Meet New Books

Books matching: manipulation in childhood

21 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 21 
  1. #1

    I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
    Save:

    Jennette McCurdy's memoir, 'I'm Glad My Mom Died', delves into her harrowing experiences with childhood abuse, manipulation, and the struggles of being a child star. The writing is described as straightforward and brutally honest, not shying away from the darker aspects of her life. Readers are taken on an emotional journey through Jennette's traumatic past, from her mother's abusive behavior to her battle with an eating disorder, all while navigating the complexities of fame and Hollywood.

    The book is praised for its candid and vivid descriptions of Jennette's life, showcasing her resilience and courage in sharing her story with the world. Readers are left with a deep understanding of the challenges she faced growing up in the shadow of a narcissistic parent and the toll that child stardom took on her mental and emotional well-being.

    THE PRESENT IN FRONT OF me is wrapped in Christmas paper even though it’s the end of June. We have so much paper left over from the holidays because Grandpa got the dozen-roll set from Sam’s Club even...

  2. #2

    Let's Go Play at the Adams' by Mendal W. Johnson
    Save:

    LET'S GO PLAY AT THE ADAMS is a disturbing book that delves into the psychology of a group of children who capture and torture a young woman. The story focuses on the captive's experience as well as the inner thoughts of the children involved, providing a chilling exploration of their actions and motivations. The writing style is described as well-written, with a focus on psychology and character development, creating a haunting and intense reading experience.


  3. #3

    Remembering Satan by Lawrence Wright
    Save:

    "Remembering Satan" by Lawrence Wright delves into the disturbing case of Paul Ingram, a deputy sheriff accused of sexually abusing his daughters and other children in a small town. The narrative unfolds through the lens of false memory syndrome, exploring how memories can be manipulated and distorted, leading to false accusations and wrongful convictions. Wright's writing style combines extensive research, interviews, and testimonies to present a compelling and thought-provoking account of a family torn apart by allegations of ritual abuse and the complexities of memory and trauma.


  4. #4

    Les Enfants Terribles by Jean Cocteau
    Save:

    'Les Enfants Terribles' by Jean Cocteau is a novel that delves into the unhealthy relationship between siblings, Paul and Elizabeth, who create their own private world filled with psychological games and manipulations. The story explores themes of incest, life, death, and sexuality as the siblings isolate themselves from the real world and become enmeshed in their own twisted dynamic. Cocteau's writing style is described as dark, dreamy, and precise, with beautiful and verbally rich prose that captures the eerie and oppressive atmosphere of the siblings' relationship.


  5. #5

    Not Without My Sister by Kristina Jones, Juliana Buhring, Celeste Jones
    Save:

    'Not Without My Sister' is a harrowing memoir that delves into the lives of three sisters, Kristina, Celeste, and Juliana, who were born and raised in the Children of God cult. The book recounts the unimaginable physical, sexual, and emotional abuse they endured within the cult, shedding light on the disturbing practices and ideologies that shaped their upbringing. The narrative follows the sisters as they navigate through a childhood marked by violence, manipulation, and trauma, ultimately culminating in their courageous journey towards liberation and freedom. The writing style is raw and poignant, offering a candid portrayal of the sisters' experiences within the cult and their resilience in breaking free from its grip.

    The book is praised for its unflinching honesty and compelling storytelling, providing readers with a powerful insight into the dark realities of life within a cult. Despite the difficult subject matter, the authors' narratives are both heartbreaking and inspiring, showcasing their strength and determination to overcome their past and create a new life for themselves outside the confines of the cult.

    I was playing alone in the front garden of a white house near the small fishing village of Rafina, in Greece. Our garden had three olive trees, as well as an apricot, fig, and peach, all ripe with fru...

  6. #6

    Secret Desires of a Gentleman - Girl Bachelors by Laura Lee Guhrke
    Save:

    Laura Lee Guhrke's 'Secret Desires of a Gentleman' in the 'Girl Bachelors' series revolves around the love story between Maria, a working-class baker, and Phillip, a Marquess. The plot includes elements of childhood friends reuniting, a second chance romance, and the struggles of a man battling societal expectations to follow his heart. The writing style is praised for its romantic scenes, Victorian era setting, and the exploration of class differences between the hero and heroine.

