Books matching: suburban life
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- #1
Save:"Little Children" by Tom Perrotta is a novel that delves into the lives of suburbanites, exploring themes of adultery, societal expectations, and relationships. The story follows a group of middle-aged parents, including a bored housewife and a neglectful husband, who engage in an extramarital affair while navigating the challenges of parenthood. The book also introduces a convicted child molester living in the neighborhood, adding a layer of tension and complexity to the narrative. Perrotta's writing style captures the intricacies of everyday life in a suburban setting, blending dark humor with compassion for his flawed characters.
THE YOUNG MOTHERS WERE TELLING EACH OTHER HOW TIRED they were. This was one of their favorite topics, along with the eating, sleeping, and defecating habits of their offspring, the merits of certain l... - #2
Save:'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates is a poignant portrayal of a young married couple, Frank and April Wheeler, living in the suburbs in the early 1960s. The book delves into the struggles and disillusionment of the couple, as they grapple with unfulfilled dreams, marital discord, and societal pressures. The narrative captures the essence of the time, showcasing the realistic struggles of the characters and the slow unraveling of their hopes and aspirations. Through subtle and honest storytelling, Yates skillfully explores themes of existential despair, failed aspirations, and the complexities of human relationships, creating a timeless and thought-provoking piece of fiction.
The writing style in 'Revolutionary Road' is highly praised for its raw honesty, emotional depth, and impeccable character development. Readers appreciate Yates' ability to create vivid and relatable characters, whose inner turmoil and conflicts resonate with authenticity. The book offers a stark portrayal of suburban life in the 1950s, highlighting the facade of conformity and the underlying discontentment that lurks beneath the surface. With a compelling narrative that unfolds with emotional intensity, 'Revolutionary Road' presents a powerful commentary on the struggles of marriage, identity, and the pursuit of happiness in a stifling societal framework.
THE FINAL DYING SOUNDS of their dress rehearsal left the Laurel Players with nothing to do but stand there, silent and helpless, blinking out over the footlights of an empty auditorium. They hardly da... - #3
Save:"Puttering About in a Small Land" by Philip K. Dick is a novel that delves into the complexities of suburban life in Los Angeles, focusing on two couples and their children. The story revolves around the intertwining lives of Virginia and Roger Lindahl, and Chic and Liz Bonner, as they navigate through the mundane setting of their everyday lives. The narrative takes a deep dive into the characters' internal struggles, particularly exploring the themes of adultery and conflicting visions of a good life. Through engaging structural experiments and insightful character portrayals, the author skillfully captures the essence of human relationships and the desire for freedom amidst societal constraints.
The novel stands out for its realistic portrayal of married life and the emotional complexities that come with it. Philip K. Dick's ability to get inside the heads of the characters, especially the female perspectives, adds depth to the storytelling. With a mix of flashbacks, reflections on past actions, and a surprising conclusion, the book challenges traditional storytelling norms and offers a thought-provoking exploration of human desires and relationships.
- #4
Save:The Stories of John Cheever is a collection of short stories that spans Cheever's career, reflecting cultural changes from 1947 to 1978. The stories mainly focus on difficulties within families, set in suburban NYC, portraying personal issues with sincerity and modesty. Cheever's writing style is described as shattering, elegant, and still ringing true, chronicling life in upscale suburbia with deep, nuanced, and dark themes.
WE ARE a family that has always been very close in spirit. Our father was drowned in a sailing accident when we were young, and our mother has always stressed the fact that our familial relationships ... - #5
Save:'The Shark Net' by Robert Drewe is a memoir that intricately weaves the author's coming of age with the loss of innocence experienced by the small coastal city of Perth, Western Australia. The book captures the essence of Perth in the 1950s and 60s, delving into the author's childhood memories, family life, and the backdrop of a series of chilling murders that occurred in the community. Drewe's writing style is described as evocative, meandering through vignettes of his life in Perth, painting a vivid picture of the city and its happenings during that time.
