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Books matching: raw and honest portrayal

48 result(s)

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  1. #1

    Nevada by Imogen Binnie
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    'Nevada' by Imogen Binnie follows the journey of Maria, a trans woman living in NYC, navigating a disintegrating lesbian relationship and struggling with her own identity. The novel delves into themes of gender, sexuality, and self-discovery, offering a raw and honest portrayal of Maria's inner struggles and external challenges. The writing style shifts between different voices, providing insights into the characters' thoughts and experiences, ultimately leading the reader on a journey of self-reflection and understanding.

    Trans women in real life are different from trans women on television. For one thing, when you take away the mystification, misconceptions and mystery, they’re at least as boring as everybody else. Oh...

  2. #2

    Beautiful by Amy Reed
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    'Beautiful' by Amy Reed is a powerful and dark story that delves into the life of a teenage girl named Cassie. The book explores themes of family dysfunction, social pressures, deep insecurities, and loneliness, capturing the struggles of being a 13-year-old girl. The writing style is described as descriptively spot on and gritty, immersing readers in Cassie's world and emotions, even if at times it may be hard to follow due to Cassie's erratic behavior.

    The plot follows Cassie's journey through difficult situations, including drug and alcohol abuse, as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. Despite some readers feeling that the characters were not fully developed and the ending being unclear and depressing, the book is praised for its raw and honest portrayal of teenage struggles, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.


  3. #3

    Birthday Letters by Ted Hughes
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    'Birthday Letters' by Ted Hughes delves into the tumultuous relationship between the poet and his late wife, Sylvia Plath. Through a collection of poems, Hughes explores the highs and lows of their marriage, addressing themes of love, grief, and introspection. The writing style is described as confessional, visceral, and powerful, offering a raw and honest portrayal of their complex relationship.

    So there in Number Eighteen Rugby Street’s Victorian torpor and squalor I waited for you. I think of that house as a stage-set – Four floors exposed to the auditorium. On all four floors, in, out, the...

  4. #4

    Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo
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    'Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth' by Xiaolu Guo is a poignant and fragmented narrative that follows the journey of Fenfang Wang, a young Chinese girl who leaves her peasant village to pursue a career in acting in Beijing. Through twenty 'fragments', the book delves into Fenfang's coming-of-age experiences, both in her rural hometown and the bustling city, capturing her struggles, aspirations, and relationships in a non-linear and conversational storytelling style that offers a raw and honest portrayal of youth in modern-day China.

    If you think 21 sounds a bit late for youth to start, just think about the average dumb Chinese peasant, who leaps straight from childhood to middle age with nothing in between. If I was going to miss...

  5. #5

    Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas
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    "Down These Mean Streets" by Piri Thomas is a memoir depicting the author's tumultuous upbringing in Spanish Harlem during the 1940s and 1950s. It delves into his struggles with youth crime, gang involvement, drug addiction, and time spent in prison, while also exploring the themes of race and identity. The narrative provides a raw and intimate account of Piri's journey from boyhood to manhood, navigating a tough world where strength was essential, and weakness was not tolerated.

    Piri Thomas's writing style in "Down These Mean Streets" is described as engaging and entertaining, with a matter-of-fact tone that vividly portrays the experiences of the author and his gang in their youth. captures the essence of life in New York's Spanish Harlem, offering a glimpse into a world filled with violence, cultural clashes, and personal struggles, ultimately painting a poignant picture of resilience and self-discovery.

    I had been walking around since 9 p.m. My thoughts were boiling. Poppa ain’t ever gonna hit me again. I’m his kid, too, just like James, José, Paulie, and Sis. But I’m the one that always gets the bla...

  6. #6

    An Evil Cradling by Brian Keenan
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    'An Evil Cradling' by Brian Keenan is a gripping memoir that details the harrowing experience of the author's four and a half years as a hostage in Lebanon. Keenan provides a vivid and emotional account of the physical and mental suffering endured during his captivity, highlighting the importance of human relationships and the strength found in friendship, particularly with fellow captive John McCarthy. The book captures the dark world Keenan lived in, showcasing his courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.

    Keenan's writing style is described as powerful, haunting, and beautifully written, with a balance of dark humor and deep emotional insights. The narrative takes readers on a journey through the horrors of imprisonment, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the author's experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Through Keenan's eloquent prose, readers are able to gain a valuable insight into the complexities of surviving captivity and finding hope amidst despair.

    I think it was D. H. Lawrence, speaking about the act of writing, who said that writers throw up their sickness in books. So it is with this work. It is the process of abreaction in art form, both a t...

  7. #7

    The Best Awful by Carrie Fisher
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    "The Best Awful" by Carrie Fisher follows the journey of Suzanne Vale as she navigates life post-rehab and post-divorce, dealing with the unexpected revelation that her husband is gay. The book delves into Suzanne's struggles with bipolar disorder, her decision to go off her medication, and the ensuing chaotic episodes that lead her to a mental hospital. Fisher's writing style, blending fiction with personal experiences, offers a raw and honest portrayal of mental illness, relationships, and self-discovery. Readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to tears, as Suzanne's story unfolds with wit and authenticity.

    In "The Best Awful," Fisher weaves a narrative that is disarmingly honest, painfully raw, and brilliantly witty. Through Suzanne's character, the author explores themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the complexities of mental health. The book provides a glimpse into the tumultuous life of a woman facing personal demons, societal expectations, and the challenges of finding stability amidst chaos.


  8. #8

    Leaving Las Vegas by John O'Brien
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    'Leaving Las Vegas' by John O'Brien is a poignant and raw portrayal of the tragic love story between Ben, an alcoholic who has given up on life, and Sera, a prostitute seeking independence in Las Vegas. The book delves deep into the themes of addiction, despair, and the unconventional connection between two lost souls. O'Brien's writing style is described as spare yet honest, with simple dialogue that brings the characters to life in a realistic and authentic way.

    Sucking weak coffee through a hole in the plastic lid of a red and green styrofoam cup, Sera spots a place to sit down. She has been walking around now for at least two hours and wants desperately to ...

  9. "A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back" by Kevin Hazzard is a memoir that provides a glimpse into the intense and unpredictable world of EMTs and paramedics. Through a series of episodic chapters, the author recounts his experiences working in the high-pressure environment of Atlanta, sharing stories of the challenges, near misses, and burnout that come with the job. Hazzard's writing style captures both the craziness and the humanity of the patients and caregivers he encounters, offering a raw and honest portrayal of life on the frontlines of emergency medical services.

    Six dead bodies. Each unknown to the others—different lives, different endings—stuck in six different morgues. Through the magic of photography, they’ve congregated here—naked, lascivious—in Appendix ...

  10. #10

    Boys Don't Cry - Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
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    "Boys Don't Cry" by Malorie Blackman follows the story of 17-year-old Dante, who unexpectedly becomes a father to a baby girl he didn't know existed. Juggling his dreams and responsibilities, Dante navigates the challenges of teenage parenthood while also supporting his openly gay younger brother, Adam. The novel is written in alternating perspectives between Dante and Adam, showcasing their journey of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the importance of acceptance and love.

    Phone in hand, I smiled at the text my girl Collette had sent me. My smile didn’t last long though. I was too wound up. Thursday. A level results day! I must admit, I didn’t expect to be quite so nerv...

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