Books matching: small town america
100 result(s)
Author Bill Bryson embarks on a road trip across the United States, retracing the childhood travels he took with his family in Iowa. Through humorous and witty narration, Bryson explores small town America, offering a mix of whimsical nostalgia and critical observations. As he journeys through various towns, Bryson's writing captures a sense of loss and disappointment in the changing landscape of America, blending satire with affection and introspection.
I COME FROM Des Moines. Somebody had to. When you come from Des Moines you either accept the fact without question and settle down with a local girl named Bobbi and get a job at the Firestone factory ...'Not Tonight, Josephine: A Road Trip Through Small-Town America' by George Mahood is a humorous and insightful travelogue that follows the author's adventures across the USA in a broken-down vehicle named Josephine. The book captures the essence of exploring small-town America, filled with funny incidents, mishaps, and encounters with quirky characters along the way. Mahood's writing style is engaging, descriptive, and entertaining, making the reader feel like they are on the road trip with him, experiencing the highs and lows of his journey.
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Save:In "Montana 1948" by Larry Watson, the story is set in a small town in Montana during the summer of 1948. The narrative follows young David Hayden as he recounts the events that deeply impact his family, especially regarding his uncle, a respected doctor accused of molesting Native American girls. The book explores themes of family loyalty, justice, abuse of power, and coming of age through the eyes of the protagonist. The writing style is described as spare, direct, and haunting, with crystal-clear descriptions that immerse the reader into the setting of the small Montana town.
IN 1948 my father was serving his second term as sheriff of Mercer County, Montana. We lived in Bentrock, the county seat and the only town of any size in the region. In 1948 its population was less t... Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger is a non-fiction book that reads like fiction, capturing the essence of high school football in Odessa, Texas, in 1987. The book delves into more than just football, exploring the socioeconomic and political aspects of the town post the Texas Oil Boom. It follows the Odessa football squad closely, portraying the dedication, pressure, and camaraderie experienced by the high school athletes.
The writing style of Friday Night Lights has been likened to a John Cougar Mellencamp song, with a narrative that feels like a fictional novel. Despite being non-fiction, the book is praised for its gripping storytelling, vivid characters, and its ability to transport readers into the heart of small-town America, making it a classic football book that offers more than just sports.
IN THE BEGINNING, ON A DOG-DAY MONDAY IN THE MIDDLE OF August when the West Texas heat congealed in the sky, there were only the stirrings of dreams. It was the very first official day of practice and...- #5
Save:Ray Bradbury's 'The Small Assassin' is a collection of horror short stories that delves into themes of eerie atmospheres, escalating dread, and chilling examples of the genre. The title story opens with a mother who nearly dies in childbirth and develops the delusion that her newborn baby is trying to murder her, setting the tone for psychological horror, tales of the unexpected, and macabre humor that Bradbury skillfully weaves throughout the collection. The stories paint vivid images of stifling small-town America and fever dreams, evoking a sense of unease that lingers with the reader long after the tales have been told.
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Save:'I Know You Remember' by Jennifer Donaldson is a gripping young adult thriller that follows the story of Ruthie, an eloquent and expressive narrator, as she investigates the mysterious disappearance of her best friend Zahra. The plot twists and character development keep readers on the edge of their seats, slowly revealing past secrets and buried truths. The novel delicately touches on dark themes such as child abuse and murder, while capturing the essence of small-town America and addressing issues of casual racism and mistreatment of the underprivileged.
The writing style of Jennifer Donaldson in 'I Know You Remember' is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged, with a plot that is unpredictable and not formulaic. The characters are well-developed, with surprises and revelations that delve deep into their hidden secrets, making the book hard to put down. The narrative structure, focusing on Ruthie's quest to uncover the truth behind Zahra's disappearance, creates a compelling and emotional rollercoaster for readers from beginning to end.
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Save:'A Million Quiet Revolutions' by Robin Gow is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that follows two trans teen boys, Aaron and Oliver, as they navigate small-town America. The book explores their shared experiences of coming out as trans to each other, finding new names, and falling for each other. Through beautifully written verse and letters, the author delves into the struggles and victories of defining their identities, the complexities of family dynamics, and the presence of historical LGBTQ+ figures throughout time. The plot also touches on difficult subjects like child sexual abuse in a religious context, all while portraying a poignant love story that transcends distance.
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Save:In "Main Street," Carol Kenicott, a college-educated woman from the big city, marries a doctor and moves to the small town of Gopher Prairie. Carol, with grandiose ideas of transforming the town into an artistic community, faces resentment and opposition from the townspeople as she tries to bring her big city lifestyle to the rural community. The novel explores Carol's struggles with social conformity and her aspirations for change amidst the small-minded attitudes of the townspeople.
The story follows Carol's journey as she navigates the challenges of small-town life, her marriage, and her desire to bring progress and culture to Gopher Prairie. Through Carol's character, the book delves into themes of social reform, personal freedom, and the clash between traditional values and progressive ideals in early 20th-century America.
On a hill by the Mississippi where Chippewas camped two generations ago, a girl stood in relief against the cornflower blue of Northern sky. She saw no Indians now; she saw flour mills and the blinkin... - #9
Save:Jack Burdette, a former high school football star turned crook, returns to Holt after nearly 10 years, causing a stir in the town. The impact of his crimes and his larger-than-life persona affect the lives of many in Holt, leading to a tale of revenge, redemption, and the complexities of small-town life. Kent Haruf's writing style is described as moving, transporting readers to the plains of Colorado, with a focus on well-developed characters and a narrative that delves deep into the human experience.
In the end Jack Burdette came back to Holt after all. None of us expected it anymore. He had been gone for eight years and no one in Holt had heard anything about him in that time. The police themselv... - #10
Save:'Bone Gap' by Laura Ruby is a young adult novel that weaves together elements of mystery, magical realism, and romance. The story follows Finn, an outsider in a small town, who witnesses the kidnapping of his friend Roza but struggles to describe the assailant due to his difficulty with facial recognition. As Finn tries to unravel the mystery of Roza's disappearance, the narrative shifts between different characters' perspectives, revealing the impact on the community and exploring themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance. With lyrical prose and a touch of fantasy, 'Bone Gap' takes readers on a journey through a world where reality and magic intertwine, leaving them questioning beauty, identity, and the blurred lines between the seen and unseen.
Laura Ruby's writing style in 'Bone Gap' has been praised for its beautiful prose, engaging storytelling, and use of magical realism. The novel is described as a coming-of-age tale, a surreal fairy tale, and a blend of mystery and romance, offering readers a unique and captivating reading experience. Through the vivid characterization of Finn, Roza, and other inhabitants of Bone Gap, Ruby crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, the power of perception, and the mysteries that lie within the gaps of memory and reality.
It had been a warm winter and a balmy spring in Bone Gap, so everyone with a field and a taste for corn had plowed and planted earlier than they’d ever dared before. On the last day of his junior year...
