Books matching: struggles of waiting

23 result(s)

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  1. #1

    A Sea of Sorrow: A Novel of Odysseus by David Blixt
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    A Sea of Sorrow: A Novel of Odysseus is a collection of short stories retelling the epic tale of The Odyssey through the eyes of various characters such as Penelope, Telemachus, Circe, and Calypso. The book offers a unique and clever concept, providing a realistic twist to the mythology and supernatural elements, making the stories more stunning and engaging. The narratives explore the dangers of life on Ithaca, the struggles of waiting for Odysseus to return, and the interactions with gods and mythical creatures in a fresh and captivating way.

    The writing style in A Sea of Sorrow is praised for its original spins on venerable myths, captivating storytelling, and engaging characters. The book successfully brings to life the shattered victims of The Odyssey, allowing readers to experience the well-known story from a different perspective. The authors skillfully blend historical fiction with fantastical elements, creating a seamless reimagining of Odysseus's journey home after the fall of Troy.

    It was one of her father-in-law’s men, a wizened warrior with white-streaked hair and scowl lines scored deeply into his weathered forehead. He held two squirming, cursing boys by the neck, presenting...

  2. #2

    Waiting is Not Easy! - Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems
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    'Waiting is Not Easy!' in the 'Elephant & Piggie' series by Mo Willems is a heartwarming story that explores the theme of patience and the anticipation of a surprise. The book follows Gerald the Elephant, who struggles with waiting for a surprise that Piggie has for him. Through simple yet expressive illustrations and dialogue, the book captures Gerald's impatience, anxiety, and eventual realization that good things come to those who wait. The writing style is engaging and relatable, making it an ideal read for children and adults alike.

    In 'Waiting is Not Easy!', Mo Willems skillfully weaves a valuable life lesson into a humorous and entertaining narrative. The book teaches children the importance of patience and the joy that comes from anticipation and delayed gratification. With its relatable characters, expressive illustrations, and simple yet impactful storytelling, 'Waiting is Not Easy!' is a delightful addition to the 'Elephant & Piggie' series that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Elephant & Piggie )

  3. #3

    Waiting by Ha Jin
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    "Waiting" by Ha Jin is a novel set in China during and after the Cultural Revolution, exploring the complexities of relationships and the impact of societal norms on personal choices. The story follows Lin Kong, a doctor trapped in a loveless marriage in a time when divorce is not easily obtainable, who spends 18 years torn between his duty and his desire to be with another woman. The writing style of the book is described as minimalist, with unusual detail, limited vocabulary, and a focus on the political and cultural atmosphere of China during that time.

    LIN KONG GRADUATED from the military medical school toward the end of 1963 and came to Muji to work as a doctor. At that time the hospital ran a small nursing school, which offered a sixteen-month pro...

  4. #4

    The Thing on the Doorstep by H.P. Lovecraft
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    "The Thing on the Doorstep" by H.P. Lovecraft is a tale of terror that delves into psychological and magical dimensions of consciousness, personal identity, and personality through the major theme of mind transference. The story follows the narrator, Daniel Upton, and his friend Edward Derby as they spiral down into horror, leading to a climactic encounter with the thing on the doorstep. Lovecraft skillfully crafts a haunting narrative filled with Lovecraftian motifs and vivid, singular language, taking the reader on a journey through dark pits of horror with each step occurring within a deftly created atmosphere.

    It is true that I have sent six bullets through the head of my best friend, and yet I hope to shew by this statement that I am not his murderer. At first I shall be called a madman—madder than the man...

  5. #5

    Martin Eden by Jack London
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    Martin Eden is a semi-autobiographical tale by Jack London, set in turn-of-the-century Bay Area in California. The story follows the struggles, triumphs, and ultimate surrender of the main character, Martin Eden, a young man from the lower class who aspires to improve himself after meeting an upper-middle-class girl. Driven by his infatuation, Martin turns to writing as a means of work and expression, leading to a journey of self-discovery, success, and eventual disillusionment. The book explores themes of social class, the pursuit of success, and the challenges faced by aspiring writers.

    The one opened the door with a latch-key and went in, followed by a young fellow who awkwardly removed his cap. He wore rough clothes that smacked of the sea, and he was manifestly out of place in the...

