Books matching: personal discovery
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Colin Fletcher's 'The Man Who Walked Through Time' is a classic of Outdoor Literature that recounts his 1963 solo backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon. The book delves into Fletcher's mental journey rather than just the physical details of his walk, focusing on his quest for a change of perspective and his contemplation of the immense age of the Canyon's rocks. It explores themes of solitude, self-discovery, and the vast expanse of time in the geology of the Grand Canyon, inspiring readers to find inner solitude and meaning in the outdoors.
IT HAPPENED quite unexpectedly, the way the big moments often do. A friend and I were driving from New York to the West Coast in early June, and we had detoured north from US 66 for a hurried look at ... - #2
Save:"Solovyov and Larionov" by Eugene Vodolazkin follows the story of a young historian, Solovyov, who delves into the mystery surrounding General Larionov, a figure from the Russian Civil War. As Solovyov investigates why Larionov escaped being executed at the end of the war, the narrative unfolds like a detective story, with a focus on history, travel, and unexpected discoveries. The novel weaves between two storylines, gradually intertwining them to explore themes of love, loss, redemption, and the enigmatic nature of history.
The writing style of the book is described as gradual but brilliant, moving towards an inevitable end. The narrative unfolds in a very Russian manner, written by a native Ukrainian author, and translated into English with skill by Lisa Hayden. The novel presents a blend of historical research, philosophical questioning, and humor, with a focus on the intricacies of relationships and the exploration of different forms of love.
- #3
Save:'The Story of the Night' by Colm Toibin is a novel set in Argentina during the time of political upheaval and the AIDS epidemic. The protagonist, Richard Garay, navigates his personal struggles as a gay man while being entangled in covert political activities supported by the US government. The narrative explores themes of love, family, relationships, freedom, and politics, all against the backdrop of the turbulent socio-political environment of Argentina in the 1980s. Toibin's writing style is described as elegant, clean, and smooth, with a focus on character development and creating a realistic portrayal of life during that era.
- #4
Save:'Playing Knotty' by Elia Winters is a love story that delves into the world of rope play, exploring the dynamics of bondage and sensuality. The plot follows Emma and Ian as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and passion, bringing out hidden aspects of themselves through rope play. The author's writing style beautifully portrays the evolution of the characters, particularly Emma, from a reserved individual to a confident and assertive woman, all set against the backdrop of a blossoming romance.
The book captures the essence of vulnerability and empowerment intertwined with themes of love, self-acceptance, and breaking free from societal judgments. Through the exploration of rope bondage, Emma finds her voice, embraces her sensuality, and learns to be unapologetically herself, while Ian discovers a surprising side to Emma that ignites a newfound desire within him.
No sound was quite as satisfying as the little bell hanging above the front door of the shop. Emma Green looked up from the book she was reading, marking the page in the crisp-spined hardcover with a ... - #5
Save:Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List is a story that delves into the complex relationships and dilemmas of the two main characters, Naomi and Ely, who are best friends living in the same Manhattan apartment building. The book explores themes of broken families, unrequited love, and the dynamics of friendship, all while portraying flawed yet relatable characters. The narrative style of the book includes multiple perspectives, providing insights into the lives and emotions of not only Naomi and Ely but also the supporting cast, adding depth to the storytelling.
The plot of the book revolves around Naomi's romantic feelings for Ely, despite his homosexuality, and the creation of a "no kiss list" to protect their friendship. However, when Ely kisses Naomi's boyfriend, their bond is tested, leading to a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth for all characters involved. The writing style of the authors, Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, is praised for its evocative portrayals of characters and relationships, capturing the essence of love, friendship, and the complexities of human emotions.
I have no desire to see the night crash to the ground. I want to go out, have a good time, appease Naomi, and get back to Bruce in my bedroom. I don’t see any reason why I can’t do all of these things... - #6
Save:Delicious! by Ruth Reichl is a captivating novel that intertwines the world of food with a mysterious and heartwarming storyline. The protagonist, Billie, is a woman with an exceptional palate who starts working for the food magazine Delicious, where she encounters a diverse cast of characters. The plot unfolds with the discovery of old letters that lead Billie and her colleague Sammy on a journey to uncover the secrets of a woman named Lulu Swan. The novel seamlessly weaves between past and present, combining elements of romance, family drama, and mystery, all set against the backdrop of the food world.
