Books matching: lyrical beauty in writing

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  1. #1

    We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
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    In "We All Looked Up" by Tommy Wallach, a group of Seattle teenagers are faced with the impending doom of an asteroid threatening to destroy Earth. The story revolves around the characters' forced coming of age as they grapple with the idea of the world ending and the choices they have made in their lives. Through the eyes of various teenagers, the author explores big issues such as self-discovery, relationships, and the pursuit of dreams amidst chaos and uncertainty. The writing style combines smoothness and flow of third person narration with the intimacy of first person, creating realistic and relatable characters who evolve as the story progresses.

    “Because, like . . .” She flipped her hair to one side of her head, then back again. Peter had never understood why she did that; maybe she’d seen it in a shampoo commercial or something. She did have...

  2. #2

    Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende
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    'Island Beneath the Sea' by Isabel Allende is a historical novel set in Haiti and New Orleans during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The story follows the life of Zarite, also known as Tete, a slave born in Saint Domingue who becomes a house slave on a sugar plantation. The narrative explores the intertwined lives of slaves and plantation owners, the brutal realities of slavery, the impact of the Haitian Revolution, and the journey of the characters from Haiti to New Orleans. is praised for its vivid descriptions of historical events, well-rounded characters, and the integration of fiction with real historical figures.

    The writing style in 'Island Beneath the Sea' is described as beautifully crafted, engaging, and captivating. Isabel Allende's storytelling is commended for its ability to evoke the settings of early Haiti and New Orleans with great historical detail. delves into themes of slavery, resilience, love, and the complexities of relationships, offering a compelling narrative that combines historical accuracy with fictional storytelling.

    Violette Boisier was the daughter of a courtesan, a magnificent mulatta who died at twenty-nine, impaled on the sword of a French officer out of his head with jealousy; he was possibly the father of V...

  3. #3

    Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff VanderMeer
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    In 'Hummingbird Salamander' by Jeff VanderMeer, the story follows Jane Smith, a security consultant who receives a mysterious note and key from an eco terrorist named Silvina, leading her to a storage locker containing a taxidermied hummingbird. As Jane delves deeper into the clues left by Silvina, she uncovers a dark conspiracy that puts her in danger, testing her both physically and mentally. The novel is described as a twisty eco thriller with a noir vibe, blending intrigue, climate ecology awareness, and a sense of impending doom as the world around Jane begins to unravel.

    The narrative of 'Hummingbird Salamander' is intricately woven, with complex characters and a carefully plotted storyline that keeps the tension high as the action unfolds. The writing style is praised for its unique twist on the thriller genre, offering a blend of mystery, suspense, and a reflection on society's treatment of nature. The protagonist, Jane Smith, is depicted as a strong and capable woman, physically and mentally, who navigates a dangerous world filled with unseen enemies and dark conspiracies, ultimately leading to a series of revelations that challenge her perceptions of reality and morality.

    [1] I went to the address in the note because I didn’t want to go to work. The car came for me, dark and chrome and sleek, its shadow leaking across the windows of fast-food places, gas stations, and ...

  4. #4

    Taipei by Tao Lin
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    'Taipei' by Tao Lin is a novel that follows the life of Paul, a twenty-something author living in Manhattan, who navigates his way through life using a combination of drugs and medications. The story unfolds as Paul drifts through literary events, restaurants, and travels to Taiwan, all the while forming relationships and indulging in drug use. The narrative style is described as paragraph-long sentences broken up with commas and em dashes, requiring re-reading to fully comprehend, providing a glimpse into Lin's own life and musings on technology, life, emotions, and relationships.

    It began raining a little from a hazy, cloudless-seeming sky as Paul, 26, and Michelle, 21, walked toward Chelsea to attend a magazine-release party in an art gallery. Paul had resigned to not speakin...