It’s a different sunlight – harsher, dustier, more ancient-looking – that enters courtrooms. Streaked by this ominous light, guarded by two big uniformed cops and hunched in his old-fashioned blue pin... "The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank" by Erma Bombeck is a humorous take on suburban life in the 1940s and 1950s. The author chronicles her family's experiences of raising children and navigating the challenges of early suburbia with wit and sarcasm. The stories touch on various aspects of suburban living, from building a house and dealing with societal expectations to humorous family adventures like camping trips and scouting activities.
The suburbs were a wilderness with nothing to offer but wide, open spaces, virgin forests, and a cool breeze at night that made you breathe deep, close your eyes and sigh, “My God! Who's fertilizing w...- #7
Save:'The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit' by Sloan Wilson is a story set in the post-World War II era, focusing on Tom Rath, a man trying to navigate the challenges of work and family life in the 1950s. Tom, a war veteran, is determined to provide a better life for his wife and children, leading him to make career decisions that come with consequences. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, materialism, and the struggles of balancing personal values with societal expectations. The plot unfolds with flashbacks to Tom's wartime experiences and explores his internal conflicts as he grapples with the pursuit of success and happiness.
BY THE TIME they had lived seven years in the little house on Greentree Avenue in Westport, Connecticut, they both detested it. There were many reasons, none of them logical, but all of them compellin... - #8
Save:'Coming Up for Air' by George Orwell is a novel that follows the story of George Bowling, a middle-aged insurance salesman who embarks on a journey to his childhood village in an attempt to recapture the simplicity and nostalgia of his youth. Set against the backdrop of the looming World War II, the book delves into Bowling's reflections on his life, his disillusionment with suburban existence, and his yearning for a time long gone. Through vivid descriptions and poignant observations, Orwell paints a picture of a man coming to terms with the changes in his life and the world around him.
I remember the morning well. At about a quarter to eight I’d nipped out of bed and got into the bathroom just in time to shut the kids out. It was a beastly January morning, with a dirty yellowish-gre... - #9
Save:The Happy Man by Eric C. Higgs is a tale of horror set in a suburban neighborhood in San Diego. The story revolves around the lives of Charles Ripley and his wife, who experience a drastic change when a new family, the Marsh's, move in next door. As the plot unfolds, the seemingly normal lives of the characters unravel into madness, exploring themes of suburbia, immigration, sex, monogamy, and the decline of morals in society. The fast-paced narrative keeps readers engaged, with a focus on human monsters and the dark side of upper-middle-class privilege.
The book delves into the transformation of a seemingly happy man, Charles Ripley, into something else entirely due to a series of events triggered by the arrival of the Marsh family. Through a blend of horror and social commentary, the story challenges the facade of normalcy and delves into themes of evil, pleasure, and the unraveling of everyday life into a realm of darkness and deviance.
He had been giving the doorbell its third and final buzz when he noticed a certain odor. As he would later tell a reporter, it was a smell he had become acquainted with in Vietnam. He put the plastic ... - #10
Save:A.M. Homes' "Music for Torching" follows the tumultuous lives of middle-aged suburbanites Paul and Elaine, whose vacuous existence is disrupted by a series of outrageous events. The novel delves into the dark undercurrents of suburban life in America, portraying flawed characters who are trapped in their own self-centeredness and desperation. The story unfolds with a fast-paced narrative, blending humor and surrealism to create a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of modern family dysfunction.
Homes' writing style in "Music for Torching" is described as unemotional and factual, effectively capturing the absurdity and anxiety of the characters' experiences. The novel features a grotesque comedy that exposes the bitterness and resentment harbored by the protagonists towards themselves, each other, and their surroundings. Through a dispassionate lens, Homes crafts a narrative that balances dark humor with psychological realism, offering a poignant commentary on American society and the complexities of human relationships.
