Books matching: self aware writing

66 result(s)

Readers also searched for:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 66 
  1. #1

    The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
    Save:

    'The Rest of Us Just Live Here' by Patrick Ness is a unique take on the YA fantasy genre, focusing on the lives of ordinary teenagers while the chosen ones battle supernatural forces in the background. The story follows the protagonist, Mikey, who deals with OCD, his family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up, all set against the backdrop of strange events happening in their town involving mythical creatures. The writing style is described as clever, self-aware, and diverse in character types, providing a realistic portrayal of teenagers facing real-life issues amidst paranormal occurrences.

    “I don’t believe that, though,” my sister says, and I look up at the slight tension in her voice. She gives me a half-annoyed nod of reassurance in the sunshine, then shakes her head again at Henna. “...

  2. #2

    The Last Final Girl by Stephen Graham Jones
    Save:

    'The Last Final Girl' by Stephen Graham Jones is a slasher flick in book form, filled with nods to classic horror movies and tropes. The story follows Lindsay, a Final Girl who survived an encounter with a slasher killer in a Michael Jackson mask, as she gathers a group of special girls for a homecoming celebration. The writing style is unique, resembling a screenplay with camera directions and a self-aware tone that immerses the reader in the horror movie experience. The book delves into the psyche of teenagers facing the inevitable sequel of a slasher flick, blending satire, gore, and a high kill count to create a thrilling and nostalgic read for horror fans.

    Before we can even process the rest of the scene—it’s night time, it’s that cabin in the woods we all know, it’s a blonde girl standing there shrieking—we back off this kill, come around behind this g...

  3. #3

    Bonsai by Alejandro Zambra
    Save:

    The novella "Bonsai" by Alejandro Zambra revolves around the intense physical relationship between two young people, Julio and Emilia, influenced by the books they read. The story delves into the psychology of their interactions, portraying a fear that love may be an illusion. The plot is intertwined with tidbits and vignettes, showcasing other dimensions and experiences of the characters outside their love for each other. Zambra's writing style is described as subtle, suggestive, and steeped in irony, with every sentence providing pleasure to the reader.

    In the end she dies and he remains alone, although in truth he was alone some years before her death, Emilia’s death. Let’s say that she is called or was called Emilia and that he is called, was calle...

  4. #4

    The Search for Spark - Willful Child by Steven Erikson
    Save:

    'The Search for Spark' in the 'Willful Child' series by Steven Erikson is a satirical and humorous take on the sci-fi genre, drawing inspiration from well-known sci-fi works like Star Trek and Star Wars. The story follows Captain Haddrick of the starship Willful Child, a conceited and not too smart character, along with his crew of various stereotypes, including an AI named Tammy. The plot involves frivolous killings of entire alien races and a revenge plot involving free porn and cute cat videos, leading to a comical and chaotic adventure.

    The writing style of the book is described as a mix of slapstick humor, satire, and homage to classic sci-fi scenes, with a self-aware and tongue-in-cheek commentary on current events. Despite some mixed opinions on the plot and characterizations, the book offers pure entertainment and an interesting storyline that can be enjoyed as a standalone or as part of the series.


    (Also, see 30 recommendations for the series Willful Child )

  5. #5

    The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write with Emotional Power, Develop Achingly Real Characters, Move Your Readers, and Create Riveting Moral Stakes by Donald Maass
    Save:

    'The Emotional Craft of Fiction' by Donald Maass is a writing craft book that delves into the importance of infusing emotion into stories to create compelling and relatable characters. Maass provides practical techniques and exercises to help writers develop three-dimensional characters and evoke emotions in readers. The book emphasizes the need for writers to be self-aware and open in order to craft stories that resonate with readers on a deep level. Maass's writing style is conversational yet informative, with examples drawn from a wide array of genres and styles to demonstrate his points effectively.


  6. #6

    Crazy: Notes On and Off the Couch by Rob Dobrenski
    Save:

    Crazy: Notes On and Off the Couch by Rob Dobrenski is a captivating exploration of the world of psychology through the eyes of a therapist. The book delves into the complexities of mental disorders, showcasing the struggles of both the patients and the doctor himself. Through a blend of humor, empathy, and raw honesty, Dobrenski paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced in therapy sessions, offering a unique glimpse into the human condition and the power of understanding and connection.

