Books matching: trauma and recovery
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Set in Australia in the mid-eighties, 'So Much to Tell You' by John Marsden follows the experiences of 14-year-old Marina after being transferred from a hospital to a new boarding school. The narrative is in the form of entries in a journal that her English teacher is requiring all his students to keep. Marina, a deeply traumatized teenager incapable of speech, gradually reveals the events of her past that have caused her to withdraw into herself. Through Marina's diary entries, readers witness her transformation and the power of love and understanding in healing her scars.
- #2
Save:'The Way I Used to Be' by Amber Smith follows the story of Eden, a young girl who is raped by her brother's best friend at the age of 14. The novel delves into the aftermath of the assault, showcasing Eden's downward spiral into self-destruction and her struggles to cope with the trauma over the course of her high school years. Through a realistic portrayal of Eden's emotional journey, the book addresses sensitive topics like sexual violence, trauma, and the impact of silence on survivors. The narrative unfolds over four years, depicting Eden's transformation, her strained relationships, and the internal turmoil she faces as she grapples with the hidden truth of her assault.
The author, Amber Smith, employs a raw and powerful writing style to capture the emotional depth of the protagonist and the effects of trauma on her life. offers a poignant exploration of Eden's internal struggles, her attempts to cope with the aftermath of the assault, and the complex dynamics of her relationships. Through a compelling narrative structure that spans Eden's high school years, 'The Way I Used to Be' provides a thought-provoking insight into the long-lasting repercussions of sexual violence and the challenges faced by survivors in speaking out.
I DON’T KNOW A LOT of things. I don’t know why I didn’t hear the door click shut. Why I didn’t lock the damn door to begin with. Or why it didn’t register that something was wrong—so mercilessly wrong... - #3
Save:Brienne, the female protagonist of 'When I Was You' by Minka Kent, embarks on a psychological thriller journey after surviving a brutal attack and dealing with a brain injury. With the help of her tenant, a doctor named Neil, Brienne discovers someone impersonating her, leading her to unravel a disturbing case of stolen identity. The story is told from two different perspectives, slowly building up suspense and intrigue while exploring themes of trust, psychological recovery, and the complexities of relationships.
The doctors, the nurses, the police officer who found me lying bloody, stabbed, and beaten in an alley outside my office under a moonless sky—all of them said the same thing. “You’re lucky you didn’t ... - #4
Save:'An Untamed State' by Roxane Gay is a brutal and unvarnished tale of a young Haitian American woman, Mireille, who is kidnapped in Port au Prince and endures unspeakable torture for 13 days before her rescue. The book delves into the aftermath of the kidnapping, exploring the impact on Mireille's marriage, relationship with her parents, and her own psyche. The narrative shifts between past and present, providing insight into the characters' mindsets and values, ultimately depicting a story of survival, trauma, and recovery.
The writing style in 'An Untamed State' is described as raw, real, and powerful, with Roxane Gay skillfully portraying the horrors faced by the characters while also weaving in delicate scenarios of love, family, and identity. The book tackles difficult themes such as kidnapping, rape, and torture with honesty and fearlessness, offering a compelling exploration of resilience and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Once upon a time, in a far-off land, I was kidnapped by a gang of fearless yet terrified young men with so much impossible hope beating inside their bodies it burned their very skin and strengthened t... - #5
Save:The Wicked by James Newman is a horror novel set in a small town called Morganville, North Carolina, which is reeling from a tragic fire at a children's school that claimed many lives. The story revolves around the arrival of the Little family in Morganville, where they encounter an ancient demon named Moloch wreaking havoc on the town. The book weaves together elements of mystery, gore, and supernatural horror, drawing inspiration from 80's horror novels while also incorporating modern storytelling techniques. The plot follows David's desperate attempts to protect his family from the evil forces unleashed by the tragic events in Morganville.
