Books matching: post world war ii america
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- #1
Save:In "Bone Deep" by Bonnie Dee, set in post-WWII rural America, a young war widow named Sarah encounters a tattooed man at a carnival freak show. Despite prejudices and closed-mindedness in her small town, Sarah sees beyond the tattoos and finds a kindhearted soul in the man. As they navigate love, protection, and facing town gossip, the story unfolds with elements of tender romance, small-town drama, and a touch of magical realism. The writing style is described as easy, enjoyable, and poignant, with a focus on the characters' emotional journeys and the challenges they face in a simpler yet prejudiced time period.
Discordant carnival music and the smell of burnt sugar, popcorn and axle grease drifted through the crisp fall air. In the dusk, the colored lights of the rusty rides shone in broken lines where bulbs... - #2
Save:Rich Cohen has written a stunning account of his family's quite well-known business, the Cumberland Packing Company, which makes Sweet'N Low, Sugar in the Raw, NuSalts, and Butter Buds. The memoir delves into the rise of the sugar substitute market, the founding of New York, Brooklyn, and the sugar business, as well as the successful but dysfunctional nature of his family's company. The book offers a fascinating insight into the family dynamics behind the world's 'sugar replacement' businesses, outlining the dark sides of money laundering, business fraud, and the entrepreneurial rise of Sweet and Low.
The author paints a colorful picture of his family's history, tracing it from the patriarch's childhood through his death. Rich Cohen provides an insider's look at the triumphs and downfall of Sweet'N Low, discussing the rise of the sugar substitute market and the dynamics within his family business. The book not only explores the business aspects but also delves into the personal conflicts and decisions that shaped both the business and the family members up to the present day.
- #3
Save:'On the Road: the Original Scroll' by Jack Kerouac is a revolutionary autobiographical novel following Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty on a series of frenetic road trips across America and to Mexico in the late 1940s. The book captures the hedonistic and rebellious spirit of the Beat Generation, portraying a group of characters seeking adventure, spiritual transcendence, and a sense of belonging. Kerouac's writing style is described as both thought-provoking and rambling, with some readers praising the book for its wondrous adventure and stunning depiction of the Hipster American lifestyle, while others find the characters self-absorbed and the plot meandering.
I first met Dean not long after my wife and I split up. I had just gotten over a serious illness that I won’t bother to talk about, except that it had something to do with the miserably weary split-up... - #4
Save:'Nine Stories' by J.D. Salinger is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The stories are described as original, well-written, and thought-provoking, with themes ranging from love and war to childhood innocence and mental instability. Salinger's writing style is praised for its ability to capture the essence of characters and evoke strong emotional responses from readers, offering a blend of humor, wit, and poignant observations on life.
THERE WERE ninety-seven New York advertising men in the hotel, and, the way they were monopolizing the long-distance lines, the girl in 507 had to wait from noon till almost two-thirty to get her call... - #5
Save:The Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith delves into the economic landscape with original ideas and accessible explanations. Galbraith's writing style showcases intellectual superiority and a knack for constructing complete and persuasive explanations that transcend traditional economic discourse. The book offers insights into the need for a paradigm shift to handle abundance effectively and advocates for a more liberal view of economics that is relevant to all readers.
WEALTH IS NOT without its advantages and the case to the contrary, although it has often been made, has never proved widely persuasive. But, beyond doubt, wealth is the relentless enemy of understandi... 'Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man' by Susan Faludi is a thought-provoking exploration of modern American masculinity. Faludi delves into the struggles faced by men in a society that places high expectations on them to be in control and successful. Through a mix of historical analysis, interviews with disillusioned men, and critiques of consumer culture, Faludi examines the impact of societal pressures on men's identities and roles. The book challenges traditional notions of masculinity and offers insights into the complexities of gender dynamics in contemporary America.
WHEN I LISTEN TO THE SONS BORN after World War II, born to the fathers who won that war, I sometimes find myself in a reverie, conjured out of my own recollections and theirs. The more men I talk to, ...- #7
Save:Walter Mosley's 'Devil in a Blue Dress' introduces readers to the character Easy Rawlins, a black war veteran in 1948 Los Angeles who gets entangled in a web of mystery and danger when he is hired to find a missing woman. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, the novel explores themes of corruption, racism, and societal struggles through the eyes of Easy Rawlins as he navigates the seedy underbelly of the city. The plot is described as twisty and hard-boiled, filled with well-drawn characters and a strong sense of time and place that immerses readers in the noir atmosphere of the story.
Mosley's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, fast-paced narrative, and flavorful dialogue that captures the essence of 1940s Los Angeles. The book is commended for its depiction of the black experience during that era, offering a fresh perspective on the classic private eye novel by presenting a black protagonist, Easy Rawlins, in a genre typically dominated by white detectives. Despite some readers finding the plot convoluted, the novel is lauded for its social commentary on race relations and its ability to transport readers to a different time and place through compelling storytelling.
I had spent five years with white men, and women, from Africa to Italy, through Paris, and into the Fatherland itself. I ate with them and slept with them, and I killed enough blue-eyed young men to k... - #8
Save:The Archer Files by Ross Macdonald is an omnibus collection of short stories featuring private eye Lew Archer. Readers find prototypes for the full-length novels within these short stories, giving insight into how the stories evolved into novels. The book showcases Macdonald's masterful writing style, with complex and nuanced mysteries set in post-World War II California.
- #9
Save:'Wayfaring Stranger' by James Lee Burke is a gripping tale that follows the life of Weldon Holland, his wife Rosita, and their partners as they navigate through the oil industry and Hollywood in post-World War II America. The book paints a vivid picture of the Texas-Louisiana border country, capturing the essence of a time when the outlaw spirit was giving way to industrialists and robber barons. The story delves into themes of good versus evil, the complexities of personal relationships, and the struggle to maintain integrity in the face of corruption.
The narrative is rich with historical references, taking readers on a journey that spans from the Normandy invasion to the oil fields of Texas and Louisiana. Burke's lyrical writing style immerses readers in the landscape and the characters' emotional journeys, creating a tale that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The novel explores the American Dream, the impact of old wealth and big business, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
IT WAS THE year none of the seasons followed their own dictates. The days were warm and the air hard to breathe without a kerchief, and the nights cold and damp, the wet burlap we nailed over the wind... - #10
Save:'Longbourn's Songbird' by Beau North is a Pride and Prejudice variation set in the deep South in the late 1940s after World War II. The story takes place in Meryton, South Carolina, where Elizabeth has been hiding herself away at the family farm, Longbourn. The plot delves into the complex relationships and dynamics among familiar characters like Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh, while introducing unexpected twists and interactions. The author skillfully weaves issues of race, homophobia, and societal constraints into the storyline, creating a blend of the familiar Pride and Prejudice narrative with new paths and deeper character development.
The writing style of 'Longbourn's Songbird' is praised for its depth, emotional intensity, and character development. Readers appreciate the author's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from happiness to heartbreak, as they navigate through the story's well-fleshed-out characters and intricate plot twists. The book offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale, blending elements of traditional society with the freedom to express emotions in a post-war era, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.
