Books matching: resilience and hope in adversity

19 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 19 
  1. #1

    A Little Love Song by Michelle Magorian
    Save:

    'A Little Love Song' by Michelle Magorian is a heartwarming novel set in wartime Britain, focusing on the story of a 17-year-old girl named Rose. Rose, a talented writer, struggles with feelings of inadequacy compared to her sister Diane, who is seen as the swan of the family. The book follows Rose's journey of self-discovery and love as she navigates through the challenges of war and personal relationships. With elements of romance, mystery, and coming-of-age themes, the story unfolds through twists and turns, captivating readers with its engaging plot and relatable characters.

    The narrative style of 'A Little Love Song' is praised for its ability to transport readers into the wartime setting and evoke a range of emotions. Michelle Magorian skillfully weaves together storylines of love, self-realization, and family dynamics, creating a compelling tale that resonates with readers of all ages. Through the eyes of Rose, the protagonist, readers experience a blend of nostalgia, hope, and resilience, making this book a memorable and enriching read.


  2. #2

    The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
    Save:

    The Salt Path by Raynor Winn is a memoir that follows a middle-aged couple, Ray and Moth, who lose their home and livelihood and receive the devastating news of Moth's terminal illness. Despite their dire circumstances, they decide to embark on a 630-mile backpacking adventure along the South West Coast Path, facing physical hardship, homelessness, and encounters with nature and people along the way. Raynor Winn's writing style is described as deeply personal, emotional, and vivid, providing a realistic depiction of their journey and the healing power of nature.

    I was under the stairs when I decided to walk. In that moment, I hadn’t carefully considered walking 630 miles with a rucksack on my back, I hadn’t thought about how I could afford to do it, or that I...

  3. #3

    When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit - Out of the Hitler Time by Judith Kerr
    Save:

    'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit' by Judith Kerr is a heartwarming YA novel based on the author's own experiences fleeing Germany before the rise of Hitler. The story follows Anna and her family as they escape from Berlin and navigate through Switzerland, France, and finally settling in England. The book beautifully captures the journey of a young girl facing financial struggles, anti-Semitism, and the challenges of adapting to new languages and customs while on the run from political persecution.

    The narrative, told from the perspective of nine-year-old Anna, provides a poignant insight into the family's journey during the politically tense 1930s in Germany and Europe. While the book portrays a mix of adventure, family warmth, and achievements, it also delves into the darker themes of Nazi influence spreading across Europe and the unsettling realities faced by Jewish refugees during that time.

    Anna was walking home from school with Elsbeth, a girl in her class. A lot of snow had fallen in Berlin that winter. It did not melt, so the street cleaners had swept it to the edge of the pavement, a...

  4. #4

    The Embassy of Cambodia by Zadie Smith
    Save:

    The Embassy of Cambodia by Zadie Smith is a novella that follows the life of Fatou, a young Ghanaian woman working as a domestic servant for a wealthy immigrant family in London. The story portrays Fatou's struggles with her exploitative employment situation, her quiet resilience, and her determination to find moments of joy and freedom amidst her challenging circumstances. Through simple language and poignant observations, Zadie Smith weaves a narrative that delves into themes of immigration, exploitation, hope, and the complexities of modern-day London life.


  5. 'They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky' is a captivating memoir that tells the true story of three young boys from Sudan who are forced to flee their homes due to a civil war. The book follows their harrowing journey through war-torn regions, refugee camps, and ultimately to America, highlighting the resilience, bravery, and determination of these boys as they face unimaginable hardships. The narrative is raw, detailed, and emotionally compelling, providing a firsthand account of the atrocities and challenges faced by the Lost Boys of Sudan.

    The book is written in alternating chapters, each narrated by one of the three boys, Benson, Benjamin, and Alepho, giving a personal and authentic touch to their experiences. The writing style is clear, simple, and powerful, drawing readers into the heartbreaking yet inspiring tale of survival, friendship, and hope amidst the chaos of war and displacement.


