Books matching: urgent storytelling
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- #1
Save:A bold, brutally honest, and deeply moving window into LGBTQ+ life and identity in the modern Middle East - at once intimate, politically charged, and unwaveringly real. A must-read for those curious about lives lived at the intersection of culture, sexuality, and revolution.
Saleem Haddad's debut novel 'Guapa' follows the protagonist Rasa, a young gay Arab man living in an unnamed Middle Eastern country, as he navigates a day filled with personal crisis and societal challenges. The story is interwoven with flashbacks that provide a glimpse into Rasa's past, exploring themes of identity, love, political unrest, and family dynamics. The narrative captures the struggles of being gay in a conservative society, while also delving into the complexities of cultural norms, personal relationships, and self-discovery.
The writing style in 'Guapa' is described as raw, intimate, and engaging, with a fast-paced narration that seamlessly weaves together the protagonist's personal journey and the larger socio-political landscape of the Middle East. Through vivid storytelling and nuanced observations, Saleem Haddad offers a poignant exploration of themes such as shame, family honor, cultural stereotypes, and the quest for personal liberation in a turbulent environment.
The morning begins with shame. This is not new, but as memories of last night begin to sink in, the feeling takes on a terrifying resonance. I grimace, squirm, dig my fingers in my palms until the pai...March 2016•368 pages - #2
Save:An eye-opening, heart-pounding look at the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs - a must-read for science lovers and anyone interested in the future of medicine.
'The Perfect Predator' is a gripping memoir that tells the story of a UCSD professor's near-fatal bacterial infection and the desperate search for an alternative treatment using bacteriophages. Written by the patient's wife, who is also a scientist, the book details the emotional journey from the initial illness overseas to the groundbreaking phage therapy that ultimately saved his life. The writing style seamlessly integrates medical terminology, personal anecdotes, and scientific explanations, making it both informative and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
I never dreamed I’d be outwitted by a wimpy bacterium. I’d tracked a killer virus across multiple continents to wage the war against AIDS, through the trenches and at the table with policymakers at a...February 2019•352 pages A breathtaking, moving memoir that’s both a personal story and a rallying cry for environmental and cultural survival - absolutely essential reading if you’re curious about indigenous perspectives or the future of our planet.
We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People is written by Nemonte Nenquimo, a member of the Waorani tribe in Ecuador's Amazon rainforest. The book details her upbringing in a deeply connected indigenous culture, where nature is revered and respected. Nenquimo shares stories from her childhood, filled with lessons from her elders about plant medicines, foraging, and the importance of living in harmony with the environment. Her journey takes her from an uncontacted tribe to the challenges posed by colonialism and resource exploitation, ultimately leading her to fight for her people's rights and their land against oil companies.
The writing style is imbued with emotion and cultural richness, making the reader feel the profound connection Nenquimo has with her heritage and the forest. The narrative is both gripping and heartfelt, revealing her pain and resilience. Through her words, the reader experiences the beauty of indigenous wisdom and the struggle to preserve a unique way of life. Nenquimo's lyrical storytelling captivates with vivid descriptions and a sense of urgency in advocating for her people and their relationship with the earth.
September 2024•368 pages- #4
Save:A fun, sexy, fast-paced sci-fi romance perfect for fans of paranormal adventure and slow-build relationships - but editing hiccups and steam galore mean it's best for those who like their love stories hot with a dash of space opera!
'Demon Possession' in the 'Shadow Quest' series by Kiersten Fay follows the story of Analia, a former slave who escapes captivity and finds herself on a merchant spaceship. There, she forms relationships with the crew members, especially the captain, Sebastian, as they embark on a mission that unveils Analia's mysterious past and hidden powers. The book blends elements of paranormal romance, sci-fi, and suspense, with a focus on character development and a slow-building romance between Analia and Sebastian.
Analia crouched in the shadows of the docking bay—shaking with fear, anticipation—hidden behind a large pile of cargo. Heavy adrenaline coursed through her veins. Damp blond curls tangled around her f...2011•352 pages - #5
Save:A poignant and emotional YA novel that's equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. Not for those who want lighthearted fare or detailed world-building, but for anyone who craves a moving story about living life to the fullest, it's a must-read.
'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera is a poignant story set in a future where people receive a 24-hour notice of their impending death. The novel follows two teenage boys, Mateo and Rufus, who meet through an app for those on their last day alive. As they spend their final hours together, they form a deep connection and navigate through goodbyes, adventure, and emotional revelations. The book explores themes of mortality, friendship, living life to the fullest, and the impact of knowing one's fate, all while keeping readers on an emotional rollercoaster till the very end.
