Books matching: societal commentary
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- #1
Save:Intimations by Zadie Smith is a collection of essays reflecting on the events of 2020, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. Smith's writing style is described as thoughtful, cautious, and impactful, touching on topics such as racism, poverty, privilege, and inequity. The essays explore the pandemic as a metaphor for other societal issues, capturing the essence of life under Covid and musings on structural racism.
JUSTBEFORE I left New York, I found myself in an unexpected position: clinging to the bars of the Jefferson Market Garden, looking in. A moment before, I’d been on the run as usual, intending to explo... - #2
Save:'Brain Droppings' by George Carlin is a collection of skits and observations that challenge societal norms and conventional thinking. Carlin's writing style is described as honest, intelligent, and thought-provoking, with a touch of dark humor and satire. Readers appreciate Carlin's ability to mix comedy with insightful commentary on various subjects like language, people, and the world in general. The book is praised for its ability to make readers laugh out loud while also making them reflect on deeper issues.
brain droppings b everyone has melanomas. Then you’ll start to see “fashion skin cancer.” It’ll probably start in Malibu. People will use their skin cancers to form little designs. Since it’s Malibu, ... - #3
Save:"Journey by Moonlight" by Antal Szerb is a novel set in Fascist Italy of the 1930s, following the story of Mihaly, a Hungarian businessman who abandons his new wife on their honeymoon due to a powerful nostalgia for his unconventional past. As Mihaly embarks on a journey through Italy, facing existential questions and encounters with characters from his youth, his wife Erzsi also finds herself on a separate journey in Paris. The book intricately weaves themes of searching, youth, death, transgression, and love, with a touch of the supernatural, creating a fascinating and thought-provoking narrative. The writing style is described as elegant, atmospheric, and evocative, with a deep exploration of psychology and nuanced psychological acumen.
Mihály first noticed the back-alleys when the motor-ferry turned off the Grand Canal for a short cut and they began appearing to right and left. But at the time he paid them no attention, being caught... - #4
Save:"Stand on Zanzibar" by John Brunner is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future world of overpopulation, governmental control, and societal chaos. The plot follows multiple characters, such as Donald Hogan and Norman House, as they navigate a world where human reproduction is heavily regulated, and global events unfold in a fragmented and interconnected manner. The writing style of the novel is described as experimental, combining different narrative techniques like snippets of popular culture, newsreel-style chapters, and interspersed source material to create a rich and immersive reading experience.
Stock cue VISUAL: cliptage, splitscreen, cut in bridge-melder, Mr. & Mrs. Everywhere depthunder (today MAMP, Mid-Atlantic Mining Project), spaceover (today freefly-suiting), transiting (today Simplon ... 'Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion' by Jia Tolentino is a collection of essays that delve into modern forms of self-delusion, examining topics such as commodification, gender, sex, identity, and the internet. Tolentino's writing style is often personal, offering insights into societal issues like feminism, patriarchy, and capitalism as experienced by millennials in the U.S. The essays are well-researched, clever, and articulate, with a focus on the changes brought about by the digital age, commercialization of identity, and the evolving role of women in society.
In the beginning the internet seemed good. “I was in love with the internet the first time I used it at my dad’s office and thought it was the ULTIMATE COOL,” I wrote, when I was ten, on an Angelfire ...'Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat' by Perumal Murugan narrates the life of a black goat named Poonachi, who is adopted by an old couple and becomes a significant part of their lives. The story follows Poonachi's journey from childhood to motherhood, highlighting themes of survival, oppression, and social hierarchy. The book is written in a simple yet thought-provoking manner, portraying the struggles and emotions of the goat with human-like characteristics.
The narrative of 'Poonachi' delves into the complexities of human-animal relationships, addressing serious social and political issues such as gender discrimination, oppression, and injustice through the lens of a goat's perspective. Murugan's storytelling captures the essence of survival and the emotional depth of the characters, offering a unique exploration of themes like love, desire, ownership, and societal choices.
In that semi-arid stretch of land known as Odakkan Hill, it didn’t rain much that year. The last few years had been no different. If it rained for half an hour on a rare day, some upstarts called it ‘...- #7
Save:The Sundial by Shirley Jackson is a dark and witty novel that follows the Halloran family and their eccentric group of companions as they prepare for the end of the world. After a vision from deceased family members, the characters stockpile supplies, burn books, and confine themselves in their mansion, all under the imperious leadership of Orianna Halloran. The story unfolds with a mix of humor and tension, satirizing class pretensions and exploring the dynamics of a dysfunctional family in the face of an impending apocalypse. Jackson's writing style is described as perfect, with not a word wasted, as she weaves a tale that blurs the lines between reality and magic, creating a sense of creepiness and suspense throughout the narrative.
After the funeral they came back to the house, now indisputably Mrs. Halloran’s. They stood uneasily, without any certainty, in the large lovely entrance hall, and watched Mrs. Halloran go into the ri... - #8
Save:'Zone One' by Colson Whitehead is a literary zombie novel set in post-apocalyptic New York City. The book follows the protagonist, Mark Spitz, as he navigates the aftermath of a zombie pandemic and struggles with Post Apocalypse Stress Disorder (PASD). The narrative weaves in and out of flashbacks, exploring themes of isolation, family dynamics, and the rebuilding of society in a world overrun by zombies. The writing style is described as cerebral, with a focus on character development and introspection, rather than typical horror elements.
He always wanted to live in New York. His Uncle Lloyd lived downtown on Lafayette, and in the long stretches between visits he daydreamed about living in his apartment. When his mother and father drag... - #9
Save:The Loop by Ben Oliver is a fast-paced dystopian novel set in a high-tech, maximum security prison where 16-year-old Luka Kane resides on death row. The story follows Luka as he navigates the complex world of the Loop, facing challenges and uncovering dark secrets while trying to survive in a society that incarcerates teenagers with life sentences. The plot is filled with twists and turns, engaging readers with a mix of action-packed sequences and suspenseful moments that keep them hooked till the end.
The writing style in The Loop is described as effortless, with distinctive characters, engaging dialogue, and an immediately arresting voice. The author, Ben Oliver, creates a vivid and absorbing world that seamlessly blends science fiction elements with a realistic portrayal of the characters' struggles and triumphs. The book references and intricate plot development contribute to a gripping narrative that explores themes of technology, politics, and survival in a futuristic setting.
My mind recoils from the pain and the panic, and I’m no longer in my cell. I’m standing on the roof of the Black Road Vertical, the mile-high tower block where I used to live. The boy with the blond h... - #10
Save:In "Tempt Me at Twilight" by Lisa Kleypas, the story revolves around Poppy Hathaway and Harry Rutledge. Poppy, a member of the eccentric Hathaway family, meets Harry at his hotel in London. Despite a rocky start, Harry becomes enamored with Poppy and orchestrates a situation to court and marry her. The book explores their evolving relationship, filled with misunderstandings, complications, and personal growth. The story also delves into the dynamics of the Hathaway family and sets the stage for future romances within the series.
The plot of "Tempt Me at Twilight" is filled with humor, quirky characters, and unexpected twists. Lisa Kleypas weaves a tale of love, second chances, and self-discovery against the backdrop of 19th-century London. The writing style combines sensuality, tenderness, and moments of suspense, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
As soon as she caught her sister’s pet, Poppy swore she was going to alert the management of the Rutledge that Beatrix was harboring wild creatures in their family suite, which was definitely against ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Hathaways )
