Books matching: jewish mysticism
22 result(s)
- #1
'Bee Season' by Myla Goldberg is a poignant story that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and individual struggles. The narrative follows young Eliza Naumann as she discovers her talent for spelling, leading her on a journey through the competitive world of spelling bees. Set against the backdrop of a dysfunctional family, the book explores themes of ambition, religion, mental illness, and the quest for self-identity. The writing style weaves together intricate character relationships and explores the depths of human emotions, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The story captures the challenges faced by each family member as they navigate their own personal quests for meaning and fulfillment. From Eliza's unexpected rise to spelling success to her father's immersion in Jewish mysticism, and her brother's exploration of religion, the characters grapple with their desires and insecurities. As the plot unfolds, the family's struggles and conflicts intertwine, leading to a climactic revelation that tests their bonds and forces them to confront their innermost selves.
Three years before Eliza's first brush with competitive spelling, she is a second-grader in Ms. Lodowski's class, a room that is baby animal poster-free. Eliza's school universe is still an unvariegat... - #2
'The Golem of Hollywood' by Jonathan Kellerman is a unique blend of mystery, science fiction, and supernatural thriller. The story follows Detective Jacob Lev as he navigates through a complex plot involving serial killers, Jewish mysticism, and mythical elements. The writing style incorporates multiple storylines, including the tale of Mia intertwined with the hunt for the killers, creating an intricate and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged.
Despite some readers finding the book confusing due to its mix of genres and intricate plotlines, others appreciate the expansive use of language, the incorporation of Hebrew and Czech, and the detailed descriptions that add depth to the story. The book delves into themes of mythology, folklore, and religion, offering a unique perspective that combines elements of fantasy with detective fiction, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read for those interested in exploring new genres.
People tended to underestimate him. They always had. At Eton: two nights locked in a broom closet. At Oxford, they laughed, they did, the horsefaced girls and the cooing boys. And dear Papa, Lord of t... - #3
'Watch Your Mouth' by Daniel Handler is a bizarre and humorous novel that combines Jewish mysticism, opera, murder mystery, farce, black humor, and transgressive sex. The book is structured as an opera in the first half and a 12-step program in the second half, emphasizing the over-the-top nature of the story. The narrative explores strange family dynamics, love, Jewish mythology, and murder, all presented in a whimsical and provocative manner. The book is described as weird, wonderful, audacious, and always unusual, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the readers entertained.
The writing style of 'Watch Your Mouth' is smart, energetic, and post-doc level smart. Daniel Handler's skill in capturing the audience's attention and leaving them breathless is evident throughout the novel. The book is praised for its unique structure, smart narrative voice, and clever use of malapropism and misunderstandings to advance the dialogue and plot. While the book may not be considered a great literary work, it is commended for being funny, breezy, amusing, and entertaining, showcasing Handler's talent for storytelling and his ability to blend different elements seamlessly.
THERE’S NEVER BEEN an opera about me, never in my entire life. Normally this wouldn’t bother me. There hasn’t been one about you, either, and besides, I’m still young. If my life were a play, this wou... - #4
'The Sins on Their Bones' by Laura R. Samotin is a queer dark fantasy novel set in a fictional version of 19th century Eastern Europe Russia. The story follows three main characters - Dmitri, Alexey, and Vasily - in a plot filled with deep dark desires, trauma, and themes of abuse and found family. The book delves into themes of love, betrayal, power struggles, and the characters' inner circles as they navigate a world steeped in East European Jewish mysticism and traditions.
The narrative unfolds with Dmitri, once the Tzar of Novo Svitsevo, now in self-inflicted exile after losing a civil war against his estranged husband, Alexey Balakin. As Alexey seeks to reshape the world using the sect of Holy Science, Dmitri and his allies must come up with a plan to stop him. The book explores themes of grief, love, sacrifice, and hope as the characters grapple with their past traumas and strive to bring about change in a world plagued by darkness.
- #5
The novel "The Angel of Losses" by Stephanie Feldman is a complex story that intertwines the lives of two sisters, Marjorie and Holly, their relationships with their grandfather and Holly's Orthodox Jewish husband. The narrative delves into themes of family, loyalty, guilt, and the place of folklore and mysticism in modern society. Marjorie discovers her grandfather's notebook, leading her on a journey filled with wonder healers, resurrection, magic, and a quest to find the lost tribes of Israel, all set against the backdrop of World War II atrocities. The book weaves together mystical elements with realistic storytelling, creating a narrative that challenges the characters' perspectives and beliefs.
