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Books matching: personal loss

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend by Martin Short
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    'I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend' by Martin Short is a memoir that takes readers through the ups and downs of Short's life and career, from his humble beginnings in Canada to his success in the entertainment industry. The book is filled with anecdotes about his comedy sketches, behind-the-scenes stories, and touching moments, including his love for his late wife. Short's writing style is described as entertaining, amusing, and at times, poignant, making it an easy and enjoyable read, especially when listened to in audio format where he performs impressions and characters from his career.

    It’s May 1977, and I am having an argument with the woman who will become my wife. We’re not arguing about anything serious—Nancy and I rarely do. But I’ve been behaving rudely, or so Nancy thinks (th...

  2. #2
    Vengeance Road
    Book 1 in the series:The Wanderer

    Vengeance Road - The Wanderer by G. Michael Hopf
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    'Vengeance Road' in the series 'The Wanderer' by G. Michael Hopf is a western-themed novel that follows the story of John Nichols seeking vengeance after the Civil War. The plot is described as well-woven, exciting, and fast-paced, set in the Wild West where characters are on a quest for retribution. The writing style is praised for its ability to develop characters and storylines effectively in a short time, creating a believable and engaging narrative.


  3. #3

    The Disappointment Artist by Jonathan Lethem
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    Jonathan Lethem's 'The Disappointment Artist' is a collection of essays that delve into the pop culture obsessions that shaped him as a writer. The book covers a wide range of topics, from music, movies, and art to books and authors, with a particular focus on his personal experiences and reflections. Lethem's writing style is characterized by a mix of introspection, nostalgia, and humor, as he navigates between discussing nerdy childhood obsessions and delving into more profound themes like loss and creativity.

    Throughout the essays, Lethem offers insights into his own life and creative process, weaving together personal anecdotes with cultural commentary. The book is a blend of memoir and literary critique, where Lethem explores his fascination with various aspects of pop culture while also reflecting on his own journey as a writer, making it a compelling read for fans of essays and those interested in understanding the influences behind an author's work.


  4. #4

    The Devil in the Kitchen by Marco Pierre White
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    'The Devil in the Kitchen' by Marco Pierre White is an autobiography that delves into the life of the renowned British chef, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the youngest ever 3 Michelin Star holder. The narrative captures White's relentless pursuit of culinary perfection, his tumultuous relationships with colleagues and peers like Gordon Ramsay, and the impact of his upbringing on his career. Readers are taken through the evolution of high-end restaurants and the intense environment of professional kitchens, offering insights into the world of fine dining and the challenges faced by chefs striving for excellence.

    This was in the mid-nineties, one evening shortly before dinner service. I was standing at the passe—the counter where the plates are collected by the waiters—in my kitchen at the Restaurant Marco Pie...

  5. #5

    Deep River by Shusaku Endo
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    In 'Deep River' by Shusaku Endo, a group of Japanese tourists embark on a pilgrimage to India, each seeking answers to their individual struggles and demons. The characters' journeys intertwine as they explore themes of religious belief, redemption, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the River Ganges. Endo weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of life, death, and the search for meaning, drawing parallels between different faiths and human experiences.

    Endo's writing style in 'Deep River' is reflective and thought-provoking, prompting readers to question the significance of religious diversity and the universal presence of God. The novel explores the characters' inner turmoil and external journeys, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the transcendent power of spirituality in navigating life's challenges and uncertainties.

    Whenever Isobe reflected back on the moment when the doctor informed him that his wife had incurable cancer, the voice of a street vendor peddling roasted sweet potatoes below the window of the examin...

  6. #6
    Steal the Light
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Thieves

    Steal the Light - Thieves by Lexi Blake
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    In 'Steal the Light' by Lexi Blake, Zoey, a human thief, finds herself in a dangerous situation after being tricked into signing a contract with a demon. Alongside her crew of supernatural beings, including a vampire ex-boyfriend and a faery prince, Zoey embarks on a chaotic journey to steal an artifact while facing obstacles that put her soul at risk. The book combines elements of humor, action, intense romance, and a love triangle, all set in a paranormal world with three-dimensional characters and an overarching plot that unfolds throughout the series.