The writing style of Delicious! is described as charming, irresistible, and spellbinding, with vividly drawn characters and a well-paced plot that keeps readers engaged. Ruth Reichl's expertise in the food industry shines through in the narrative, adding depth and dimension to the story. The book is praised for its emotional depth, humor, and the way it explores themes of love, connection, and the joy of food.
She emerged holding a large knob of ginger triumphantly over her head, then went to the counter and began to grate it, sending the mysterious tingly scent into the air. “How come you didn’t say someth... - #7
Save:'The Dervish House' by Ian McDonald is a science fiction novel set in a near future Istanbul where a group of characters find their lives intertwined around a plot involving nanotechnology, terrorism, and financial scandals. The story follows multiple narrative threads that gradually come together, exploring themes of cultural mix, historical roots, and technological advances. The book is praised for its complex plot, vivid descriptions of the city, and the seamless integration of futuristic elements into the narrative.
The white bird climbs above the city of Istanbul: a stork, riding the rising air in a spiral of black-tipped wings. A flare of the feathers; it wheels on the exhalations of twenty million people, one ... - #8
Save:In "This Rough Magic" by Mary Stewart, set in the early 1960s on the sun-drenched isle of Corfu, British stage actress Lucy Waring finds herself embroiled in a mystery involving sinister activities such as shooting at a dolphin, drownings, and smuggling. Inspired by Shakespeare's "The Tempest", the book follows Lucy's journey as she unravels the mystery and puts herself in harm's way to uncover the wrongdoer behind the mayhem. Told from Lucy's point of view, the book keeps readers on edge with its tension-filled plot and realistic characters.
The story unfolds with a mix of excitement, romance, and suspense as Lucy navigates through the picturesque setting of Corfu, encountering a stowaway, a pregnant sister, and a villain whose identity is revealed early on. With references to "The Tempest" scattered throughout the book, Mary Stewart weaves a tale of danger, action, and courage as Lucy takes on the challenge of stopping the malevolent force threatening to disrupt the tranquility of the Ionian Sea.
We were having breakfast outside in the sun, on the terrace of my sister’s house on the beautiful island of Corfu, which lies off the west coast of Greece. Below the terrace, wooded cliffs fell steepl... - #9
Save:Tell the Machine Goodnight by Katie Williams is a novel set in the year 2035 in San Francisco, focusing on characters like Pearl, her son Rhett, and various supporting characters. The central premise involves the Apricity Machine, a device that provides personalized happiness plans based on a DNA swab. The book explores the impact of technology on human behavior, the quest for happiness, and the consequences of relying on external sources for fulfillment. The narrative weaves together interconnected stories of individuals navigating the recommendations of the machine, delving into themes of trust, control, and the blurred lines between reality and technology.
The machine said the man should eat tangerines. It listed two other recommendations as well, so three in total. A modest number, Pearl assured the man as she read out the list that had appeared on the... - #10
Save:'The Mysteries of Harris Burdick' is a collection of short stories inspired by a set of drawings created by the mysterious Harris Burdick. The stories are written by well-known authors such as Stephen King, Lois Lowry, and Chris Van Allsburg himself, each adding their unique twist to the original illustrations. invites readers to delve into a world of fantasy, horror, and mystery, where each story is crafted around a single image and caption, sparking the imagination and creativity of both children and adults alike.
The stories in 'The Mysteries of Harris Burdick' take readers on a journey through 14 different narratives, each exploring a distinct theme or genre inspired by the enigmatic illustrations. From tales of flying chairs and rocketing houses to stories of haunted libraries and secret worlds, the book offers a diverse range of storytelling styles that captivate the reader and leave them pondering the mysteries behind each image.
Archie squinted into the glare of the sun as he choked the neck of the bat. He pulled his helmet down to get what little shade the visor gave. With his bad luck, the ball would be coming straight out ...
