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Books matching: short books

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  1. #1

    All Systems Red - The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
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    In "All Systems Red," readers are introduced to Murderbot, a rogue cyborg struggling to navigate its identity and emotions while protecting a survey team on a routine mission that quickly turns into a complex web of conspiracy and danger. The novella delves into themes of artificial intelligence, personhood, empathy, and the blurred lines between human and non-human entities. Through Murderbot's unique perspective and wry narration, the story unfolds as a mix of action, mystery, and character exploration, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi genre.

    I COULD HAVE BECOME a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites. It had been wel...

  2. #2

    Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
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    'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a poignant tale about the friendship between two drifters, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The story follows their journey as they seek work on a ranch in California, highlighting the challenges they face due to Lennie's mental disability and their shared dream of owning a farm. Through vivid character portrayals and a dialogue-driven narrative, Steinbeck masterfully captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in the 1930s.

    The novella delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of dreams amidst a backdrop of sadness and violence. Through George and Lennie's endearing relationship, Steinbeck explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of tragic outcomes. The book's concise yet impactful storytelling style, coupled with its profound character development, evokes deep emotions in readers and leaves a lasting impression of the struggles faced by individuals during a tumultuous era.

    A FEW MILES south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight b...

  3. #3

    Animal Farm by George Orwell
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    'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is a political allegory that tells the story of farm animals who rebel against their human oppressors to create their own community. The animals aim for equality and a better life, but power dynamics shift as the pigs take control, leading to corruption, deception, and the rise of a new oligarchy. Through a fable-like narrative, Orwell critiques political systems and highlights the dangers of power and totalitarianism. The book serves as a parallel to historical events, particularly the Russian Revolution, and offers a cautionary tale on how political ideals can devolve into tyranny.

    The writing style of 'Animal Farm' is straightforward and simple, yet carries a deeper political meaning that resonates with readers of all ages. Orwell cleverly uses animal characters to depict complex political themes, making the book accessible to a wide audience while delivering a powerful message on the nature of power, corruption, and the failures of socialist ideals.

    Mr Jones, of the Manor Farm, had locked the hen-houses for the night, but was too drunk to remember to shut the pop-holes. With the ring of light from his lantern dancing from side to side he lurched ...

  4. #4

    The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
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    'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway is a classic tale of an old Cuban fisherman named Santiago who sets out to sea in search of a big catch. The story follows Santiago's epic battle with a giant marlin, his struggles against nature, and his internal and external challenges. Hemingway's writing style in this book is described as sparse yet descriptive, allowing readers to feel the heat of the sun and the coolness of the sea, creating a powerful and immersive reading experience.

    H e was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish. In the first forty days a boy had been with him. But after forty days with...

  5. #5

    A Psalm for the Wild-Built - Monk & Robot by Becky Chambers
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    In a future where robots have gained sentience and separated from humans to live in the wilderness, a monk named Dex sets out on a journey to find meaning in their life. Along the way, Dex encounters a robot named Mosscap, and the two embark on an adventure to explore the essence of life and humanity. The novella delves into themes of purpose, consciousness, and the interconnections of nature, offering a gentle and hopeful narrative that captivates readers with its insightful examination of finding meaning in life.

    The book presents a post-apocalyptic world where humans have achieved a sustainable and ecological society, free from societal issues like racism and classism. Through the friendship that develops between Dex and Mosscap, the story explores the balance between technology and nature, while touching on philosophical questions about purpose and self-discovery. The writing style is described as kind, warm, and charming, offering a soothing and introspective reading experience that leaves readers feeling hopeful about the future.

    Sometimes, a person reaches a point in their life when it becomes absolutely essential to get the fuck out of the city. It doesn’t matter if you’ve spent your entire adult life in a city, as was the c...

