Meet New Books

Books matching: social commentary

100 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
    Save:

    In "North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell, the story follows Margaret Hale as she transitions from London society to the industrial town of Milton. The book explores the conflict between the needs of the working class and the factory owners during a strike, with a focus on the Industrial Revolution. The novel delves into themes of integrity, social commentary, and the growth of characters like Margaret and Mr. Thornton as they navigate societal expectations and personal beliefs. Gaskell's writing style is praised for its detailed depiction of life in the fictional town of Milton and its sympathetic portrayal of both the mill owners and the workers.

    But, as Margaret half suspected, Edith had fallen asleep. She lay curled up on the sofa in the back drawing room in Harley Street, looking very lovely in her white muslin and blue ribbons. If Titania ...

  2. 'The Divide: A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and its Solutions' by Jason Hickel delves into the topic of global inequality, shedding light on the stark disparities between the developed and developing world. Through a combination of economic analysis and historical context, the author challenges the conventional approach to development and offers viable solutions to address the pressing issues faced by society. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, eye-opening, and compelling, with the author skillfully weaving together narratives of past injustices and present realities to paint a comprehensive picture of the world's socio-economic landscape.

    It began as a public-relations gimmick. Harry Truman had just been elected to a second term as president of the United States and was set to take the stage for his inaugural address on 20 January 1949...

  3. #3
    Grip
    Book 1 in the series:Grip

    Grip - Grip by Kennedy Ryan
    Save:

    "Grip" by Kennedy Ryan is a deeply emotional and intense romance novel that follows the story of Grip and Bristol, a mixed-race couple facing numerous challenges including an 8-year gap in their relationship. The plot is filled with themes of love, racial discussions, trust issues, and second chances, all woven together in a slow-burn narrative that builds into a crescendo of emotional moments and relevant messages. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with real reactions and thoughts that resonate with readers, making the story engaging and thought-provoking.

    Monica’s singing in my head. I’m relying on nineties R&B to articulate myself. I’m that hungry. My mouth waters when I think of the huge burrito I was this close to shoveling down my throat before I g...

  4. #4

    Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
    Save:

    'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison is a powerful novel that delves into the struggles faced by a young generation of black Americans in the midst of racism and discrimination. The book offers a unique perspective on politics, racial issues, and the formation of American identity, addressing themes of race, class, gender, and the complexities of the human condition. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator who feels invisible in society, the novel explores the challenges and injustices experienced by African Americans in the United States during the early 20th century.

    Ellison's masterful writing style weaves together a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, filled with irony, humor, and impactful messages. The story unfolds with a mix of action, twists, and humor, while delivering an important message about identity, race relations, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. 'Invisible Man' is praised for its ability to engage readers in a vivid portrayal of the African American experience, offering a poignant reflection on the historical and societal context of the time.

    It goes a long way back, some twenty years. All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were o...

  5. 'This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate' by Naomi Klein is a deeply researched and eye-opening exploration of the urgent need to address climate change within the context of capitalism. Klein delves into the complexities of the forces behind climate change denialism, highlighting the disastrous effects of the combination of climate change and neoliberalism. Through well-researched arguments and personal journalism, Klein emphasizes the incompatibility of current capitalist practices with solving climate issues, pointing towards the elite minority obstructing necessary actions for the benefit of the vast majority. skillfully weaves together the interrelatedness of political, economic, and pseudo-scientific factors, advocating for significant social and political transformations to combat the impending climate crisis.

    “Climate scientists agree: climate change is happening here and now. Based on well-established evidence, about 97 percent of climate scientists have concluded that human-caused climate change is happe...

  6. #6

    Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
    Save:

    Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift is a classic tale that follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver as he travels to different lands with unique civilizations. From encountering tiny Lilliputians to meeting giants and talking horses, Gulliver's journey is filled with strange and entertaining experiences. The book is known for its satirical take on human nature, society, politics, and government, presented through Gulliver's encounters in various lands. Swift's writing style combines fantasy elements with sharp social commentary, making the reader reflect on the absurdities of the world.

