Books matching: lyrical prose
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- #1
Craig Childs shares his immense secret knowledge of water in the arid American southwest, detailing his personal relationships with water and the desert. The book celebrates the journey of finding water in unexpected places and explores the importance of deserts in the adventure of life on Earth. Childs combines poetic literary style with hardcore adventure, vast knowledge of natural history, and a deep passion for the desert landscapes.
The desert looks hideous. Burned-out cores of volcanoes, hundred-mile basins with floors mirrored in mirage, and terse, studded mountains. You would be a fool to believe water is here. But I have seen... - #2
'Findings' by Kathleen Jamie is a collection of beautifully written essays that focus on observations of the natural world. The author's prose is poetic and engaging, as she explores various aspects of nature, from wildlife to landscapes. Jamie's writing style is personal, evocative, and detailed, allowing readers to immerse themselves in her encounters with the environment. The book covers a wide range of subjects, including birdwatching, remote Scottish islands, and reflections on darkness, all woven together to create a unified and captivating narrative.
In Aberdeen, although it was not yet five o’clock, the harbour lights were lit against the night sky. Ships were berthed right up against the street, and to reach the Orkney and Shetland ferry I had t... 'The Bells of Old Tokyo: Meditations on Time and a City' by Anna Sherman is a unique exploration of Tokyo, blending historical context with modern-day culture. Sherman's lyrical prose delves into the geography, history, and hidden gems of Tokyo, offering a personalized tour where she seeks out the bells of the city. Through encounters with local guides and informants, she uncovers ceremonies, artifacts, and the essence of Tokyo beyond its surface. serves as a meditation on time and history, using Sherman's quest to seek out the old Bells of Time that marked the passing hours in old Tokyo districts.
Sherman's writing style is clear, almost austere, yet with a lovely cadence that captures the essence of Japan. Her meticulous descriptions of old meets new, pockets of timelessness, and real-life characters bring Tokyo to life, renewing readers' appreciation for the city's elegance and tranquility. is not just a guidebook or history book but a profound exploration of the nature of time and history, inviting readers to join Sherman on her journey through the layers of Tokyo's past and present.
The Five O’Clock Chime sounded, its notes drifting across Shiba Park. Every night, all over the city, Tokyo’s loudspeakers broadcast what’s called the bōsai wireless at 5:00 p.m. sharp. It’s a xylopho...- #4
'The Return Of The Sorcerer' by Clark Ashton Smith is a collection of short stories that delve into the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The unearthly beings in these stories come from places worse than Hell, with settings ranging from present-day scenarios to amazing cities in the distant past and impossible worlds in alternate universes. The writing style is described as poetic and varied, showcasing a range from horror to whimsical fantasy stories, all with colorful descriptions of fantastic landscapes.
During his lifetime (1893 to 1961) Clark Ashton Smith was best known as a poet and a ladies’ man. My own experience teaches that the writing of poetry is an easy occupation and pleasant one—far easier... - #5
Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje is a memoir that delves into the author's eccentric Ceylonese family history, exploring the lives of his ancestors and their experiences in Sri Lanka. The book is a blend of poetry and prose, written in a reflective and impressionistic style that vividly captures the lush landscapes and societal dynamics of the country. Ondaatje weaves together stories of his family's aristocratic yet troubled past, including themes of alcoholism, colonialism, and the complexities of familial relationships.
Through a series of disjointed yet evocative vignettes, Ondaatje paints a multi-faceted portrait of his family, showcasing their quirks, tragedies, and unique personalities. The narrative shifts between past and present, offering glimpses into the author's childhood in Sri Lanka and his return as an adult, all while exploring the blurred lines between fiction and reality in recounting his family's history.
The fan hangs on a long stem, revolves lethargic, its arms in a tilt to catch the air which it folds across the room. No matter how mechanical the fan is in its movement the textures of air have no se... - #6
Loren Eiseley's 'The Unexpected Universe' is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between science and spirituality, written in an absorbing and interesting manner. The book delves into various topics such as man's place in the universe, evolution, and the mysteries of life, all conveyed through Eiseley's personal experiences and reflections. The writing style is described as artful, poetic, and personal, offering insights into humanity's climb in the animal world and encouraging readers to explore different perspectives and appreciate the beauty of the English language.
- #7
Ocean Vuong's 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' is a lyrical and poignant novel that takes the form of a letter from a son to his illiterate immigrant mother. The story delves into themes of identity, family relationships, trauma, and the immigrant experience, all intertwined with beautiful prose and raw emotions. Through the protagonist's reflections on his childhood, sexual awakening, and struggles with loneliness, Vuong paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience in the face of adversity.
The novel is structured as a poetic exploration of the protagonist's life, moving between past and present, weaving together memories, experiences, and emotions. Vuong's writing style is described as dark, lyrical, and atmospheric, evoking visceral emotions and creating a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and memoir. The book captures the complexities of love, beauty, and the search for home, offering a unique and intimate portrayal of the human experience.
I am writing to reach you—even if each word I put down is one word further from where you are. I am writing to go back to the time, at the rest stop in Virginia, when you stared, horror-struck, at the... - #8
'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru... - #9
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is a dark and sad story set in 1969 in the southernmost tip of India, focusing on the lives of two innocent twins, Rahel and Esthappen, who are deeply affected by the adults around them. The novel explores themes of tragedy, family dynamics, societal expectations, and forbidden relationships, all woven together in a rich and complex narrative style that jumps around in time, place, and character.
May in Ayemenem is a hot, brooding month. The days are long and humid. The river shrinks and black crows gorge on bright mangoes in still, dustgreen trees. Red bananas ripen. Jackfruits burst. Dissolu... - #10
"White Oleander" by Janet Fitch follows the tumultuous life of Astrid, a young girl thrown into the foster care system after her mother is imprisoned for murder. The novel delves into the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, exploring themes of survival, identity, and the harsh realities of life. Through vivid descriptions and a poetic writing style, readers are taken on Astrid's journey through various foster homes, each presenting its own challenges and lessons.
Fitch's storytelling weaves together Astrid's experiences, from her unstable childhood to her struggles in the foster care system, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and captivating. The novel offers a raw and honest portrayal of Astrid's growth and transformation as she navigates through life's hardships, ultimately finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
THE SANTA ANAS blew in hot from the desert, shriveling the last of the spring grass into whiskers of pale straw. Only the oleanders thrived, their delicate poisonous blooms, their dagger green leaves....