- #6
'The Righteous Men' by Sam Bourne follows the story of Will Monroe, a journalist for the New York Times, who stumbles upon a series of seemingly unrelated murders that lead him to uncover a global conspiracy. As his wife is kidnapped, Will delves into a world of Jewish mysticism and religious beliefs, trying to connect the dots and save his wife before it's too late. The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns, and incorporates elements of ancient Jewish tradition and modern-day religious cults, creating an intriguing and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end.
The writing style of 'The Righteous Men' is described as fast-paced, enjoyable, and engaging. blends elements of mystery, thriller, and religious conspiracy, drawing comparisons to popular works like 'The Da Vinci Code.' The characters are faced with cryptic messages, mysterious murders, and a race against time to prevent a catastrophic event, all while navigating themes of faith, sacrifice, and the end of the world, making for a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
The night of the first killing was filled with song. St Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan trembled to the sound of Handel's Messiah, the grand choral master that never failed to rouse even the most slu... - #7
In 'Blood & Ash' from 'The Jezebel Files' series by Deborah Wilde, readers are introduced to Ashira Cohen, a private investigator who discovers she has magical powers she didn't know about. The story unfolds as Ash navigates a dangerous conspiracy while trying to uncover the truth about her past and solve a missing person case. Set in an alternate Vancouver where magical beings coexist with humans, the book blends elements of Jewish mysticism with urban fantasy, creating a unique world filled with diverse characters and intriguing mysteries. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with snarky humor, making it a thrilling read for fans of the genre.
Her can-do spirit was currently being applied to a bit of breaking and entering. The sixteen-year-old had tried every point of entry on the ground floor of this weathered Craftsman house that was thir... - #8
'Throwing Shade' in the 'Magic After Midlife' series by Deborah Wilde follows the journey of Miriam, a forty-something single mother who discovers and unleashes her hidden magic to save herself, setting off a chain of events that completely changes her life. The book is praised for its strong heroine, engaging storyline, and unique blend of Jewish mysticism and magic, offering a refreshing take on the Paranormal Women's Fiction genre. Wilde's writing style is described as easy to read, witty, and snarky, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.
- #9
'The Puzzle Master' by Danielle Trussoni follows the story of Mike Brink, a puzzle master with acquired savant syndrome, who is summoned to a women's prison to help solve a mysterious puzzle drawn by a detainee named Jess Price. Jess, a former successful author, is accused of murdering her boyfriend while house sitting a Gothic mansion. As Mike delves deeper into the puzzle and Jess's enigmatic silence, he uncovers a complex web of secrets involving psychic malevolence, creepy doll collections, and modern-day Jewish mysticism. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through hidden rooms, golems in Prague, and ethereal romances.
The writing style of 'The Puzzle Master' is praised for its excellent storytelling, engaging plot, and multidimensional characters. The author, Danielle Trussoni, skillfully incorporates research and philosophical questions into the narrative, offering readers a thought-provoking experience that can be enjoyed on multiple levels - as an action thriller, an educational text, or a philosophical treatise. The book is described as a page-turner that seamlessly blends elements of suspense, mysticism, and psychological depth, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.
- #10
'Kiln People' by David Brin is a science fiction novel set in a future where individuals can create temporary clay clones of themselves, known as dittos, to carry out tasks and experiences that are then uploaded back to the original at the end of the day. The story follows protagonist Albert Morris, a detective, as he delves into a complex murder mystery involving a scientist from Universal Kilns, the company behind the technology. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, exploring themes of identity, consciousness, and morality in a society where technology has advanced to the point of post-singularity.
The writing style of 'Kiln People' balances fast-paced action with philosophical musings and personal narratives, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The plot is intricately woven, incorporating elements of mystery, suspense, and humor as the characters navigate a world where clay clones and technological advancements shape their daily lives.
Moments ago, the alley had seemed a good place to hide and catch my breath. But now its chill darkness betrayed me instead. Even a ditto gives off some body heat. Beta and his gang don't carry guns in...