Books matching: systemic societal issues
21 result(s)
'Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City' by Andrea Elliott delves into the heart-wrenching story of Dasani and her family as they navigate through poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and a failing system. The narrative follows Dasani's struggles, resilience, and the challenges faced by her family over the course of eight years, providing a deep insight into the harsh realities of life in an American city. The writing style is described as mesmerizing, carefully documented, and outstanding, drawing readers in to witness the daily obstacles and triumphs experienced by this family.
- #2
Save:'Dragon Seed' in the series 'Archemi Online' by author James Osiris Baldwin is a dark and twisted fantasy novel set in a virtual world where humanity seeks refuge from a deadly virus and impending nuclear strike. The protagonist, Hector, a Korean American and dyslexic, escapes the real world war to enter Archemi as one of the first, aiming to become a Dragon Knight. The immersive VR RPG world of Archemi is a brutal and complex realm filled with slavery, racism, and violence, where the line between reality and game blurs as Hector navigates betrayals and uncovers dark secrets while trying to survive and fulfill quests.
As Hector delves deeper into the game world, he encounters intriguing shadowed intrigues, deep lore, and a variety of races, quests, and characters that challenge his perceptions of good and evil. The narrative weaves a tale of constant betrayals, impossible odds, and surprising twists that keep readers engaged in a layered story that explores the darker side of human nature within a richly detailed game setting.
- #3
Save:'Eggshell Skull' by Bri Lee delves into the author's personal journey through the legal system as a survivor of historic sexual assault. Through her experiences working in the legal field, Lee provides a unique perspective on the injustices faced by sexual abuse victims. The narrative not only sheds light on the prevalence of violence and sexual assault against women and children but also highlights the challenges and emotional toll survivors endure while seeking justice.
Lee's writing style is described as powerful, compelling, and emotionally impactful, drawing readers into her story and making them feel deeply connected to her experiences. skillfully navigates sensitive topics such as sexual abuse and the complexities of the legal system in a compassionate and authentic manner, resonating with readers on a profound level.
I found the other associates milling around our training room in the Supreme Court Library and tried to act cool while my eyes darted about, searching their faces for someone I’d recognise. Most of th... - #4
Save:'Beneath the Citadel' by Destiny Soria is a young adult fantasy novel set in the city of Eldra, ruled by prophecies controlled by the high council. The story follows a group of brave teens, including Cassa, Evander, Alys, and Newt, who break into the Citadel to uncover the mysteries behind unexplained deaths and the council's use of prophecies to maintain power. As the plot unfolds, betrayals, hidden agendas, and the complexities of prophecies come to light, challenging the characters' beliefs and leading to unexpected revelations about the society they live in.
Soria expertly weaves a fast-paced narrative with multiple character perspectives, intricate world-building, and a unique take on prophecies as a central theme. delves into themes of rebellion, friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of wielding power, offering readers a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and thought-provoking storytelling that keeps them engaged until the bittersweet ending.
Four people were supposed to die at sunrise. The four members of the council sat in the Judgment Hall, prepared to declare the prisoners’ fate. The high chancellor himself oversaw the proceedings, as ... 'Chain Gang All Stars: A Novel' by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a gripping and thought-provoking story set in a dystopian future where prisoners are forced to fight in televised death matches for a chance at freedom. The narrative follows characters like Loretta Thurwar and Staxx as they navigate the brutal world of chain gangs, exploring themes of injustice, exploitation, and the dark side of human nature. The author skillfully weaves in footnotes filled with factual data about incarceration and societal issues, enhancing the reader's understanding of the American prison system and its faults.
The writing style of the book is a mix of captivating and mediocre, with some readers praising the engaging storytelling while others critique certain lazy aspects of the narrative. Despite this, the novel stands out for its originality and ability to immerse readers in a nightmarish reality show that reflects disturbing truths about society's obsession with entertainment and disregard for human life.
- #6
Save:'Prophet Song' by Paul Lynch is a dystopian novel set in a near-future totalitarian Ireland. The story follows the unsettling journey of characters dealing with an extreme right government takeover, leading to an oppressive and haunting societal collapse. The writing style in the book is described as poetic, well-written, and intense, creating a sense of dread and emotional impact for the readers.
- #7
Save:'By Way of Sorrow' by Robyn Gigl is a legal thriller featuring transgender defense attorney Erin McCabe defending a transgender sex worker. The book offers a fresh perspective on the legal thriller genre, with engaging characters and a riveting plot that keeps readers turning the pages. The writing style is described as crisp and efficient, with just enough description to immerse readers in the story without overwhelming them.
- #8
Save:The Undying by Anne Boyer is a memoir that delves into the author's experience with breast cancer, showcasing her journey through treatment and recovery. Through poetic prose, Boyer explores themes of pain, vulnerability, mortality, medicine, art, time, dreams, data, exhaustion, cancer, and care. The book offers a raw and intimate look at the author's emotions, thoughts, and the complexities of navigating the healthcare system in the USA while dealing with a life-altering illness. Boyer's writing style invites readers to witness her journey from a deeply personal perspective, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
"The View from Flyover Country: Dispatches from the Forgotten America" by Sarah Kendzior is a collection of essays that delve into various social and political issues prevalent in America, particularly focusing on topics such as poverty, the decline of the working class, authoritarianism, and the decay of academia. Kendzior's writing style is described as sharp, incisive, and informed by her academic expertise in anthropology and authoritarian regimes. The essays tackle the systemic issues in American culture and politics, challenging the reader to look beyond individual struggles and consider the broader societal implications.
In St. Louis, you can buy a mansion for $275,000. It has twelve bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a three-bedroom carriage house, and is surrounded by vacant lots. It was built in the late 1800s, a few decad...- #10
Save:'Pale Horse Coming' by Stephen Hunter follows the story of Earl Swagger, a Marine hero turned Arkansas State Trooper, who finds himself at Thebes State Penal Farm in Mississippi. Earl is subjected to torture and imprisonment but vows to return and seek revenge. As the plot unfolds, Earl's friend Sam Vincent gets entangled in a dangerous investigation that leads to betrayal and murder. is set in the backwoods Mississippi of the 1950s, portraying the Old South at its most brutal, with themes of vengeance, loyalty, and survival. The writing style is described as suspenseful, engaging, and cinematic, immersing the reader in a world of violence, retribution, and morally righteous responses to cruelty.
IN mid-1947, Jefferson Barnes, the prosecuting attorney of Polk County, Arkansas, finally died. Upon that tragedy the old man fell out of one of those new golf cart things on vacation in Hot Springs, ...
(Also, see 24 recommendations for the series Earl Swagger )