  6. #6

    Every Heart a Doorway - Wayward Children by Seanan McGuire
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    'Every Heart a Doorway' by Seanan McGuire is a fantasy novella set at Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, where children who have visited fantasy worlds and returned to the real world gather. The story follows Nancy and other misfit children as they navigate the challenges of adjusting to reality after experiencing magical realms. The writing style is described as beautiful, lyrical, and seamlessly weaving world-building and character development to explore themes of self-acceptance, fitting in, and longing for a place to call home.

    THE HABIT OF NARRATION, of crafting something miraculous out of the commonplace, was hard to break. Narration came naturally after a time spent in the company of talking scarecrows or disappearing cat...

  7. #7

    We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
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    The novel 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson is a haunting tale narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine Merricat Blackwood, depicting the lives of the Blackwood family living in isolation in a large house on expansive grounds. The story delves into themes of ostracism, mental illness, and family dynamics, with a touch of gothic elements. Through Merricat's perspective, readers are drawn into a world of eerie suspense and chilling ambiguity, where the line between reality and imagination is blurred.

    Shirley Jackson's writing style in 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' is described as captivating, eerie, and suspenseful. With meticulous craftsmanship and a knack for building tension gradually, Jackson weaves a narrative that is both unsettling and compelling. The novel unfolds in a concise and graceful manner, with scenes that are delicately suspenseful yet warm and candid, showcasing the author's ability to cover a wide range of emotions and themes in a compact space.

    My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all I could have been born a werewolf, because the two mid...

  8. #8

    Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
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    'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata is a quirky and atmospheric novel that delves into the life of Keiko, a woman who has worked at a convenience store for 18 years. Keiko finds comfort and satisfaction in her job, despite societal pressures to conform and lead a more traditional life. The book explores themes of societal norms, individuality, and the struggle to fit in, all through the lens of Keiko's unique perspective. The writing style is described as fresh, simple, and emotionally charged, making it a quick and absorbing read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

    A convenience store is a world of sound. From the tinkle of the door chime to the voices of TV celebrities advertising new products over the in-store cable network, to the calls of the store workers, ...

  9. #9

    The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
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    'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' by Neil Gaiman is a dark and enchanting tale that explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy. The protagonist revisits his childhood home and is transported back to a time filled with mystical occurrences, terrifying secrets, and the enduring power of friendship. Gaiman weaves a narrative that seamlessly blends magical realism with elements of childhood nostalgia, creating a haunting and whimsical story that captivates readers from start to finish.

    Through vivid prose and evocative storytelling, Gaiman delves into themes of innocence, fear, friendship, and the complexities of memory. navigates through the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as he confronts the mysteries of his past and the hidden truths that shape his present reality. With a touch of melancholy and a hint of wonder, 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' takes readers on a mesmerizing exploration of the human experience, where the boundaries between imagination and truth blur in a world filled with magic and mystery.

    There was a table laid with jellies and trifles, with a party hat beside each place and a birthday cake with seven candles on it in the centre of the table. The cake had a book drawn on it, in icing. ...

  10. #10

    The Stranger by Albert Camus
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    "The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a novel that delves into existentialism through the story of Meursault, a man who seems indifferent and detached from the world around him. The plot follows Meursault as he navigates through life events such as his mother's death, a murder he commits, and a trial he faces, all while displaying a lack of emotion and connection with those around him. The writing style is described as choppy, matter-of-fact, and detached, reflecting the character's own demeanor and emphasizing the themes of absurdity and alienation.

    Camus' exploration of the absurdity of life and society's inability to understand a man like Meursault forms the core of the narrative. Through vivid storytelling and a compelling portrayal of existential themes, the book challenges readers to reflect on concepts of meaning, morality, and the human condition. The character of Meursault serves as a vehicle for Camus to question societal norms and beliefs, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of existential philosophy and the complexities of human existence.

    The old people’s home is at Marengo, about eighty kilometers from Algiers, I’ll take the two o’clock bus and get there in the afternoon. That way I can be there for the vigil and come back tomorrow ni...

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