Books matching: poverty and hardship
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- #1
Save:'Still Woman Enough: A Memoir' by Loretta Lynn, Patsi Bale Cox is a heartfelt and engaging autobiography that delves into the life of the country music legend, Loretta Lynn. The book reveals both the highs and lows of Loretta's life, from her devoted nature towards her family and fans to the heartbreaking stories of loss and struggles she faced, especially during her tumultuous marriage to Doolittle Lynn. Readers are taken on a journey through Loretta's life, experiencing her honesty, resilience, and unwavering faithfulness, making it a compelling and emotional read that resonates with fans and newcomers alike.
The writing style of the book mirrors Loretta Lynn's candid and straightforward personality, making readers feel like they are sitting at the kitchen table with her. The narrative is a cohesive blend of candid and folksy commentary, giving readers an intimate look into Loretta's life filled with both joyous moments and hardships. Through her own words, Loretta paints a vivid picture of her life, allowing readers to connect with her on a personal level and gain a deeper understanding of the woman behind the music.
- #2
Save:"Sounder" by William H. Armstrong follows the story of a young African American boy and his family living as sharecroppers in the South during the Great Depression. When the boy's father is arrested for stealing food, the boy sets out on a journey to find him with the help of his loyal dog, Sounder. Along the way, the boy encounters prejudice, hardship, and moments of hope as he navigates through a challenging time in history. The novel paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by African Americans during a time of extreme inequality and racial tension, capturing the essence of family, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge.
THE TALL MAN stood at the edge of the porch. The roof sagged from the two rough posts which held it, almost closing the gap between his head and the rafters. The dim light from the cabin window cast l... - #3
Save:Dragonwings by Laurence Yep is a historical fiction novel set in early 20th century San Francisco, focusing on the experiences of Chinese immigrants. The story follows Moon Shadow, an eight-year-old boy who travels from China to America to reunite with his father, Windrider. Moon Shadow and his father embark on a journey to build a flying machine inspired by the Wright Brothers, despite facing cultural taboos and racial prejudice. The book explores themes of family, heritage, determination, and the challenges of assimilation in a new country, providing a vivid portrayal of Chinese American life during that era.
The narrative in Dragonwings delves into Moon Shadow's coming-of-age story, his relationship with his father, and their shared dream of defying societal norms to achieve the impossible. Laurence Yep weaves a tale that combines elements of hope, resilience, and cultural identity, offering readers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of Chinese immigrants in America. The book also touches on historical events such as the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, adding depth to the backdrop against which the characters' journey unfolds.
Kim Barnes' memoir 'In the Wilderness: Coming of Age in Unknown Country' follows her journey from a childhood in the wild Idaho landscape to breaking free from a strict fundamentalist household. The book explores themes of rebellion against family expectations, struggles with belonging, and the author's deep connection to nature. Through hauntingly crafted sentences, Barnes paints a vivid picture of her upbringing, from the idyllic woods of her early years to the challenges she faced in a more urban setting. The narrative weaves together memories of family dynamics, religious influences, and the impact of societal changes on their lives.
Past the Clearwater Timber Protection Association and the “Fire Danger” board, across the creek and before the dump, the small house squatted in a pocket of red fir and pine, not visible from the road...- #5
Save:Set in the slums of Sydney, Australia, 'The Harp in the South' by Ruth Park tells the tale of the Darcy family - Hugh, Margaret, Roie, Dolour, and Thady - living in abject poverty but sticking together through heartache, cruelty, and drunkenness. The book covers about a year in the Darcy family's life, exploring themes of poverty, hardship, family dynamics, and the influences of the Catholic church and local community in the 1940s. Ruth Park's writing style is described as strong, vigorous, and evocative, capturing the essence of the Aussie Battler spirit and creating rounded, complex, and human characters.
The old Queen was dead, and King Edward well settled on the throne of England. In far away New South Wales, in the town of Trafalgar, Hugh Darcy and Margaret Kilker were born. There were but a few mon... - #6
Save:Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart is a heart-wrenching novel set in the impoverished neighborhoods of Glasgow in the 1980s. The story follows young Shuggie as he navigates life with his alcoholic mother, Agnes, and his dysfunctional family. The book delves into themes of addiction, poverty, courage, and love, painting a vivid and raw portrait of life in the slums of Glasgow. Through Stuart's poignant writing, readers are taken on a journey filled with despair, hope, and the unwavering love between a son and his troubled mother.
The day was flat. That morning his mind had abandoned him and left his body wandering down below. The empty body went listlessly through its routine, pale and vacant-eyed under the fluorescent strip l... - #7
Save:The Rainbow Troops is a heartwarming and inspirational novel that follows a group of students at a small village school in Indonesia, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and the importance of education. The story highlights the challenges faced by these children in pursuing their right to education, the impact of poverty on their aspirations, and the unwavering dedication of their teachers in guiding them towards a better future. Through a narrative that balances humor, tenderness, and stark realities, the author paints a vivid picture of the characters' journey from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing the transformative power of learning and the resilience of the human spirit.
THAT MORNING, when I was just a boy, I sat on a long bench outside of a school. The branch of an old filicium tree shaded me. My father sat beside me, hugging my shoulders with both of his arms as he ... - #8
Save:'New Grub Street' by George Gissing is a novel set in late nineteenth-century London, focusing on the struggles of writers trying to make a living in the literary world. The book delves into the lives of individuals falling into different categories of writers - successful literary writers, those producing mass-appeal content, and starving artists. It explores themes of poverty, independence, and the changing landscape of the art of writing during that era.
The narrative of 'New Grub Street' intricately weaves together the stories of characters like Edwin Reardon, a struggling writer torn between artistic integrity and financial pressures, and Jasper Milvain, an ambitious journalist navigating the literary scene with a focus on success and practicality. The novel offers insights into the challenges faced by writers, the dynamics of relationships, and the harsh realities of the Victorian literary world.
As the Milvains sat down to breakfast the clock of Wattleborough parish church struck eight; it was two miles away, but the strokes were borne very distinctly on the west wind this autumn morning. Jas... - #9
Save:'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck is set during the Great Depression era and follows the journey of the Joad family as they leave their Oklahoma farm in search of work and a better life in California. The story chronicles the struggles and hardships faced by the family, shedding light on themes of poverty, migration, and the human spirit amidst adversity. The narrative provides a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by working-class families during a time of economic crisis, reflecting on the injustices and hardships of the era.
To the red country and part of the gray country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth. The plows crossed and recrossed the rivulet marks. The last rains lifte... - #10
Save:Nectar in a Sieve is a poignant tale set in rural India during the 1900s, narrated through the eyes of the protagonist Rukmani. The story revolves around the struggles faced by Rukmani and her husband as they navigate challenges brought about by changing economic times, from droughts to industrialization. The novel beautifully captures the determination, kindness, and persistent optimism of one family amidst the harsh realities of life, showcasing the core of human nature in the face of adversity.
The narrative of Nectar in a Sieve delves into the hardships of peasant life in India, following the journey of Rukmani as a child bride and the tribulations she encounters. Through the poetic simplicity of the writing, the author paints a moving picture of a very poor farming family, offering a glimpse into the daily struggles and sacrifices made for survival. The book's exploration of themes such as poverty, resilience, and the impact of societal changes on traditional ways of life creates a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
