Books matching: mental instability
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:Uniquely unnerving and elegantly written, Dark Tales is a must-read for fans of psychological horror and anyone who appreciates a good, haunting short story.
'Dark Tales' by Shirley Jackson is a collection of unsettling and mysterious stories that evoke a sense of menace and suspense rather than outright fear. The tales are well-written, with a misleading sense of normality giving rise to strange and unexpected revelations. From haunted houses to dark woods, the stories in this collection explore themes of paranoia, haunting, and the sinister lurking within the mundane. Shirley Jackson's writing style is clean, vivid, and to the point, painting a vivid picture of a haunting world where nothing is as it seems.
Miss Adela Strangeworth stepped daintily along Main Street on her way to the grocery. The sun was shining, the air was fresh and clear after the night’s heavy rain, and everything in Miss Strangeworth...October 2016•208 pages - #2
Save:"Threats" by Amelia Gray tells the story of David, a strange dentist whose wife recently died under mysterious circumstances. David becomes a person of interest in the investigation, but struggles to remember what happened and questions if his wife is truly dead. The narrative is described as creepy and nightmarish, with a disjointed structure that requires the reader to play investigator alongside the characters. Through vivid and grotesque writing, the book explores themes of grief, memory, love, aging, and the descent into paranoia and obsession.
THE TAPE ON THE PACKAGE was striped with waxed string. David dug his fingernails underneath the perimeter of the tape and clawed at it. He didn’t want to go to the kitchen for a knife, and he spent an...February 2012•288 pages - #3
Save:A grim and mesmerizing psychological exploration best suited for literary fiction lovers who aren't afraid of ambiguity and darkness. If you want unforgettable writing and don't mind being unsettled, dive in!
Set in apartheid-era South Africa, 'In the Heart of the Country' by J.M. Coetzee follows the story of a young spinster named Magda living with her harsh and cold father on an isolated farm. The narrative, presented as numbered entries in Magda's journal, delves into her distorted view of reality, where fantasies blur with truth. As Magda's mental instability unravels, different versions of reality intertwine, showcasing her desperate loneliness and lack of identity in a world where relationships are dictated by racial hierarchies.
The novel explores themes of extreme loneliness, isolation, and the psychological turmoil of the protagonist, Magda. Coetzee's writing style, characterized by a stream of consciousness narration and a blend of past and present, creates a dark and tense atmosphere that challenges readers to navigate the blurred lines between truth and fiction in Magda's narrative.
1976•170 pages - #4
Save:'The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty' by Vendela Vida is a novel that delves into themes of identity and appearance through the journey of an unnamed protagonist in Casablanca, Morocco. The story follows the protagonist who loses her passport and identifying documents, forcing her to navigate a foreign city without credit or ID. As she interacts with a cast of characters and adopts different identities, the novel slowly builds towards a heartbreaking reveal, exploring the impact of anonymity on one's sense of self.
The book is narrated entirely in the second person, which immerses the reader in the protagonist's adventures and misadventures. Through a series of unexpected turns, the story unfolds in a way that prompts readers to reflect on their own identity and the concept of anonymity, ultimately leading to a compelling and ambiguous ending that leaves room for interpretation.
June 2015•231 pages - #5
Save:A masterwork of psychological horror - chilling, ambiguous, and brilliantly written. Don’t expect easy scares, but do expect to be haunted long after you finish!
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic horror novel that tells the story of four individuals invited to investigate the paranormal occurrences at Hill House. As they delve into the mysteries of the house, strange phenomena begin to unfold, leading to a growing sense of disassociation from reality and genuine horror. The narrative is a meditation on isolation, fear, and desperation, particularly focusing on the protagonist Eleanor's psychological journey as she navigates the haunting presence of Hill House.
No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its...1959•224 pages - #6
Save:Wildly inventive, bitingly funny, and unapologetically weird - "Breakfast of Champions" is a landmark of satirical fiction, but you’ll either love the chaos or want to throw it across the room. Perfect for adventurous readers but not for the easily offended or those craving a tidy story.
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a satirical novel that delves into themes of madness, racism, economic disparity, and free will. The story follows the meeting of Kilgore Trout, a science fiction writer, and Dwayne Hoover, a Pontiac dealer, at an art festival. Through a series of absurd and chaotic events, Trout ends up changing Hoover's life, leading to a journey that touches on various social issues and critiques American culture. Vonnegut's writing style is described as witty, satirical, and unconventional, with elements of dark humor and profound observations about humanity.
