Books matching: love and identity exploration
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #11
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar follows the story of Nishat, a 16-year-old Bengali teen living in Ireland who comes out as a lesbian to her Muslim family. As she navigates her identity, she also deals with a crush on a Black Brazilian classmate, Flávia, while facing bullying and cultural appropriation. The book explores themes of coming out, racism, prejudice, cultural identity, and teenage relationships within the backdrop of a school business competition centered around henna art.
Nishat struggles with the decision to either stay closeted to appease her family or take a chance on a relationship with Flávia amidst the competitive atmosphere of the school project. The story delves into Nishat's journey of self-acceptance, familial acceptance, and the complexities of young love in the face of cultural differences and societal expectations.
I decide to come out because of the way Ammu and Abbu look at Sunny Apu, with a mixture of pride and love and longing. It isn’t directed at Sunny Apu at all, really; it’s directed at the future. At ou... - #12
'Impulse' by Ellen Hopkins revolves around three teenagers - Conner, Vanessa, and Tony - who meet in a psychiatric hospital after attempting suicide. Through free verse poetry, the story delves into their struggles, backgrounds, and their paths towards healing and self-discovery. explores themes of mental health, friendship, and the impact of traumatic experiences on young individuals, all while keeping readers engaged with its unique writing style.
Much after that, except for speed. Ghostly red lights, spinning faster and faster, as I began to recede from consciousness. Floating through the ER doors, frenzied motion. A needle's sting. But I do r... - #13
'Tamara Drewe' by Posy Simmonds is a modern and updated take on Thomas Hardy's 'Far From the Madding Crowd', set in a quiet English village. The story revolves around Tamara Drewe, a city hipster who stirs up the serene writers' retreat and the lives of the locals with her new nose job and flirty demeanor. The narrative is told from multiple viewpoints, offering an interesting observation on the clash between city life and country life, as well as the interactions between the middle-class weekenders and the depressed locals.
Simmonds skillfully combines prose and illustrations to create a captivating graphic novel that delves into themes of romance, identity, and social commentary. presents a unique blend of modern-day characters facing 19th-century drama, with a focus on the impact of Tamara's presence on the community and the individual struggles of the villagers and writers at the retreat.
- #14
'The Friendly Young Ladies' by Mary Renault follows the story of Elsie, a young girl who runs away from her stifling home to find her older sister, Leo, living on a houseboat with her friend Helen. The characters navigate complex relationships, with Elsie developing a crush on her doctor, Peter, while Leo and Helen entertain various suitors. explores themes of self-discovery, unconventional relationships, and societal expectations in a wistful, bittersweet manner. The plot is skillfully crafted, engaging, and blends moments of humor, sadness, and passion as the characters interact and evolve.
VERY QUIETLY AND CAREFULLY, hardly moving her thin young neck and round shoulders, Elsie looked round the room, first at the french windows into the garden, then at the door, measuring distances. Her ... - #15
'Take What You Want' in the series 'The Rock Gods' by Ann Lister follows the story of Rock Star Alex Metcalf, who takes a break to escape the media frenzy around his bisexual lifestyle. He heads to Martha's Vineyard where he meets Chase, who is engaged to Danni. As Alex and Chase grow closer, they realize their feelings for each other, leading to a complex relationship involving all three of them. The narrative explores themes of love, desire, and the challenges of navigating an untraditional relationship, all while dealing with emotional conflicts and separations.
The story is told through multiple perspectives, showcasing the characters' emotions and conflicts as they try to figure out what is best for them. The author delves into the dynamics of a menage relationship, portraying a great deal of sexual chemistry between the characters. As the plot unfolds, readers witness the characters' attempts to make their unconventional relationship work amidst various challenges and obstacles.
Danni Martin heard the soft moans as she entered the guest house. She kicked off her flip-flops by the front door and set down her gym bag filled with her Pilates mat and work-out clothes. She was an ... - #16
'The Cossacks' by Leo Tolstoy is a collection of three stories set in the Caucasus and Crimea during Tolstoy's time fighting in the region. The book explores themes of love, war, patriotism, and the clash of cultures, particularly focusing on the Cossack society. The stories delve into the complexities of human nature, the brutality of war, and the search for true happiness amidst conflicting desires. Tolstoy's writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions, deep philosophical reflections, and a raw portrayal of emotions and relationships.
All is quiet in Moscow. The squeak of wheels is seldom heard in the snow-covered street. There are no lights left in the windows and the street lamps have been extinguished. Only the sound of bells, ... - #17
'The Dark Tide' by Alicia Jasinska is a fantasy novel that follows a story of witches and magic, focusing on a queer romance between the two lead characters, Eva and Lina. The novel is praised for its unique magic system and world-building, with readers appreciating the depth of the universe created by the author. However, some readers found the execution of the story to be challenging to follow, with difficulties in character development and pacing issues. Despite this, the book is described as a quick escape and holds attention with its fanciful quirks and descriptive qualities.
“And we both know that I am anything but pretty.” Finley grinned at his reflection in the mirror, a lock of licorice-black hair falling forward into eyes as gray as the winter sea. Lina had the same h... - #18
In "Stolen by Darkness" by L.V. Lane, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with unique characters and intricate storylines. The book follows Briar, a strong omega fairy who finds herself in dire straits after being used and abused by a dark lord. With multiple mates to protect her, Briar embarks on a quest for survival and empowerment, all while navigating the complexities of her newfound relationships. As the plot unfolds, readers witness Alder, a hybrid shifter, taking on the role of a new king and leading the charge to rescue Briar and defeat the forces of darkness. The book expertly blends elements of fantasy, romance, and action, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
"L.V. Lane weaves her particular magic in 'Stolen by Darkness,' delivering a story that is both steamy and intriguing. The book explores themes of power, loyalty, and resilience as Briar and her mates navigate a world filled with danger and intrigue. With a diverse cast of characters, including alphas, betas, orcs, and shifters, the novel offers a unique take on the omegaverse genre, providing readers with a fresh and exciting reading experience. From battles to love-making, 'Stolen by Darkness' offers a perfect blend of action, romance, and fantasy, making it a must-read for fans of the Coveted Prey series."
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Coveted Prey ) - #19
'Ghostwritten' by David Mitchell is a novel that weaves together nine interconnected stories that span the globe, exploring themes of love, humanity, fate, and chance. The plot follows a diverse cast of characters, including terrorists in Japan, a banker in Hong Kong, an old woman in China, and a physicist on the run, all linked by a thread that ties them together towards a science fiction ending. Mitchell's writing style is described as ambitious, philosophical, and narratively talented, providing each character with an original voice and crafting a story that delves into the interconnectedness of human lives.
I swung around. The tinted glass doors hissed shut. The light was bright. Synthetic ferns swayed, very gently, up and down the empty lobby. Nothing moved in the sun-smacked car park. Beyond, a row of ... - #20
'Psyche in a Dress' by Francesca Lia Block is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche, set in contemporary Los Angeles. The book follows the life of young Psyche as she navigates love, self-discovery, and relationships, all intertwined with elements of Greek mythology. Written in a narrative poem style, the book explores themes of identity, motherhood, and the cyclical nature of life, blending real experiences with mythological storytelling.