The narrative style of the book involves multiple perspectives, allowing readers to delve into the minds of different characters and experience their interconnected stories. The author weaves a tale that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, with a balance between mournful and joyful moments. Despite the inevitable outcome hinted at in the title, the author manages to keep the story engaging and unexpected, creating a world where the characters' reactions to their impending deaths are both relatable and emotionally resonant.
Death-Cast is calling with the warning of a lifetime—I’m going to die today. Forget that, “warning” is too strong a word since warnings suggest something can be avoided, like a car honking at someone...September 2017•406 pages - #6
Save:A vivid, thorough, and gripping account of Jerusalem’s pivotal moments in 1948. Perfect for history lovers, but be ready for a deep, sometimes intense dive into the complexities of the region.
'O Jerusalem' by Larry Collins is a captivating account of the formation of the state of Israel in 1948. Written by two journalists, the book reads like a novel, detailing the history of Israel's independence and the intense events that unfolded during that time. The authors provide unbiased insights into the dedication and commitment of Israel's people, showcasing the political maneuvering between Zionists, Arabs, and other factions in the quest to establish the Jewish homeland.
The narrative in 'O Jerusalem' is engaging, well-researched, and objective. The authors present a comprehensive view of the events leading up to the UN partition vote and the subsequent Arab-Israeli war, highlighting the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of both sides. Through impressive research and firsthand accounts, the book offers a compelling retelling of the conflicts surrounding Israel's independence, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of the Middle East situation.
IN THE AFTERNOON of Saturday, November 29, 1947, in a cavernous gray building that had once housed an ice-skating rink, in Flushing Meadow, New York, the delegates of fifty-six of the fifty-seven memb...1971•713 pages - #7
Save:A bold, empowering fairytale remix that’s perfect for fans of fast-paced, feminist YA with a queer Black heroine - just don’t expect major depth or slow-burn romance.
Cinderella Is Dead is a fresh and feminist retelling of the classic Cinderella tale set in a dystopian kingdom where women have no rights and are forced to conform to oppressive patriarchal standards. The story follows Sophia, a determined 16-year-old girl who rebels against the society's norms and joins forces with Constance to overthrow the king and his system. Through a blend of suspense, mystery, horror, and social commentary, the book explores themes of feminism, LGBTQ+ representation, and the consequences of blindly following tradition.
When the palace guards find me, and they will, I am going to die in the forest on Lille’s eastern border. But I don’t care. The only thing I’m focused on is Erin, who is pressed up against a tree dire...2019•401 pages An unsettling and masterful collection of psychological horror - perfect for fans of literary dread and dark ambiguity, but not for those who want all the answers laid out.
'The Houseguest and Other Stories' by Amparo Davila is a collection of gripping short stories that delve into Mexican horror fiction. The stories are described as dark, creepy, and eerie, reminiscent of works by authors like Kafka, Poe, and Shirley Jackson. The writing style is praised for its ability to convey mental anguish and create a sense of foreboding, with tales that are disturbing, thought-provoking, and full of strangeness and darkness.
November 2018•126 pages- #9
Save:"Thrill Me: Essays on Fiction" by Benjamin Percy is a comprehensive guide on fiction writing, filled with practical advice and insights for aspiring authors. Percy's writing style is described as accessible, enjoyable, and packed with examples from literature and his own life. The book covers a wide range of topics including revision, creating urgency and suspense, activating setting, and balancing whimsy with logic. Percy's approach to writing is described as fresh, down-to-earth, and filled with eye-opening insights that make it a must-read for writers of dramatic fiction.
Vampires, dragons, and robots with laser eyes. These were the literary stars of my childhood. Their stories were unified by the same pattern: they began with a bang—high jinks ensued—and then the hero...October 2016•173 pages - #10
Save:'Mayluna' by Kelley McNeil is a raw and heart-punching story that follows the epic love story between freelance music journalist Evie and Mayluna lead singer Carter. The book intricately weaves together themes of mysticism, rock stardom, and tragic human dilemmas, creating an unforgettable narrative that transcends the romance genre. Through beautiful and lyrical writing, the author delves into the deep connection between Evie and Carter, portraying their relationship as one that fills the cracks of loneliness and replaces shadows with wonder, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
The plot of 'Mayluna' takes readers on a journey through time and space, exploring love, loss, redemption, and the complexities of relationships. Kelley McNeil's writing style is described as impactful, lyrical, and evocative, transporting readers to different settings and eras, while also creating realistic and relatable characters that resonate deeply with the audience.
February 2024•399 pages
