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Books matching: poverty and family dynamics

57 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 57 
  1. #1

    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
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    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a heartwarming coming-of-age story set in the early 20th century Brooklyn, following the life of young Francie Nolan as she navigates poverty, family dynamics, and the pursuit of education. Through vivid descriptions and deep emotional connections, readers are immersed in the struggles and triumphs of Francie and her family, painting a rich picture of life in Brooklyn during that era.

    SERENE WAS A WORD YOU COULD PUT TO BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. Especially in the summer of 1912. Somber, as a word, was better. But it did not apply to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Prairie was lovely and Shenandoa...

  2. #2

    Drown by Junot Diaz
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    'Drown' by Junot Diaz is a collection of short stories that explore the experiences of Dominican immigrants, particularly focusing on the themes of immigration, family dynamics, poverty, and the struggles of assimilation in the USA. The stories are interconnected, following characters like Yunior and his family as they navigate the challenges of living in the Dominican Republic and later in New Jersey. Diaz's writing style is described as stark, blunt, and emotionally impactful, offering a raw portrayal of the immigrant experience and the complexities of relationships within a family.

    We were on our way to the colmado for an errand, a beer for my tío, when Rafa stood still and tilted his head, as if listening to a message I couldn’t hear, something beamed in from afar. We were clos...

  3. #3

    Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
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    Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward is a heartbreaking and emotional novel that follows the story of a young boy named Jojo, who is responsible for caring for his little sister Kayla while living with their drug-addicted mother and incarcerated father in rural Mississippi. The book delves into themes of family, race, justice, and the impact of historical traumas, as the characters embark on a road trip to pick up their father from prison, encountering ghosts and facing their own struggles along the way. The writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and haunting, painting a vivid picture of despair and resilience that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.

    I like to think I know what death is. I like to think that it’s something I could look at straight. When Pop tell me he need my help and I see that black knife slid into the belt of his pants, I follo...

  4. #4

    Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
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    'Bastard Out of Carolina' by Dorothy Allison is a powerful and emotional novel set in the rural South, narrated from the perspective of a young girl named Bone. The story delves into the harsh realities of abuse, poverty, and dysfunctional family dynamics, particularly focusing on Bone's struggles with her abusive stepfather and her mother's complicity in the abuse. The writing style is described as rich and vivid, offering a poignant portrayal of the characters and their experiences, drawing readers into the world of the Boatwright family and their tumultuous lives.

    The book captures the raw and heartbreaking journey of Bone as she navigates through a childhood filled with trauma, violence, and neglect. Through Allison's skillful storytelling, readers are taken on a gripping coming-of-age journey that explores themes of resilience, survival, and the complexities of familial relationships. The narrative unfolds with a mix of dark and hopeful moments, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the characters while also highlighting moments of strength and courage amidst adversity.

    I’ve been cal ed Bone al my life, but my name’s Ruth Anne. I was named for and by my oldest aunt—Aunt Ruth. My mama didn’t have much to say about it, since strictly speaking, she wasn’t there. Mama an...

  5. In 'The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer' by Kate Summerscale, readers are taken on a journey through the true crime case of Robert Coombes, a 13-year-old boy who murdered his mother in 1895. The book delves into the crime itself, the aftermath, and Coombes' life post-incarceration, providing a thorough exploration of historical, social, and cultural themes of the Victorian era. Summerscale's writing is described as superb, with thorough research that balances factual information with engaging storytelling, making it a compelling read for fans of true crime and historical fiction.

    Summerscale's narrative not only covers the crime and trial but also examines possible motivations behind the murder, the treatment of criminals in mental institutions like Broadmoor, and the concept of rehabilitation. Readers are taken on a journey through Coombes' life, from his time in the criminal lunatic asylum to his later years, offering a glimpse into his transformation and redemption. The book intertwines historical context, social commentary, and meticulous research to provide a captivating account of a chilling crime and its long-lasting repercussions.

    Early in the morning of Monday 8 July 1895, Robert and Nathaniel Coombes dressed themselves, collected the family’s rent book from a room downstairs, and went out to the back yard. It was just after 6...

  6. #6

    The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
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    'The Twelve Tribes of Hattie' by Ayana Mathis is a novel that delves into the life of Hattie, a woman who migrates from Georgia to Philadelphia, raising twelve children amidst poverty, racism, mental illness, and family strife. The book is structured as a series of interconnected stories, each focusing on a different child of Hattie, spanning from the 1920s to the 1980s. Through the narratives of her children, the book explores themes of family life, the African American experience, and the impact of historical events like The Great Migration.

    Hattie’s mother, if she were still alive, would have agreed with August. She would have said Hattie had chosen vulgar names; “low and showy” she would have called them. But she was gone, and Hattie wa...

  7. #7

    A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
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    A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly is a historical fiction novel set in the early 1900s, following the story of Mattie, a young woman torn between her dreams of becoming a writer and family responsibilities. The narrative explores themes of poverty, racism, love, compassion, and hope, with a creative and clever storytelling style that includes both sad and funny situations. The book intertwines the lives of different characters, focusing on Mattie's struggles and aspirations, all set against the backdrop of an actual tragedy that occurred in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State.

    The writing style of A Northern Light is vivid and detailed, effectively conveying the surroundings, characters, and their emotions. The protagonist, Mattie, is portrayed as a relatable and strong-willed character, facing dilemmas that resonate with readers even in the present day. The novel skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, engaging the reader with a murder mystery and various other mysteries, while also delving into deeper themes of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

    When summer comes to the North Woods, time slows down. And some days it stops altogether. The sky, gray and lowering for much of the year, becomes an ocean of blue, so vast and brilliant you can't hel...

  8. #8

    The Rules of Supervillainy - The Supervillainy Saga by C.T. Phipps
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    'The Rules of Supervillainy' by C.T. Phipps follows the story of Gary, a man who unexpectedly becomes a supervillain after acquiring a magical cape previously owned by a deceased superhero. The plot involves Gary navigating through the challenges of his newfound villainous identity, his evolving relationship with his wife who aspires to be a superhero, and the quirky characters he encounters in a world where superheroes and supervillains coexist. The writing style is described as fast-paced, humorous, and engaging, with unpredictable plot twists that keep the readers entertained and eager to explore the subsequent books in the series.

    “Pardon?” The hooded cloak of my all-black costume telepathically said. Its ‘voice’ was dry and otherworldly, as if Christopher Lee had Darth Vader’s reverb. In fact, it was Cloak’s way of speaking wh...

  9. #9

    Blu's Hanging by Lois-Ann Yamanaka
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    On the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i, "Blu's Hanging" follows the Ogata children's struggles after the loss of their mother. The eldest, Ivah, takes on the responsibility of caring for her siblings, Maisie and Blu, in the emotional absence of their grief-stricken father. The book delves into themes of loss, redemption, and family dynamics, narrated in Pidgin English to convey a strong message through simple yet unconventional text. The story intricately weaves together issues of poverty, racism, and the children's yearning for acceptance and belonging in a multicultural society.

    The writing style of "Blu's Hanging" is described as powerful, poetic, and visually captivating, evoking a deep emotional response from readers. The narrative structure includes interspersed poetry, perspective shifts, and loose chronology, making it an original and well-written exploration of common themes through a unique lens.


  10. #10

    The Quiet Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott
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    'The Quiet Little Woman' by Louisa May Alcott is a collection of three heartwarming Christmas stories that focus on themes of kindness, love, and compassion. Each story involves characters who display selflessness and generosity, highlighting the true spirit of the holiday season. Alcott's writing style transports readers to a different time, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth that resonates throughout the book.


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