    Just come into the market, the agent had told her as he’d given her the order to view. Just what she was looking for. Clean, he’d hastened to add, handing over the keys, and freshly painted, with a th...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Girl Bachelors )

  7. #7

    The Children's Story by James Clavell
    Save:

    The Children's Story by James Clavell is a thought-provoking and unsettling tale that explores the power of manipulation and indoctrination, especially within the context of education. The story follows a classroom setting where young, impressionable children are influenced by a persuasive teacher, leading them to adopt new beliefs and ideologies in a short span of time. Through the interaction of the teacher and students, the author delves into themes of propaganda, critical thinking, and the impact of words on shaping perceptions.

    Clavell's writing style in The Children's Story has been praised for its subtlety and relevance, as it effectively conveys a chilling narrative that resonates with readers even today. The author's ability to craft a powerful message within a short story format is commendable, leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into the unsettling world he creates.


  8. #8

    The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson
    Save:

    'The Family Fang' by Kevin Wilson follows the story of the Fang family, consisting of performance artists Caleb and Camille, and their children Annie and Buster. The parents involve their children in their disruptive art pieces since childhood, leading to a dysfunctional upbringing where the children struggle to establish their own identities separate from their parents' performances. As adults, Annie becomes an actress and Buster an aspiring writer, both trying to break free from their manipulative parents. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, art, self-discovery, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adulthood.

    The narrative of 'The Family Fang' is described as whimsical, darkly humorous, and at times disturbing. The writing style is noted for being creative, unique, and engaging, with a plot that unfolds with elements of tension, mystery, and self-destructive tendencies. The story navigates through the complexities of parent-child relationships, showcasing the struggles of the Fang siblings as they come to terms with their unconventional upbringing and strive to find their own paths in life.

    Buster was standing in a field in Nebraska, the air so cold the beers he was drinking were freezing as he held them. He was surrounded by former soldiers, a year returned from Iraq, young and strangel...

  9. #9

    Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent
    Save:

    'Unraveling Oliver' by Liz Nugent is a psychological thriller that delves into the life of Oliver Ryan, a successful children's book author who brutally attacks his wife, Alice, leaving her in a coma. The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, gradually revealing Oliver's dark past, his relationships, and the events that led to the violent act. With alternating viewpoints, short chapters, and a gripping writing style, the book explores themes of family secrets, societal expectations, and the unraveling of Oliver's character.

    I was surprised. I hadn’t planned to do it. Usually when you hear about this kind of thing, it is the 1950s, and the husband comes home drunk to his slovenly wife from the pub and finds that his dinne...

  10. #10

    The Magician's Nephew - Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
    Save:

    'The Magician's Nephew' by C.S. Lewis is the prequel to the beloved 'Chronicles of Narnia' series, showcasing the origin story of Narnia itself. The book follows two young children, Digory and Polly, as they embark on a magical adventure to another world after being tricked by Digory's uncle. Through their journey, they awaken the evil Queen Jadis, travel to Narnia, and witness the creation of this fantastical land through Aslan's song. The story is filled with wonder, beauty, fear, and joy, appealing to both children and adults alike, and setting the foundation for the rest of the series.

    The narrative style of 'The Magician's Nephew' is described as enchanting, imaginative, and beautifully written. Readers appreciate the detailed world-building, nuanced themes, and humor present in the book. The allegorical elements, biblical references, and the introduction of key characters such as Aslan and the White Witch add depth and complexity to the story, making it a captivating read that sparks a sense of adventure and imagination.

    “And if your father was away in India—and you had to come and live with an Aunt and an Uncle who’s mad (who would like that?)—and if the reason was that they were looking after your Mother—and if your...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chronicles of Narnia )

Page 1 of 3Next Page