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Books matching: struggles and influences

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Big Sea by Langston Hughes
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    Langston Hughes' autobiography 'The Big Sea' details his personal journey through troubled times, highlighting his struggles, influences, and passions. The book delves into the trials and tribulations he faced, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance period, showcasing his strength and resilience. Hughes' prose is described as endearing, providing insights into his life experiences and the challenges he overcame as a black writer in America.

    Melodramatic maybe, it seems to me now. But then it was like throwing a million bricks out of my heart when I threw the books into the water. I leaned over the rail of the S.S. Malone and threw the bo...

  2. #2
    Once Upon a Tower
    Book 5 in the series:Fairy Tales

    Once Upon a Tower - Fairy Tales by Eloisa James
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    'Once Upon a Tower' by Eloisa James is a fairy tale romance that follows the story of Gowan Stoughton, Duke of Kinross, and Lady Edith Gilchrist. Gowan falls in love with Edie at first sight and proposes to her, even though she doesn't remember him from their first meeting. The couple faces challenges due to their lack of communication and rigid habits, leading to obstacles in their relationship. The book takes inspiration from the Rapunzel fairy tale but focuses more on the couple's personal struggles and misunderstandings rather than the traditional fairy tale elements. The writing style combines romance, humor, and compelling side plots that keep the readers engaged throughout the story.

    Whenever possible, Gowan Stoughton of Craigievar, Duke of Kinross, Chief of Clan MacAulay, avoided rooms crowded with Englishmen. They were all babbling gossips with more earwax than brains, as his fa...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Fairy Tales )

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

    Indexing - Indexing by Seanan McGuire
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    Indexing by Seanan McGuire is a unique take on fairy tales brought to life in the modern world. The story follows Agent Henrietta Marchen and her team as they work to prevent fairy tale characters like Frog Princes and Sleeping Beauties from activating and causing chaos. The narrative weaves together elements of folklore and fantasy, creating a world where fairy tales are real and dangerous. The book is structured in a serial format, with chapters released episodically, which adds a layer of suspense and anticipation to the storytelling. McGuire's writing style is described as intelligent and dense with layers of meaning, balancing between being a suspenseful thriller and a thought-provoking exploration of the power of stories.

    The central concept of Indexing revolves around the Aarne Thompson folklore classification system, serving as a guidebook for the characters to navigate through the challenges presented by living fairy tales. The characters, including the lead protagonist Henry, are intriguing and not easily predictable, adding depth to the narrative. The book delves into larger themes of identity, power, family, and friendship, offering a fresh perspective on how stories shape our reality and our place within them.

    Ciara Bloomfield squinted at her reflection. She looked reasonably professional, especially by the standards of the organization she worked for: Sure, suit jackets over ruffled pirate shirts were unus...

  4. #4
    The Broken Crown
    Book 1 in the series:The Sun Sword

    The Broken Crown - The Sun Sword by Michelle West
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    The Broken Crown by Michelle West is the start of a six-book epic fantasy series that delves into political intrigue within the Dominion and the Empire. The story follows a weak ruler of the Dominion and a conspiracy to overthrow him, with strong emphasis on female characters who navigate a patriarchal society through means other than wielding swords. The book is characterized by its slow start, complex plot filled with political machinations, and the presence of multiple female characters who play significant roles in shaping the narrative.

    Serra Teresa di'Marano was uneasy, and if she was very careful, and kept her thoughts upon the festive celebrations, she hoped not to put a name to that unease, for things named were things with power...

  5. #5

    An Orchestra of Minorities by Chigozie Obioma
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    Chinonso, a young Igbo man, falls in love with Ndali, but their relationship is hindered by her family's objections due to Chinonso's poverty. In an attempt to prove himself worthy, he sells everything to pursue education in Turkey, only to be scammed by a childhood friend. The story is narrated by Chinonso's chi, offering a unique perspective on his struggles and hardships. The narrative delves into themes of love, betrayal, cultural differences, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of Igbo culture.

