Books matching: reflection at conclusion
47 result(s)
- #1Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughterby:Book 1 in the series:Chinese Cinderella
Save:"Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter" by Adeline Yen Mah tells the childhood story of a young Chinese girl living in an abusive household. The author describes her struggles of being mistreated by her stepmother and neglected by her father, yet finding strength to excel academically and rise above her circumstances. The writing style conveys strong emotions towards the characters, making readers feel inspired by the author's resilience and determination to create a better life for herself.
- #2
Save:'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' by Haruki Murakami is a collection of 24 short stories that take readers on a journey through strange and whimsical worlds. The stories are full of surprises, strange twists, and infinite spaces, showcasing Murakami's talent for describing the little nothings in between moments where time seems to stand still. Each story becomes a small journey in itself, with complete and believable worlds that blend the real and the surreal in a compelling and engrossing manner.
The writing style in 'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' is thought-provoking and unique, with Murakami's ability to meld the real and the surreal into compelling narratives. The stories range from day-to-day strangeness to psychological breaks, exploring themes of loneliness, disconnect, and multiple realities. Murakami's magical realism is beautifully envisioned, and even in his short stories, the depth of ideas is as realized as in his novels, with graceful and fast-moving writing that carries readers through each tale.
To put it in the simplest possible terms, I find writing novels a challenge, writing short stories a joy. If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting ... - #3
Save:'The Decay of the Angel' by Yukio Mishima is the final volume in the Sea of Fertility tetralogy, exploring themes of reincarnation, cultural decay, and coming to terms with death. The protagonist, Honda, believes he has found another reincarnation of his friend, Mitsugae, leading to a battle of good and evil that twists the plot and leaves existential questions unanswered. Mishima's prose is described as lyrical, mystical, and evocative, painting a picture of beauty and death intertwined in a nihilistic narrative.
The book delves into the complex interactions between characters like Honda and the young boy T ru, focusing on manipulation, malice, and self-destruction. Mishima's writing style is praised for its exquisite prose, captivating imagery of nature and decay, and unexpected plot twists that are heart-wrenching and gut-wrenching. The Decay of the Angel is seen as a worthy culmination of the tetralogy, despite some readers finding it the weakest installment, with a focus on the protagonist's obsession and the consequences of his actions.
THE MISTS in the offing turned the distant ships black. Even so it was clearer than yesterday. He could pick out the ridges of the Izu Peninsula. The May sea was calm. The sunlight was strong, there w... - #4
Save:'The World According to Garp' by John Irving is a novel that follows the life of T.S. Garp, exploring his journey through happy moments followed by tragedies, making readers both sympathize and despise the character. The book delves into complex themes such as feminism, single parenting, marital affairs, and societal issues, all while showcasing Irving's unique storytelling style that blends humor, compassion, and eccentricity.
Irving's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of quirky characters, extreme situations, and bizarre incidents that range from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly sad. The protagonist, T.S. Garp, is a writer whose life mirrors the wacky stories he creates. The novel is a mix of humor, tragedy, and classic storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both eccentric and deeply human.
John Irving, a highly imaginative storyteller whose fictional values and narrative techniques have invited comparison with Charles Dickens and other popular nineteenth-century novelists, was born in E... - #5
Save:Set during the reign of Charles II, "Restoration" by Rose Tremain follows the journey of Robert Merivel, a young and gifted doctor who rises in the court to become a favorite of the King. The book showcases the competitive and luxurious court life, the struggles of the poor in the countryside, and the devotion of Quakers to serving others. Through a picaresque journey encompassing various events like the Great Fire of London, Merivel navigates self-discovery, realizing that the pursuits he once chased may not lead to true happiness. Tremain's writing style beautifully recreates the Restoration society, offering vivid descriptions of 17th-century life and portraying the transformation of a flawed yet redeemable character.
The book is praised for its character development, particularly in the portrayal of Robert Merivel, who evolves from a foolish sycophant to a more self-aware and genuine individual. Readers appreciate Tremain's ability to capture the essence of the historical period, presenting a detailed and humorous depiction of life during the 17th century. The narrative style, focusing on Merivel's personal growth and societal observations, resonates with readers, making "Restoration" a compelling read that blends historical accuracy with engaging storytelling.
Look at me. Without my periwig, I am an affront to neatness. My hair (what is left of it) is the colour of sand and wiry as hogs’ bristles; my ears are of uneven size; my forehead is splattered with f... - #6
Save:The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton is a novel that delves into the reunion show of the rock stars Opal & Nev, exploring their explosive partnership, personal struggles, and the tragic event that shaped their careers. Through a mix of interviews, editor's notes, and narrative, the story unfolds with themes of racism, fame, power, and the seedy underbelly of the music industry in the 70s. The plot weaves through different timelines, revealing the complexities of the characters and the social and cultural turmoil of the era.
My sister, Pearl, and I grew up in Detroit. Our mother was Ruby Robinson. That’s right—she was Ruby, and she named her daughters Pearl and Opal. Since I was old enough to remember, Mama worked at the ... - #7
Save:Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter is a gritty novel that follows the life of Jack Levitt, a troubled young man who grows up in Portland, Oregon, facing struggles and hardships from a young age. The story delves into Jack's journey from petty thefts and pool hall hustles to serious trouble and incarceration in county jail. Through Jack's experiences in prison and his life post-release, the author paints a vivid portrait of a man failed by society. The writing style of the book is described as spare and thoughtful, capturing the struggles of the characters as they try to navigate life and find a reason to live amidst harsh realities.
There were worse things than being broke, but for the moment Jack Levitt could not think of any of them. He stood on Fourth Avenue in downtown Portland looking into the window of a novelty store, his ... - #8
Save:"Augustus" by John Williams is an epistolary novel that offers a unique and intimate portrait of the Roman Emperor Augustus. Through fictional letters and journal entries, the novel delves into Augustus' rise to power, his relationships with friends and enemies, and the political maneuverings that shaped the Roman Empire during his reign. The writing style is praised for its historical accuracy and detailed exploration of Augustus' personal life, providing a rich and immersive reading experience for those interested in ancient Roman history.
. . . I was with him at Actium, when the sword struck fire from metal, and the blood of soldiers was awash on deck and stained the blue Ionian Sea, and the javelin whistled in the air, and the burning... - #9
Save:'How Not To Be a Boy' by Robert Webb is a memoir that delves into the author's personal journey of navigating masculinity and gender stereotypes. The book follows Webb's introspective reflections on his own experiences, relationships, and societal expectations, highlighting the impact of toxic masculinity on both men and women. Through a blend of humor and honesty, Webb explores themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth, offering a poignant and relatable narrative that challenges conventional notions of manhood.
‘If I get this right, Tess Rampling will definitely want to have sex with me.’ The idea slouches through my fifteen-year-old brain and disappears before I’ve had time to ask it exactly why a sixth-for... - #10Breathby:
Save:'Breath' by Tim Winton is a coming-of-age novel set in a remote Western Australian town, following the adolescence of Bruce Pike, known as Pikelet, and his friend Loonie as they become obsessed with surfing. Under the guidance of a former surfing champion named Sando, the boys engage in risky surfing adventures, navigating the thrill of the waves and the dangers of the ocean. As the story unfolds, it delves into themes of friendship, risk-taking, and the impact of past events on the characters' adult lives, all narrated with beautiful language and a sense of foreboding.
WE COME SWEEPING up the tree-lined boulevard with siren and lights and when the GPS urges us to make the next left we take it so fast that all the gear slams and sways inside the vehicle. I don’t say ...
