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Books matching: personalized hell

56 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 56 
  1. #1

    A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck
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    A man named Soren Johansson finds himself in a personalized version of Hell after dying, based on Borges' Library of Babel. Sentenced to spend eternity in this hell, he must search for the one book that contains the story of his life among countless volumes. The novella explores the concept of eternity, human adaptation, religion, and tolerance, as Soren and his companions navigate through challenges like intimate relationships, organized study, cults, violence, compassion, loneliness, pain, sorrow, hopelessness, and love.

    The book is a philosophical examination of infinity and eternity, delving into the human capacity to adapt and the implications of eternity. It presents a thought-provoking exploration of a personalized Hell, where individuals must confront the challenges of finding their life story in a library containing all possible books ever written.

    UPON LEAVING THE DEMON, I was disoriented and could only tell I was in an immense, spacious building. Strangely, to my surprise and despite my terror, confusion, and fear, I felt better than I had for...

  2. #2

    Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl
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    Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl follows a group of friends who are stuck in a Groundhog Day-style loop in a purgatory known as the Neverworld Wake. The story delves into themes of friendship, loss, memory, and the complexities of human emotions as the characters navigate through a fantasy world with unexpected twists and turns. The protagonist, Beatrice Hartley, leads the group in unraveling the mystery behind the death of her boyfriend, Jim, as they are faced with making a life-altering decision to break free from the time loop.

    The narrative of Neverworld Wake is described as atmospheric, haunting, and intense, with a blend of supernatural elements and grounded reality. The author skillfully weaves together complex timelines, clues, and character dynamics, leading readers through a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected revelations and explosive twists that challenge perceptions and keep readers engaged until the final page.

    Too long. WTF. #notcool. Sorry. My Tourette’s again. How was your freshman year? Amazing? Awful? Seriously. We miss you. Breaking the silence bc the gang is heading to Wincroft for my bday. The Linda ...

  3. #3

    And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich
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    "And the Trees Crept In" by Dawn Kurtagich is a dark, claustrophobic, psychological gothic horror novel that delves into the terrifying world of La Baume, where trees encroach upon the characters' sanctuary, and mysterious tall beings lurk in the shadows. The plot unfolds through the eyes of Silla, who races through the forest with her sister to her aunt's isolated mansion, setting the eerie tone right from the start. The narrative style is riveting and intense, drawing readers into Silla's emotional turmoil and confusion as she navigates the dark secrets of the mansion and her own mind. The story intricately weaves elements of gothic literature, mental health struggles, and a creeping sense of dread that keeps readers on edge.

    1980: Catherine, the tallest and wisest of the girls, had the idea first, but that fact would soon be forgotten. Because the idea was a little like a drop of ink in water, it spread quickly, dissipati...

  4. #4

    The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
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    'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is a poignant and haunting story narrated by a murdered fourteen-year-old girl, Susie Salmon, speaking from heaven. The book explores the aftermath of her death on her family and friends as they cope with the tragedy and try to find her killer. The unique perspective of the deceased protagonist offers a fresh and emotional insight into grief, loss, and the struggle for justice. The writing style is described as beautiful, clear, and powerful, creating a compelling narrative that delves into both the heartbreaking and hopeful aspects of the story.

    The plot of 'The Lovely Bones' unfolds through Susie's observations from the afterlife as she watches over her loved ones and the man who took her life. The book touches on themes of coping with loss, seeking redemption, and the impact of a tragic event on relationships. Despite some readers finding certain aspects disturbing or slow-paced, the overall story is praised for its unique perspective, emotional depth, and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the human experience.

    My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973. In newspaper photos of missing girls from the seventies, most looked like me: white girls ...

  5. #5

    On a Pale Horse - Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony
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    On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony is the first book in the Incarnations of Immortality series, where Death is portrayed as a character who can be killed and replaced by a mortal. The story follows Zane, a photographer who unintentionally takes over the role of Death and must navigate the responsibilities and challenges that come with the position. The book blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, exploring themes of mortality, destiny, and the supernatural, all while offering a unique perspective on traditional beliefs about life and death.

    The writing style of On a Pale Horse is described as a mix of fantasy and philosophical musings, with a touch of humor and a deep exploration of existential themes. Readers appreciate the way the author, Piers Anthony, weaves together a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, creating a world where supernatural entities like Death and Satan are portrayed in a humanized and relatable manner.