    Chinonso's journey from love to tragedy is depicted through a blend of insight and naivety, reflecting his struggles with life's challenges. The novel explores deep emotional and societal issues, highlighting the impact of poverty, love, and betrayal on the protagonist's life. The story unfolds in a non-linear manner, weaving together themes of forgiveness, revenge, and the harsh realities faced by those on the fringes of society.

    I stand knowing that a chi is supposed to testify before you if his host is dead and his host’s soul has ascended into Benmuo, that liminal space crowded with spirits and discarnate beings of every hu...

  6. #6

    The Game and the Governess - Winner Takes All by Kate Noble
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    In "The Game and the Governess" by Kate Noble, the story revolves around Phoebe, a governess who becomes the unwitting pawn in a wager between two friends, Ned and John. As Ned impersonates an earl to win Phoebe's heart, the plot unfolds with sparkling wit, emotionally charged writing, and unforgettable characters. The book delves into themes of love, identity, and class differences in Regency England, all while building sexual tension between Phoebe and Ned.


  7. #7

    I Am Dynamite!: A Life of Nietzsche by Sue Prideaux
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    'I Am Dynamite!: A Life of Nietzsche' by Sue Prideaux is a biography that delves into the life and works of Friedrich Nietzsche, showcasing his struggles with health, personal relationships, and philosophical ideas. The book presents Nietzsche as a complex and influential figure in Western philosophy, highlighting his challenges, controversies, and the impact of his writings on art, music, and literature. Prideaux weaves a narrative that captures Nietzsche's brilliance, vulnerability, and the enduring relevance of his ideas in the modern world.

    The biography offers a detailed and insightful exploration of Nietzsche's life, presenting a sympathetic yet realistic portrayal of the philosopher. Prideaux skillfully connects Nietzsche's personal experiences with his philosophical concepts, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his thought process and the complexities of his character. Through a combination of historical research and critical analysis, the book sheds light on Nietzsche's legacy as a thinker who challenged conventional norms and paved the way for new intellectual movements.


  8. #8

    A Gift from Earth - Ringworld Prequel by Larry Niven
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    A Gift from Earth by Larry Niven is set on a planet in the Tau Ceti system called Plateau, colonized by humans and ruled by a hierarchical class system. The society is maintained through fear, obedience, and forcible organ donations to keep the ruling class healthy and young. The arrival of artificial organs from Earth disrupts the status quo, leading to a story of rebellion and revolution against the oppressive regime. The narrative explores themes of societal control, ethics, and the impact of new technologies on established power structures.

    A RAMROBOT had been the first to see Mount Lookitthat. Ramrobots had been first visitors to all the settled worlds. The interstellar ramscoop robots, with an unrestricted fuel supply culled from inter...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ringworld Prequel )

  9. #9

    Radical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism by Maajid Nawaz
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    'Radical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism' by Maajid Nawaz is an autobiographical account of Nawaz's transition from being a member and leader within Hizb ut Tahrir, an Islamist revolutionary group, to his eventual rejection of Political Islam and embrace of democratic sensibilities. The narrative covers Nawaz's struggles growing up in a racist climate, finding solace in Islam, organizing a radical interpretation, and ultimately rejecting extremism for a path of social justice and democracy. Through personal experiences of racism, radicalization, imprisonment in Egypt, and involvement in counter-extremism efforts, Nawaz provides a firsthand view of the complexities of religious freedoms and the journey towards a more inclusive and tolerant society.

    My family originally hails from Gujrat. This isn’t to be confused with Gujarat in India, which gives its name to the more prominent Gujarati community in the UK. There is another Gujrat, in Pakistan. ...

  10. #10

    The Journey to the East by Hermann Hesse
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    'The Journey to the East' by Hermann Hesse is a short novel that follows the journey of the central character on a mysterious pilgrimage with a secret League. The narrative delves into themes of youth, idealism, disillusionment, and wisdom as the protagonist reflects on his spiritual journey through Europe and Asia to the East. Hesse's writing style is described as light, flowing, and capable of painting vivid images of mystical places, with a focus on the deeper issues and philosophical musings that become clear as the story progresses.

    It was my destiny to join in a great experience. Having had the good fortune to belong to the League, I was permitted to be a participant in a unique journey. What wonder it had at the time! How radia...

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