  6. #6

    The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays by Albert Camus
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    'The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays' by Albert Camus delves into the concept of the Absurd, exploring the distressing match between man's ultimate questions and the silent universe. Camus argues against suicide as the only solution in a meaningless world, advocating for embracing freedom and taking responsibility for one's choices. Through essays and philosophical musings, Camus challenges traditional views of existence, finding meaning in the struggle itself and urging readers to live with dignity and acceptance of life's futility.

    My field,” said Goethe, “is time.” That is indeed the absurd speech. What, in fact, is the absurd man? He who, without negating it, does nothing for the eternal. Not that nostalgia is foreign to him. ...

  7. #7

    Women Talking by Miriam Toews
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    Miriam Toews's novel "Women Talking" delves into the harrowing aftermath of a series of brutal rapes in a conservative Mennonite colony in Bolivia. The story follows a group of illiterate women as they grapple with the decision to stay and forgive, stay and fight, or leave the colony to protect themselves and their children. Through heartfelt discussions and emotional debates, the women confront the patriarchal oppression that has shaped their lives, ultimately revealing their deepest fears, concerns, and questions of faith. The book is a powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the bonds that women forge in the face of adversity.

    In a quiet and contained narrative, "Women Talking" skillfully builds genuine suspense as the women navigate their limited options and confront the spiritual implications of the crimes committed against them. Through the eyes of a male narrator entrusted with documenting their meetings, the book offers a poignant portrayal of the women's struggle for agency and justice within a sequestered religious community. Despite the heavy subject matter, the story is interwoven with moments of sadness, humor, and empowerment, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    My name is August Epp—irrelevant for all purposes, other than that I’ve been appointed the minute-taker for the women’s meetings because the women are illiterate and unable to do it themselves. And as...

  8. #8

    The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro
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    The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro is a surreal and dream-like novel that follows the experiences of Ryder, a concert pianist who arrives in an unnamed Central European city for an important concert. The narrative jumps around like episodes in a dream, with geography bending to accommodate the story and characters appearing in nonsensical places. The characters Ryder meets are reflections of his friends, family, and various people from his past, creating a compressed timeline of his life within a few days. The book evokes a feeling of a dream that goes on and on, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

    The novel is filled with absurd and bizarre events that are distorted and exaggerated reflections of real-life experiences. Readers are taken on a wobbling, shimmering journey through Ryder's world, where the narrative unfolds in a dream-like manner, with characters interacting in disjointed conversations and slipping through doors that lead to different locations. The book spans over 500 pages, creating a tiring yet intriguing read that challenges conventional storytelling and explores themes of identity, memory, and the relationship between the individual and society.

    The taxi driver seemed embarrassed to find there was no one – not even a clerk behind the reception desk – waiting to welcome me. He wandered across the deserted lobby, perhaps hoping to discover a st...

  9. #9

    No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
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    Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a fortune in drug money near the Texas-Mexico border, setting off a deadly chase involving a drug cartel, a ruthless killer, and the aging Sheriff Bell. The narrative delves into the decay of modern society through Bell's eyes, showcasing McCarthy's unique writing style that mirrors spoken language with a thick Southern accent. The story unfolds with a sense of inevitability, exploring themes of death, violence, and the loss of nature in a brutal, unforgiving landscape.

    McCarthy's novel is a gripping tale of survival, morality, and the relentless pursuit of power and money. The characters, including the larger-than-life antagonist Chigurh, are sharply drawn and engage in a battle of wits as they navigate a world where death looms large and the rules of storytelling are upended. The narrative propels forward with sparse, haunting prose that captures the harsh beauty of the West Texas landscape, leaving readers on edge as they witness the characters' fates unfold.

    I sent one boy to the gaschamber at Huntsville. One and only one. My arrest and my testimony. I went up there and visited with him two or three times. Three times. The last time was the day of his exe...

  10. #10

    A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
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    A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.

    Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.

    It happened on a Thursday. It must have, because Mariam remembered that she had been restless and preoccupied that day, the way she was only on Thursdays, the day when Jalil visited her at the kolba. ...

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