Books matching: urban life
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- #1
City Come a-Walkin' by John Shirley explores a cyberpunk world where San Francisco is creating its own superheroes to combat corruption and organized crime control of finance. The plot revolves around the Mafia's conspiracy to take over the city and the citizen's collective unconscious, embodied in City, fighting back. The book delves into the dangers that affect urban life, portraying City as an amoral entity acting in its own interests to defend the creative diversity that sustains urban life. The writing style, while at times rough, is powerful and thought-provoking, with detailed exploration of cyberpunk concepts and a distinct atmosphere.
Three of the seven men in the conference room were thinking solely about supper just then—seven-thirty p.m. on a Thursday. The other four were thinking about supper and about plans for the evening (on... - #2
'Manhattan Transfer' by John Dos Passos is a novel set in early twentieth century New York City, portraying a diverse cast of characters from different backgrounds and social standings trying to navigate the hustle and bustle of city life. The book jumps from character to character, showcasing their struggles and aspirations in a melting pot of city chaos. Dos Passos' writing style is described as rich and vivid, painting a harsh yet realistic picture of life in the squalid tenements of New York City during that period. The novel weaves together various storylines, culminating in a portrayal of the city immediately before, during, and after World War I.
THREE GULLS WHEEL above the broken boxes, orangerinds, spoiled cabbage heads that heave between the splintered plank walls, the green waves spume under the round bow as the ferry, skidding on the tide... - #3
'The Stars Beneath Our Feet' by David Barclay Moore is a story about a young boy named Lolly Rachpaul who is navigating life in the streets of Harlem after the death of his brother due to gang violence. Lolly finds solace in building LEGO creations as a way to cope with his grief and navigate the challenges of living in a dangerous neighborhood. The story follows Lolly's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and making tough decisions while surrounded by themes of family, gang pressure, and creativity.
Lolly's character development is central to the plot, as he learns to choose his own path and find hope amidst the hardships he faces. The writing style authentically captures the struggles and triumphs of a young African American boy growing up in Harlem, addressing heavy themes such as grief, gang violence, and family dynamics with honesty and depth. Through Lolly's experiences, the book explores the power of creativity, friendship, and resilience in overcoming adversity.
- #4
'Last Exit to Brooklyn' by Hubert Selby Jr. is a raw and brutally honest portrayal of life in the projects of Brooklyn in the 1950s. The book delves into the sordid side of American culture, depicting poverty, prostitution, alcoholism, drugs, and sexual perversion, painting a stark contrast to the wholesome image often associated with that era. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the novel explores the lives of vile low-life criminals, hookers, drag queens, dealers, and addicts, offering a relentless journey into America's underbelly post-WWII. Selby's writing style is described as raw, crude, and dark, capturing the gritty reality of urban life with searing detail and unfiltered honesty.
The characters in 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' are portrayed as deeply flawed and often despicable, engaging in acts of violence, abuse, and degradation. Selby's narrative weaves together these individual stories, showcasing the struggles and dreams of people living on the margins of society in Brooklyn. The book presents a stream of consciousness account of urban life, with each character's experiences adding layers to the overall depiction of a harsh and unforgiving environment. Despite the grim subject matter, the novel is praised for its powerful storytelling and the unapologetic way in which Selby captures the complexities of human nature in extreme circumstances.
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a... - #5
Make Way for Ducklings is a heartwarming tale of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, a duck couple searching for the perfect place to raise their ducklings. Set in the bustling city of Boston, the story follows their journey as they navigate through busy streets and encounter helpful individuals, ultimately finding a safe haven for their family in the Public Garden. Through charming illustrations and simple storytelling, the book captures the essence of family, community, and the enduring spirit of parenthood.
As the Mallard family faces challenges in their quest for a new home, readers are taken on a delightful adventure filled with moments of kindness, determination, and love. The narrative beautifully portrays the bond between the duck parents and their ducklings, showcasing themes of resilience, cooperation, and the importance of finding a sense of belonging. With its endearing characters and engaging storyline, Make Way for Ducklings invites readers of all ages to join in the heartening journey of this feathered family.
