Books matching: regional cultures
100 result(s)
- #1
"American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America" by Colin Woodard is a comprehensive exploration of the regional cultures that have shaped North America since the 18th century. Woodard divides North America into 11 ethnocultural nations, each with its own unique origins and characteristics, providing a different perspective on American history. The book delves into the historical development of these nations, their alliances, conflicts, and how they have influenced the political landscape of the United States. Woodard's writing style is informative and thought-provoking, offering insights into the complexities of American history and the ongoing impact of these regional cultures.
History has tended to portray the native peoples of the Americas as mere extras or scenery in a Western drama dominated by actors of European and African descent. Because this book is primarily concer... - #2
'The Weatherman' by Steve Thayer is a gripping regional mystery set in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The story follows a brilliant meteorologist, a faceless burn victim, and a serial killer, creating a tale filled with haunting suspense and well-paced storytelling. Despite some mixed opinions on the ending and writing pacing, readers found the book to be a page-turner that keeps the heart rate up with its murder and discovery narrative.
It was a cold act on a hot June day. The temperature was 98 degrees Fahrenheit—36.6 on the centigrade scale. The relative humidity was 69 percent with sticky dew points in the low 70s. The barometric ... - #3
"If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O" by Sharyn McCrumb revolves around the planning for a 20th-anniversary high school reunion in a small town in Tennessee. The story intertwines the past of Viet Nam veterans, the appearance of a popular folk singer named Peggy, and the mysterious threats she receives. incorporates elements of 1960s and 1970s music, history, and the struggles faced by the characters, including the sheriff and his deputy who are key figures in solving the mystery. The plot unfolds with references to folk songs, character-driven narratives, and a surprising twist at the end that keeps readers engaged.
- #4
'Raylan' by Elmore Leonard follows the adventures of US Marshal Raylan Givens as he navigates through various criminal cases in Kentucky. From high-stakes poker games to kidney-stealing rings and bank robberies, the book intertwines multiple storylines with familiar characters from the Justified series. The writing style captures the essence of the TV show, with snappy dialogue and fast-paced action blending seamlessly into a modern western backdrop.
features a trio of interconnected stories involving female villains, each with their criminal projects, entwined with Raylan's pursuit of justice. The plot includes elements from previous books in the series and the TV show, creating a cohesive narrative that showcases Leonard's signature storytelling style. The character of Raylan Givens is portrayed as a sharp-witted and compassionate lawman, dealing with a range of criminals while maintaining his own sense of justice and integrity.
“Just medium high,” Rachel Brooks said, in the front seat of the SUV, Raylan driving, early morning sun showing behind them. “Khat’s just catchin on, grown in California, big in San Diego among real A...
(Also, see 45 recommendations for the series Raylan Givens ) - #5
An old Appalachian mountain woman, Nora Bonesteel, has the gift of the sight, and policewoman Martha Ayers is determined to prove herself. They try to resolve rumors of a ghost woman walking again, and try to prevent a convicted murderer from returning home for vengeance. The book is a mix of mystery, historical fiction, and ghost story, with multiple storylines and characters that intertwine seamlessly. The writing style is lyrical, with cliffhangers at every character point of view change, making it a quick and captivating read.
- #6
'Germania' by Simon Winder is a unique blend of history, travelogue, and personal anecdotes that takes readers on a journey through German history from Roman times to WWII. Winder's writing style is described as humorous, irreverent, and engaging, providing readers with a fresh perspective on the complexities of German history. The book is praised for its insightful observations, witty commentary, and the author's ability to make historical content entertaining and informative.
There can be few better times to think about the myths of the ancient origins of Germany than when listening to the second act Prelude to Siegfried. This scarcely manageable piece of music creates in ... Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches by John Hodgman is a collection of humorous and endearing essays that offer a peek into the author's life experiences in places like Massachusetts, Brooklyn, and Maine. Hodgman's writing style is described as witty, engaging, and self-reflective, focusing on themes such as growing up, dealing with anxiety, and navigating social interactions. The book combines funny anecdotes with moments of introspection, creating a narrative that resonates with readers on a personal level.
I am from Brookline, Massachusetts, but I was technically born in a hospital in Cambridge. So now you have a critical answer to many of my internet security questions. And as this book is about being ...- #8
Ian Frazier's 'Great Plains' is a travelogue and cultural study that takes readers on a meandering journey across the vast expanse of the Great Plains region. Through a combination of personal stories, historical context, and geographical descriptions, Frazier paints a vivid picture of the landscapes, people, and history of America's grasslands. The narrative drifts thousands of miles to visit remote towns, historic sites, and provides unique insights into the regions separating the Rocky Mountains and eastward farmlands. Frazier's lively curiosity, readable style, and humanity shine through as he delves into the history of Native Americans, the challenges of farming in a dry region, and the cultural richness of the Great Plains.
Frazier's writing style is described as captivating, informative, and evocative, seamlessly weaving together tales of his travels, chunks of history, folklore, and myth to create a rich tapestry of the Great Plains. His exploration of the region is not just a dry historical essay but a road trip full of historical research and encounters with the people of the plains. The book offers a blend of naturalism, regional history, and personal experiences, providing readers with a deep understanding of the geography, plants, animals, and people that define the Great Plains.
- #9
'A History of the World in 6 Glasses' by Tom Standage is a fascinating exploration of how six different beverages - beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca Cola - have influenced and been influenced by world history. The book takes a unique approach to storytelling by tracing the impact of these drinks on civilization, trade, culture, and social change throughout different time periods. Standage's writing style is clear, engaging, and filled with interesting information, making it an enjoyable and informative read for history buffs and those interested in the cultural significance of beverages.
"Historians, understandably, devote most of their attention to war, politics and, not least, money. But history can also be seen through the prism of the commodities that money buys. In A History of t... - #10
"Circles in a Forest" by Dalene Matthee is set in South Africa in the 1880s and revolves around the themes of environmental conservation, exploitation of resources, and the interconnectedness between humans and nature. The story follows Saul Barnard, a woodcutter who takes a stand against the destruction of the forest by loggers and gold prospectors, particularly focusing on his bond with the legendary elephant bull, Old Foot. Through Saul's journey, the book explores the changing social climate of the Outeniqua region, shedding light on the historical struggles of the Afrikaaner woodcutters and the endangered Knysna elephants. Matthee's writing style intricately weaves together elements of nature, human emotion, and societal commentary, creating a poignant narrative that resonates with readers.