Books matching: southern experience
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- #1
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... - #2
Save:Set in the Depression era South, 'Bacchanal' by Veronica G. Henry follows Eliza Meeks, a young black woman with the gift of communicating with animals, who joins a traveling carnival called Bacchanal. The carnival harbors a dark secret involving an ancient demon that feeds on innocent souls, and Eliza must use her magical powers to confront this malevolent force. The book weaves historical details with African American folklore and mythology, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that keeps readers hooked until the end. The plot unfolds through multiple points of view, delving into the struggles and secrets of a diverse cast of characters, ultimately leading to a thrilling and original story that blends elements of fantasy, horror, and historical fiction.
The writing style in 'Bacchanal' is praised for its dark carnival atmosphere and the author's ability to captivate readers' imaginations. The story meanders through small southern towns, gradually revealing the mysteries of the characters and the demonic owner of the carnival. Readers appreciate the richly drawn characters, the complex plot, and the strong writing that brings to life the setting and the blend of mystical tales from Africa seamlessly integrated into the main storyline. The book is commended for its unique premise, engaging plot, and the exploration of themes such as magic, ancestry, and self-discovery.
“How long does it take one silly girl to clean a toilet?” Mrs. Shippen hovered in the doorway of the sole boardinghouse bathroom with her bony arms folded. The woman had the look of an orange a week p... - #3
Save:Zora Neale Hurston's autobiography, 'Dust Tracks on a Road', is a captivating account of her life journey from childhood to adulthood. The book delves into Hurston's upbringing in the South, her struggles with social norms, and her relentless pursuit of her dreams despite facing adversities. Through her unique writing style filled with inventive metaphors and colloquial language, Hurston paints a vivid picture of her experiences, relationships, and the cultural landscape of her time.
Hurston's narrative skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes, reflections on societal issues, and glimpses of historical events, offering readers a multifaceted view of her life and the challenges she overcame. Her storytelling is both heart-wrenching and joyous, evoking a range of emotions and leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into the pages of her autobiography.
I was born in a Negro town. I do not mean by that the black back-side of an average town. Eatonville, Florida, is, and was at the time of my birth, a pure Negro town—charter, mayor, council, town mars... - #4
Save:'A Childhood, the Biography of a Place' by Harry Crews is a memoir that delves into the author's childhood experiences growing up in south Georgia in a poverty-stricken sharecropper family. Crews paints a vivid picture of his early life, filled with love, magic, alcoholism, and domestic violence. The narrative captures the essence of life in rural Georgia during the depression and into the 1940s, portraying the struggles and hardships faced by the author and those around him. Through his storytelling, Crews provides a glimpse into a world marked by poverty, ignorance, and physical labor, while also highlighting moments of innocence and originality through a child's perspective.
The writing style of 'A Childhood, the Biography of a Place' is described as engaging, evocative, and poignant. Crews weaves together tales from his childhood in a compelling manner, blending humor with sadness and creating a narrative that keeps the reader captivated. The author's ability to convey his experiences through the eyes of a child, while also offering insights from his adult perspective, adds depth and richness to the memoir, making it a powerful and immersive read.
My first memory is of a time ten years before I was born, and the memory takes place where I have never been and involves my daddy whom I never knew. It was the middle of the night in the Everglades s... 'Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion, 1250-1276' by Jacques Gernet provides a detailed insight into the daily life of the Chinese people during the Southern Song dynasty. It explores various aspects of society in Hangzhou, the capital city, such as social classes, merchants, lower classes, clothing, cooking, festivals, and leisure activities. The author reconstructs a snapshot of how society functioned at the end of the Southern Song dynasty, shedding light on the cultural, economic, and political dynamics of the time. Gernet's writing style is informative, well-researched, and easy to follow, making it an engaging read for those interested in ancient Chinese history.
- #6
Save:'The Secret Lives of Church Ladies' is a collection of short stories that delves into the lives of Black women and girls navigating the complexities of faith, family, and personal desires. The stories explore the struggles and desires of the characters caught between the expectations of their church communities and their own realities, all while highlighting the humanity, vulnerabilities, and strengths of the characters. Through vivid storytelling, the author portrays real and grounded characters facing compelling conflicts, creating a powerful collection that resonates with readers.
For Eula’s birthday the next year, I planned a special dinner at my house for us. I went down to the fish market on Avery and got everything to make gumbo, her favorite dish. Eula liked my Grandma Pau... - #7
Save:'The Awakening' in the series 'Ghost Huntress' by author Marley Gibson follows the story of Kendall Moorehead as she navigates her new life in the South, discovering her psychic abilities and getting involved in ghost hunting. The plot creatively mixes the paranormal into normal everyday life, with a positive reinforcement of religion for Kendall. The pacing of the story is engaging, pulling readers through the book effortlessly, making it a page-turner with a touch of suspense and a hint of romance. Despite some initial awkwardness in the beginning, the book delves into a world of spirits in need of help, psychic abilities, and new friendships, making it an ideal read for young adults interested in the supernatural.
- #8
Save:'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men' by James Agee is a detailed sociological description of abject poverty in the United States during the 1930s, focusing on three white Alabama sharecropping families. Agee, along with photographer Walker Evans, visited and documented the lives of these impoverished Americans, providing meticulously detailed descriptions of every aspect of their lives. The writing style has a stream of consciousness feel, mixing poetic language with seemingly irrelevant parts, creating a unique blend of observation and artistic prose.
- #9
Save:'Look Homeward, Angel' by Thomas Wolfe is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of Eugene Gant, a young man growing up in the mountains of North Carolina in the early 1900s. The narrative delves into Eugene's boyhood and coming of age, exploring his complex family dynamics, his restless yearning for something more, and his struggle to find his place in the world. The writing style is described as ornate and rich, with detailed descriptions and flights of wordy fancy that capture the reader's imagination.
A destiny that leads the English to the Dutch is strange enough; but one that leads from Epsom into Pennsylvania, and thence into the hills that shut in Altamont over the proud coral cry of the cock, ... - #10
Save:'I'll Be the One' by Lyla Lee is a YA Fiction novel that follows the journey of Skye Shin, a Korean American, overweight, bisexual girl who auditions to be a K-pop star despite facing criticism and fatphobia. The book explores themes of ambition, self-acceptance, friendship, and romance as Skye competes in a televised K-pop competition, challenges societal norms, and forms meaningful connections with fellow contestants.
The writing style of 'I'll Be the One' is described as engaging, heartwarming, and relatable, with a focus on body positivity, LGBTQ representation, and Korean culture. The plot follows Skye's determination to pursue her dreams despite obstacles, showcasing her resilience, talent, and ability to stand up for herself and those around her.
It’s something my mom said after one of my ballet recitals when I was a little kid. I’d already felt out of place. Even though we were all five, the other girls had somehow already lost their baby fat...
