Books matching: varied pacing
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- #1
Save:A breezy, history-infused adventure that's perfect for fans of Indiana Jones and historical capers - just go in looking for fun, not literary depth.
'Napoleon's Pyramids' by William Dietrich follows the adventures of American Ethan Gage who finds himself in big troubles after winning a mysterious medallion in a card game. Set against the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, the story is filled with fast-paced action, historical contexts, and a quest to unravel the secrets of the medallion. Gage faces grave dangers, encounters dark villains, and embarks on a journey reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure, complete with mysterious symbols, ancient artifacts, and thrilling escapades across exotic locations.
The writing style in 'Napoleon's Pyramids' is described as a mix of historical fiction, adventure, and mystery, with elements of humor and witty banter. The plot unfolds with a blend of true historical facts and imaginative storytelling, featuring a hapless hero, sinister adversaries, and a quest for hidden treasures amidst the chaos of Napoleon's expedition to Egypt. offers a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged with its vivid descriptions of geography, geology, and historical events, creating an enjoyable and immersive reading experience.
It’s also seductive, social, and as natural, I would argue, as breathing. Isn’t birth itself a roll of the dice, fortune casting one babe as peasant and another as king? In the wake of the French Revo...2007•417 pages - #2
Save:'Xander' in the series 'Nova Force' by Vivienne Savage is a spicy and hot science fiction romance that follows the story of Xander, a smart and sexy cybernetics doctor, and Thandie, a strong and smart cyborg warrior. The plot is well-paced with a mix of suspense, action, and romance set in a futuristic universe where space battles, discrimination issues, and steamy romance take center stage. Readers will be taken on an exciting space adventure filled with surprises, aliens, pirates, and intense adult content.
The writing style of Vivienne Savage in 'Xander' is praised for its ability to blend elements of romance, science fiction, and action seamlessly. The story unfolds with a perfect balance of world-building, character development, and plot progression, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries of the universe Savage has created.
After serving a standard galactic year at a tiny naval base, Doctor Xander Vargas looked forward to his new assignment aboard the HMS Jemison. Fuck, every day of that sentence had been hell, each day...May 2018•318 pages - #3
Save:"The Last Witchfinder" by James Morrow is a novel that delves into the themes of religious zealotry, ignorance, and the persecution of witches in colonial America. The story follows Jennet Stearne, the daughter of a Witchfinder, who embarks on a mission to prove that there are no witches through philosophy and science. Set in the late 17th century, the book takes readers on a journey filled with adventures, historical events like the Salem witch trials, encounters with Native Americans, and even a love affair with Ben Franklin. The writing style incorporates humor, wit, and philosophical musings, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges traditional beliefs and superstitions.
2005•553 pages A modern classic: intellectually challenging, deeply moving, but best suited for readers ready to wrestle with both language and big ideas about photography.
Many readers find 'Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography' by Roland Barthes to be a complex and challenging read, especially for students without a deep interest in photography. The book delves into the philosophical aspects of photography, with Barthes discussing concepts like punctum and studium, while also reflecting on personal experiences and emotions related to photography, such as his tribute to his mother. The writing style is described as dense and filled with complex language, requiring a deep understanding of photography and its nuances to fully appreciate the content.
One day, quite some time ago, I happened on a photograph of Napoleon's youngest brother, Jerome, taken in 1852. And I realized then, with an amazement I have not been able to lessen since: "I am looki...1980•126 pages- #5
Save:A captivating, easy-to-read introduction to Napoleon, brimming with fascinating personal detail - but take its sympathetic slant with a grain of salt and pair it with more critical works for a fuller picture.
'Napoleon' by Vincent Cronin delves into the life of the iconic historical figure, Napoleon Bonaparte. The author provides a detailed account of Napoleon's journey from his humble beginnings to his rise as a powerful leader. offers insights into Napoleon's personal life, relationships with women, military strategies, and his impact on European history. The writing style is engaging, making history come alive through vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling.
ON the morning of 2 June 1764 the bronze bells of Ajaccio cathedral began to peal and the little town’s important people – landowners, army officers, judges and notaries – with their ladies in silk dr...1971•522 pages - #6
Save:A brilliantly bizarre and memorable ride through nuclear apocalypse - mixing satire, heart, and a dose of the surreal. You’ll either love its originality or find it just too weird. Worth a try for the adventurous reader!