The book features Vonnegut's signature style of short, simple sentences, interspersed with illustrations that break the fourth wall and add to the quirky nature of the narrative. Vonnegut's unique approach to storytelling includes meta elements where he appears as a character within the novel, manipulating the fate of the characters. Despite its meandering plot and unconventional structure, Breakfast of Champions offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and societal norms through Vonnegut's satirical lens.
Actually, the sea pirates who had the most to do with the creation of the new government owned human slaves. They used human beings for machinery, and, even after slavery was eliminated, because it wa...January 1973•305 pages - #7
Save:A bold, hypnotic plunge into experimental horror - brilliant for some, baffling for others. If you like your fiction adventurous and mind-warping, give it a try; if you want straightforward narrative, steer clear.
'Black Helicopters' in the series 'Tinfoil Dossier' by author Caitlin R. Kiernan is a horror story that deviates from the Mythos towards the creation of a powerful psychic human being, intertwining with super secretive nameless agencies during the Deer Isle incident. The narrative style pushes its way into the reader's mind, containing Lovecraftian elements along with a mix of various genres, creating a mosaic of interwoven storylines with threads reaching back and forth across the series. consists of chapters and small vignettes that jump backward, forward, and sideways through over a century of time, introducing characters who flourish and subside while the ramifications of events and decisions continually present themselves.
Here’s the scene: Ptolema sits alone in the booth at Bewley’s Oriental, sipping bitter black coffee. The October morning sun makes hard candy of Harry Clarke’s stained-glass windows, and she checks he... - #8
Save:A dark, emotionally charged, and exceptionally sensual take on paranormal romance - gripping for those who love their vampires with a side of angst, healing, and daring love.
'Vampire Trinity' in the 'Vampire Queen' series by author Joey W. Hill continues the story of Gideon, Anwyn, and Daegan as they face challenges to prove Anwyn's sanity and strength at a vampire tribunal. The characters are described as richly layered and flawed yet heroic, with a focus on action, love scenes, and a satisfying conclusion. The plot involves overcoming obstacles due to mental instability and threats from a faction of vampires, leading to a deepening bond between the trio. The story is a blend of action, romance, sorrow, and sensuality, with themes of transformation and resilience explored through erotic love.
DAEGAN had explained it was vital he get to the Council, that he was past due to report to them face-to-face on the events of the past couple of weeks. She understood that logically, but once Brian ar...September 2010•427 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Vampire Queen ) - #9
Save:Offbeat, funny, and packed with heart - 'Tripping on a Halo' is a rom-com that breaks the mold. If you’re in the mood for something fresh and totally unique, this one’s a must-try.
'Tripping on a Halo' by Alessandra Torre is a quirky and unique romantic comedy that follows the story of Autumn Jones, who believes she is tasked with protecting Declan Moss, a man she saved. The plot unfolds with Autumn's endearing but eccentric behavior as she tries to keep Declan safe, leading to hilarious and heartwarming interactions between the two characters. The writing style alternates between Autumn's first-person, past tense narrative and Declan's third-person perspective, providing insight into both characters' personalities and creating a captivating storytelling experience.
The book delves into themes of romance, humor, and emotional depth, as Autumn and Declan navigate their unusual relationship and uncover the true nature of their connection. With unexpected plot twists, witty banter, and a blend of laughter and heartfelt moments, 'Tripping on a Halo' offers a delightful mix of lighthearted fun and genuine emotion, making it a compelling and engaging read for fans of romantic comedies.
The traffic wasn’t cooperating. I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel and forced myself to go through my daily meditations, concentrating on anything BUT the traffic which, according to the l...December 2018•244 pages - #10
Save:A fast-paced, nerve-wracking thriller that showcases Matheson's suspense skills, but delivers a familiar story and a divisive ending. Perfect for fans of dark wilderness tales - others may want to skip the trip.
'Hunted Past Reason' by Richard Matheson is a thriller that delves into the very nature of life and perilous death in the California wilds. The story follows Bob Hansen, an author, on his first backpacking trip with his friend Doug Crowley, an experienced hiker. As the trip progresses, tensions rise, revealing hidden rivalries and escalating to a terrifying life-or-death battle for survival in the wilderness. Matheson's writing style captures the conflicting sense of awe of nature's beauty and the anxiety of being in the wild, building suspense with masterful strokes and realistic third person omniscient voice.
Bob and Marian drew apart, smiling at each other. They opened their doors and slid out, standing on the leaf-covered ground. "My God, the leaves are so big," Marian said, picking up one that was more...2002•336 pages
