Books matching: realism in fiction
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- #1Rise Of The GrandmasterBook 1 in the series:Rise of the Grandmaster
"Rise Of The Grandmaster" is a LitRPG novel that takes place within a game setting. The story follows the main character, Tim, as he navigates through a game world where individuals work as NPCs in various shops for 8 hours a game day. Despite some political viewpoints and sophomoric innuendos, the story moves well with well-done LitRPG elements and explores the concept of NPCs having their own plot lines.
- #2
'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a poignant tale about the friendship between two drifters, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The story follows their journey as they seek work on a ranch in California, highlighting the challenges they face due to Lennie's mental disability and their shared dream of owning a farm. Through vivid character portrayals and a dialogue-driven narrative, Steinbeck masterfully captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in the 1930s.
The novella delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of dreams amidst a backdrop of sadness and violence. Through George and Lennie's endearing relationship, Steinbeck explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of tragic outcomes. The book's concise yet impactful storytelling style, coupled with its profound character development, evokes deep emotions in readers and leaves a lasting impression of the struggles faced by individuals during a tumultuous era.
A FEW MILES south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight b... - #3
'172 Hours on the Moon' by Johan Harstad is a YA sci-fi horror novel that follows the story of three teenagers who are chosen to go on a mission to the moon by NASA. The book explores their individual struggles and fears as they face mysterious and terrifying events on the moon. The plot unfolds slowly, building up tension and suspense, eventually leading to a chilling climax that leaves readers thoroughly creeped out. The writing style incorporates elements of realism by blending facts about space, the moon, and past space travel, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
The book delves into themes of secrets, love, family dynamics, and the unknown, as the characters navigate through a series of eerie and spine-tingling experiences on the moon. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the dark history of the DARLAH station and the moon missions, culminating in a haunting and unforgettable ending.
It seemed like half of Japan was at Narita International Airport. But most of them weren’t actually going anywhere. They had all come to see Midori Yoshida say good-bye to the old country on her way t... - #4
In "Q is for Quarry," private investigator Kinsey Millhone is enlisted by two retired detectives to help solve a cold case from 1969 involving the murder of an unidentified teenage girl found in a quarry. The story unfolds as Kinsey delves into the case, uncovering clues and navigating through small California desert towns, all while balancing personal relationships and family dynamics. The plot is based on a true cold case, adding an element of realism to the narrative. Readers appreciate the engaging mystery and the development of the characters, particularly the dynamics between Kinsey and the elderly detectives she is assisting.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kinsey Millhone ) - #5
The Sum of All Fears by Tom Clancy is a gripping techno-thriller that explores the terrifying prospect of a nuclear warhead falling into the hands of determined terrorists. The plot weaves through various storylines, including Washington politics, espionage, and military conflicts, culminating in a shocking terrorist attack on US soil. The writing style is detailed and technical, with intense storytelling that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, showcasing Clancy's mastery in the techno thriller genre.
“Like the wolf on the fold.” In recounting the Syrian attack on the Israeli-held Golan Heights at 1400 local time on Saturday, the 6th of October, 1973, most commentators automatically recalled Lord B...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jack Ryan Universe ) - #6
"Poison" by Sarah Pinborough is a modern, grown-up retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale. It features all the familiar characters like the evil queen, the handsome prince, and the seven dwarfs but adds explicit scenes and adult themes, making it a dark and twisted version of the well-known story. The author, Pinborough, cleverly embellishes and twists the original Snow White narrative, providing readers with a fresh perspective on the characters and their motivations. The writing style blends adult themes seamlessly into the fairy tale setting, creating more realistic and complex characters, particularly Queen Lilith and Snow White.
"Poison" captivates readers with its unique take on the Snow White tale, offering surprising twists, psychological realism, and a refreshing dose of humor. is a quick and easy read, with enough of the original story to be recognizable yet different enough to keep readers engaged. Pinborough's storytelling breathes new life into the characters, transforming Snow White into a woman of action and Queen Lilith into a multi-dimensional figure with a compelling backstory. The book's dark ending and adult themes make it a compelling read for fans of fairy tale retellings and those looking for a more wicked and mature take on the classic story.
‘She’s too old for that nickname,’ the queen said. She was standing at the window of the royal bedchamber and looking down at the courtyard below. Morning sun beat on the ground, but the air was still... - #7
'Potiki' by Patricia Grace is a novel that beautifully celebrates the unity of story and life, portraying the Maori culture and traditions through engaging characters and magical realism. The book delves into the struggle of the Maori people to protect their land from developers and external influences, highlighting the values of caring for the land, respecting ancestors, and listening to others' stories. The writing style of the author seamlessly adapts to the tempo of the action and themes, creating a musical rhythm that enhances the storytelling and immerses the reader in the lives of the Maori characters.
My name is Roimata Kararaina and I’m married to Hemi Tamihana. We have four children, James, Tangimoana, Manu and Tokowaru-i-te-Marama. We live by the sea, which hems and stitches the scalloped edges ... - #8
In The Heart of Redness, Zakes Mda crafts a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together the historical struggles of the Xhosa people in South Africa with the modern-day dilemmas faced by the descendants of those original factions. The novel delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, belief and skepticism, as characters grapple with the legacy of past prophecies and the implications for their present and future. Mda's writing style is described as poetic yet forceful, hinting at magical realism while grounding the narrative in the realities of South African history and society.
And he cries often. Sometimes just a sniffle. Or a single tear down his cheek. As a result he carries a white handkerchief all the time, especially these days when peace has returned to the land and t... - #9
Set in a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood in 1947, "Snow in August" by Pete Hamill follows the poignant tale of an Irish Catholic boy named Michael Devlin and Rabbi Judah Hirsch, a refugee from Prague. The story delves into themes of childhood, prejudice, religion, cultures, sports, friendship, and mysticism as these two unlikely friends navigate the harsh realities of post-WWII Brooklyn. Through their bond, they confront issues of injustice, racism, and the power of belief while facing challenges from a gang of hoods terrorizing their neighborhood. The narrative weaves together elements of Irish Catholic upbringing, Jewish traditions, and the magic of friendship in a compelling and heartwarming coming-of-age story.
The book is praised for its vivid depiction of 1940s Brooklyn, the endearing friendship between Michael and Rabbi Hirsch, and the exploration of complex themes such as racial tensions, religious discrimination, and overcoming adversity. Hamill's writing style seamlessly blends historical context with elements of fantasy and magic, creating a soulful and heartfelt novel that captivates readers with its mix of reality and mysticism. The story unfolds through the eyes of young Michael, offering a unique perspective on the challenges of growing up in a diverse and divided community, ultimately culminating in a surprising and magical ending that ties together the themes of the book in a satisfying way.
Once upon a cold and luminous Saturday morning, in an urban hamlet of tenements, factories, and trolley cars on the western slopes of the borough of Brooklyn, a boy named Michael Devlin woke in the da... - #10
'Jerusalem' by Cecelia Holland is a historical novel set in the medieval kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades. The story revolves around Rannulf Fitzwilliam, a Templar knight with a mysterious past who struggles with internal conflicts. The novel delves into the clash between European and Islamic cultures, as well as the challenges faced by characters like Princess Sibylla and King Baldwin. The writing style is described as immersive, with detailed settings that transport the reader to the Holy Land in the 1180s, showcasing the struggles and battles faced by the Templars and the residents of Jerusalem and Damascus.
Rannulf slid down over its crupper to the ground. The other knight kept to his saddle; with a half-spoken oath he slammed his spurred heels savagely into the horse’s flanks. The beast gave a long wear...