  6. 'From the Ashes: My Story of Being Metis, Homeless, and Finding My Way' by Jesse Thistle is a raw and emotional autobiography that follows the journey of a Metis Cree child, Jesse, who grew up in a dysfunctional family with addicted parents. Abandoned by his parents at a young age, Jesse and his brothers faced hardships, addiction, homelessness, and interactions with the justice system. Despite the challenges, Jesse's story is one of redemption, determination, and ultimately finding love and a way out of his troubled past.

    Thistle's writing style is described as lyrical, raw, and impactful, offering a poignant and honest look at his life experiences. delves into themes of trauma, addiction, homelessness, and the power of hope, providing a snapshot of different stages in Jesse's life through short chapters, poetry, and photographs. Readers are drawn into Jesse's narrative voice, which sheds light on the forgotten struggles of many Canadians and challenges the perception of Canada as a perfect country.

    MY KOKUM NANCY’S PALM FELT leathery in mine as we walked alongside of the train tracks. Stands of poplar swayed and bent in the wind, and she stood still for a second to catch her bearings and watch t...

  7. #7

    Job by Joseph Roth
    Save:

    'Job' by Joseph Roth is a novel that follows the life of Mendel Singer, an ordinary Jew living in a Jewish community in Russian Eastern Europe. The story is a modern-day take on the biblical character Job, as Mendel faces extreme adversity and struggles with faith and hope while navigating through challenges such as family tragedies, immigration to America, and personal losses. Roth's writing style is described as clear, poetic, and fable-like, capturing the tension between keeping faith and losing hope in the face of hardships.


  8. #8

    Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons
    Save:

    'Ellen Foster' by Kaye Gibbons tells the story of an eleven-year-old orphan named Ellen who faces abuse and neglect from her family before finding her own path to salvation. The novel is written in a beautiful language with attention to detail, crafting a clean and spare portrait of Ellen's journey to find a place where she belongs. Ellen's voice and emotions are portrayed with honesty, showcasing her courage, wit, and determination to overcome the odds stacked against her.

    Ellen's story is a heartwarming tale of resilience as she navigates through a series of cold and uncaring relatives, finding solace in her own strength and the occasional kindness of others. The plotline, though a stretch, highlights the power of human will against adversity, making this book a moving and insightful exploration of a young girl's struggle for survival and hope in the face of desolation.

    The way I liked best was letting go a poisonous spider in his bed. It would bite him and he’d be dead and swollen up and I would shudder to find him so. Of course I would call the rescue squad and tel...

  9. #9

    Luna and the Lie by Mariana Zapata
    Save:

    Luna and the Lie by Mariana Zapata follows the story of Luna Allen, who had a difficult upbringing but managed to build a life for herself, taking care of her siblings and finding solace in her work at a repair garage. The book explores Luna's journey of personal growth, her developing friendship with her grumpy boss, Lucas Ripley, and the slow burn romance that blossoms between them. The writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on the gradual progression of the relationship between Luna and Ripley, as well as the emotional depth and relatability of the characters.

    If I had to guess why I was the lucky winner of that mouth being turned down, it might have been because I’d had my eyes closed for… I glanced at my old but faithful G-Shock watch... the last twenty m...

  10. #10
    Front Desk
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Front Desk

    Front Desk - Front Desk by Kelly Yang
    Save:

    'Front Desk' by Kelly Yang is a middle grade novel that follows the story of Mia Tang, a young Chinese immigrant living with her family in a motel managed by her parents. The book explores themes of immigration, poverty, racism, and social justice through Mia's perspective as she navigates life in America, deals with hardships, makes friends, and stands up for what is right. The story is centered around Mia's growth as a person, her struggles with language barriers, and her determination to help her family and friends despite the challenges they face at the motel.

    The writing style in 'Front Desk' is engaging and relatable, providing a window into Mia's world and her experiences as an immigrant child. The author, Kelly Yang, draws from her own background to create a story that addresses real-world issues in a sensitive and impactful manner. Through Mia's character, readers witness the resilience, kindness, and strength that can emerge in the face of adversity, making this book a poignant and thought-provoking read for children and adults alike.

    At the end of that summer, my dad got a job as an assistant fryer at a Chinese restaurant in California. That meant we didn’t have to live in our car anymore and we could move into a small one-bedroom...

Page 1 of 2Next Page