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Books matching: life and death

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1
    If I Stay
    Book 1 in the series:If I Stay

    If I Stay - If I Stay by Gayle Forman
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    'If I Stay' by Gayle Forman is a poignant and emotionally charged story about Mia, a talented 17-year-old cellist, who faces a life-altering decision after a tragic car accident takes the lives of her family. Through an out-of-body experience, Mia reflects on her past, relationships, and the choice she must make between staying in the physical world with its pain and joy or letting go. The narrative beautifully weaves between the present and Mia's memories, evoking heartbreaking and thought-provoking moments that explore themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life.

    The writing style in 'If I Stay' is described as beautifully written, heartwrenching, and bittersweet, reminiscent of 'The Lovely Bones.' Readers are drawn into Mia's life and struggles, feeling deeply connected to the characters and their emotional journey. The story unfolds through a blend of past and present events, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of family, tragedy, and the complexities of decision-making in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

    I wake up this morning to a thin blanket of white covering our front lawn. It isn’t even an inch, but in this part of Oregon a slight dusting brings everything to a standstill as the one snowplow in t...

  2. #2

    The Farthest Shore - Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
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    The Farthest Shore is the third installment in the Earthsea Cycle series by Ursula K. Le Guin. The book follows the journey of the Archmage Ged, now older and accompanied by young Prince Arren, as they embark on a quest to discover the source of the draining of magic from their world. The story delves into themes of life, death, balance, and the consequences of seeking eternal life. Le Guin weaves a tale of adventure, philosophy, and introspection, taking the reader to the farthest reaches of the Earthsea world and beyond.

    The book is characterized by its darker and more brooding tone compared to the previous installments. It introduces new elements such as dragons, magic, and lore while exploring the struggles faced by wizards and singers as they forget their magic and songs. The narrative is filled with allegorical and enigmatic writing, offering deep insights into the meaning of life, death, and the preservation of balance in the world of Earthsea.

    IN THE COURT OF THE fountain the sun of March shone through young leaves of ash and elm, and water leapt and fell through shadow and clear light. About that roofless court stood four high walls of sto...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Earthsea Cycle )

  3. #3

    Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder
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    Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that follows the conversations between a young girl named Cecilia, who is terminally ill, and an angel named Ariel. As Cecilia grapples with her impending death, the interactions between the two characters touch upon deep philosophical and theological issues, exploring themes of life, death, faith, and the universe. The novel beautifully weaves together the perspectives of a mortal human and a celestial being, creating a touching narrative that challenges readers to contemplate the mysteries of existence.

    Through a series of dialogues, Gaarder skillfully delves into the complexities of human emotions and the nature of spirituality, all while maintaining a sense of charm and sensitivity in his storytelling. The book presents a unique blend of fantasy, philosophy, and faith, inviting readers of all ages to ponder on the profound questions about life and mortality, making it a compelling and engaging read that leaves a lasting impact.


  4. #4

    On a Pale Horse - Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony
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    On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony is the first book in the Incarnations of Immortality series, where Death is portrayed as a character who can be killed and replaced by a mortal. The story follows Zane, a photographer who unintentionally takes over the role of Death and must navigate the responsibilities and challenges that come with the position. The book blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, exploring themes of mortality, destiny, and the supernatural, all while offering a unique perspective on traditional beliefs about life and death.

    The writing style of On a Pale Horse is described as a mix of fantasy and philosophical musings, with a touch of humor and a deep exploration of existential themes. Readers appreciate the way the author, Piers Anthony, weaves together a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, creating a world where supernatural entities like Death and Satan are portrayed in a humanized and relatable manner.

    The man smiled, an obviously perfunctory and practiced expression reserved for wavering marks. He was well dressed, but somewhat sallow, in the manner of those who remained in the shade too long. “You...

  5. #5
    Bright Side
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    Book 1 in the series:Bright Side

    Bright Side - Bright Side by Kim Holden
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    Bright Side by Kim Holden is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the life of Kate, a character known for her optimism and selflessness. The story takes unexpected turns as Kate navigates college life, love, and friendships while dealing with her own secrets and impending tragedy. The writing style is emotionally charged, with raw and honest portrayals of the characters' experiences that leave readers deeply moved and contemplating the meaning of life.

    “Aw, you know, just drove thirty hours straight or something like that, I honestly lost track. I haven’t slept in what, two, three days? I downed like two dozen Red Bulls and fifteen gallons of coffee...

  6. #6

    The Death of Virgil by Hermann Broch
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    The Death of Virgil by Hermann Broch is a novel that delves into the last moments of the Roman poet Virgil's life, where he grapples with the decision to burn his masterpiece, The Aeneid. The narrative follows Virgil's internal struggles with his legacy, artistic inadequacies, and the philosophical musings on truth, life, and death. Through a stream of consciousness technique, the novel offers a deep dive into Virgil's thoughts, memories, and reflections as he faces the inevitability of his own mortality. The writing style is described as arduous, lyrical, and rich in philosophical and political insights, creating a vivid portrayal of Virgil's journey towards his final moments.


  7. 'Hot Lights, Cold Steel' by Michael J. Collins is a memoir that follows the journey of a surgeon through his residency at the Mayo Clinic. The book portrays the challenges, victories, and heartbreaks of a young doctor as he navigates the complexities of the medical profession. Collins's writing style, filled with humor and detailed imagery, immerses the reader into the world of surgical training and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.

    On a sweltering Friday afternoon, the day before we were to officially begin our residency, we gathered in a small classroom on the fourteenth floor of the Mayo Building for our orientation meeting. C...

  8. #8

    Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
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    Tuck Everlasting is a story about a young girl named Winnie who discovers a family, the Tucks, who have achieved immortality by drinking from a magical spring. The book explores the themes of immortality, love, and the consequences of eternal life. The plot follows Winnie as she befriends the Tucks and is faced with the decision of whether to join them in their everlasting condition or live a normal life.

    The road that led to Treegap had been trod out long before by a herd of cows who were, to say the least, relaxed. It wandered along in curves and easy angles, swayed off and up in a pleasant tangent t...

  9. #9

    Creatures of Light and Darkness by Roger Zelazny
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    In this book, the gods of ancient Egypt are portrayed as powerful beings in a distant future where a power struggle ensues among individuals with godlike powers. The story unfolds through a series of short and disjointed episodes, eventually falling into place to reveal a narrative filled with humor, heightened poetic language, and ordinary characters with extraordinary abilities. The writing style is described as excellent, with elements of humor, beauty, and eccentricity that contribute to an enjoyable reading experience.

    The man walks through his Thousandyear Eve in the House of the Dead. If you could look about the enormous room through which he walks, you couldn’t see a thing. It is far too dark for eyes to be of va...

  10. #10

    On Living by Kerry Egan
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    In the book 'On Living' by Kerry Egan, readers are taken on a journey through the experiences of a hospice chaplain as she listens to individuals facing death. Egan's writing style allows readers to explore themes of life, death, love, and personal growth through the stories of those at the end of their lives. The book provides insights into the profound moments shared between the chaplain and her patients, offering a unique perspective on the human experience.

    “I’d have thought, with all I been through, that if anyone might could figure it all out before it was too late, it was me.” She laughed again, a sort of rolling chuckle that interrupted her slow, dra...

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