Books matching: varied pacing with reflective moments
93 result(s)
- #1
Save:Alex Kershaw's book, "The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau," follows the journey of Felix Sparks, a soldier in the 45th Infantry Division, through various campaigns in Europe during World War II. The book vividly portrays the brutal realities of war, highlighting the courage and perseverance of the soldiers, particularly focusing on Sparks' experiences from Sicily to Germany. Kershaw's writing style is engaging and informative, providing a detailed account of Sparks' military career and personal life, including his actions before, during, and after the war.
FELIX SPARKS WOKE EARLY. It was getting light outside. He pulled on his jacket, grabbed his shotgun, and headed out into the dusty canyon, past miners’ shacks and mountains of tailings from the nearby... 'The Woman Who Married a Cloud: The Collected Short Stories' by Jonathan Carroll is a chunky collection of thirty-eight stories spanning 600 pages. The stories include elements of fantasy, horror, surrealism, and social commentary. Carroll's writing style is described as fascinating, masterful, and distinctive, with a delicate blending of different worlds. The stories touch on themes of love, loss, fantasy, and the complexities of human emotions, often surprising the reader with unexpected twists and turns.
- #3
Save:Where the Lost Wander is a historical fiction novel set during the westward movement in American history, following the journey of a wagon train heading to California. The story focuses on the perspectives of Naomi and John, as they narrate the incidents that occur during their trip, including their marriage, a tragic event involving an Indian, and the abduction of Naomi and her newborn brother by Indians. The book delves into the struggles, sorrows, and joys of the pioneers on the trail, portraying the harsh realities they faced during their hazardous journey.
She is perched on a barrel in the middle of the wide street, a yellow-frocked flower in a white bonnet, studying the crush of people moving past. Everyone is in a hurry, covered in dust and dissatisfa... - #4
Save:'The Hotel New Hampshire' by John Irving is a novel that follows the eccentric Berry family as they navigate through life's tragedies and triumphs. The story is set in hotels in New Hampshire and Vienna, where the family faces a range of bizarre and often disturbing situations. The novel features quirky characters like Franny, John, Frank, Lilly, Egg, and a pet bear, all of whom are richly developed and evoke a mix of emotions in the reader.
The writing style in 'The Hotel New Hampshire' is described as funny, sad, and quirky, with a touch of surrealism. John Irving presents a narrative that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, blending elements of humor and tragedy seamlessly. The novel explores taboo topics such as rape, incest, terrorism, and death, all while maintaining a whimsical and imaginative tone.
The summer my father bought the bear, none of us was born—we weren’t even conceived: not Frank, the oldest; not Franny, the loudest; not me, the next; and not the youngest of us, Lilly and Egg. My fat... - #5
Save:'A Language Older Than Words' by Derrick Jensen delves into the disconnection between humans and the natural world, highlighting the consequences of this separation. Jensen emphasizes the urgent need for humanity to reestablish its bond with nature and listen to the ancient language that is constantly communicating with us. Through personal anecdotes and powerful storytelling, Jensen explores the destructive behaviors of modern civilization and challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of our impact on the planet.
Jensen's writing style is described as profound and impactful, drawing on his traumatic childhood experiences to shed light on the parallels between personal struggles and the destruction of the environment. presents a non-linear narrative that weaves together stories of environmental devastation, cultural insanity, and the author's journey towards healing and understanding, creating a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read.
THE GENESIS OF THIS book was an event. I used to raise chickens and ducks for food. After a couple of years, a pack of coyotes discovered the easy meals, and I began to lose birds. I scared the coyote... - #6
Save:'Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography' by Mark Mathabane is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the author's upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa. Growing up in a black ghetto, Mathabane narrates his struggles and triumphs, from facing poverty and police raids to finding solace in sports like tennis. The book captures the harsh realities of apartheid, the deep-seated racism, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through Mathabane's poignant storytelling, readers are taken on a journey of survival, hope, and the pursuit of a better life against all odds.
With a raw and honest writing style, Mathabane vividly portrays the horrors of apartheid and the impact it had on his life and the lives of those around him. The author's narrative not only educates readers about the brutalities of apartheid but also serves as a testament to the strength and determination of individuals striving for a better future in the face of oppression.
'This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!' by Jonathan Evison is a novel that delves into the life of 78-year-old Harriet Chance, who embarks on an Alaskan cruise planned by her deceased husband. The story alternates between past and present, revealing secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists in Harriet's life. The narrative style includes a game show type narrator and a mix of humor, sadness, and introspection as Harriet navigates her past to make sense of her present.
Of course, Bernard’s still alive in her imagination—that’s only natural. Of course, she never heats the house above sixty-four degrees. Force of habit. Five decades of familiarity imprinted on her mem...- #8
Save:Margo Jefferson's 'Negroland' is a memoir that delves into the complexities of growing up in the African American upper class in Chicago. The book explores the challenges of race, class, and gender that the author faced as she navigated through different social worlds. Jefferson paints a vivid picture of the African American elite and their constant struggle to fit in with white society while also being accepted by their own community.
The author's writing style in 'Negroland' is described as sharp, analytical, and introspective. Jefferson skillfully weaves personal anecdotes with social commentary, providing a nuanced perspective on the racial and societal issues prevalent during her upbringing. The book offers a candid and insightful look at the author's experiences, highlighting the complexities of identity, privilege, and societal expectations.
Negroland is my name for a small region of Negro America where residents were sheltered by a certain amount of privilege and plenty. Children in Negroland were warned that few Negroes enjoyed privileg... - #9
Save:Set in the 1970s, 'Mary Jane' follows the story of a 14-year-old girl who takes a summer job as a nanny for the unconventional Cone family. Through her experiences with the bohemian household and their famous houseguests, Mary Jane discovers a different way of life filled with love, self-discovery, and challenging societal norms. The book explores themes of coming-of-age, family dynamics, and the societal changes of the era, all narrated through the eyes of a teenage girl finding her place in the world.
Mrs. Cone showed me around the house. I wanted to stop at every turn and examine the things that were stacked and heaped in places they didn’t belong: books teetering on a burner on the stove, a coffe... - #10
Save:'All But My Life: A Memoir' by Gerda Weissmann Klein is a heartrending account of a young German Silesian Jewish woman's life from 1939 to 1945 during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia and Poland. Gerda's story details her persecution, forced labor, and survival in inhumane conditions in multiple locations for three years. vividly describes her experiences, feelings, and inner turmoil with brutal honesty and detail, making it a poignant and powerful memoir. The author's journey from being taken from her home as a 15-year-old to her eventual rescue from the death camps by the Americans is a tale of courage, resilience, and hope. The Epilogue of the book provides a redemptive conclusion, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
THERE IS A WATCH LYING ON THE GREEN CARPET OF THE LIVING room of my childhood. The hands seem to stand motionless at 9:10, freezing time when it happened. There would be a past only, the future uncert...