    Gulliver's Travels is a multi-faceted book that offers a blend of adventure, satire, and social critique. Through Gulliver's travels, Swift explores themes such as human behavior, societal flaws, and political satire. The story unfolds in four parts, each presenting a different society with its own quirks and challenges, providing readers with a thought-provoking and entertaining journey through the imaginative mind of Jonathan Swift.

    The Emperor of Lilliput, attended by several of the nobility, comes to see the author in his confinement. The Emperor’s person and habit described. Learned men appointed to teach the author their lang...

  7. #7

    Kingdom Come by J.G. Ballard
    Save:

    'Kingdom Come' by J.G. Ballard is a dystopian novel that delves into the societal implications of consumerism, violence, and fascism. Set in a suburban shopping mall, the story follows Richard Pearson as he investigates his father's death, uncovering a disturbing world where consumer culture has evolved into a form of religion intertwined with atavistic violence. The book explores themes of societal decay, cult-like behavior, and the dark underbelly of commercialism, offering a prophetic allegory of a society on the brink of fascism. Ballard's poetic and haunting prose weaves together a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and dystopia, providing a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary mores and cultural identity.

    The writing style in 'Kingdom Come' is affectless yet impactful, drawing readers into a world where the mundane is juxtaposed with the menacing. Ballard's exploration of societal shifts and the interplay between individual actions and collective consequences creates a chilling atmosphere that resonates with themes of power, manipulation, and the allure of consumerist ideologies.

    WISHFUL THINKING, I told myself as Heathrow airport shrank into the rear-view mirror, and more than a little foolish, an advertising man’s ingrained habit of tasting the wrapper rather than the biscui...

  8. #8

    Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell
    Save:

    'Keep the Aspidistra Flying' by George Orwell is a novel that follows Gordon Comstock, a struggling poet who decides to reject the materialistic world and live in poverty, believing it will help him focus on his art. The story explores Gordon's internal struggles, his disdain for societal norms, and his relationships with friends and family as he navigates his self-imposed poverty. Orwell's writing style is praised for its descriptive language that vividly portrays the gritty reality of poverty in 1930s London, as well as his ability to provide social commentary on class, money, and the human psyche.

    THE CLOCK struck half past two. In the little office at the back of Mr McKechnie’s bookshop, Gordon—Gordon Comstock, last member of the Comstock family, aged twenty-nine and rather moth-eaten already—...

  9. #9

    Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
    Save:

    Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a novel that delves into the complexities of race, immigration, and cultural identity through the intertwined stories of Ifemelu and Obinze. The book switches between Ifemelu's experiences in the U.S. and Obinze's in the U.K., exploring the challenges and differences they face as immigrants. Adichie's writing style combines sharp observations with personal storytelling, creating a narrative that raises important questions about race relations and societal norms in Nigeria, America, and England. Through Ifemelu's successful blog about race, the reader is exposed to thought-provoking commentary on class, culture, and the immigrant experience.

    Princeton, in the summer, smelled of nothing, and although Ifemelu liked the tranquil greenness of the many trees, the clean streets and stately homes, the delicately overpriced shops, and the quiet, ...

  10. #10

    Strawberry Fields by Marina Lewycka
    Save:

    "Strawberry Fields" by Marina Lewycka is a multi-faceted tale that delves into the lives of immigrant workers facing challenges and exploitation in the UK. Through a narrative that balances humor and seriousness, the story follows a group of characters from various countries working as strawberry pickers, highlighting the harsh realities they encounter, including issues like human trafficking, labor exploitation, and the darker side of globalization. The author weaves together different perspectives, including the unique voice of a dog, to paint a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and moments of resilience amidst adversity.

    The novel presents a blend of dark themes and light-hearted moments, exploring the complexities of human relationships, the impact of migration, and the resilience of individuals facing difficult circumstances. Lewycka's writing style combines humor, social commentary, and poignant storytelling to create a narrative that offers insights into the lives of immigrant workers, the challenges they navigate, and the unexpected connections that form amidst their shared experiences.

    There is a field—a broad south-sloping field sitting astride a long hill that curves away into a secret leafy valley. It is sheltered by dense hedges of hawthorn and hazel threaded through with wild r...

Page 1 of 10Next Page