Books matching: modern context
100 result(s)
"My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales" is a collection of modern fairy tales that offers a fresh take on old stories, written by various authors. The book provides a diverse and unique mix of stories, some closely resembling the original fairy tales while others are unrecognizable. The authors in the collection have reimagined classic fairy tales, exploring darker themes intended for adults, and not shying away from cannibalism, bestiality, and other taboo subjects.
The editor, Kate Bernheimer, has curated a collection that showcases the creativity and diversity of fairy tales, with each author providing their own interpretation of a classic tale. The book includes well-known authors such as Michael Cunningham and Neil Gaiman, who have contributed stories that honor the spirit of fairy tales while adding a modern twist. The collection aims to challenge readers' perceptions of fairy tales and introduce them to a new world of storytelling that is both imaginative and thought-provoking.
No need to try to smuggle a split of champagne past the usher. We won’t need it. We have in our hands only mezzanine-seat tickets to an everyday hullabaloo. No red carpet. This isn’t going to be featu...'Caesar's Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us' by Sam Kean is a popular science book that delves into the composition of the air we breathe. Kean takes readers on a journey through the history of each element in the atmosphere, intertwining scientific explanations with entertaining anecdotes. The book covers the development of our atmosphere over time, the discovery of the elements in the air, and the impact of human activities on our environment. Kean's storytelling method, filled with diverse vignettes, makes the science behind air accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
Kean's writing style is highly conversational, with a constant stream of asides that provide interesting trivia tidbits and humorous anecdotes. Each chapter focuses on a different component of air, such as oxygen, hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, and argon, with shorter interludes about other gases and compounds. The book is a blend of history, science, and storytelling, offering a unique perspective on the air we breathe and the secrets it holds.
To make do he began managing a gas station and grocery store three miles north of the summit; he gradually expanded that into a campground with cabins and boats to rent. It proved a popular location. ...- #3
Save:'The World to Come' by Dara Horn is a rich and imaginative novel that intertwines narrative strands dealing with several generations of Russian Jews in Europe and the United States. The story is filled with mystical elements, historical references, and Kabalistic themes, connecting three generations of one family in both the spiritual and physical worlds. The author incorporates actual personages and events, like an art theft from a museum, to create a captivating and lyrical tale that explores themes of life, loss, redemption, and the secrets of the universe.
The narrative of 'The World to Come' jumps back and forth in time, introducing modern-day characters and their ancestors who interact with luminaries of Yiddish literature. Through diverse range of characters and settings, the author skillfully weaves stories of love, repression, terror, and freedom, creating a thought-provoking meditation on art, life, and the human experience. delves into deep philosophical questions about faith, memory, and the mysteries of existence, leaving readers captivated by its intricate storytelling and profound themes.
“Isn’t there a Willy Wonka gum that tastes like all good foods at once? If so, Dara Horn’s The World to Come is the literary equivalent of that confection, equal parts mystery, sprawling novel, folkta... - #4
Save:'The 33 Strategies of War' by Robert Greene is a comprehensive guide that explores historical strategies used by master strategists throughout history. Each of the 33 strategies is detailed in a chapter format, filled with stories, examples, and quotes to illustrate the discussed strategy. delves into the concept of strategy and its implications in various aspects of life, such as war, business, and personal growth. Greene's writing style immerses the reader in the world of strategic thinking, drawing from history and cultural references to provide valuable insights on how to approach conflicts and challenges.
Then [Xenophon] got up, and first called together the under-officers of Proxenos. When they were collected he said: “Gentlemen, I cannot sleep and I don’t think you can; and I can’t lie here when I se... 'The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology' by Jack Kornfield is a comprehensive exploration of Buddhist psychology, divided into 5 parts with each part focusing on different aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practices. Kornfield uses a combination of personal anecdotes, real-life stories, and meditation exercises to illustrate key principles of Buddhist psychology, making it an insightful introduction for beginners. The book delves into topics such as brain malleability, consciousness, interdependence, emptiness, and mindfulness, offering a practical guide on how to apply these teachings in everyday life.
Kornfield's writing style is gentle, informative, and easy to follow, making complex Buddhist concepts accessible to readers without relying on jargon or mystical terminology. The book seamlessly blends Eastern and Western psychology, providing fresh insights and practical exercises to help readers understand and practice the ancient teachings of Buddhism in a modern context. Overall, 'The Wise Heart' offers a message of inspiration, hope, and a path to freedom, encouraging readers to contemplate its teachings and embark on a journey towards self-discovery and compassion.
Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that eac...- #6
Save:'Fight Club 2' by Chuck Palahniuk is a graphic novel sequel that continues the story of the narrator, now known as Sebastian, who is leading a mundane life as a video game designer married to Marla with a son. The plot takes a dark turn as Marla seeks excitement and replaces Sebastian's pills with sugar, leading to a series of events involving explosions, hypnosis, and the return of Tyler Durden. The story is told in a metafiction style, blending elements from the original novel and the film adaptation, with Chuck Palahniuk himself appearing as a character in the narrative.
TYLER GETS ME a job as a waiter, after that Tyler’s pushing a gun in my mouth and saying, the first step to eternal life is you have to die. For a long time though, Tyler and I were best friends. Peop...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Fight Club ) 'Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence' by Karen Armstrong delves into the intricate relationship between religion, politics, and violence throughout history. Armstrong argues that while religion has often been blamed for acts of violence, it is not inherently violent itself. She explores how religious beliefs have been intertwined with political and economic power struggles, shedding light on how societies have used religion to justify conflicts and wars. Through a detailed examination of major civilizations and faith traditions, Armstrong challenges the notion that religion is the primary cause of violence, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of human conflict.
Gilgamesh, named in the ancient king lists as the fifth ruler of Uruk, was remembered as “the strongest of men—huge, handsome, radiant, perfect.” He may well have existed but soon acquired a legendary...- #8
Save:'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins is a thought-provoking exploration of atheism and the arguments against the existence of God. Dawkins presents a compelling case for rationalism and science over religion, dissecting the flaws in religious beliefs and the impact of faith on society. Through eloquent and witty writing, Dawkins challenges readers to question their beliefs and consider the implications of a world without the need for a divine being.
The God Delusion in the hardback edition was widely described as the surprise bestseller of 2006. It was warmly received by the great majority of those who sent in their personal reviews to Amazon (mo... - #9
Save:The 'Palm-of-the-Hand Stories' by Yasunari Kawabata is a collection of very short stories, ranging from 1 to 3 pages in length, written over a period of 50 years. The stories often explore themes of death, family life, beauty, surrealism, and the blurring line between reality and dreams. Kawabata's writing style is described as minimalistic, poetic, and impressionistic, focusing on brief character studies, sensory impressions, and the unsaid or implied aspects of the narrative.
- #10
Save:'Arguably: Selected Essays' by Christopher Hitchens is a masterful collection of essays covering a wide range of topics including historical American figures, political analysis, literature, war, religion, and more. The writing style is described as well-informed, tremendously eloquent, and authentically passionate, showcasing the author's vast breadth of reading and experience. The book delves into controversial topics such as fundamentalist terrorism, anti-liberal forces, and totalitarianism, while also offering lighter, entertaining pieces on gender differences and global adoption of English vernacular.
WHY SHOULD we care what the Founding Fathers believed, or did not believe, about religion? They went to such great trouble to insulate faith from politics, and took such care to keep their own convict...
