Books matching: mid 20th century new york city
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- #1Zamiby:
'Zami' by Audre Lorde is a poetic and powerful memoir that delves into the author's experiences of growing up as a black lesbian in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s. The book explores Lorde's journey of self-discovery, highlighting her struggles and triumphs in a society plagued by racism, sexism, and homophobia. Through her lyrical and poignant writing style, Lorde not only narrates her personal story but also intertwines it with broader political and historical events, offering readers a unique perspective on identity, activism, and intersectionality.
Lorde's 'Zami' is celebrated for its honest portrayal of the author's life, relationships, and challenges, making it a compelling read that resonates with readers on a personal and political level. The book serves as a testament to the idea that the personal is political, as Lorde skillfully weaves together her individual narrative with larger societal issues, inviting readers to reflect on their own identities and beliefs. Through her clear and dedicated writing, Lorde creates a narrative that not only sheds light on her own experiences but also prompts readers to confront and explore their own stories, relationships, and self-awareness.
When I visited Grenada I saw the root of my mother’s powers walking through the streets. I thought, this is the country of my foremothers, my forebearing mothers, those Black island women who defined ... - #2
Music for Chameleons is a collection of short works showcasing Truman Capote's signature creative non-fiction style. The central piece, Handcarved Coffins, delves into a serial killing spree in a small town and is compared to his famous work In Cold Blood. The book also includes conversational portraits that blur the line between reality and fiction, featuring quirky characters and memorable encounters.
I started writing when I was eight—out of the blue, uninspired by any example. I’d never known anyone who wrote; indeed, I knew few people who read. But the fact was, the only four things that interes... - #3
"Body & Soul" by Frank Conroy is a novel that follows the life of Claude Rawlings, a boy who grows up poor and sheltered, raised by a mentally ill single mother in West Side Manhattan. His fascination with an old piano leads him to become a concert pianist, navigating the challenges of his upbringing and finding solace and purpose in music. The author, through insightful writing and detailed descriptions, portrays Claude's journey from childhood to adulthood, highlighting his passion for music and the impact it has on his life.
Conroy's writing style in "Body & Soul" is described as beautifully written, with deep insights into the human condition and intricate descriptions of music that pull the reader into the story. The characters are richly developed, providing a depth to the narrative, and the novel spans over 20 years, capturing Claude's growth as a musician and individual through various life experiences and relationships.
HIS FIRST VIEW of the outside was through the small, fan-shaped window of the basement apartment. He would climb up on the table and spend hours peering through the bars at the legs and feet of people... - #4
'Up in the Old Hotel' by Joseph Mitchell is a collection of stories about New Yorkers, mostly from the 1930s to 1950s-60s, blending nonfiction and fiction. Mitchell, a master storyteller, presents captivating tales about everyday people from the city's past, showcasing a naturalistic writing style with an acceptance, respect, and grace towards his subjects. delves into the lives of iconic characters who lived on the fringes of New York City, offering a glimpse into the city's gritty and realistic yet naturally portrayed atmosphere.
McSORLEY’S OCCUPIES THE ground floor of a red-brick tenement at 15 Seventh Street, just off Cooper Square, where the Bowery ends. It was opened in 1854 and is the oldest saloon in New York City. In ei... - #5
'Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade' by Patrick Dennis follows the adventures of the eccentric and flamboyant Auntie Mame and her young nephew Patrick. Set in the 1920s onwards, the book takes readers on a wild ride through parties, unconventional schools, and societal clashes. Through the eyes of Patrick, readers witness Auntie Mame's unapologetic and unconventional approach to life, filled with humor, poignant moments, and outrageous escapades. The writing style is described as lively, witty, and masterful, with a mix of humor, satire, and cultural references seamlessly woven into the narrative.
- #6
'The Bonfire of the Vanities' by Tom Wolfe is a novel set in New York City during the 1980s, portraying the lives of wealthy individuals, legal professionals, and journalists intertwined by a hit-and-run incident. The story delves into themes of privilege, justice, morality, and the societal issues prevalent in the era, offering a satirical and critical perspective on the materialism and betrayals within investment banking. Through a cast of flawed and multi-faceted characters, the book explores the downfall of a Wall Street elite, Sherman McCoy, and the repercussions that follow in a racially tense environment.
The writing style of Tom Wolfe in 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' is characterized by sharp humor, detailed insights, and a keen observation of societal practices. Wolfe's ability to capture the essence of 1980s New York City, with its excesses, ego, and crassness, is praised by readers. The novel's portrayal of the legal system, press, and various societal strata as depicted through unsympathetic characters and satirical elements adds depth to the story, making it a compelling and insightful read.
At that very moment, in the very sort of Park Avenue co-op apartment that so obsessed the Mayor…twelve-foot ceilings…two wings, one for the white Anglo-Saxon Protestants who own the place and one for ... - #7
'The Age of Innocence' by Edith Wharton is a novel set in New York high society in the late 1800s, focusing on the protagonist Newland Archer and his internal struggle between societal duty and personal desires. The book delves into themes of love, societal expectations, and individual freedom, as Archer navigates his engagement to May Welland while being drawn to the unconventional Ellen Olenska. Wharton's writing style is praised for its wit, intricate observations, and portrayal of the stifling nature of societal norms during that time period.
Edith Wharton, a prolific writer best known as a novelist of manners whose fiction exposed the rigid mores of aristocratic society in a world that has all but vanished, was born Edith Newbold Jones in...