Books matching: parental abandonment
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a young adult novel that delves into the complexities of teenage life, friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery. The story follows Vera Dietz, who is struggling to cope with the death of her best friend, Charlie, while also dealing with family issues and personal demons. As Vera navigates through the aftermath of Charlie's passing, she is faced with difficult decisions and secrets that challenge her sense of loyalty and morality. The book is written in a compelling and engaging style, with multiple perspectives providing insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions.
The pastor is saying something about how Charlie was a free spirit. He was and he wasn’t. He was free because on the inside he was tied up in knots. He lived hard because inside he was dying. Charlie ... - #2
Save:"Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" by Anne Tyler is a poignant exploration of family dynamics and relationships, centering around the Tull family of Baltimore. The story unfolds through shifting perspectives, delving into the lives of matriarch Pearl and her three children - Ezra, Cody, and Jenny. As Pearl lies on her deathbed, reminiscing about her past struggles and failures, her children reflect on their upbringing, the impact of their parents' actions, and the complex web of emotions that bind them together. Tyler's writing style expertly weaves together themes of dysfunction, love, regret, and resilience, creating a vivid and multi-layered portrayal of family life.
The narrative of "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" is characterized by its deep exploration of raw, human emotions and the lasting effects of childhood experiences on adult relationships. Through the lens of the Tull family, Tyler skillfully navigates themes of sibling rivalry, parental abandonment, and the search for understanding and forgiveness. The novel offers a thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of family dynamics and the enduring power of familial bonds, all set against the backdrop of everyday life in Baltimore.
While Pearl Tull was dying, a funny thought occurred to her. It twitched her lips and rustled her breath, and she felt her son lean forward from where he kept watch by her bed. “Get …” she told him. “... - #3
Save:"Drinking Coffee Elsewhere" by Z.Z. Packer is a collection of short stories that explore themes of race, gender, and societal expectations. The stories feature compelling characters facing challenging situations, often with bitter or sad endings. Packer's writing style is praised for its refined language, memorable characters, and the ability to capture the complexity of human experiences.
BY OUR SECOND DAY at Camp Crescendo, the girls in my Brownie troop had decided to kick the asses of each and every girl in Brownie Troop 909. Troop 909 was doomed from the first day of camp; they were... - #4
Save:'Bridge of Clay' by Markus Zusak follows the Dunbar boys - Matthew, Rory, Henry, Clay, and Tommy - who are left to fend for themselves after the death of their mother and the disappearance of their father. The story, narrated by the oldest brother Matthew, delves into the lives of the brothers, especially focusing on Clay, who takes a different path from his siblings. The narrative is not linear, with a mix of past and present timelines, challenging readers with its fragmented and poetic writing style.
The book explores themes of family, grief, love, and resilience as the Dunbar brothers navigate life without their parents. Zusak weaves a complex and emotional tale, incorporating elements like horse racing, teenage love, and a strong moral center portrayed through the bonds between the brothers. The story is a blend of sorrow, hope, and history, culminating in the building of a bridge that symbolizes unity and moving forward.
If before the beginning (in the writing, at least) was a typewriter, a dog, and a snake, the beginning itself—eleven years previously—was a murderer, a mule, and Clay. Even in beginnings, though, some... - #5
Save:Dragon Marked by Jaymin Eve is a supernatural fantasy novel following the story of Jessa Lebron, an Alpha Wolf Shifter living in a town of supernatural beings. When her mother returns after abandoning her, Jessa discovers dangerous secrets that put her and her pack's lives at risk. With dragon markings and hidden powers, Jessa must navigate a web of intrigue and danger while uncovering her true destiny. The book is filled with action, romance, and supernatural elements, keeping readers engaged with its fast-paced plot and intriguing characters.
Like a lot of older vamps, our history teacher, Mr. Vendir Vamissa, hadn’t forgotten the last supernatural war – when shifters and vampires had fought on opposite sides – so I wasn’t surprised when he... - #6
Save:'A Solitary Blue' by Cynthia Voigt is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows the life of Jeff Greene, a teenage boy abandoned by his flighty mother and left to live with his emotionally distant father. The book delves into Jeff's journey of self-discovery, emotional growth, and healing as he navigates the challenges of a broken family and learns to connect with others. Through rich characterization and beautiful imagery, Voigt explores Jeff's struggles, relationships, and ultimately, his path to understanding and acceptance.
The narrative in 'A Solitary Blue' is told with a quiet yet impactful tone, focusing on Jeff's internal struggles and external relationships with his parents, especially his complicated feelings towards his mother and his evolving bond with his father. The book artfully weaves together themes of family dynamics, emotional resilience, and the search for identity, offering readers a timeless and relatable story of adolescence, love, and personal growth.
WHEN JEFF GREENE was in second grade, seven and a half years old, he got home from school one Tuesday afternoon in early March, and found a note from his mother, saying that she had gone away and woul...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Tillerman Cycle ) - #7
Save:'Dragon Springs Road' by Janie Chang is a historical fiction novel set in early 20th century Shanghai, following the life of Jialing, a Eurasian girl abandoned by her mother at a young age. The story explores Jialing's struggles as she navigates a society that looks down upon her mixed heritage, her journey of self-discovery, and the relationships she forms along the way. With elements of fantasy intertwined seamlessly into the narrative, the book delves into themes of identity, social class, and resilience, painting a vivid picture of the turbulent political and cultural landscape of China during that era.
The plot of 'Dragon Springs Road' unfolds through the eyes of Jialing, offering a coming-of-age tale filled with intrigue, mystery, and personal growth. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, with luminous descriptions, well-drawn characters, and a seamless integration of fantasy elements that add depth and uniqueness to the story.
The emperor Guangxu and the dowager empress had both died that week. My mother told me our new emperor was a little boy of almost three called Puyi. A child less than half my age now ruled China and s... - #8
Save:In "Our Finest Hour" by Jennifer Millikin, Aubrey finds herself nursing a broken heart and seeking solace in a bar where she meets Isaac. They share one hour of connection, unaware that it will lead to unexpected consequences. The story unfolds over four years, revealing a tale of healing, trust, and enduring love amidst life's challenges. The plot is a blend of romance, family dynamics, and personal growth, capturing the raw emotions and complexities of relationships. Millikin's writing style is poignant and touching, drawing readers in with engaging characters and a heartfelt narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances.
“It’s not that I don’t believe in ghosts,” I explain to Britt as she rubs her eyes. She mumbles something about accidentally looking too closely at the sun, and when she pulls her hands away from her ... - #9
Save:'Stone Rules' by Samantha Christy revolves around the characters Charlie and Ethan, who both have scars from their pasts. Charlie, the daughter of a famous but abusive actress, hires Ethan, a private investigator, to help her find the men who abused her as a child. The story delves into themes of childhood abuse, trust issues, and the journey towards healing and finding love. The writing style of the book is described as well-written, engaging, and emotionally impactful, with a plot that keeps the readers hooked till the end.
- #10
Save:A Happy Catastrophe by Maddie Dawson tells the heartwarming story of Marnie and Patrick as they navigate their relationship and unexpected challenges. The arrival of 8-year-old Fritzie shakes up their lives and brings both joy and complexity to their journey. With quirky characters and unexpected plot twists, the book explores themes of love, compassion, and overcoming past traumas. The writing style is eloquent, immersive, and filled with both humorous and emotional moments that captivate the reader from beginning to end.
