Books matching: self discovery and self realization
12 result(s)
- #1
Child of Fortune by Norman Spinrad is a timeless novel that follows the journey of Sunshine Moussa Leonardo, a young woman on a psychedelic intergalactic journey of self-discovery. The book delves into themes of coming of age, exploration, and self-realization, set in a distant star-flung future. Spinrad's writing style is described as unique, challenging, and polyglot, incorporating multiple languages and creating a vivid, immersive world for the reader to explore. The story unfolds through Sunshine's encounters with diverse characters, dizzying venues, and introspective moments, ultimately leading her towards maturity and wisdom.
I was born on Glade, a planet, like most of the far-flung worlds of men, of no particular fame in starfaring lore, and no economic significance in the transstellar scheme of things. Like most of the w... - #2
Heart on Fire is the thrilling conclusion to The Kingmaker Chronicles, where Cat and Griffin prepare to battle Cat's mother to save their kingdom. The book focuses on self-discovery, mythology, and the ongoing war preparations, with a mix of action, romance, and humor. The story incorporates gods, goddesses, magic, and a strong heroine, Cat, who navigates through her destiny and pregnancy while facing intense challenges.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kingmaker Chronicles ) - #3
"Ladder of Years" by Anne Tyler follows the story of Delia Grinstead, a wife and mother who, feeling unappreciated and marginalized by her family, impulsively walks away from her life during a beach vacation. Delia sets out to start a new life in a small town, away from her familiar responsibilities, in an attempt to rediscover herself and find independence. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, independence, and the complexities of family relationships through Delia's journey of leaving behind her old life and creating a new one.
The writing style of Anne Tyler in "Ladder of Years" is praised for its ability to capture the nuances of family dynamics, personal growth, and the struggles of middle-aged women. The story is described as engaging and thought-provoking, with a focus on character development and the exploration of the protagonist's inner thoughts and emotions as she navigates through her newfound freedom and responsibilities.
This all started on a Saturday morning in May, one of those warm spring days that smell like clean linen. Delia had gone to the supermarket to shop for the week’s meals. She was standing in the produc... - #4
'Hope for the Flowers' by Trina Paulus tells the story of two caterpillars, Stripe and Yellow, who initially get caught up in the race for success in the caterpillar pillar. As they both question the purpose and meaning of life, they eventually fall in love and decide to live a life of intimacy, realizing that there must be more to life than just climbing to the top. beautifully depicts their transformation into butterflies, symbolizing personal growth and the journey towards becoming the best version of oneself. The writing style is described as psychologically brilliant, sociologically insightful, and theologically profound, offering multiple levels of meaning for readers to explore.
- #5
'Unbreakable' by Emma Scott is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of Alex, a successful lawyer engaged to a wealthy man, and Cory, a hardworking carpenter striving for a better future. The plot kicks off with a gripping hostage situation at a bank that brings Cory and Alex together, leading to a deep and immediate connection between the two characters. As the story unfolds, the readers witness Alex's internal struggle between the life she is living and the life she truly desires, all while Cory remains steadfast in his values and priorities. Emma Scott's writing style expertly weaves together themes of love, trauma, self-discovery, and sacrifice, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps readers engrossed till the very end.
He kisses me hard, insistently, a promise of more to come. A promise of everything. When he pulls away, I see desire burning hot and bright, warming his icy blue eyes. My heart soars. At long last! I ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series City Lights ) - #6
'The Liberation of Sita' by Volga is a feminist retelling of the Ramayana, focusing on the lives of women characters such as Sita, Ahalya, Surpanakha, Renuka, and Urmila. Through five stories, the author explores themes of women's liberation, solidarity, and self-realization, portraying these characters in a new light and emphasizing their strength and resilience. The book delves into the struggles and challenges faced by these women, offering a fresh perspective on the well-known epic tale and highlighting the importance of female relationships and empowerment. Volga's writing style is described as nuanced, feminist, and thought-provoking, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the characters and their experiences.
The narrative in 'The Liberation of Sita' unfolds through multiple viewpoints, shedding light on the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and individual identities. Volga weaves a tale that challenges traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures, presenting a compelling exploration of morality, choice, and sacrifice. The book offers a rich tapestry of stories that not only reexamine the familiar characters from the Ramayana but also offer insights into the struggles and triumphs of women from different walks of life, ultimately advocating for women's agency and autonomy.
- #7
'The Perfect Distance' by Kim Ablon Whitney is a coming of age story that follows the main character, Francie Martinez, as she navigates tough choices, self-doubt, parental expectations, peer pressure, and a challenging trainer in the world of horseback riding. The story revolves around Francie's journey of self-realization, belief in herself, and coming to terms with her goals, all while dealing with the pressures of the Medal Maclay finals and the dynamics within her family and the barn where she rides.
The writing style of the book captures the essence of the horse world with detailed and accurate descriptions, making it a gem for both kids and grownups who enjoy horse books. The plot unfolds with engaging characters, particularly Francie, who is relatable and likable. The story delves into themes of friendship, responsibility, and self-actualization, all set against the backdrop of the competitive horse show world.
Rob’s voice was so loud, I could hear him all the way up at the barn—over a football field’s length away. What I couldn’t hear was the response from whomever he was yelling at. I hoped it wasn’t Katie... - #8
'Who's That Girl?' by Alexandra Potter is a novel that follows the story of Charlotte Merryweather, who has the ability to travel back in time to advise her younger self and prevent past mistakes. The book explores themes of personal growth, self-realization, and the quest for true love. With a resourceful plot that delves into the complexities of learning from mistakes and shaping one's identity, the story is both baffling and heartwarming, leaving the reader with a smile on their face and hope in their heart. Potter's writing style is described as sincere, sensuous, and mysterious, creating a unique reading experience that resonates with the readers on a personal level.
- #9
The Apple in the Dark by Clarice Lispector is a mesmerizing and existential novel that delves into the internal changes of its main characters, exploring transitions through the intuition of their bodies. The story follows Martim, who flees after committing a crime, leading to a journey of self-discovery and reconstruction at a remote farm in central Brazil, where he encounters the authoritarian Vitoria and the death-obsessed Ermelinda, both struggling with their own existential crises.
The novel is praised for its philosophical and instinctive approach to portraying the body and its changes, offering a unique perspective on transitions taking place within individuals. Lispector's writing style is described as intense, bewildering, and unlike her other works, with a focus on existential themes, epiphanies, and the complexities of human nature.
- #10
'What the Buddha Taught' by Walpola Rahula is a concise and informative guide that lays out the basic teachings of Buddhism. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the relevance of Buddhism in modern times to the core doctrines of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Rahula draws on the words spoken by the Buddha to convey the true nature of Buddhist wisdom, providing readers with a comprehensive introduction to Buddhist philosophy and way of life.
Among the founders of religions the Buddha (if we are permitted to call him the founder of a religion in the popular sense of the term) was the only teacher who did not claim to be other than a human ...