Books matching: storytelling techniques
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Munro's writing style is described as precise and engaging, capturing the nuances of life, love, disappointments, and unexpected twists. The stories explore various themes such as unfaithful marriages, nursing the dying, landlord and tenant relationships, and mother-child dynamics, all depicted with conflict and emotion that Munro excels in capturing.
The book opens with a story about the mysterious death of a town's ophthalmologist, setting the tone for exploring different human connections in subsequent stories. Munro's storytelling is commended for its ability to slowly reveal character traits and plot points, creating engaging narratives that leave readers astonished by the profound impact of simple incidents in daily life.
FOR the last couple of decades, there has been a museum in Walley, dedicated to preserving photos and butter churns and horse harnesses and an old dentist’s chair and a cumbersome apple peeler and suc... - #2
Save:'Dear Life' by Alice Munro is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of ordinary people facing challenges in mid-20th century Ontario. The book showcases Munro's masterful storytelling, moving effortlessly around in time and place, capturing the subtle complexities of human relationships and emotions. The writing style is clear, beautiful, and evocative, with a focus on the simple yet poignant moments of everyday life.
The stories in 'Dear Life' offer a glimpse into the lives of characters ranging from dreamy and oblivious to self-aware and comfortable with their imperfections. Munro weaves together tales of love, missed opportunities, solitude, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of rural, post-depression small-town life in Canada. The collection ends with a series of autobiographical stories, providing readers with a personal look into Munro's formative years and adding an extra layer of depth to the overall narrative.
ONCE Peter had brought her suitcase on board the train he seemed eager to get himself out of the way. But not to leave. He explained to her that he was just uneasy that the train should start to move.... - #3Snowby:
Save:Snow by Orhan Pamuk is a slow-paced novel that follows the journey of a Turkish poet, Ka, as he returns to the town of Kars in eastern Anatolia. The book delves into Turkish secular politics, Islamist discontent, and the internal struggles of Ka as an atheist Turk grappling with a desire to reconnect with his Muslim faith. Through rich descriptions of the city and its characters, Pamuk weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, politics, religion, and identity against the backdrop of a major snowstorm isolating the town. The writing style is described as thoughtful, inventive, and at times funny, capturing the complexities of human emotions and societal tensions.
He’d boarded the bus from Erzurum to Kars with only seconds to spare. He’d just come into the station on a bus from Istanbul—a snowy, stormy, two-day journey—and was rushing up and down the dirty wet ... 'She Got Up Off the Couch: And Other Heroic Acts from Mooreland, Indiana' by Haven Kimmel is a memoir that follows the coming-of-age tale of a young girl named Zippy in a small town in Indiana. The story revolves around Zippy's observations of her mother's transformation from being a stay-at-home mom to obtaining a Master's degree in English and becoming a teacher, all while dealing with the challenges in her family life. Through seemingly unrelated episodes, the book explores themes of family dynamics, growing up, and the impact of religion on the protagonist's life.
The narrative style of the book is characterized by matter-of-fact storytelling, humor, and poignant reflections on the author's childhood experiences. The author weaves together anecdotes of small-town life in the Midwest, portraying the quirks and challenges of rural living with a mix of light-heartedness and deeper introspection.
A few years ago I wrote some essays about the town in which I grew up. Mooreland, Indiana, was paradise for a child — my old friend Rose and I have often said so — small, flat, entirely knowable. When...- #5
Save:The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste is a historical fiction novel set during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. The story focuses on the role of women in the conflict, particularly Hirut and Aster, as they fight against the Italian soldiers alongside Ethiopian rebels. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, the brutality of war, and the resilience of the characters, offering a unique perspective on a lesser-known chapter of World War II history.
SHE DOES NOT WANT TO REMEMBER BUT SHE IS here and memory is gathering bones. She has come by foot and by bus to Addis Ababa, across terrain she has chosen to forget for nearly forty years. She is two ... - #6
Save:The Encyclopedia of Early Earth by Isabel Greenberg is a graphic novel that weaves together a collection of nested fables and myths, telling the tragi-comic love story of a Nord man and a woman from the South Pole who are unable to touch due to Earth's magnetic forces. Through the protagonist's storytelling, readers are taken on a fantastical journey across Early Earth, encountering corporeal and spiritual beings inspired by various mythologies and cultures. Greenberg's artistic style, beautiful illustrations, and clever use of color create a unique and enchanting piece of art that blends age-old myths with a modern twist.