- #6
Clockers by Richard Price is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life on the streets, focusing on the intertwined stories of a black drug seller named Strike and a white homicide detective named Rocco in a New Jersey city. The book delves deep into the world of drug trade, dirty cops, racial profiling, and the moral complexities faced by its characters. Price's writing style is described as excellent, detailed, and deeply researched, with a focus on creating authentic and flawed characters that feel real and relatable.
STRIKE spotted her: baby fat, baby face, Shanelle or Shanette, fourteen years old maybe, standing there with that queasy smile, trying to work up the nerve. He looked away, seeing her two months from ... - #7
'My Friends' by Emmanuel Bove is a novel that follows the protagonist, Victor Baton, as he navigates the streets of Paris in search of friendship and connection. The story delves into Victor's loneliness, his longing for companionship, and his unique observations of the world around him. Through short, simple, and straightforward sentences, the novel paints a picture of Victor's vulnerability, self-pity, and occasional moments of invincibility. Set in the backdrop of impoverished urban life in the 1920s, the book explores themes of human contact, loneliness, and the complexities of relationships.
The writing style of 'My Friends' is noted for its blend of humor and melancholy, with a touch of irony and introspection. The narrative is described as unique, unmistakable, and unfaltering, capturing Victor's voice in a way that speaks a universal truth. The author, Emmanuel Bove, skillfully crafts a story that is both funny and sad, with clear and precise observations on people, places, and things. Through Victor's lens, the reader is taken on a journey of self-awareness, loneliness, and the longing for human connection.
For a little affection, I should share everything I possess: my pension money, my bed. I should be so considerate of anyone who showed me any friendship. I should never contradict them. All their wish... - #8
In the novel 'In Our Mad and Furious City' by Guy Gunaratne, the story unfolds in present-day London following a tragic event where a police officer is killed by a young man of color, sparking high tensions in the city. The narrative delves into the lives of various characters residing in public housing estates, each striving to create a better future for themselves and their families amidst the aftermath of this incident. The book captures a polyphony of real-life narrators, portraying the fury and impoverished existence of the characters in an intense and experimental writing style that reads like verse.
The book intricately weaves together the stories of diverse characters like Selvon, an aspiring athlete; Caroline, an Irish immigrant with a secretive past; Ardan, a shy music enthusiast; Yusuf, a Muslim boy navigating strict religious expectations; and Nelson, a Jamaican immigrant entangled in racial tensions. Through their perspectives, the novel explores themes of racialism, fear, social consequences, and radicalism, offering a vivid portrayal of London's multicultural landscape and the simmering tensions within.
- #9
Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey is a unique and captivating novel set in the bustling city of Los Angeles. The book weaves together diverse and sometimes extreme characters with historical anecdotes of the city, creating a rich tapestry of stories that paint a vivid picture of life in LA. Frey's writing style is described as endearing, ingenious, and captivating, with mini stories intertwined with the metropolitan backdrop of Los Angeles.
At thirty-seven years old, Wayne is absolutely ambitionless. He likes to smoke weed, drink cream soda and watch porn. He has an office behind the clubhouse, it’s a four-by-six room with a chair and te... - #10
Marcovaldo by Italo Calvino is a collection of 20 short stories that revolve around the character of Marcovaldo, a poor man living in a northern town of Italy. The stories depict his adventures, mishaps, and interactions with the urban world, highlighting the tension between urban life and Arcadian aspirations. Calvino skillfully weaves together themes of social, economical, and climatic effects on human beings, providing a unique perspective on the impact of industrialization on society.
The book offers a refreshing break from the mundane aspects of modern urban life, inviting readers to explore the magic underlying everyday things like rabbits, houseplants, bees, and mushrooms. Through Marcovaldo's experiences, Calvino presents a whimsical yet profound reflection on the beauty of being alive, even in the harshest of times, capturing the essence of wonderment, joy, and excitement that the world can bring to those who view it with a childlike perspective.
One day, to the narrow strip of ground flanking a city avenue came a gust of spores from God knows where; and some mushrooms germinated. Nobody noticed them except Marcovaldo, the worker who caught hi...