Books matching: unconventional bond

26 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 26 
  1. #1

    Celestial Navigation by Anne Tyler
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    Celestial Navigation by Anne Tyler is a novel that delves into the lives of ordinary characters, exploring their flaws, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. The story follows Mary Tell, a capable and sensible woman, who forms a strange relationship with Jeremy Pauling, a reclusive artist. As their unconventional bond evolves over the years, the narrative navigates through different perspectives, time shifts, and the challenges of understanding and connecting with one another. The writing style of the book intricately weaves together multiple narratives, offering a deep exploration of the characters' inner worlds and the struggles they face in their interactions.

    Celestial Navigation is a poignant exploration of relationships, emotions, and the intricacies of human connection. Through the lens of Anne Tyler's storytelling, the novel captures the essence of ordinary life, portraying characters that are both relatable and enigmatic. The book's narrative structure, character development, and thematic depth provide a compelling insight into the complexities of love, loneliness, and the search for understanding amidst the challenges of everyday existence.

    My brother Jeremy is a thirty-eight-year-old bachelor who never did leave home. Long ago we gave up expecting very much of him, but still he is the last man in our family and you would think that in t...

  2. #2

    All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood
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    All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood is a compelling and controversial story that delves into the complex relationship between Wavy, a young girl growing up in a troubled environment, and Kellen, a mechanic involved in her father's illicit activities. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and redemption as it follows the evolution of their unconventional bond over the years. The writing style is raw and gritty, offering multiple perspectives that provide a deep insight into the characters' motivations and struggles.

    My mother always started the story by saying, “Well, she was born in the backseat of a stranger’s car,” as though that explained why Wavy wasn’t normal. It seemed to me that could happen to anybody. M...

  3. #3

    How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford
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    "How to Say Goodbye in Robot" by Natalie Standiford follows the story of Bea, a new girl at a private school in Baltimore, who befriends Jonah, a loner known as Ghost Boy. The plot revolves around their deepening friendship, their shared experiences with unconventional family dynamics, and their connection through a late-night radio show. The writing style of the book is described as quirky, tender, and honest, with themes of love, loss, and friendship portrayed in a meaningful and authentic way.


  4. #4

    The Forgotten Phantom - Creature Feature by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
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    In "The Forgotten Phantom" by Kathryn Ann Kingsley, readers are taken on a modern twist of the classic Phantom of the Opera tale. The story follows Christine Gray, a member of a paranormal institute, as she delves into a cold case at a famous opera house rumored to be haunted by the Opera Monster. As she uncovers the mysteries of the past, she finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with the Phantom, Erik, who is portrayed as possessive yet true to his original character. The book weaves elements of the original story into a contemporary setting, capturing the essence of the Phantom's longing and Christine's transformation.

    The author, Kathryn Ann Kingsley, skillfully blends the familiar with the new, creating a narrative that resonates with fans of the Phantom of the Opera while offering fresh perspectives and twists. The writing style is described as deep and immersive, delving into the characters' emotions and relationships, particularly highlighting the growth of Christine and Erik as they navigate their unconventional bond.


  5. #5

    Crooked Heart by Lissa Evans
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    Crooked Heart by Lissa Evans is a heartwarming and humorous story set during the London Blitz of WWII. The novel follows Noel, a precocious 10-year-old orphan, who finds himself living with Vee Sedge, a woman with no marketable skills, during the chaos of war. Their unlikely alliance leads to a series of schemes and adventures as they navigate the uncertainties and perils of wartime, forming a bond that evolves through humor, charm, and poignant moments. The narrative skillfully portrays the struggles of life with war as a backdrop, showcasing the growth and transformation of the characters amidst a darkly humorous and engaging storyline.

    Hitler was thumbing his nose from just across the Channel, and London had decided to move the children out again, all the ones who had come back and all the ones who had never gone. This time Noel was...

  6. #6

    The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
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    In "The Housekeeper and the Professor" by Yoko Ogawa, the story revolves around an elderly mathematician who, due to a head injury, can only retain memories for eighty minutes at a time. The professor forms a special bond with his housekeeper and her son, as they navigate the challenges of his condition while delving into the beauty of numbers and mathematics. The book explores themes of friendship, memory, and the significance of human relationships, all intertwined with a subtle undertone involving the fragility of memory and the eternal nature of numbers.