  5. #5

    The Plague by Albert Camus
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    'The Plague' by Albert Camus revolves around the town of Oran in the 1940s dealing with a sudden plague outbreak, leading to quarantine and isolation from the rest of society. The story focuses on how individuals cope with the challenges of being cut off from their loved ones, the slow progression of the disease, and the impact it has on human relationships. Camus' writing style captures the existential struggles of the characters and delves into philosophical themes of human nature, suffering, and societal responses to crises.

    The unusual events described in this chronicle occurred in 194- at Oran. Everyone agreed that, considering their somewhat extraordinary character, they were out of place there. For its ordinariness is...

  6. #6

    The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Tóibín
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    The Blackwater Lightship is a poignant tale set in Ireland in the 1990s, focusing on Declan Devereux, a young man dying of AIDS who brings his estranged family together for his last weeks. The story delves into themes of grief, family relationships, and the complexities of coming to terms with the past. The writing style is described as exquisite, with carefully drawn characters and a captivating portrayal of familial dynamics.

    When Helen woke again, Hugh and Manus were sound asleep. It was just after eight o’clock; the room was hot. She slipped out of the bed and, carrying her dressinggown and slippers, she went downstairs,...

  7. #7

    The Outrun by Amy Liptrot
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    Amy Liptrot's 'The Outrun' is a memoir chronicling her journey of recovery from alcohol addiction, starting with her descent into addiction in London and culminating in her return to the Orkney Islands where she finds healing and a new sense of self. The book weaves together her personal struggles with addiction, her rediscovery of the natural world in Orkney, and her reflections on life and identity, creating a poignant and honest narrative that explores themes of self-discovery and resilience.

    ON MY FIRST DAY BACK I shelter beside an old freezer, down by some stinging nettles, and watch the weather approach over the sea. The waves crashing do not sound very different from the traffic in Lon...

  8. #8

    Jewel Box by E. Lily Yu
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    Jewel Box by E. Lily Yu is a captivating collection of short stories that delves into various genres, primarily focusing on science fiction, fairy tales, and magical realism. The book features a range of tales, including poignant explorations of social justice, environmental concerns, and human emotions. Each story is intricately crafted, weaving together themes of xenophobia, racism, and the complexities of human relationships. Readers encounter rich narratives like 'The Wretched and the Beautiful,' which portrays alien refugees facing discrimination, and 'The Lamp at the Turning,' about a streetlight that observes the lives of those around it.

    Yu's writing style is noted for its lyrical beauty and imaginative depth. She masterfully uses anthropomorphism and magical elements to bring the stories to life, creating vivid worlds where ordinary objects and beings experience profound emotions. The prose is described as exquisite, and the author's ability to blend humor with serious themes adds layers to her narratives. With a mix of whimsy and thought-provoking content, Jewel Box showcases Yu's versatility and imaginative storytelling, making it a treasure for readers interested in the magic of literature.


  9. #9

    Dancing Girls and Other Stories by Margaret Atwood
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    "Dancing Girls and Other Stories" by Margaret Atwood is a collection of short stories that explore the mindset of women in various situations, often with a focus on ordinary yet haunting truths. Atwood delves into the lives of women facing issues like mental illness, disability, and societal expectations, creating characters that are both relatable and thought-provoking. The stories touch on themes of miscommunication, complicated relationships between men and women, and the marginalized individuals in society, all wrapped in Atwood's lyrical and beautiful prose.


  10. #10

    The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
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    The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan is a powerful and heartbreaking novel set in Malaya during World War II. The story unfolds through the eyes of Cecily Alcantara and her three children, Jujube, Abel, and Jasmin, as they navigate the brutal invasion by Japan and the collapse of British colonial rule. Through different perspectives, Chan explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the complex nature of humanity. The characters face devastating consequences from past decisions, particularly Cecily's, which deeply affects her family.

    Chan's writing is highly descriptive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the time with its oppressive heat, the stark realities of life during the occupation, and the lingering scents of despair. Her prose is both lyrical and raw, capturing the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences. The novel does not shy away from graphic violence and challenging themes, making it a difficult yet thought-provoking read. The author’s masterful storytelling brings the history of Malaysia to life, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.


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