, his forbidden desires, and his attempts to maintain a facade of normalcy within his family. Tanizaki's writing style captures the protagonist's introspective musings, his candid reflections on his deteriorating health, and his conflicted emotions towards his daughter-in-law, creating a narrative that is both poignant and unsettling in its exploration of aging, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships.
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Save:'The Sunday Philosophy Club' by Alexander McCall Smith follows the story of Isabel Dalhousie, a philosopher and amateur detective in Edinburgh, who becomes involved in investigating the mysterious death of a young man who fell from a balcony at a concert hall. Throughout the novel, Isabel grapples with ethical dilemmas, philosophical musings, and personal relationships while trying to uncover the truth behind the tragic event. The writing style of the book is described as contemplative, focusing on Isabel's internal dialogues, moral reflections, and interactions with the Scottish atmosphere and characters.
ISABEL DALHOUSIE saw the young man fall from the edge of the upper circle, from the gods. His flight was so sudden and short, and it was for less than a second that she saw him, hair tousled, upside d...