Amidst the chilling atmosphere and vividly drawn setting, The Wicked stands out as a homage to 80's horror, with a narrative that balances gore, shock value, and creepiness. James Newman's writing style is praised for its evocative prose, intricate research into demonology, and the inclusion of diverse characters without stereotyping. The book is lauded for its fast-paced and engaging storytelling that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, delivering a rollercoaster of horror that pays tribute to the classic horror novels of the past.
- #6
Save:All That's Dead by Stuart MacBride is a gripping crime novel in the Logan McRae series that revolves around a politically charged case involving Scottish Independence and Brexit. The book follows Logan McRae, a police officer in Aberdeen, as he investigates a series of gruesome murders with nationalist motives. The plot is well-formed and relevant, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The writing style of MacBride is described as gritty yet humorous, making the story both dark and entertaining.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Logan McRae ) - #7
Save:In "Cereus Blooms at Night" by Shani Mootoo, the book is set on a fictional Caribbean island and explores themes of trauma, gender, and identity. The story weaves together various threads in the lives of characters from different generations, delving into dark subjects like abuse, incest, and rape. The nonlinear plot structure adds poignancy to the main character's story, focusing on strength, connection, and redemption amidst tragedy.
The writing is described as top-notch, with exquisite plotting and richly drawn storytelling that captivates readers from beginning to end. The book's exploration of gender boundaries, blurred identities, and the effects of trauma make it a work of art that pushes boundaries by incorporating the strange and the evil into everyday life, ultimately leaving a haunting yet hopeful impression on readers.
THE CEREUS IN the yard will bloom soon. We planted a slip from the original cutting at least a year ago. That is how long it has been since I left my village on the other side of the island and moved ... - #8
Save:Reclusive Sally Diamond causes outrage by trying to incinerate her dead father. Now she's the center of attention, not only from the hungry media and police detectives, but also a sinister voice from a past she does not remember. As she begins to discover the horrors of her early childhood, Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, big decisions, and learning that people don't always mean what they say. But who is the man observing Sally from the other side of the world, and why does he call her Mary? Sally's trust issues are about to be severely challenged in this inventive, addictive, and bold thriller. The story gets quite dark as we understand more about what happened to her when she was a child and her mother, flicking between Sally and Peter to show how their past has affected their present. From the very beginning of Strange Sally Diamond, readers are captivated with her story, thoughts of her early life, and her fear of someone watching and hoping to take her away, flowing through the pages.
- #9
Save:"The Body Reader" by Anne Frasier follows Detective Jude Fontaine, who returns to work as a homicide detective after enduring three years of captivity and torture. Jude possesses an enhanced ability to read detailed body language cues, acquired during her traumatic experience. The novel delves into Jude's struggle to put her life back together while investigating cases that hit close to home, showcasing her determination and perseverance. The plot unfolds with twists, turns, and personal revelations, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.
The writing style in "The Body Reader" is praised for its immersive quality, character development, and engaging storyline. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, the rich B storyline, and the well-crafted plot progression. The author skillfully weaves together past and present narratives, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story that captivates readers and leaves them eager for more.
It was the same day she quit thinking about the world beyond the windowless cell. That world no longer existed. Not for her. Now there were just the plates of food that came at uneven intervals, eaten... - #10
Save:The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore & Bar follows the story of Sam Quinn, a lone werewolf and owner of the bookshop in San Francisco. Sam, who is a book nerd and a Tolkien fan, has a tragic past that still haunts her seven years later. The book combines elements of romance, supernatural beings like vampires, wicche, and demons, and a fast-paced plot with lots of exciting action. The story revolves around Sam's journey of healing from past trauma, building relationships with her friends and allies, and navigating the dangerous supernatural world around her.
The author, Seana Kelly, weaves a unique urban fantasy tale with originality, humor, and suspense. The book features strong character development, particularly focusing on Sam's growth from a victim to a determined and strong female lead. The writing style is described as beautifully written, with excellent dialogue and vivid descriptions of the supernatural world within San Francisco.
