Books matching: reflective figure
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- #1
Save:'Lost Horizon' by James Hilton follows the story of four passengers who are kidnapped and flown to a remote Tibetan lamasery called Shangri La. The novel explores the concept of a hidden utopia where inhabitants live in tranquility and where the main character, Hugh Conway, finds himself torn between the promise of immortality and the suppression of emotions. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and post-World War I disillusionment, the book delves into themes of paradise, lost innocence, and the conflict between worldly desires and spiritual fulfillment. The narrative unfolds as the characters uncover the mystical secrets of Shangri La and grapple with the decision of whether to embrace its idyllic existence.
The writing style of 'Lost Horizon' is described as engaging and thought-provoking, with a focus on creating a vivid atmospheric environment. Readers appreciate the way the author, James Hilton, weaves philosophical questions about life, moderation, and the pursuit of knowledge into the storyline. The novel presents a blend of differing philosophies within the lamasery, portraying a complex utopia that challenges conventional notions of perfection and immortality. Through the characters' reactions to the mysteries of Shangri La, Hilton crafts a narrative that invites readers to contemplate the trade-offs between contentment and personal growth.
During that third week of May the situation in Baskul had become much worse and, on the 20th, air force machines arrived by arrangement from Peshawar to evacuate the white residents. These numbered ab... - #2
Save:'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.
Early November. It’s nine o’clock. The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can ... - #3
Save:Bad Brains by Kathe Koja is a haunting tale that delves into the demands of art on its creator, as seen through the journey of artist Austen Bandy. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, Austen experiences terrifying hallucinations that he keeps hidden, leading to a descent into isolation and desperation. The plot unfolds with a slow patience, exploring themes of decline, disintegration, and the redemptive yet self-destructive nature of art, all while blurring the lines between real-world trauma and the supernatural.
Koja's writing style in Bad Brains is described as exquisite, intelligent, and surreal, with beautiful and hard-edged language that captivates readers from beginning to end. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of horror, human drama, and supernatural ambiguity, creating a thought-provoking and suspenseful story that challenges the reader's perception of art, consciousness, and the boundaries of reality.
- #4
Save:'Buddha' by Karen Armstrong is a biography that explores the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Armstrong delves into various perspectives including biography, history, mythology, and philosophy to provide a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the legend. follows the journey of the Buddha from his renunciation of a privileged life to the discovery of truths that aimed to transform human beings and enable them to find peace amidst life's sufferings. Armstrong presents the historical context of the Buddha's time, his teachings, and his place in the spiritual history of humanity, making it a valuable resource for those interested in learning about the historical Buddha and Buddhism.
once gotama had left the remote republic of Sakka behind and entered the Kingdom of Magadha, he had arrived at the heart of the new civilization. First, the Pali legend tells us, he stayed for a while... - #5
Save:The Motherless Oven by Rob Davis is a deeply weird and original graphic novel that follows the story of Scarper Lee, a boy with only three weeks left to live, who is unexpectedly joined by the mischievous Vera Pike and the intelligent Castro Smith on a journey to find answers and save Scarper. The book presents a dark, disturbing, whimsical, and weird world full of kitchen gods, shiny brass dads, and knife rain storms. The plot is equal parts fun and tragic, set in a bleak and terrifying world that mirrors and mocks modern society through well-constructed metaphors.
The writing style of The Motherless Oven is profoundly unsettling yet captivating, with a strong sense of love, purpose, and humanity woven throughout the narrative. The story slowly unfolds, leading readers through a broken and mysterious place where patterns and rules emerge, even if extreme and senseless. The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for more answers in the sequels.
- #6
Save:'Let Me Tell You What I Mean' by Joan Didion is a collection of previously uncollected essays that showcase high-quality writing. is described as slim and small, with each page being interesting and well-written. While there is less connective tissue throughout the essays compared to Didion's other works, the material is still engaging and thought-provoking. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from personal experiences like Didion's rejection from Stanford to insightful interviews with figures like Nancy Reagan and Martha Stewart. Didion's writing style is noted for its intelligence, wit, and ability to connect with readers on various levels.
The only American newspapers that do not leave me in the grip of a profound physical conviction that the oxygen has been cut off from my brain tissue, very probably by an Associated Press wire, are Th... - #7
Save:The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro is a poignant and introspective novel that follows the life of Mr. Stevens, a butler reflecting on his dedicated service at Darlington Hall. Through a series of memories and musings, the book delves into themes of loyalty, dignity, the impact of personal relationships, and the consequences of unwavering dedication to one's work. The narrative unfolds as Stevens embarks on a journey through England's countryside, providing a backdrop for his contemplation of past events and relationships, particularly with the housekeeper, Miss Kenton.
Tonight, I find myself here in a guest house in the city of Salisbury. The first day of my trip is now completed, and all in all, I must say I am quite satisfied. This expedition began this morning al... "My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales" is a collection of modern fairy tales that offers a fresh take on old stories, written by various authors. The book provides a diverse and unique mix of stories, some closely resembling the original fairy tales while others are unrecognizable. The authors in the collection have reimagined classic fairy tales, exploring darker themes intended for adults, and not shying away from cannibalism, bestiality, and other taboo subjects.
The editor, Kate Bernheimer, has curated a collection that showcases the creativity and diversity of fairy tales, with each author providing their own interpretation of a classic tale. The book includes well-known authors such as Michael Cunningham and Neil Gaiman, who have contributed stories that honor the spirit of fairy tales while adding a modern twist. The collection aims to challenge readers' perceptions of fairy tales and introduce them to a new world of storytelling that is both imaginative and thought-provoking.
No need to try to smuggle a split of champagne past the usher. We won’t need it. We have in our hands only mezzanine-seat tickets to an everyday hullabaloo. No red carpet. This isn’t going to be featu...- #9
Save:Autobiography by Morrissey is a candid exploration of the singer's life, delving into his materially deprived childhood and his rise to success, while also exposing his struggles with anger, depression, and resignation. The book offers glimpses into Morrissey's thoughts at different points in his life, discussing what he deems important and showcasing his raw emotions. The narrative is a mix of poetic descriptions, dark humor, and introspective musings, providing a unique insight into the mind of the iconic musician.
We are not vulgarians, yet here we are, in rent-demanding Queen’s Square backing onto the high walls of Loreto Convent, with its broken glass atop lest we, below, get any fancy ideas. The family is yo... The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday is a daily meditation book based on Stoic philosophy. It provides readers with a daily quote from famous Stoics like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, followed by a modern analysis or interpretation by Ryan Holiday. The book is structured to be read one page per day, offering short insights and reflections to contemplate on Stoic principles and wisdom.
The Roman satirist Juvenal is famous for this question: Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (Who watches the watchmen?) In a way, this is what Marcus is asking himself—and what you might ask yourself throu...
