Books matching: urban new york city setting
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- #1
Save:'The Regulars' by Georgia Clark is a novel that follows the story of three self-absorbed 20-something millennials who stumble upon a potion that transforms them into conventionally gorgeous individuals. As they navigate the consequences of their newfound beauty, the characters grapple with societal pressures, self-image issues, and the realization that looks aren't everything. The book offers a mix of humor, social commentary, and fantasy elements, creating a storyline that explores themes of identity, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness in a world obsessed with appearances. The writing style is described as gritty and edgy, with a touch of chick lit, incorporating elements of cursing, sex, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and entertained.
The narrative of 'The Regulars' is praised for its thought-provoking messages, engaging plot, and the author's ability to deliver social commentary in a fun and entertaining manner. The book combines elements of fantasy and realism to explore complex themes such as self-acceptance, friendship, and the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. Readers appreciate the character development, the witty writing style, and the way the story challenges traditional notions of beauty and happiness, making it a compelling and enjoyable read for those looking for a blend of humor and depth in a contemporary setting.
Despite her mother’s impassioned insistence to the contrary, Evie Selby had never thought of herself as beautiful. There were moments when she felt cute: some high-angle, low-light selfies that made h... - #2
Save:"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara is a novel that delves into the lives of four men and their enduring friendship, with a focus on the character Jude who has survived significant abuse in his past. The book intricately portrays the struggles and relationships of the characters over time, leading readers through a rollercoaster of emotions from happiness to utter sadness. The author's writing style is described as immersive, intense, and at times, graphic, as it explores themes of love, trauma, and resilience in the face of adversity.
THE ELEVENTH APARTMENT had only one closet, but it did have a sliding glass door that opened onto a small balcony, from which he could see a man sitting across the way, outdoors in only a T-shirt and ... - #3
Save:'The Righteous Men' by Sam Bourne follows the story of Will Monroe, a journalist for the New York Times, who stumbles upon a series of seemingly unrelated murders that lead him to uncover a global conspiracy. As his wife is kidnapped, Will delves into a world of Jewish mysticism and religious beliefs, trying to connect the dots and save his wife before it's too late. The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns, and incorporates elements of ancient Jewish tradition and modern-day religious cults, creating an intriguing and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end.
The writing style of 'The Righteous Men' is described as fast-paced, enjoyable, and engaging. blends elements of mystery, thriller, and religious conspiracy, drawing comparisons to popular works like 'The Da Vinci Code.' The characters are faced with cryptic messages, mysterious murders, and a race against time to prevent a catastrophic event, all while navigating themes of faith, sacrifice, and the end of the world, making for a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
The night of the first killing was filled with song. St Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan trembled to the sound of Handel's Messiah, the grand choral master that never failed to rouse even the most slu... - #4
Save:Famous actress Leigh Manning is trying to follow her husband's directions to the cabin he has found for them when she is in a horrendous accident. Waking in the hospital she expects Logan to have been notified and be at her side, then discovers he was found in the cabin shot dead. Sam Littleton, a gal fresh on the detective squad tries to fend off her attraction to her boss McCord while they and two other cops all interesting characters investigate the range of suspects Leigh's understudy in the play she and Logan's psychiatrist, her gay producer pal, and Michael Valente, a successful businessman she didn't know she knew, though, even before she married Logan when she lived in lower Manhattan and frequented his aunt's deli. Unknown to the reader, he is smitten for all the years he was incriminated because of a vendetta by the police superintendent. But Leigh didn't know because when she knew Michael Valente he was known as Falco. Anyway, he rises to the surface by sending her flowers in the hosp, signed Falco, and because of his reputation becomes a suspect. Sam and Mack admit their mutual attraction. Finding out that Logan had affairs with her friends, their psychiatrist, and her understudy, Leigh is overwhelmed by Michael and returns his love. The understudy's mind cracks, she chops off her hair in Leigh's bedroom while telling Leigh she will shoot her after having killed Logan, the psychiatrist, wounding Leigh's cook and chauffeur. Then here come Mac and Sam and Michael just in time to save Leigh. Best line by Shrader, Sam's fellow cop, when he sees how upset she is over having killed someone: "Don't worry, she wouldn't have wanted to go on living with her hair looking like that." This is a fun book.
