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Books matching: reality vs. illusion

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  1. #1

    Time Out of Joint by Philip K. Dick
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    "Time Out of Joint" by Philip K. Dick is a science fiction novel that delves into the themes of reality and perception. The story follows the protagonist, Ragle Gumm, who lives a seemingly ordinary life in a suburban town but begins to suspect that his reality is not what it seems. As the plot unfolds, the novel explores the concept of constructed realities and the unsettling feeling of things being out of place. Written in a gripping and provocative style, the book keeps readers engaged as they navigate through a world filled with mystery and paranoia.

    The writing style of "Time Out of Joint" is described as both imaginative and surreal, capturing the essence of Philip K. Dick's unique storytelling. Through his prose, Dick creates a sense of uneasiness and surreality, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and illusion is blurred. The novel presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to question their own perceptions and ponder the nature of existence.

    From the cold-storage locker at the rear of the store, Victor Nielson wheeled a cart of winter potatoes to the vegetable section of the produce department. In the almost empty bin he began dropping th...

  2. #2

    The Testament of Gideon Mack by James Robertson
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    'The Testament of Gideon Mack' by James Robertson is a unique and thought-provoking novel that delves into the life of Gideon Mack, a Scottish minister who claims to have met the Devil. The story unfolds through a manuscript written by Gideon, chronicling his encounters with the supernatural, his struggles with faith, and the impact of his traumatic experiences on his beliefs. Set in a small Scottish village, the narrative weaves together elements of mysticism, religion, and reality, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. The book explores themes of isolation, doubt, belief, and the complexities of human relationships, all while keeping readers engaged with its intriguing plot and compelling writing style.

    The narrative structure of 'The Testament of Gideon Mack' is rich and layered, incorporating elements of mystery and introspection that keep readers captivated. Through Gideon's journey of self-discovery and his encounters with the Devil, the novel raises questions about faith, truth, and the nature of reality. Robertson's skillful craftsmanship shines through in the construction of the story, the development of the characters, and the use of metaphors, creating a complex and immersive reading experience that challenges readers to question their beliefs and perceptions.

    When I was a child I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: yet I was already, in so many ways, the man I would become. I think back on how cold I was, even then. It is hard ...

  3. #3

    Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
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    'Shutter Island' by Dennis Lehane is a psychological thriller set on an island where an insane asylum is located. The story follows a detective investigating a murder on the island, only to find himself trapped there during a hurricane. The book is described as a fast-paced, gripping mystery with plenty of suspense and plot twists. The author creates a hauntingly stunning piece of work that combines psychological horror, mystery, and normal horror, keeping the readers engaged and thought-provoked till the end.

    TEDDY DANIELS’S FATHER had been a fisherman. He lost his boat to the bank in ’31 when Teddy was eleven, spent the rest of his life hiring onto other boats when they had the work, unloading freight alo...

  4. #4

    Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick
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    In the book 'Lies, Inc.', Earth is overcrowded, and an evil genius creates a one-way teleportation system to a habitable planet outside the solar system. The protagonist, Rachmael ben Applebaum, decides to embark on an 18-year journey to investigate the truth behind the system. However, as he delves deeper, he encounters a disorienting narrative filled with drug-induced stream of consciousness prose and a descent into madness. The plot meanders through half-formed ideas, hinting at the author's brilliance but struggling to create a cohesive storyline.

    The novel explores themes of deception, reality, identity, and corporatism, typical of Philip K. Dick's works. The narrative is disjointed, with elements of comedy, suspense, and occasional insight into the universe and human condition. Despite being well-written and retaining Dick's signature paranoia, 'Lies, Inc.' is considered one of the author's lesser works due to its confusing and garbled nature.

    Probably there would be no way to discern to whom the correct information had gone. But a carrier check maintained an automatic record of all subinformation transmitted by the bank of computers locate...

