Books matching: social struggles
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Fauxmance by L.H. Cosway is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the complex relationship between Julian, a male escort, and Ellen, a woman with social anxiety who adopts a second persona. Julian is captivated by Ellen, who portrays herself as Elodie, a vivacious woman with exciting tales. As their friendship grows, Julian discovers the true identity behind Elodie and the vulnerability within Ellen. The story unfolds with a mix of sweet romance, unexpected twists, and deep emotional connections, showcasing the author's talent in crafting intricate characters and engaging plotlines.
(Also, see 39 recommendations for the series Showmance ) - #2
Save:'The Day She Cried' by K. Webster is a deeply emotional story that follows the lives of Raven, Rome, and Courtney as they navigate through tragedy, betrayal, and love. The book delves into dark themes such as self-harm, suicide, and the consequences of one's actions. Through the perspectives of the characters, the author explores complex relationships, personal growth, and the impact of past mistakes on present lives. The writing style is described as intense, powerful, and poignant, taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster from despair to hope.
I hope he wasn’t there when I fell. One of the vapid cheerleaders—one who I hate for many, many reasons—sat in my section today. Spilled her water all over the floor and didn’t tell me. When I rushed ... - #3
Save:Hairstyles of the Damned by Joe Meno is a coming of age story that delves into the drama and anxiety of being a teenager. The protagonist, Brian Oswald, navigates a crumbling home life while dealing with unrequited love. The book captures the journey of a flawed yet relatable character, who undergoes a transformation from a heavy metal enthusiast to a punk rocker. Set in Chicago's Southwest side, the novel incorporates music and nostalgia, creating a vivid backdrop for the story. Written in a conversational and teen vernacular style, the book explores themes of self-discovery, youthful rebellion, and the struggles of lower middle-class young adults.
The other problem I had was that I was falling in love with my best friend, Gretchen, who I thought the rest of the world considered fat. We were in her crappy car and singing, and at the end of the s... - #4
Save:The Devil She Knows follows the story of Maureen Coughlin, a young waitress who accidentally witnesses a powerful and dangerous man engaged in an obscene act. This event leads to a series of dangerous events where witnesses start turning up dead, putting Maureen's life and her mother's life in danger. With the help of Detective Waters and other characters, Maureen must find the strength to fight the evil forces that are out to destroy her. The novel is a psychological growth story disguised as a crime thriller, focusing on Maureen's journey of self-discovery and empowerment amidst a gritty and suspenseful plot.
The book is praised for its descriptive writing, deep and complicated characters, good dialogue, and a plot that is gritty and suspenseful. The protagonist, Maureen Coughlin, is highlighted as a strong and compelling character who takes control of her life and destiny in the face of danger and adversity. The setting of Staten Island plays a crucial role in the story, adding to the atmospheric and unique quality of the narrative.
Blood. Maureen sniffed again at the dark smears on her fingertips. Pungent sweetness and a hint of iron. Definitely blood. Not the answer she’d hoped for, but the fresh stains couldn’t be anything els... - #5
Save:In "Ava's Man," author Rick Bragg delves into the life of his maternal grandfather, Charlie Bundrum, a man he never had the chance to meet. Through a collection of family stories and anecdotes, Bragg paints a vivid picture of Charlie's life as a beloved Appalachian man who worked as a carpenter, bootleg whisky maker, and fisherman during the Great Depression. The book captures the essence of a bygone era in the American South, portraying the hardships and resilience of a family living through challenging times.
Bragg's writing style in "Ava's Man" is described as beautifully touching, lyrical, and evocative. He weaves a compelling narrative that transports readers to the rural South, making them feel as though they are experiencing the daily struggles and triumphs alongside Charlie and his family. Through Bragg's storytelling, Charlie emerges as a larger-than-life figure, leaving a lasting impact on future generations through the pages of this book.