He nodded and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “The state police will take care of that. In the meantime, you have some very big fans at Good Samaritan, including me, and we’re going to take excell... - #5
Save:"Felix Ever After" by Kacen Callender is a young adult contemporary novel that follows the story of Felix, a black, queer, and transgender protagonist navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and self-discovery. Set in modern-day NYC, the book delves into themes of gender and sexual identity, cyberbullying, and family acceptance. The writing style is described as endearing, engaging, and quick-paced, making it a compelling and relatable read for young adult readers.
WE PUSH OPEN THE APARTMENT BUILDING’S GLASS DOOR, out into the yellow sunshine that’s a little too cheerful and bright. It’s hot as hell—the kind of heat that sticks to your skin, your hair, your frea... - #6
Save:In "Knight Life" by Peter David, King Arthur returns in modern-day New York City to run for mayor, with the help of Merlin, who is now in the form of a young boy. The book is described as a fast-paced and funny fantasy parody, where Arthur encounters familiar characters like Genevieve and Percival while facing challenges from his sister Morgaine and son Mordred. The story is light-hearted, full of puns and wordplay, and doesn't take itself too seriously, offering a unique twist on the traditional Arthurian legends.
So part of the deal I cut with Ginjer was that I would return to the original manuscript and fix all the stuff that was fixable. It's ironic in a way: At conventions, one of the standard questions I g... - #7
Save:City of Glass is a postmodern mystery novel that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, identity and language. The protagonist, Daniel Quinn, is a mystery writer who takes on the role of a detective in a surreal investigation. As Quinn delves deeper into the case, following a man named Peter Stillman, he becomes entangled in a complex web of identities and narratives, questioning the nature of self and storytelling. The book's writing style combines elements of classic detective fiction with postmodernist themes, creating a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking.
IT was a wrong number that started it, the telephone ringing three times in the dead of night, and the voice on the other end asking for someone he was not. Much later, when he was able to think about... - #8
Save:In 'Catching Caden', Murphy, a budding model, has her life turned upside down when she is hit by a baseball at a game. The story unfolds slowly, focusing on the gradual development of the relationship between Murphy and Caden, diverging from the typical quick romance beginnings often seen in this genre. As their friendship deepens, they face challenges that threaten to tear them apart, testing if their love can withstand the obstacles thrown their way.
I know that sound. I can feel it in my hands. My body. I don’t even have to look up to see the ball flying out into the stands. I don’t have to look up, because by the time I hit first base, the crowd... - #9
Save:Just Not That Into Billionaires by Annika Martin is a light-hearted and playful romance novel that follows the love story of Francine, a strong and determined ballerina, and Benny, a scowly nerd from her past. The plot revolves around a fake marriage arrangement between Francine and Benny, leading to humorous hijinks, heartfelt moments, and a slow-burn romance. The writing style is described as funny, lighthearted, moving, and filled with steamy love scenes that keep readers engaged and entertained throughout the story.
“Right this moment?” I ask uncertainly. It’s a strange request, considering we need every second of practice on “Plamya,” his big comeback piece. Let’s just say the breakneck time signatures trip up a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Billionaires of Manhattan ) - #10
Save:The Coin by Yasmin Zaher tells the story of a wealthy Palestinian woman navigating her life in New York City, filled with anxieties about cleanliness and dirt. Obsessed with her rituals and luxury, she teaches underprivileged kids while grappling with her family's complex legacy and her own identity in a foreign land. The story mixes humor with poignancy, using a minimalist and rhythmic writing style that draws readers into her chaotic yet privileged world, highlighting the absurdities of consumerism and the immigrant experience.
Zaher’s narrative unfolds through short vignettes that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, reflecting on themes of wealth, trauma, and disconnection. As the protagonist interacts with her world—the chaos of the city, her hilarious yet troubling relationships, and her compulsive cleaning rituals—her journey becomes a deeply introspective exploration. This novel challenges expectations of Palestinian identity, making it a unique contribution to contemporary literature.
