Books matching: the american dream
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- #1
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic American novel set in the 1920s, depicting the excesses and struggles of the Jazz Age. The story follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby who transforms himself to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan, showcasing themes of the corrupting influence of wealth and the elusive nature of the American Dream. Fitzgerald's writing style is praised for its clear, melodious prose with engaging rhythm, and the book is noted for its rich symbolism and portrayal of flawed and complex characters.
He didn’t say any more, but we’ve always been unusually communicative in a reserved way, and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that. In consequence, I’m inclined to reserve all judgmen... - #2
'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a poignant tale about the friendship between two drifters, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The story follows their journey as they seek work on a ranch in California, highlighting the challenges they face due to Lennie's mental disability and their shared dream of owning a farm. Through vivid character portrayals and a dialogue-driven narrative, Steinbeck masterfully captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in the 1930s.
The novella delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of dreams amidst a backdrop of sadness and violence. Through George and Lennie's endearing relationship, Steinbeck explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of tragic outcomes. The book's concise yet impactful storytelling style, coupled with its profound character development, evokes deep emotions in readers and leaves a lasting impression of the struggles faced by individuals during a tumultuous era.
A FEW MILES south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight b... - #3
"American Pastoral" by Philip Roth is a captivating exploration of the life of Seymour "The Swede" Levov, a successful American father and husband whose life takes a tragic turn when his daughter becomes involved in radical activities during the tumultuous 1960s. The novel skillfully delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the disintegration of the American Dream, and the challenges of parenthood, all narrated in a retrospective structure that invites readers to piece together the story through various perspectives and timelines. Roth's writing style is emotionally evocative, with detailed character portrayals and a narrative that weaves together personal struggles with broader themes of American history and cultural shifts.
THE SWEDE. During the war years, when I was still a grade school boy, this was a magical name in our Newark neighborhood, even to adults just a generation removed from the city’s old Prince Street ghe... Martin Dressler: The Tale of an American Dreamer by Steven Millhauser is a novel set in the late 19th century New York City, following the ambitious entrepreneur Martin Dressler as he rises from humble beginnings in his father's cigar store to owning and building several grand hotels. The book delves into Martin's dream of creating elaborate architectural wonders, his relationships with his wife and her sister, and the ultimate realization of his grand visions. The narrative is described as beautifully constructed, with a mix of fantasy, magic realism, and vivid period detail that transports the reader to a bustling Manhattan bursting with hope and opportunity.
THERE ONCE LIVED A MAN NAMED MARTIN Dressler, a shopkeeper’s son, who rose from modest beginnings to a height of dreamlike good fortune. This was toward the end of the nineteenth century, when on any ...- #5
The play 'Buried Child' by Sam Shepard delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of a midwestern American family, exploring familiar issues with a dark and sobering tone turned up to the extreme. The narrative is filled with symbolism, throwing the audience into a surreal world grounded in the decay of the American Dream. The family portrayed in the drama serves as a microcosm of hope and its eventual destruction in America, with stunning skills in painting pictures with words.
Scene: day. Old wooden staircase down left with pale, frayed carpet laid down on the steps. The stairs lead offstage left up into the wings with no landing. Up right is an old, dark green sofa with th... In "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream" by Barack Obama, the author presents a mix of personal reflections and political insights aimed at uniting Americans around common values and ideals. Obama's writing style combines a political manifesto with autobiographical elements, offering readers a glimpse into his mindset as both a man and a President. The book touches on themes of empathy, civic engagement, and the quest for a better America, reflecting Obama's vision for a more equal and inclusive society.
ON MOST DAYS, I enter the Capitol through the basement. A small subway train carries me from the Hart Building, where my office is located, through an underground tunnel lined with the flags and seals...- #7
The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner is a sweeping family saga set in the early 20th century American West, exploring themes of ambition, family dynamics, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The novel follows the Mason family, particularly focusing on Bo and Elsa Mason and their two sons, as they navigate a tumultuous life marked by constant uprooting, hardships, and dashed dreams. Stegner's writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters and vividly depicts the landscapes of the western United States and Canada where the family's journey unfolds.
The train was rocking through wide open country before Elsa was able to put off the misery of leaving and reach out for the freedom and release that were hers now. She tucked her handkerchief away, le... 'American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot' by Craig Ferguson is a memoir detailing the author's journey from struggling with alcoholism and drug abuse to overcoming his failures and fulfilling his dream of becoming an American citizen. The book is praised for its raw and real storytelling style, with Ferguson openly sharing his struggles with addiction in a humorous yet honest way. Readers appreciate the candid exploration of heavy topics like alcoholism and recovery, as well as the insight into Ferguson's personal experiences and growth.
The narrative in 'American on Purpose' takes readers through Ferguson's life, from his childhood to stardom, providing a glimpse into his triumphs and challenges. The book is described as a funny, tragic, and beautifully written account of a Scottish immigrant embracing the American Dream. Ferguson's writing style is commended for its authenticity and humor, making the readers feel as if he is personally sharing his story with them, creating a connection that resonates throughout the book.
“Shut up,” hissed Megan. “I wish I had never pointed it out.” She was giggling so hard her wine squirted out of her nose, and anyway it was true. Laura Bush, the congenial Texan wife of George, the fo...- #9
"Flesh and Blood" by Michael Cunningham is a multi-generational family saga that follows the Stassos family from 1939 to 1995. The story revolves around Constantine, a Greek immigrant father, his Italian wife Mary, and their three children - Billy, Susan, and Zoe. The narrative is told through revolving characters, each offering a unique perspective on the family's struggles, relationships, and personal growth over the decades. The writing style is richly descriptive and poetic, capturing the intricacies of family dynamics and the complexities of human emotions.
1935/ Constantine, eight years old, was working in his father’s garden and thinking about his own garden, a square of powdered granite he had staked out and combed into rows at the top of his family’s... - #10
'The Color of Money' by Walter Tevis is a sequel to 'The Hustler' and follows the story of Fast Eddie Felson, a former pool hustler who is now struggling with a midlife crisis. The book delves into Eddie's journey of self-discovery and redemption as he tries to reenter the world of competitive pool to reclaim his former glory. Through vivid descriptions of pool matches and introspective moments, Tevis explores themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence.
The writing style of 'The Color of Money' is praised for its fluidity, strong characterization, and attention to detail. Tevis skillfully captures the essence of his characters, particularly Fast Eddie Felson, portraying their flaws, struggles, and aspirations with depth and authenticity. The book offers a compelling narrative that combines elements of pulp fiction with social commentary, creating a story that is engaging and thought-provoking.