The book is a charming mix of folklore, fantasy, and humor, celebrating the art of storytelling and exploring themes of love, creation, destruction, and the power of myths. The Encyclopedia of Early Earth features stories within stories, with the protagonist recounting his adventures and encounters, while also incorporating elements from familiar tales like The Odyssey and Noah's Arc. The narrative structure, combining continuous storytelling with intermittent tales, creates a cohesive and imaginative world inspired by ancient cultures and mythologies, all beautifully depicted in Greenberg's hand-drawn illustrations.
- #7
Save:'Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness' by Joshua Wolf Shenk delves into the emotional life of Abraham Lincoln, exploring how he overcame his chronic depression to become a legendary figure in American history. Through anecdotes and historical accounts, Shenk showcases Lincoln's struggles with depression and how he used his melancholy as a catalyst for growth and leadership. paints a detailed picture of Lincoln's inner turmoil, his battles with suicidal thoughts, and his ultimate triumph in channeling his pain into achieving noble goals for the nation.
Shenk's narrative style in 'Lincoln's Melancholy' combines historical analysis with personal accounts, offering a deep and insightful study of Lincoln's lifelong struggle with depression. explores Lincoln's journey from a melancholic young man searching for purpose to a resilient leader who guided the country through the challenges of the Civil War. By highlighting Lincoln's inner battles and emotional resilience, Shenk demonstrates how depression shaped Lincoln's character and ultimately contributed to his greatness as a president.
IN THREE KEY CRITERIA—the factors that produce depression, the symptoms of what psychiatrists call major depression, and the typical age of onset—the case of Abraham Lincoln is perfect. It could be us... - #8
Save:Running Out of Time is a unique story about a young girl named Jessie who believes she lives in the 1800s but discovers she is actually in 1996, part of an experiment at a historical reenactment site. When children in her village start falling ill, Jessie's mother reveals the truth and sends her out into the modern world to seek help. The book blends elements of adventure, historical fiction, and science fiction, creating a suspenseful and engaging read for readers of various ages.
The plot of Running Out of Time follows Jessie as she navigates the challenges of the current world in 1996, while trying to save her village from a mysterious disease. The story touches on themes of courage, deception, and the clash between past and present, making it a thought-provoking and fast-paced read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Everybody called Jessie’s mother “the midwife,” but she did a lot more than deliver babies. In Clifton, anyone who got sick at night called on her. Most people, Jessie thought, seemed to wait until da... - #9
Save:Wings of Ebony follows Rue, a strong and relatable protagonist, as she navigates the challenges of being a young black woman living in Houston, TX, and later in Ghizon, a hidden island filled with people who can use magic. Rue's journey involves uncovering the truth behind her mother's death, bridging the gap between her two worlds, and embracing her true identity to save her home. The story is fast-paced, rich in color and culture, and delves into themes of colonization, cultural appropriation, systemic racism, and oppression, all with a paranormal twist.
Up all night, I watched the sun rise like a traitor to the chill set in my bones. A yawn scratches at my throat, but my lungs refuse to breathe. Any moment Tasha will step out, her tie-dye drawstring ... - #10
Save:'Lucca' in the series 'Made Men' by author Sarah Brianne is a dark and intense Mafia romance that follows the story of Lucca, a brutal and dangerous Mafia Underboss, who unexpectedly finds himself caring for and healing Chloe, a vulnerable and scarred girl. The plot revolves around their complex relationship, where Lucca's protective tendencies and devotion towards Chloe help her heal and trust again, while Chloe brings light and calmness to Lucca's dark and dangerous world. The writing style of the book is immersive, with multiple points of view, poems, and fragments of thoughts, creating a unique and intense reading experience for the audience.
He flipped his lighter open and closed, open and closed, waiting for her return. Lucca had never been good at sitting still, nor was he a very patient man when he was tired. The night before had been ...
(Also, see 35 recommendations for the series Made Men )