'This Is the Way the World Ends' by James K. Morrow is an avant-garde and surrealistic novel that explores the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. The book delves into the insanity of the cold war era and post-apocalyptic world through biting satire and philosophical contemplation. The plot revolves around a trial where the survivors are judged by the souls of those who perished due to nuclear annihilation, presenting a unique perspective on the consequences of nuclear war.
The writing style of James Morrow in this book is described as superb, with a combination of humor and heartbreak that keeps the reader engaged. The narrative takes unexpected turns, blending elements of farce, satire, and philosophical musings, ultimately leading to a poignant and thought-provoking ending that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Born in the middle of the twentieth century to generous and loving parents, people of New England stock so pure it was found only in northeast Vermont, he came to manhood in the tepid bosom of the Uni...1986•322 pages - #7
Save:A gripping blend of high-stakes history and lurid true crime set in turn-of-the-century Chicago. An engrossing, atmospheric read for anyone who loves history that feels stranger (and more thrilling) than fiction - but those hoping for pure true crime or pure architectural history might want to adjust their expectations.
"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson delves into two parallel stories set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows the ambitious architect Daniel Burnham as he strives to create the greatest World's Fair ever seen, while the other narrative focuses on Dr. H.H. Holmes, who becomes the first mass murderer in U.S. history. intricately weaves together the challenges of organizing the fair with the chilling crimes committed by Holmes, creating a captivating blend of history and true crime. Readers are taken on a journey through the bustling city of Chicago, where the grandeur of the fair contrasts with the darkness of Holmes' actions, all presented in a narrative that reads like a suspense novel.
THE DATE WAS APRIL 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63–65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it. What he did know was that his foot hurt badly, more than he...2002•520 pages - #8
Save:An unforgettable roller coaster of comedy, tragedy, and literary weirdness - Irving’s classic explores life’s absurdities with heart, humor, and no shortage of surprises. If you love character-driven stories that leave you laughing and thinking, it’s a must-read.
'The World According to Garp' by John Irving is a novel that follows the life of T.S. Garp, exploring his journey through happy moments followed by tragedies, making readers both sympathize and despise the character. The book delves into complex themes such as feminism, single parenting, marital affairs, and societal issues, all while showcasing Irving's unique storytelling style that blends humor, compassion, and eccentricity.
Irving's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of quirky characters, extreme situations, and bizarre incidents that range from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly sad. The protagonist, T.S. Garp, is a writer whose life mirrors the wacky stories he creates. The novel is a mix of humor, tragedy, and classic storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both eccentric and deeply human.
1978•592 pages A brutally honest, page-turning memoir about loss, redemption, and the healing power of a wild adventure - recommended for anyone who loves stories of personal growth and resilience, but might not satisfy purists looking for a hiking how-to.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed is a memoir about the author's decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail as a way of dealing with grief and trauma. Cheryl embarks on this solo journey to confront her emotions, understand herself, and find healing. The book delves into Cheryl's personal struggles, including the loss of her mother and a self-destructive divorce, intertwined with her physical trek through the wilderness. Through introspection and self-discovery, Cheryl navigates her past and present, ultimately finding peace and renewed strength.
My solo three-month hike on the Pacific Crest Trail had many beginnings. There was the first, flip decision to do it, followed by the second, more serious decision to actually do it, and then the long...2012•332 pages- #10
Save:A fun, flawed, game-heavy LitRPG adventure with a smart twist on magic and a protagonist you can root for - if you can forgive some early-draft bumps and clunky dialogue.
'Awakening' in the 'World of Magic' series by Levi Werner is a litRPG story following the Main Character Lox, who is offered a second chance in a VRMMORPG after suffering an on-the-job injury. Despite some reservations, Lox accepts the offer and is thrust into a new world where he experiences level grinding, adventures, and a transition from real life to a fantasy setting. The plot focuses on Lox's experiences in the game, his interactions with other characters, and the challenges he faces as he navigates this new world. The writing style has been described as having minimal world-building but engaging action sequences, interesting thought processes, and a unique take on magic.
Ding! Lox’s eyes snapped open and quickly found the flashing icon on the screen in front of him. “Open email,” he said, the icon of a mail envelope expanded to take up the whole screen showing him the...July 2021•464 pages
