Books matching: personal essays
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:The White Album by Joan Didion is a collection of essays that reflect on America in the 1970s, focusing on various topics such as water distribution in California, the Governor's Residence, migraine headaches, California Republic, and the late 1960s and early 1970s. Didion's writing style is described as magnificent, well-constructed, sardonic, incisive, precise, and world-weary, with vivid imagery and razor-sharp insight. The essays cover a wide range of subjects, from California to Hawaii, artist's lives to civil unrest, capturing snapshots of the era with a slightly aloof yet captivating style.
we tell ourselves stories in order to live. The princess is caged in the consulate. The man with the candy will lead the children into the sea. The naked woman on the ledge outside the window on the s... - #2
Save:'So Sad Today: Personal Essays' by Melissa Broder is a collection of personal essays that delve deep into the author's struggles with mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. The book is praised for its candid and raw exploration of these issues, with Broder using self-deprecating humor to navigate through themes of sex, death, and love. The writing style is described as engrossing, relatable, and emotionally impactful, providing a platform for readers to find solace and understanding in their own struggles with mental health.
BRINGING A CHILD INTO THE world without its consent seems unethical. Leaving the womb just seems insane. The womb is nirvana. It’s tripping in an eternal orb outside the space-time continuum. It’s a w... 'We Should All Be Feminists' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a short and powerful essay that serves as a call to action for gender equality. Adichie eloquently argues for the importance of feminism, drawing from her personal experiences in Nigeria to highlight the need for both men and women to embrace feminist ideals. The book is a modified version of Adichie's TEDxEuston talk, covering topics such as the impact of patriarchy, the necessity of redefining culture to achieve equality, and the universal relevance of feminism.
Adichie's writing style is clear, concise, and thought-provoking, making the complex topic of feminism accessible to a wide audience. Through anecdotes and examples, she challenges societal norms and encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and actions regarding gender equality. The book serves as a reminder that feminism is not just a women's issue but a human rights issue that requires everyone's participation for meaningful change to occur.
Okoloma was one of my greatest childhood friends. He lived on my street and looked after me like a big brother: If I liked a boy, I would ask Okoloma’s opinion. Okoloma was funny and intelligent and w...'Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen' by Laurie Colwin is a collection of personal essays on food and cooking that are both humorous and thoughtful. The book combines anecdotes, recipes, and reflections on life, all intertwined with Laurie Colwin's unique writing style. Through her essays, Colwin shares her experiences in the kitchen, from hosting dinner parties in a small apartment to experimenting with different recipes. The writing is described as funny, personal, and revealing, creating an intimate connection with the reader as if having a conversation with a close friend.
The best way to feel at ease in the kitchen is to learn at someone’s knee. Years ago a child (usually a girl) would learn from her parent (usually her mother) by standing on a chair next to the stove ...- #5
Save:'Shooting an Elephant' by George Orwell is a collection of essays that delve into various themes such as imperialism, colonialism, war, injustice, and racism. Through his storytelling style, Orwell provides a profound exploration of these complex topics. The book includes essays like 'Shooting an Elephant,' 'A Hanging,' 'Marrakech,' and 'The Clink,' which are considered classics and are highly recommended for their depth and commentary on societal issues.
From a very early age, perhaps the age of five or six, I knew that when I grew up I should be a writer. Between the ages of about seventeen and twenty-four I tried to abandon this idea, but I did so w... - #6
Save:'The Empathy Exams' by Leslie Jamison is a collection of personal essays that delve deep into the exploration of empathy, pain, and human connection. Through her poignant writing style, Jamison shares her own vulnerabilities and experiences, inviting readers to reflect on their own understanding of empathy in various situations. The book covers a wide range of topics, from medical education to societal issues, all woven together with a focus on the complexities of human emotions and interactions.
The essays in 'The Empathy Exams' offer a unique and thought-provoking insight into the different facets of empathy, pain, and connection. Jamison's writing style is both intellectually engaging and emotionally raw, creating a powerful narrative that challenges readers to consider the ways in which they relate to others and navigate the complexities of human experiences.
My job title is medical actor, which means I play sick. I get paid by the hour. Medical students guess my maladies. I’m called a standardized patient, which means I act toward the norms set for my dis... - #7
Save:'I Love Everybody' by Laurie Notaro is a collection of humorous personal essays that offer a funny and honest take on everyday life experiences. The author's writing style captures relatable moments, such as interactions with strangers, family dynamics, and quirky observations, making readers laugh at themselves and the absurdities of life. Notaro's storytelling covers a range of topics, from passing kidney stones to encounters with eccentric characters like Jerry the tree guy, creating an entertaining and light-hearted read that resonates with readers.
- #8
Save:Winner of a Foreword IndieFab Book of the Year Award
In 1967, Joan Didion wrote an essay called Goodbye to All That, a work of such candid and penetrating prose that it soon became the gold standard for personal essays. Like no other story before
... - #9
Save:The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the author's experience with grief and mourning after the sudden death of her husband and the critical illness of her daughter. Didion's writing style is described as raw, honest, and poignant, capturing the profoundness of a lengthy marriage and the crippling grief of its unexpected end. The book delves into the stages of grief, offering insights and detailed analysis of the author's reactions, thoughts, and feelings as she navigates through loss and tries to come to terms with this life-altering event.
At times, the book reads like a shipwreck, mirroring Didion's state of mind during this period when she grapples with the possibility of her husband's return. The writing is elegant yet down to earth, with a sharply honed talent for language and a strict honesty that makes this memoir a treasure. Didion's ability to convey emotions surrounding loss and love is highlighted, as she weaves together memories, personal reflections, and literary allusions to create a contemplative collection of prose that delves into the depths of human experience.
Those were the first words I wrote after it happened. The computer dating on the Microsoft Word file (“Notes on change.doc”) reads “May 20, 2004, 11:11 p.m.,” but that would have been a case of my ope... - #10
Save:'All Boys Aren't Blue' by George M. Johnson is a memoir manifesto that delves into the author's childhood, adolescence, and college years as a Black queer boy. Through a series of personal essays, Johnson explores themes of identity, family, resilience, trauma, and self-discovery. The book candidly discusses heavy topics such as sexual abuse, toxic masculinity, and societal challenges faced by queer Black individuals, while also highlighting the importance of love, hope, and authenticity in one's journey towards self-acceptance. Johnson's writing style is described as raw, heartwarming, and deeply personal, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his experiences and emotions.
But before I get into that, introductions: My name is Matthew Johnson. Well, realistically, my name is George Matthew Johnson, but at five years old, I didn’t know that yet. It all will matter in the ...
