Books matching: self destruction
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- #1
Save:'Silk' by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a dark fantasy novel filled with Lovecraftian inspiration, centered around the interconnected lives of various misfits and outsiders in a small town in the United States. The story revolves around the protagonist, Spyder Baxter, and her house filled with deadly family secrets, blurring the lines between madness and reality. Kiernan's writing style is described as rich, beautiful, and gritty with a touch of romanticism, although her debut novel may have occasional clunkiness. The novel explores themes of madness, Lovecraftian elements, and the thin line between reality and the unseen world.
Two nights before Halloween, as if it matters to anyone in the house, as if every day in this house isn’t Halloween. As if every moment they live isn’t the strain and stretch, the hand reaching back, ... - #2
Save:Love Me Back by Merritt Tierce is a raw and unflinching novel that follows Marie, a waitress working at an upscale Dallas steakhouse, as she navigates a life filled with self-destruction, promiscuity, drugs, and inner pain. Marie's story delves into the hidden realities of the service industry, showcasing the harsh realism of her struggles and the relentless pursuit of love amidst self-destructive behaviors. The novel is structured around Marie's search for love, devoid of any tidy endings or redemption arcs, offering a character study rather than a plot-driven narrative.
I’m a hard worker, I tell the manager. We are sitting in a booth. His name is Rajiv George and he is short and portly and has kind eyes. He laughs often. Great, he says. In a restaurant that’s really ... - #3
Save:'Appointment in Samarra' by John O'Hara is a novel set in a small city in Pennsylvania during the Prohibition era, focusing on the life of Julian English, a wealthy and self-destructive young man. The story follows Julian's downward spiral over three days around Christmas 1930, shedding light on the dissolute upper middle class and their issues with alcoholism, social hypocrisy, and dishonesty. O'Hara's writing style is described as clear, poetic, and full of twists and turns, driving inexorably towards the fatal appointment that Julian seems destined for.
The book explores themes of class, self-destructiveness, inevitability of loss, suffocating social norms, and the intricacies of human relationships during the Jazz Age. O'Hara's storytelling is praised for its brilliance, ironies, and portrayal of characters slipping into inebriated blabbering, providing a pessimistic yet insightful look at the falsehoods of American life in that era.
Our story opens in the mind of Luther L. (L for LeRoy) Fliegler, who is lying in his bed, not thinking of anything, but just aware of sounds, conscious of his own breathing, and sensitive to his own h... - #4
Save:Ultraluminous by Katherine Faw is a novel that follows the unnamed narrator, a high-end prostitute who returns to New York City after spending time in Dubai with a bomb maker. The story delves into her encounters with various clients, her drug use, and her reflections on life. The book is structured as a series of vignettes, offering glimpses into her daily life and past experiences, all narrated with a dry, nihilistic, and darkly funny prose style.
The narrative of Ultraluminous is centered around themes of capitalism, toxic masculinity, power dynamics between men and women, and the emptiness that can come with a life devoid of true connection. Through a unique structure of brief vignettes, the book explores the protagonist's relationships with her clients, her struggles with addiction, and her search for meaning amidst a world of extravagance and destruction.
Every girl at the gym has a tattoo but very few have fake boobs. The girl beside me has a big circle on her back. In the middle it says TODAY. It looks drawn by a child or mental patient. I wait until... - #5
Save:"Rejection" by Tony Tulathimutte is a collection of darkly humorous short stories. The tales explore the extremes of human experience, often highlighting uncomfortable and provocative themes. Characters in the stories are depicted as degraded and wounded, confronting their intense and delusional realities.
The writing style is described as both humorous and shocking, with a satirical edge that leaves readers breathless. While some moments may feel painful to read, the creativity and originality shine through, making each narrative compelling. Readers may alternate between wincing and laughing, as Tulathimutte's insightful portrayal of modern life resonates with audiences in unexpected ways.
- #6
Save:'Lithium for Medea' by Kate Braverman follows a woman named Rose who has been lost and felt incomplete her entire life. She is starting to wake up as she comes to terms with her father's mortality, her mother's abuse, her failed relationships with men, and her own neuroses and failures. The story is essentially about her journey to reclaim herself amidst a backdrop of crushing depression, darkness, drug use, and self-destructive behavior.
I was running a bath. It was good to be liquid. I didn’t have skin at all. I had the gleam of a fish, the fine etched scales and gills. I knew the soft channel down. I could burrow into the blue weigh... 'The Confession of a Child of the Century' is an autobiographical inspired novel by Alfred de Musset, recounting his own experiences through the character in the story. The novel delves into the emotional turmoil and self-destructive tendencies of the narrator, Octave, who is portrayed as a very unhappy and self-critical individual. It explores the aftermath of Musset's affair with George Sand, reflecting on themes of love, heartbreak, and the impact of external influences on personal relationships.
The writing style of the book is described as beautifully written, engaging, and sensitive, capturing the sincere emotions and air of the 19th-century Romantic era. The narrative offers a subtle analysis of human behavior and relationships, incorporating historical aspects to depict the state of mind of a generation known as 'a child of the century,' making it a poignant and reflective read.
When I woke up next morning, I was filled with self-loathing. I judged myself so demeaned, so degraded in my own view of myself, that the moment I moved I was gripped by a terrible temptation. I spran...- #8
Save:'Like Being Killed' by Ellen Miller is a novel that delves into the raw and unashamed snapshots of life, offering wisdom and insight that resonates deeply with readers. The story follows Ilyana, a complex character who navigates themes of friendship, betrayal, psychosis, addiction, self-destruction, and redemption. Through poetic and disturbing storytelling, the author creates characters that are touching and human even in their most squalid moments. The narrative weaves through Ilyana's experiences with Susie, her struggles with addiction, and her journey towards self-discovery, all while exploring deep emotions and dark realities.
The writing style of 'Like Being Killed' is described as stunning, completely absorbing, and filled with insane vocabulary. The author's ability to capture visual descriptions, incorporate side stories, and provide thought-provoking tangents adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The book challenges readers on multiple levels, offering a unique and compelling reading experience that leaves a lasting impact.
- #9
Save:'Story of My Life' by Jay McInerney follows the life of Alison Poole, a 20-something bon vivant actress wannabe, portraying her drug-addled and oversexed New York lifestyle. The novel delves into the world of young adults in the 1980s, showcasing the party scene in New York through the eyes of a self-absorbed princess. McInerney's writing style presents a unique perspective on the character of Alison, giving her enough depth to be both monstrous and relatable, while also providing insight into the societal issues and personal struggles faced by the characters.
- #10
Save:Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson delves into the harrowing journey of Lia, an 18-year-old battling anorexia and the aftermath of her best friend Cassie's death. The narrative unfolds through Lia's raw and honest perspective, revealing her struggles with body image, self-destructive behaviors, and the haunting presence of Cassie's ghost. The book portrays the dark realities of eating disorders, familial relationships, and the internal turmoil faced by young adults dealing with mental health issues.
As I stand up, Jennifer takes two awkward steps toward me. I wait. She is a pale, round moth, dusted with eggshell foundation, armed for the day with her banker’s briefcase, purse, and remote starter ...