Ava met him at a box-lunch auction outside. Gadsden, Alabama, when she was barely fifteen, when a skinny boy in freshly washed overalls stepped from the crowd of bidders, pointed to her and said, “I g... - #6
Save:Waiting for the Mahatma by R.K. Narayan is set in the fictional village of Malgudi during India's struggle for independence from the British Empire. The story follows the protagonist, Sriram, as he becomes involved in the freedom movement after meeting Bharati, a patriotic girl working under Mahatma Gandhi. As Sriram navigates his feelings for Bharati and his newfound involvement in the independence struggle, the narrative beautifully captures the essence of pre-independence India, blending humor, love, and social commentary seamlessly. Narayan's writing style is described as fluent, graceful, and highly readable, with well-crafted characters that offer insights into the complexities of the era and the human experience.
(Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Malgudi ) - #7
Save:In 'Let the Great World Spin' by Colum McCann, the novel revolves around the lives of various individuals in New York City in 1974, all interconnected by the tightrope walk between the World Trade Center towers. The story captures the pulse of NYC life, describing the diverse characters, their struggles, and their connections to one another, all against the backdrop of a monumental event. The writing style weaves together multiple perspectives, showcasing fully developed and flawed yet likable characters, while delving into the historical time period and culture of life in NYC.
The book is a series of linked stories that center around troubled characters searching for something, all intersecting in New York City on the day of Philippe Petit's tightrope walk between the Twin Towers. McCann's beautiful writing captures the fragility of life, the delicate balancing act of the tightrope walker, and the complexities of human relationships post-9/11. The novel provides glimpses into different lives, intertwining narratives, and a deep exploration of the experience of New York City in the 1970s.
Cortlandt. West Street. Fulton. Vesey. It was a silence that heard itself, awful and beautiful. Some thought at first that it must have been a trick of the light, something to do with the weather, an ... - #8
Save:'Four Fires' by Bryce Courtenay is a compelling story that follows the Maloney family, an Australian family of Irish descent, as they navigate through various challenges spanning from the aftermath of World War II to the Vietnam War era. The book delves into themes of resilience, family dynamics, and the impact of war on individuals and families. Through mesmerizing storytelling, Courtenay weaves together a tale that covers a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears, while providing insightful depictions of historical events and the Australian way of life.
The narrative is rich in detail, offering a vivid portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the Maloney family as they strive to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves. Courtenay's writing style shines in this historical fiction novel, capturing the essence of Australian life, the horrors of war, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of challenges.
When we were kids, my dad never talked about the war, not even on Anzac Day, when, like every other bloke he wore his medals and marched behind the high-school band to the rotunda at the top of King S... - #9
Save:'Free the Darkness' in the series 'King's Dark Tidings' by author Kel Kade follows the journey of a character named Rezkin, who is portrayed as an overpowered protagonist with unmatched combat skills and an enigmatic personality. The plot revolves around Rezkin as he navigates a world where he is revered and admired by those around him, while also struggling to understand basic human emotions and interactions due to his isolated upbringing. The writing style of the book is described as humorous, engaging, and fast-paced, with well-written fight scenes and a clear portrayal of character dynamics.
Bone snapped and flesh parted as hot blood spewed from a jagged wound. A gut-clenching wail echoed off the stone walls and startled the ever-present black sentries into flight. As the alert subsided i... - #10
Save:Three teenagers, Alexis, Nick, and Ruby, volunteer for the Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team and stumble upon the body of a murdered girl while searching for a missing man. As they get involved in tracking down the killer, they form an unlikely friendship and face personal challenges while dealing with the aftermath of the murder. The book delves into the lives of these three teens from different backgrounds and their involvement in the murder investigation, providing a mix of suspense, character development, and teenage camaraderie.
The plot of "The Body in the Woods" revolves around three resourceful and likable characters who join the Search and Rescue team and find themselves entangled in a murder mystery. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including insights from the serial killer, adding layers of suspense and intrigue. The book introduces the readers to the unique qualities of the characters, their personal struggles, and their interactions as they navigate through the challenges of solving a murder case.
When the classroom phone rang in American history, Alexis Frost straightened up and blinked, trying to will herself awake as the teacher answered it. She managed to yawn without opening her mouth, the...
