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Books matching: survival and adaptation

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  1. #1

    The World In Winter by John Christopher
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    'The World In Winter' by John Christopher is a post-apocalyptic novel that presents a dark and unsettling depiction of Britain consumed by glacial ice. The story is compelling, drawing in the reader with the idea of civilization collapsing quickly under the weight of a sudden and extreme cooling in the northern hemisphere. The book explores themes of human frailty, gender roles, racism, politics, colonization, loyalty, customs, and social status.

    The novel is well-written, with fleshed-out characters that act in ways that make them believable, even if a little old-fashioned. The relationships within the story help to drive it forward, although the sudden disintegration of relationships and the portrayal of racism towards Blacks may be unpleasant to some readers. Overall, 'The World In Winter' is considered a good read from an author who wrote some very good dystopian fiction.

    The reading room seemed warm when one first came in from the outside, but the impression did not last. To stretch fuel stocks as far as possible, the burners had been set at their lowest working point...

  2. 'How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures' by Sabrina Imbler is a unique memoir that intertwines stories of exotic sea creatures with the author's personal experiences, particularly focusing on themes of queerness, identity, and self-discovery. The author uses a creative structure to narrate parallel tales of marine biology and her own coming-of-age journey as a young queer Asian woman, seamlessly blending scientific facts with personal narratives. The writing style is described as beautifully constructed, engaging, and emotionally impactful, as it delves into topics such as gender, sexuality, race, and adaptation.


  3. #3

    The Bees by Laline Paull
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    'The Bees' by Laline Paull is a unique novel that delves into the life of Flora 717, a worker bee in a beehive, as she navigates through the complex hierarchy and challenges within the hive. The story captures Flora's journey from being a sanitation worker to a forager, showcasing themes of class division, blind obedience, and independent thinking. The author, Laline Paull, intricately weaves together elements of fantasy and reality, providing readers with a fascinating insight into the world of bees and their social structure.

    The narrative of 'The Bees' revolves around Flora's defiance of societal norms and her quest for individuality within the rigid structure of the hive. Through vivid descriptions and well-researched details about bee behavior, Paull creates a compelling story that immerses readers in the intricate workings of a beehive. combines elements of adventure, morality, and dystopia, offering a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as power dynamics, sacrifice, and the beauty of nature.

    THE CELL SQUEEZED HER, AND THE AIR WAS HOT AND fetid. All the joints of her body burned from her frantic twisting against the walls. Her head was pressed into her chest and her legs shot with cramps, ...

  4. #4

    Manta's Gift by Timothy Zahn
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    In "Manta's Gift" by Timothy Zahn, the story revolves around a man who is sent to negotiate with an intelligent alien species living beneath Jupiter's clouds, but in order to do so, he must give up his human body to be reborn as one of them. The book explores themes of humanity on the edge of disaster, first contact, human-alien symbiosis, and the complexities of negotiating relations between two vastly different species. The world-building on Jupiter, the character development, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters make for an engrossing and thought-provoking read.

    Timothy Zahn masterfully crafts a believable world on Jupiter with a cast of characters that stick with you, full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The story delves into alien-human interaction, the exploration of new societies, and the moral issues surrounding the experiment of converting a human into an alien species. Despite the absurd premise, the book is well-crafted, with elements of romance, friendship, advanced technology, and funny aliens, offering a unique take on the sci-fi genre.

    It replayed itself over and over against the pastel blue background, in exquisite and painful detail. The little squeaks and crunches of his skis as they slid lightly over the packed snow. The icy win...

  5. #5

    Confessions Of An Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire
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    A retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale from the perspective of one of the stepsisters, set in 17th-century Holland during the tulip times. The story sheds new light on the characters, presenting them as real people rather than fairy tale stereotypes. The book explores themes of beauty, love, and the complexities of human nature, offering a fresh and engaging take on a well-known story.

    The wind being fierce and the tides unobliging, the ship from Harwich has a slow time of it. Timbers creak, sails snap as the vessel lurches up the brown river to the quay. It arrives later than expec...

  6. #6

    The Alien Years by Robert Silverberg
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    The Alien Years by Robert Silverberg is a novel that explores the invasion and occupation of Earth by aliens of superior force and inscrutable motives. The story follows the Carmichael family over five decades as they cope and resist the alien presence. The plot is episodic in nature, with significant events happening off the page and years passing between chapters. The writing style is readable, but some readers found the development of the plot to be inexplicable or implausible at times.

    Carmichael might have been the only person west of the Rocky Mountains that morning who didn't know what was going on. What was going on was the end of the world, more or less, but Carmichael — his na...

  7. #7
    If Angels Burn
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    Book 1 in the series:Darkyn

    If Angels Burn - Darkyn by Lynn Viehl
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    In the book "If Angels Burn" by Lynn Viehl, Dr. Alexandra Keller, a skilled reconstructive surgeon, is unwillingly pulled into the world of the Darkyn when she is forced to perform surgery on the enigmatic Michael Cyprien. As she delves deeper into this mysterious and dangerous realm, she grapples with dark changes and unexpected alliances. The plot intricately weaves together themes of immortality, secret societies, and the struggle between light and darkness, creating a gripping and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.

    The writing style in "If Angels Burn" is dark and immersive, blending elements of medical mystery, vampire lore, and religious intrigue. The author skillfully crafts a world where characters face moral dilemmas, complex relationships, and unforeseen consequences, adding layers of depth and suspense to the storyline.

    "Got another letter from that Cyprien guy," Grace Cho said as she placed the office mail on Dr. Alexandra Keller's desk. She tapped the top envelope with one long fingernail. "The M. must stand for Mo...

  8. Colin Calloway's 'One Vast Winter Count' delves into the history of the Native American West before the Lewis and Clark expedition, exploring topics such as early human inhabitants, corn agriculture, Spanish and French interactions, rise of horsemanship, European colonial wars, and the impacts of horses and muskets meeting on the Missouri River. The book is praised for its clear, readable, and comprehensive account of the Native American West, highlighting the dynamic histories of native peoples and the environment over different time periods.


  9. #9

    Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human by Richard W. Wrangham
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    'Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human' by Richard W. Wrangham explores the theory that cooking food played a crucial role in human evolution. Wrangham delves into the impact of cooking on our physical and social evolution, discussing how it led to brain growth, different gender roles, and changes in human relationships. Through a scientific lens, the book uncovers the mysteries of our creation, tracing our ancestry back millions of years and highlighting the significance of fire and cooked food in shaping human societies.

    “My definition of Man is, a ‘Cooking Animal’. The beasts have memory, judgement, and all the faculties and passions of our mind, in a certain degree; but no beast is a cook. . . . Man alone can dress ...

  10. #10
    Steph's Outcast
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    Book 14 in the series:Icehome

    Steph's Outcast - Icehome by Ruby Dixon
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    Steph's Outcast in the Icehome series by Ruby Dixon follows the story of Steph, a kind and compassionate woman who tries to integrate the outcasts Juth and Pak into the tribe. The book explores Steph's relationship with Juth, a complex character who is protective of Steph and a great father to Pak. The plot is filled with communication issues, attraction, and an adorable little kid, Pak, making their relationship a slower pace centered around mutual attraction. The writing style is described as entertaining, well-written, and filled with all the good stuff that Ruby Dixon is known for, including immaculate sex scenes and character growth.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Icehome )

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