    Lucas Halfer made a memorable first impression. By all appearances, he was a man in his prime, perhaps forty or forty-five. The world I dealt in was rife with secrets and things that were not what the...

  7. #7

    Howl, Kaddish and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg
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    'Howl, Kaddish and Other Poems' by Allen Ginsberg is a collection of poems that showcase the author's spontaneous, free-flowing style that captures the essence of the Beat Generation. The poems cover a range of themes from personal struggles to societal critiques, with a mix of intense and raw emotions. Ginsberg's writing style, marked by rambling rhythms and powerful imagery, delves into topics like death, decay of the human mind, and political issues, creating a challenging yet memorable reading experience.

    The collection includes iconic poems like 'Howl' and 'Kaddish,' where Ginsberg expresses his thoughts on societal hypocrisy, egotism, and personal struggles, giving readers a glimpse into the poet's inner turmoil and reflections on life. The poems are not just words on a page but a reflection of the turbulent times and the countercultural movement that Ginsberg was a part of, making this book a significant representation of Beat Poetry and Ginsberg's impactful voice in American Literature.


  8. #8

    Varina by Charles Frazier
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    Southern Belle Varina finds her prospects of marriage becoming severely compromised by her father's debts so marriage to older widower Jeff seems like a good idea. Jeff is building a plantation but after becoming a hero in the Mexican War he turns his hand to politics and Varina has to learn to be a political wife. Jeff is Jefferson Davis and Varina is the First Lady of the Confederate President during the Civil War. After the defeat Jeff sends Varina and the family away and they travel across the South with enemies chasing them all the way. Told as a memoir dictated to a former member of the household, this is fictionalised biography of a real life character, Varina Davis, someone at the epicentre of the Civil War. In this book Varina is a complex and wilful character, her marriage seeing ups and downs and the excitement of the family's flight across the defeated South is an excellent juxtaposition to the genteel life of a society hostess who never quite fits in.

    Once again, I wish GoodReads allowed for half stars This book would merit 4 in my estimation... A middle aged black man visits a Saratoga Springs, New York, resort hotel in 1906, and asks to see Varina Howell Davis, the widow of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, who is staying there. His recollections of his childhood are sketchy, but a recent publication has stirred him to find out more and this is his starting point. For the remainder of the book, over the course of several Sunday afternoons stretching months, James Blake and Varina Davis reminisce starting with their interactions some 40 years earlier, but including the teenage Varina's courtship by Jeff Davis, their married life, and her thoughts about the Civil War and life in general. The portrait of the First Lady of the Confederacy that emerges is vivid and realistic, but I found the depiction of conditions in the South immediately after the fall of Richmond in 1865 of particular intensity and interest.

    IF HE IS THE BOY IN THE BLUE BOOK, WHERE TO START? HE can’t expect to recognize her after four decades, and he certainly doesn’t expect her to recognize him. The last time they saw each other he would...

  9. #9

    What Do You Care What Other People Think? by Richard P. Feynman
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    'What Do You Care What Other People Think?' by Richard P. Feynman is a collection of autobiographical stories that offer a glimpse into the life and mind of the brilliant physicist. The book covers various aspects of Feynman's life, from his personal anecdotes and romances to his involvement in the investigation of the Challenger space shuttle disaster. Readers found the book to be a mix of amusing tales, insightful musings on intellect and curiosity, and detailed accounts of Feynman's work and personal experiences.

    I HAVE a friend who’s an artist, and he sometimes takes a view which I don’t agree with. He’ll hold up a flower and say, “Look how beautiful it is,” and I’ll agree. But then he’ll say, “I, as an artis...

  10. #10

    Bangkok Wakes to Rain by Pitchaya Sudbanthad
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    Bangkok Wakes to Rain by Pitchaya Sudbanthad is a novel that intricately weaves together stories of characters spanning different time periods in Thailand, from colonial Siam to a future flooded Bangkok. Through loosely connected characters, the book explores themes of history, family, and the impact of time on individuals and a changing city. The writing style is described as superb, with each chapter carefully placed to contribute to the greater narrative, creating a coherent and pleasurable reading experience that delves into the layers of Bangkok's history and culture.

    Always, she arrives near evening. The last few children in blue-and-white uniforms have finished their after-school work and are plodding along in small gangs or, like her, alone. They don’t take noti...

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