Books matching: tragic incident
73 result(s)
- #1
'The Divines' by Ellie Eaton is a coming of age story that revolves around Josephine, a former student of an elite girls' boarding school called St. John the Divine. The narrative alternates between Josephine's teenage years at the school and her adult life, reflecting on past events and how they have shaped her present. The story delves into themes of privilege, entitlement, self-discovery, and the consequences of one's actions, particularly during adolescence. Eaton's writing style captivates readers with a blend of mystery, introspection, and a focus on character development, drawing them into Josephine's journey of reflection and redemption.
My mother was Divine and her mother before that, which isn’t uncommon. Though that was at a time when being Divine meant something; it had cachet, as my mother still likes to brag; it opened doors, go... - #2
'The Best of Friends' by Lucinda Berry revolves around a tragic incident involving three teenage boys, leaving one dead, another in a coma, and the third too traumatized to speak. The story is narrated from the perspectives of the three mothers who are best friends, highlighting themes of friendships, secrets, loss, and the aftermath of the shocking turn of events. The plot unfolds through multi-perspective writing, revealing dark secrets and lies that challenge the friendship and raise questions about the characters' knowledge of their children.
The writing style of 'The Best of Friends' by Lucinda Berry is emotionally stirring, thought-provoking, and intense. seamlessly transitions between characters, keeping the plot moving with timely revelations. The author's background as a trauma psychologist brings depth to the narrative, tackling heavy issues like abuse, domestic violence, and gun violence. The story captures the readers' attention with its realistic portrayal of the characters' emotional turmoil and the complexity of their relationships, ultimately leaving them wondering about the truth behind the tragedy.
I slam the trash compactor shut and toss my plate in the sink. I’m too angry to eat. My phone rests on the granite countertop, where I left it after getting Dani’s text. The screen has long since gone... - #3
'Solitaire' by Kelley Eskridge is a science fiction novel that follows the journey of Jackal Segura, a Hope of the Ko Corporation, who is thrown into a series of events that lead her to be imprisoned in a virtual solitary confinement for a crime she did not commit. The book delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, corporate culture, and the psychological effects of isolation. The writing style is described as cohesive, character-driven, and engaging, with a focus on the protagonist's emotional struggles and her attempts to rebuild her life after facing betrayal and loss.
So here she was, framed in the open double doors like a photograph: Jackal Segura on the worst day of her life, preparing to join the party. The room splayed wide before her, swollen with voices, musi... - #4
The Hawley Book of the Dead follows the story of Reve Dyer, a magician with a unique ability to disappear instantly, who accidentally kills her husband during a performance in Las Vegas. Fleeing to her family in Massachusetts, Reve discovers her real magical origins and must uncover family secrets to protect herself and her children. Set in both the present and a mysterious abandoned town called Hawley Five Corners, the book blends elements of suspense, fantasy, and supernatural powers, creating a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns. The writing style is described as dreamy, lyrical, and engaging, drawing readers into a world where magic, illusion, and real powers intersect.
On the day I killed my husband, the scent of lilacs startled me awake. We lived in the desert south of Las Vegas, where no lilacs bloomed for a hundred miles. I might expect to smell bee brush or dese... - #5
The Good Apprentice by Iris Murdoch follows the story of Edward, a young man plagued by guilt after a tragic incident involving his best friend. The novel delves into themes of guilt, remorse, sex, and love, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the search for redemption. Set in London, the narrative weaves together the lives of various characters, including Edward's family members, as they navigate through their own personal struggles and moral dilemmas. With a dense and complicated plot, the book touches on philosophy, morality, and the supernatural, offering surprising plot twists and coincidences that challenge the characters' beliefs and values.
These were not perhaps the actual words which Edward Baltram uttered to himselfon the occasion of his momentous and mysterious summons, yet their echo was not absent even then, and later he repeated t... - #6
'Next of Kin' by Kia Abdullah is a gripping legal thriller that delves into the aftermath of a tragic incident where a child is left in a car on a hot day. The story follows Leila Syed, who faces a high-profile trial for the death of her nephew Max. The book is divided into three parts, showcasing domestic noir elements, courtroom drama, and mind-blowing twists. Abdullah's writing style is vivid and compelling, with well-portrayed court scenes that keep the reader engaged till the unexpected ending.
- #7
In the near future, 'Three Laws Lethal' by David Walton explores a world where self-driving cars are a reality, sparking fierce competition among big name car manufacturers. The story follows two friends at college who develop a state-of-the-art predictive system to revolutionize the market. As the plot unfolds, ethical and moral questions arise around artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, delving into the complexities of technology, society, and human choices.
- #8
'The Time of the Hero' by Mario Vargas Llosa revolves around the activities of a group of cadets and their officers at a leading military academy in Peru. The plot vividly portrays humanity's negative traits such as greed, bullying, corruption, abuse of position, and flagrant disregard for authority. The narrative skips back and forth in time, with the perspective constantly shifting between characters, creating an intricate storytelling technique that immerses the reader into the lives of the cadets and their struggles.
The writing style of 'The Time of the Hero' is characterized by a unique narrative structure where chapters are told from a variety of perspectives, making the reader work to identify the main players initially. Once this task is completed, the book becomes enjoyable, engaging the reader in the suspense of the story and keeping them eager to discover the ultimate outcome. The author's ability to draw the reader into the novel from the beginning, despite the stylistic challenges, is commendable and adds to the overall appeal of the book.
- #9
The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich is a YA novel that follows the story of Carly and Kaitlyn, two sisters sharing one body due to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The plot unfolds through diary entries, police reports, and video footage, revealing a dark and creepy tale of their experiences at Elmbridge High School and the mysterious Johnson Incident. As the story progresses, the reader is drawn into a psychological thriller filled with twists and turns, exploring themes of depression, psychosis, and group hysteria.
The unique writing style of The Dead House, incorporating various formats like diary entries, police interviews, and recovered documents, adds depth and realism to the narrative. The author's portrayal of the characters and their struggles with DID, dark magic, and paranormal elements creates a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged and intrigued until the very end.
I wouldn’t have done this diary thing, except Carly thought it was a good idea too. See, Dr. Lansing thinks that getting my thoughts out of my head and onto paper will allow me to be free of them. She... - #10
May We Be Forgiven by A.M. Homes is a darkly comic novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal transformation. The story follows Harold Silver, a historian and Nixon scholar, whose life takes a drastic turn when his brother George is involved in a violent incident. As Harold navigates through a series of bizarre and often far-fetched situations, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, ultimately leading to the formation of a new kind of American family.
The book is characterized by its fast-paced plot filled with dark humor, unexpected twists, and a diverse cast of characters. A.M. Homes weaves together themes of love, loss, redemption, and the search for meaning in a modern world, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The warning sign: last year, Thanksgiving at their house. Twenty or thirty people were at tables spreading from the dining room into the living room and stopping abruptly at the piano bench. He was at...