Books matching: ordinary moments
39 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Collected Stories' by Amy Hempel is a collection of short stories and a novella that showcase the author's exceptional craft in forming words into sentences. Readers praise Hempel for her minimalist writing style, precision, and the way she delves into the human condition with flashes of wry humor. The stories are described as stark, concise, and heartbreaking yet filled with moments of redemption. Hempel's writing is noted for being moving, insightful, and able to turn mundane topics into beautiful and interesting narratives. is commended for its economy of words, the command of story, and the sheer joy of experiencing Hempel's writing.
It’s all about the sentences. It’s about the way the sentences move in the paragraphs. It’s about rhythm. It’s about ambiguity. It’s about the way emotion, in difficult circumstances, gets captured in... Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins is a collection of poems that beautifully capture the ordinary moments of life with profound insight and humor. The poems range from reflections on nature and everyday experiences to deeper explorations of emotions and thoughts. Collins' writing style is described as accessible, unpretentious, and filled with wit, making his poetry relatable to readers.
- #3
Save:'The Whitsun Weddings' by Philip Larkin is a collection of poetry that delves into themes of age, love, loneliness, and reflection on life. The poems offer a mix of colorful language, distinctive imagery, and emotional depth, capturing the ordinary events and lives with beauty and sympathy. Larkin's writing style is described as formal yet creative, with a down-to-earth and modest clarity that makes the ordinary seem extraordinary. The title poem, 'The Whitsun Weddings', uses a train journey as a motif for the journey through life, exploring the routine and cycle of life through the lens of weddings and newlyweds boarding the train.
The book provides a mix of bittersweet tales of life, exploring themes like youth, love, despair, and hope within its 32 wonderful poems. Larkin's poetry is reflective, somewhat bitter, and shrouded in loneliness, offering a glimpse into the austere atmosphere of his perspective on post-war Britain. The poems are described as wonderfully written, with a focus on making ordinary experiences seem extraordinary, and are praised for their colorful language and distinctive imagery that evoke a range of emotions and reflections on life.
'Something I've Been Meaning to Tell You' by Alice Munro is a collection of short stories published in 1974 that explores the complexities of human relationships, particularly from a woman's perspective. Munro's writing style captivates readers with its boldness and depth, often leaving them unexpectedly moved and introspective. The stories range from tales of dangerous flirtations to reflections on familial betrayals, all written with a luminous quality that sets Munro apart as a masterful short story writer.
- #5
Save:Ted Kooser's 'Splitting an Order' is a collection of poems that delve into the ordinary events and objects of everyday life, capturing the essence of the heartland and the aging process. Kooser's writing style is straightforward and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of moments like a man splitting a sandwich for his wife with trembling hands or two lovers reuniting after years apart.
The book is a reflection on memories, sorrow, and the passage of time, with poems that evoke emotions and contemplation. Kooser's ability to find the profound in the mundane, such as forgotten objects at an estate sale or the fading village of Garrison, Nebraska, adds a layer of depth to his work that resonates with readers.
On the sidewalk in front of the parking garage, a blind man who has fallen is attended by three firemen, a medic, and two policemen, all of whom squat on their heels and by so doing cover the fallen m... - #6
Save:'Dog Songs' by Mary Oliver is a heartfelt collection of poetry that celebrates the special bond between humans and dogs. Through her writing, Oliver beautifully captures the essence of dogs' personalities and their impact on our lives. The book is a touching exploration of love, loss, and companionship, with each poem offering a glimpse into the joy and sorrow that comes with sharing our lives with these loyal animals. Oliver's writing style is described as intimate, honest, and deeply felt, making the reader reflect on their own experiences with dogs and the emotions that come with it.
HE IS AHEAD OF ME in the fields, poking about in the grass. By the time I reach him the last of the newborn field mice are disappearing down his throat. His eyes roll upward to read my mood—praise, am... 'If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things' by Jon McGregor is a poetic and beautifully written novel that delves into the lives of neighbors on an ordinary street in England. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, weaving together the events of a single day with the aftermath of a mysterious incident. Characters are intricately portrayed, some named by their address or distinguishing feature, adding depth to the narrative. The writing style is lyrical, almost poetic, capturing the beauty in everyday moments and exploring the themes of connection, loss, and the remarkable found in the mundane.
The low soothing hum of air-conditioners, fanning out the heat and the smells of shops and cafes and offices across the city, winding up and winding down, long breaths layered upon each other, a lulla...- #8
Save:'Every Last One' by Anna Quindlen is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the life of Mary Beth Latham, a mother of three teenagers, as she navigates the ups and downs of family life. The story starts off with a portrayal of everyday family routine, but halfway through, a senseless tragedy strikes the family, leading to a journey of grief, recovery, and rebuilding. Quindlen's writing style is described as beautiful, lyrical, and compelling, with vivid descriptions of the characters and their emotions.
The novel delves into themes of love, friendship, family, and resilience in the face of tragedy. The plot unfolds in a way that surprises readers, evoking strong emotional responses and keeping them engaged until the very end. Quindlen skillfully portrays the complexities of family dynamics and the profound impact of unexpected events on individuals' lives, making 'Every Last One' a poignant and unforgettable read.
This is my life: The alarm goes off at five-thirty with the murmuring of a public-radio announcer, telling me that there has been a coup in Chad, a tornado in Texas. My husband stirs briefly next to m... - #9
Save:Annie Dillard's 'An American Childhood' is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences growing up in Pittsburgh in the 1950s and 1960s. Through vivid descriptions, Dillard captures the essence of childhood wonder, exploration, and self-discovery. The narrative shifts from focusing on her inner life as a child, filled with imagination and fascination with nature, to a more traditional memoir style detailing her interactions with family, school, and the world around her. Dillard's writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and evocative, painting a nostalgic picture of a bygone era.
Oh, the great humming silence of the empty neighborhoods in those days, the neighborhoods abandoned everywhere across continental America—the city residential areas, the new “suburbs,” the towns and v... - #10
Save:'The Illusion of Separateness' by Simon Van Booy is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of six characters from different time periods and locations. The story explores the interconnectedness of these characters, revealing hidden connections and shared experiences that transcend time and distance. Through poignant storytelling and lyrical prose, the author delves into themes of love, kindness, and the profound impact of small acts of compassion on people's lives.
He performed his duties when they were asleep, when he could think about his life the way a child stands in front of the sea. Always rising at first light, he filled his bucket, then swished along the...