    The writing style of Crazy is a perfect balance of gravitas and self-awareness, drawing readers in with gripping storytelling and insightful reflections. Dobrenski's ability to break down complex illnesses into relatable experiences and convey the emotional depth of his clients shines through, making this book a compelling and enlightening read for anyone interested in psychology or the human mind.

    As a twenty-four-year-old graduate student, I met with a patient I’ll call Bill, who was a chronically depressed fifty-five-year-old man. Although Bill suffered from significant mood problems, he was ...

  7. #7

    The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
    Save:

    In a world where vampires are a dangerous problem, a girl named Tana wakes up to a room full of dead people, including a vampire and her infected ex-boyfriend. Together, they must navigate through a vampire enclave known as Coldtown to go through a quarantine period. The story involves modern social media, complex plots, and a unique take on vampires as a disease. The book explores themes of identity, self-awareness, and the fear of a world beyond control, with a fast-paced plot and unflinchingly portrayed vampires.

    The book follows Tana's journey as she grapples with the aftermath of a vampire attack, her interactions with a mysterious vampire named Gavriel, and their eventual journey to Coldtown. The writing style is described as vivid, gothic, and engaging, with a realistic teenager protagonist and well-rounded characters. The story is compelling, original, and offers a fresh perspective on the vampire genre, making it a worthwhile read for fans of vampire stories.

    Tana woke lying in a bathtub. Her legs were drawn up, her cheek pressed against the cold metal of the faucet. A slow drip had soaked the fabric on her shoulder and wetted locks of her hair. The rest o...

  8. #8

    Meetings With Remarkable Men by G.I. Gurdjieff
    Save:

    Readers of 'Meetings With Remarkable Men' by G.I. Gurdjieff find the book to be a collection of insightful and fascinating stories about the author's encounters with remarkable individuals. Gurdjieff is praised for his storytelling abilities, providing readers with a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary men and the wisdom they imparted. The book is described as a mix of mysticism, philosophy, and psychology, with a focus on personal development and self-discipline.

    Gurdjieff's writing style is appreciated for its depth, humor, and unique perspective on life and human nature. Readers are drawn into the narrative through engaging prose that transports them to different regions of the world, particularly Central Asia, offering a fresh and enlightening exploration of cultural differences and spiritual teachings.

    MY FATHER WAS WIDELY KNOWN, during the final decades of the last century and the beginning of this one, as an ashokh, that is, a poet and narrator, under the nickname of ‘Adash’; and although he was n...

  9. #9

    Despair by Vladimir Nabokov
    Save:

    Despair by Vladimir Nabokov is a dark and strange murder tale that delves into the mind of an unreliable narrator named Hermann. The story follows Hermann, a Russian emigre businessman, who becomes obsessed with a tramp in Prague whom he believes to be his exact double. As Hermann hatches a plan to profit off their shared likeness, the narrative unfolds into a twisted plot of deception and madness. The book is narrated in a playful yet droll style, characteristic of Nabokov's intricate and dazzling prose.

    If I were not perfectly sure of my power to write and of my marvelous ability to express ideas with the utmost grace and vividness … So, more or less, I had thought of beginning my tale. Further, I sh...

  10. #10

    The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector
    Save:

    'The Hour of the Star' by Clarice Lispector narrates the story of Macabea, a young woman from northeastern Brazil living in poverty in Rio. The novella is postmodern in style, with the narrator, Rodrigo S.M., being an integral part of the story, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Macabea's character is described as incompetent at life, yet she accepts her circumstances without self-awareness. The narration includes digressions and reflections on the nature of storytelling and the art of writing, adding depth to the portrayal of Macabea's life.

    delves into themes of poverty, identity, love, and the art of fiction, challenging preconceived notions about these subjects. Lispector's innovative narration style, with unconventional syntax and grammar, adds complexity to the story, making it a thought-provoking and introspective read. offers a unique perspective on human existence and self-awareness, leaving readers contemplating the mysteries of life and the power of storytelling long after finishing it.

    In January 1963, Elizabeth Bishop wrote to Robert Lowell from Rio de Janeiro about the stories of Clarice Lispector. “I have translated five of Clarice’s stories,” she wrote, “all the short ones & one...

Page 1 of 7Next Page