  5. #5

    Days Between Stations by Steve Erickson
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    Days Between Stations by Steve Erickson is a novel that delves into magical realism, weaving intricate plots and subtle nuances that may require a re-read to fully grasp. The book explores themes of time, parallel universes, and the merging of reality with surrealism, creating a dreamlike narrative that captivates readers. Through lush and poetic prose, Erickson takes readers on a journey through a dystopian world where characters navigate through psychological insights, chaotic details, and surreal occurrences, ultimately leading to a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

    WHEN LAUREN WAS A small girl, she would stand in the Kansan fields and call the cats. One by one they would come to her through the grass, across which lay the ice of the coming winter, and she could ...

  6. #6

    Chronic City by Jonathan Lethem
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    'Chronic City' by Jonathan Lethem is a surreal and dystopian tale set in a near-future Manhattan. The story follows former child actor Chase Insteadman, who lives on residuals and is engaged to an astronaut stranded in space. As Chase navigates this strange world, he befriends the eccentric Perkus Tooth, and together they engage in philosophical discussions, smoke pot, and embark on a quest to acquire elusive items like chauldrons from eBay. The narrative is filled with oddities like a tiger rampaging through the city and a mysterious mist covering lower Manhattan, all while exploring themes of reality, authenticity, and the blurred lines between the real and the ersatz.

    This was in the headquarters of the Criterion Collection, on Fifty-second Street and Third Avenue, on a weekday afternoon at the end of summer. I’d gone there to record a series of voice-overs for one...

  7. #7

    Calvin by Martine Leavitt
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    Seventeen-year-old Calvin, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, embarks on a journey with his delusion of Hobbes and his neighbor Susie to find comic strip author Bill Watterson in hopes of a cure. The book intertwines themes of mental illness, friendship, and self-discovery with references to the beloved comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, creating a poignant coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of identity and reality through a unique narrative style.


  8. #8

    Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances by Neil Gaiman
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    Neil Gaiman's collection of short fiction, 'Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances', offers a mix of dark and unique stories that showcase the author's wit and originality. The book includes tales featuring well-known characters like Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, and Shadow from 'American Gods', along with original stories that range from strange and edgy to creepy and thought-provoking. The writing style is described as engaging, imaginative, and inventive, with each story bringing a sense of unease or darkness that keeps readers on edge.

    SHE HAD BEEN RUNNING for four days now, a harum-scarum tumbling flight through passages and tunnels. She was hungry, and exhausted, and more tired than a body could stand, and each successive door was...

  9. #9

    The Book of Illusions by Paul Auster
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    The Book of Illusions by Paul Auster follows the story of Vermont professor David Zimmer, who becomes a recluse and an alcoholic after losing his wife and two young sons in a plane crash. His life takes a turn when he discovers a lost film by silent comedian Hector Mann, who disappeared mysteriously in 1929. This discovery leads Zimmer on a journey around the world to research and write a book on Mann, ultimately receiving a letter claiming Mann is still alive. The book intertwines David's journey of grief and recovery with the mysterious life of Hector Mann, creating a multi-layered narrative with mounting tension and a final reveal in the closing pages.

    EVERYONE THOUGHT HE was deade. When my book about his films was published in 1988, Hector Mann had not been heard from in almost sixty years. Except for a handful of historians and old-time movie buff...

  10. #10

    The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry
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    In The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry, readers are taken on a surreal journey through a mysterious noir world where clerk Charles Unwin unexpectedly finds himself promoted to detective status. With shades of Jasper Fforde and Jonathan Barnes, the story unfolds in a quirky and imaginative setting where reality blurs with fantasy. As Unwin navigates a complex plot involving missing detectives, surreal dream sequences, and a gothic city caught in perpetual rain, readers are drawn into a world reminiscent of classic noirs and visionary films like Brazil.

    Berry expertly weaves together multiple plot strands, creating a narrative that requires close attention to detail and rewards readers with a richly layered story. With elements of mystery, surrealism, and fantasy, The Manual of Detection keeps readers engaged as they follow Unwin's quest to solve a series of crimes committed through people's dreams. Through a blend of unique characters, intricate plot twists, and a writing style that balances whimsy with depth, Berry crafts a genre-bending mystery that is both captivating and original.

    Lest details be mistaken for clues, note that Mr. Charles Unwin, lifetime resident of this city, rode his bicycle to work every day, even when it was raining. He had contrived a method to keep his umb...

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