    The man smiled, an obviously perfunctory and practiced expression reserved for wavering marks. He was well dressed, but somewhat sallow, in the manner of those who remained in the shade too long. “You...

  6. #6

    Inferno by Dante Alighieri (Dante)
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    Readers share mixed opinions on Dante Alighieri's 'Inferno.' Some found the book to be a challenging yet rewarding journey through the nine circles of hell, appreciating the rich allegorical elements and historical insights it provided. Others struggled with the complex language and lack of action, feeling that the book may not appeal to a broader audience due to its dense nature and heavy reliance on footnotes.

    “Reader, this is an honest book.” Montaigne says this of his Essays. We would like to say the same of this translation. We have tried to bring Dante into our English without being led into the temptat...

  7. #7

    Creed by James Herbert
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    "Creed" by James Herbert follows the story of Joe Creed, a freelance photographer who stumbles upon a mysterious event at a celebrity funeral. Capturing something unsettling on film, Creed's life takes a dangerous turn as he delves into a world of supernatural creatures and dark forces. The plot unravels with a mix of humor, horror, and suspense, as Creed navigates through unexpected twists and uncovers the truth behind the chilling events he has witnessed.

    The writing style of James Herbert in "Creed" is described as engaging and entertaining, with a blend of British flair and pulpy tone. The character of Joe Creed is portrayed as a complex and realistic protagonist, leading readers on a rollercoaster ride of paranormal adventures while maintaining a balance between disbelief and acceptance of the supernatural occurrences.

    His trade? Taking candid snaps of the rich, the famous, or those who fall into that loose category of celeb. Ideally these snaps are of the kind the subject – or victim – would prefer not to be publis...

  8. #8

    The Temple by H.P. Lovecraft
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    The Temple by H.P. Lovecraft is a short story that takes place on a German submarine during World War I, where the crew encounters strange and eerie occurrences after their submarine goes down near an ancient underwater temple city. The story is known for its atmospheric dread and darkness, and features a cold and unsettling WW1 German U-boat captain as the protagonist. Lovecraft's writing style in The Temple is described as intricately written, with a focus on understatement and a gradual unraveling of the narrator's mind.

    On August 20, 1917, I, Karl Heinrich, Graf von Altberg-Ehrenstein, Lieutenant-Commander in the Imperial German Navy and in charge of the submarine U-29, deposit this bottle and record in the Atlantic ...

  9. #9

    The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis
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    Set in the 1980s on a New England college campus, 'The Rules of Attraction' follows a period in the lives of Lauren, Paul, and Sean who get caught up in a love triangle. The book explores a bisexual love triangle filled with misinformation, misidentity, self-obsession, emotional blackmail, immaturity, substance abuse, and a lack of self-respect among privileged college students. The narrative style shifts between different characters' perspectives, offering insight into their personalities and relationships, often highlighting their delusions and self-inflicted struggles.

    The story unfolds through multiple narrators, showcasing the same events from vastly different viewpoints, creating a Rashomon-like quality that delves into the complexities of personal relationships and individual interpretations. The novel provides an interesting study on how navigating personal relationships can be challenging, especially in an environment saturated with alcohol, drugs, and youthful beauty, resonating with college students across generations.

    SEAN The party is starting to end. I get to Windham House right when the last keg is being tapped. The deal in town went okay and I have some cash so I buy some weed from this Freshman who lives in th...

  10. #10

    The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt
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    Set in England between 1895 and 1919, 'The Children's Book' by A.S. Byatt follows the intertwined lives of the Wellwood family and their acquaintances, focusing on Olive Wellwood, a successful writer of children's fairy tales. The novel delves into the complexities of the family dynamics, dark secrets, and the struggle of the children to navigate adulthood amidst the backdrop of a bohemian Edwardian England. Byatt intricately weaves together themes of art, writing, fairy tales, and political movements of the time, providing a vivid portrayal of the era and its societal struggles.

    The book is a sprawling narrative that explores the impact of art on its subjects, the challenges of differentiating between fantasy and reality, and the toll that history takes on individuals as they navigate through life. Byatt's writing style is described as detailed and rich, with a focus on historical accuracy and intricate character development, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience.

    Two boys stood in the Prince Consort Gallery, and looked down on a third. It was June 19th, 1895. The Prince had died in 1861, and had seen only the beginnings of his ambitious project for a gathering...

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