Books matching: moral compass challenges
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- #1
Save:"The Summons" by John Grisham revolves around Ray Atlee, a law professor who returns to his hometown in Mississippi after being summoned by his father, a judge. Upon arrival, Ray discovers his father dead and stumbles upon a mysterious inheritance of three million dollars hidden in the house. As Ray navigates the complexities of the inheritance and tries to uncover its origins, he faces threats, family drama, and unexpected twists that challenge his moral compass.
The plot of "The Summons" is characterized by its fast-paced narrative, suspenseful build-up, and exploration of family dynamics. Grisham's writing style in this novel is described as easy to read, engaging, and containing elements of suspense and mystery that keep readers intrigued until the end.
It came by mail, regular postage, the old-fashioned way since the Judge was almost eighty and distrusted modern devices. Forget e-mail and even faxes. He didn’t use an answering machine and had never ... - #2
Save:'Ripley's Game' by Patricia Highsmith is the third installment in the Ripley series, showcasing a different side of the protagonist, Tom Ripley. In this book, Ripley is portrayed as a somewhat 'good' guy, involved in helping to eliminate members of the mafia and assisting his new friend Jonathan. The storyline focuses less on Ripley's personal life and more on the intricacies of the criminal activities he engages in, creating a sense of moral ambiguity and psychological tension. The writing style delves into the darker aspects of Ripley's character, making the reader question their feelings towards a sociopathic protagonist.
‘THERE’S no such thing as a perfect murder,’ Tom said to Reeves. ‘That’s just a parlour game, trying to dream one up. Of course you could say there are a lot of unsolved murders. That’s different.’ To...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ripley ) - #3
Save:'The Lincoln Lawyer' by Michael Connelly follows the story of Mickey Haller, a criminal defense attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental. Haller is hired to defend Louis Roulet, who is accused of attempting to rape and murder a woman. As Haller delves into the case, he is faced with ethical dilemmas and has to navigate through a complex legal system to uncover the truth. The plot is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Connelly's writing style is praised for its simplicity, clean prose, and ability to maintain a compelling narrative throughout the book.
The morning air off the Mojave in late winter is as clean and crisp as you’ll ever breathe in Los Angeles County. It carries the taste of promise on it. When it starts blowing in like that I like to k...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Bosch Universe ) 'Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage' by Haruki Murakami follows the story of Tsukuru Tazaki, a man who is abandoned by his group of friends without explanation, leading to years of loneliness and isolation. Motivated by a new girlfriend, Tsukuru embarks on a quest to reconnect with his friends and uncover the truth behind their sudden rejection. The novel delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the search for meaning in a dream-like narrative style typical of Murakami's works.
From July of his sophomore year in college until the following January, all Tsukuru Tazaki could think about was dying. He turned twenty during this time, but this special watershed—becoming an adult—...- #5
Save:'Schindler's List' by Thomas Keneally is a gripping and haunting novel that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who risked his life to save over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. The book portrays Schindler's transformation from a selfish businessman to a selfless hero, showcasing moments of extreme heroism and courage juxtaposed with the depths of human cruelty.
The writing style of 'Schindler's List' is described as dispassionate yet able to convey the brutality and horror of the Holocaust era. The narrative weaves together short stories to provide a weight of detailed testimony, creating a sombre and nuanced portrait of Oskar Schindler that does not shy away from his less heroic qualities.
GENERAL SIGMUND LIST’S armored divisions, driving north from the Sudetenland, had taken the sweet south Polish jewel of Cracow from both flanks on September 6, 1939. And it was in their wake that Oska... "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" by Michael Chabon is an epic novel that spans decades, following two cousins who create comic book characters during the 1940s in America and Europe amidst the backdrop of World War II. The book intricately weaves together themes of friendship, love, bigotry, racism, magic, and mysticism against the evolving landscape of America during that time period. Chabon's writing style is described as beautiful, precise, and poetic, with the ability to captivate readers with his storytelling and character development, making it a joyous tale that is hard to put down.
The storyline of the book revolves around the lives of the two protagonists, Joe and Sammy, who work together to write comic books during the golden age of comic book publishing. Their journey through creating comic book heroes, facing personal struggles, and dealing with historical events such as World War II is depicted vividly, with each chapter reading like a story from a comic book itself. Chabon's ability to blend actual events from the 1930s to the 1950s seamlessly with the characters makes the novel feel authentic and engaging, drawing readers into a world filled with adventure, tragedy, and triumph.
IN later years, holding forth to an interviewer or to an audience of aging fans at a comic book convention, Sam Clay liked to declare, apropos of his and Joe Kavalier's greatest creation, that back wh...- #7
Save:'Sophie's Choice' by William Styron is a novel set in post-World War II Brooklyn, following the story of a young aspiring author, Stingo, who befriends a mentally disturbed man named Nathan and an Auschwitz survivor named Sophie. The book delves into the dark themes of alcoholism, abuse, violence, war, and the Holocaust, exploring Sophie's tragic past and the difficult choices she had to make. Through rich and enveloping writing, Styron navigates the complexities of the characters' lives, particularly focusing on Sophie's haunting past and the impact of her choices.
The narrative unfolds as Stingo learns about Sophie's experiences before and during the war, her relationships with Nathan and Stingo himself, and the ultimate tragedy she faces. The book presents a gripping and emotional story that captivates readers with its exploration of human resilience, the weight of past traumas, and the enduring effects of historical events on individuals' lives.
IN THOSEDAYS cheap apartments were almost impossible to find in Manhattan, so I had to move to Brooklyn. This was in 1947, and one of the pleasant features of that summer which I so vividly remember w... - #8
Save:Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak is a sweeping novel set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and World War I. The story follows the life and loves of Yuri Zhivago, a poet-physician caught in the turmoil of the era. Zhivago's journey takes him through the battle between the Whites and the Reds, intertwined with a tragic love story with the tender and beautiful Lara. The novel delves into the themes of love, loss, faith, and the impact of historical events on individual lives, all portrayed through vivid and atmospheric writing.
Yurii Andreievich Zhivago (as a child, called Yura; affectionately, Yurochka) is the son of Andrei Zhivago, a profligate, and Maria Nikolaievna Zhivago. Evgraf Andreievich Zhivago, his half-brother, i... - #9
Save:'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a suspenseful novel set in an exclusive university where a Classics study group decides to commit murder, reminiscent of Eleusinian mysteries. The story follows a group of eccentric and privileged college students who get entangled in a web of their own making, leading to chilling events and profound changes in their lives. The writing style is erudite, literary, and intriguing, with a focus on character development and relationships, creating an evocative and convincing setting.
Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn't. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this:... - #10
Save:The Cider House Rules by John Irving is a rich and complex novel that delves into themes of abortion, orphanages, migrant workers, and incestuous rape. Set in rural Maine in the early 20th century, the story follows Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortionist, and his favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is torn between different perspectives on abortion. The book explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate through challenging situations, all while dealing with everyday tedium in a compelling narrative style that absorbs the reader into the setting.
A child of Maine, Wilbur Larch was born in Portland in 186_—the son of a sullen, tidy woman who was among the staff of cooks and housekeepers for a man named Neal Dow, the mayor of Portland and the so...