    The novel is character-driven, focusing on the development of the three main characters - the professor, the housekeeper, and her son. Through the daily interactions between the characters, the author skillfully weaves in math concepts, showcasing the magic of numbers and how they bring this unlikely trio together. The writing style is described as quiet, tender, and beautifully poignant, leaving a lasting impact on the reader long after the final page is turned.

    "Yes, there is," he said, pointing at his chest. "It's in here. It'sthe most discreet sort of number, so it never comes out where itcan be seen. But it's here." We fell silent for a moment, trying top...

  7. #7

    The Story of Arthur Truluv - Mason by Elizabeth Berg
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    'The Story of Arthur Truluv' by Elizabeth Berg is a heartwarming tale of three lonely individuals who find solace and companionship in each other, forming an unconventional family unit. The story revolves around Arthur, an elderly widower who visits his wife's grave daily and befriends a troubled teenager named Maddy, along with his nosy but well-meaning neighbor Lucille. Together, they navigate grief, loss, and the importance of human connection, creating a bond that transcends age and circumstances. The narrative is described as charming, touching, and filled with moments of laughter and tears, reminiscent of other feel-good stories like 'A Man Called Ove.'

    The plot of 'The Story of Arthur Truluv' unfolds in a gentle and compassionate manner, exploring themes of grief, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. Elizabeth Berg's writing style is praised for its warmth and emotional depth, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and their journey towards healing and understanding. The book is lauded for its relatable characters, poignant storytelling, and the way it captures the complexities of relationships and the power of creating a chosen family out of unexpected circumstances.

    In the six months since the November day that his wife, Nola, was buried, Arthur Moses has been having lunch with her every day. He rides the bus to the cemetery and when he gets there, he takes his s...

  8. #8
    Unforgiven
    Book 6 in the series:Deep Ops

    Unforgiven - Deep Ops by Rebecca Zanetti
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    'Unforgiven' in the series 'Deep Ops' by Rebecca Zanetti follows the intertwined journeys of Jethro, a former MI6 agent turned university professor, and Gemma, a woman on the run from her abusive ex-fiancé. As their paths cross, they are faced with not only personal demons but external threats like Gemma's ex and Jethro's dangerous brother, leading to a high-stakes, fast-paced narrative filled with suspense, romance, and unexpected twists. The story is set against the backdrop of the Deep Ops team, a ragtag group of individuals who come together to support and protect each other, forming an unconventional family bonded by trust and a shared mission to combat evil.

    The writing style in 'Unforgiven' is described as engaging, fast-moving, and well-crafted, seamlessly blending elements of thriller and romance. The characters are multi-dimensional, likable, and relatable, with Jethro and Gemma's evolving relationship portrayed realistically from initial attraction to deep emotional connection. not only delves into the personal struggles and secrets of the main characters but also weaves in subplots that add layers of intrigue and depth to the overall narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the nail-biting conclusion.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Deep Ops )

  9. #9

    Family Family by Laurie Frankel
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    Family Family by Laurie Frankel explores the complex dynamics of motherhood, adoption, and the various interpretations of family. The story is centered around India, a movie star with a troubled past and an adoptive mother of twins. Written in two timelines, the narrative weaves through India’s tumultuous teenage years and her current life, revealing the intricacies of unconventional family bonds. The book is filled with both humor and heartfelt moments, showcasing how love and support manifest in diverse ways within families.

    While some readers find the portrayal of adoption to be overly optimistic, the author's writing style shines with authentic conversations and relatable characters. Frankel's ability to create depth in her characters allows for a rich exploration of human connections. Although there's mixed feedback about pacing and some characters' development, many appreciate the author’s empathetic lens on shared human experiences.


  10. #10

    Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote
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    'Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog' by Ted Kerasote is a heartwarming story about the unique bond between a man named Ted and his dog, Merle. The book chronicles their adventures together, from the moment Merle finds Ted on a river trip to the sad ending when Merle passes away at the age of 14. Throughout the narrative, Ted interjects insights into dog behavior and psychology, sharing lessons learned from Merle and shedding light on the ways in which dogs can enrich our lives. The writing style is described as easy to read, engaging, and filled with emotional and touching moments that resonate with dog lovers and those who appreciate the deep connection between humans and animals.

    He came out of the night, appearing suddenly in my headlights, a big, golden dog, panting, his front paws tapping the ground in an anxious little dance. Behind him, tall cottonwoods in their April blo...

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