Books matching: youthful disillusionment
17 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Rachel Papers by Martin Amis follows the protagonist Charles Highway as he navigates his teenage years, focusing on his attempts to seduce an older woman named Rachel before his twentieth birthday. The book delves into Charles' self-centered nature, his relationships with women, and his struggles with self-awareness and emotional connection. The writing style is described as dark, quirky, and humorous, with a focus on satire and self-awareness.
My name is Charles Highway, though you wouldn’t think it to look at me. It’s such a rangy, well-travelled, big-cocked name and, to look at, I am none of these. I wear glasses for a start, have done si... 'Taipei' by Tao Lin is a novel that follows the life of Paul, a twenty-something author living in Manhattan, who navigates his way through life using a combination of drugs and medications. The story unfolds as Paul drifts through literary events, restaurants, and travels to Taiwan, all the while forming relationships and indulging in drug use. The narrative style is described as paragraph-long sentences broken up with commas and em dashes, requiring re-reading to fully comprehend, providing a glimpse into Lin's own life and musings on technology, life, emotions, and relationships.
It began raining a little from a hazy, cloudless-seeming sky as Paul, 26, and Michelle, 21, walked toward Chelsea to attend a magazine-release party in an art gallery. Paul had resigned to not speakin...- #3
Save:The Ash Family by Molly Dektar follows the story of a young woman named Berie who, feeling lost and pressured to go to college, decides to join an off-the-grid farming commune known as The Ash Family. Led by the charismatic Dice, the group's seemingly idyllic lifestyle soon reveals darker aspects as Berie, now known as Harmony, is drawn into a world of manipulation, surveillance, and violence. The novel explores Berie's struggle for belonging, her internal conflicts, and the gradual realization of the true nature of the commune she's become a part of.
Bay and I approached the farm at dawn. The first sun churned sideways through the trees, catching in the previous day’s rain, which the wind now shook down from the Carolina silverbells, the beeches, ... - #4
Save:Beer in the Snooker Club by Waguih Ghali is a novel set in Egypt during the 1950s, exploring the life of Ram, an educated and conflicted character navigating the social and political landscape of post-colonial Egypt. The book delves into themes of identity, class, politics, and personal conflicts, offering a unique perspective on the era through the eyes of characters like Ram, Font, and Edna. The narrative style is a blend of satire, bitterness, and worldly knowledge, with a focus on dialogue to drive the plot forward and reveal the complexities of the characters.
I watched my aunt signing papers. Three hundred or more in a neat pack in front of her, her secretary standing behind her taking one sheet at a time as it was signed, and forming another neat pack of ... - #5
Save:Number9Dream by David Mitchell is a surreal and complex novel set in Japan, following the journey of the main character Eiji as he searches for his mysterious father. The story mixes elements of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes, portraying Eiji's encounters with obstacles such as the Yakuza and his transition from rural life to the bustling city of Tokyo. Mitchell's writing style is vivid and imaginative, incorporating dream sequences, interior dialogues, and various storytelling techniques to blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
The narrative is filled with tangents and layers of storytelling, often leaving the reader questioning the nature of reality and the reliability of the narrator. Mitchell's exploration of Japanese culture, the search for identity, and the interplay between dreams and reality adds depth to the plot, creating a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience.
‘It is a simple matter. I know your name, and you knew mine, once upon a time: Eiji Miyake. Yes, that Eiji Miyake. We are both busy people, Ms Kato, so why not cut the small talk? I am in Tokyo to fin... - #6
Save:'The Blackboard Jungle' by Ed McBain (Evan Hunter) is a novel set in an urban vocational high school in the 1950s, depicting the challenges faced by a young teacher in a school filled with disaffected and violent boys. The book delves into the dark side of American education, showcasing the struggles of teachers dealing with students who have been failed by the system. Through well-rounded characters and a gripping plot, the novel provides an insightful look at the societal issues prevalent in the educational system of that era.
- #7
Save:Cherry by Nico Walker is a dark and gritty novel that follows the life of a young American who descends into drug addiction and crime. The story starts with the protagonist robbing a bank and then delves into his past, exploring his experiences in the army, his struggles with heroin addiction, and his involvement in criminal activities. The writing style is raw and honest, providing a glimpse into the mind of a damaged and flawed addict, capturing the bleakness and struggles of his existence.
The narrative of Cherry is a mix of bleakness and dark humor, portraying the emptiness and aimlessness of young Americans' lives, the harsh realities of war, and the destructive nature of addiction. The book offers a candid reflection on the protagonist's turbulent past, showcasing his struggles with addiction, his inability to integrate into society, and the consequences of his choices. The novel provides a micro-focused approach, highlighting the daily grind, the suffering, and the coping mechanisms of soldiers dealing with trauma and addiction.
Emily used to wear a white ribbon around her throat and talk in breaths and murmurs, being nice, as she was, in a way so as you didn’t know if she were a slut or just real down-to-earth. And from the ... - #8
Save:'In the Cafe of Lost Youth' by Patrick Modiano is a novel that delves into the lives of a group of individuals frequenting a Parisian cafe, with the central character being Louki. The narrative unfolds through multiple voices, offering a kaleidoscopic view of the characters and their interactions. As the story progresses, secrets are unveiled, identities are questioned, and the plot cascades through various locations in Paris, creating an atmosphere of mystery and melancholy. Modiano weaves a lyrical and enigmatic tale, focusing on themes of identity, memory, and the transient nature of relationships, all set against the backdrop of Paris in the past.
- #9Warpby:
Save:Warp by Lev Grossman is a novel that follows the story of Hollis Kessler, a glum and unemployed college graduate, who embarks on a weekend of debauchery with his friend Peters by breaking into a mansion while the owners are away. The book delves into themes of self-disenfranchisement, the struggles of early adulthood, and the search for purpose, all narrated through Hollis' constant interior monologue filled with quotations from books and films. The story captures the essence of being adrift in youth, with a tone that oscillates between moments of intrigue, mystery, and self-reflection.
It was a brilliant, freezing fall day, and the sky was a bright clear blue. Hollis kept his hands in the pockets of his green overcoat. It had a fake fur collar, and all the buttons had fallen off the... - #10
Save:How to Set a Fire and Why by Jesse Ball is a coming of age story that follows Lucia, a teenage girl facing tragic circumstances and navigating through life with a mix of intelligence, humor, and rebellion. The novel is written in a first-person narrative, offering a clear and constant voice that delves into Lucia's inner thoughts and struggles. Despite lacking a traditional plot structure, the book captivates readers with Lucia's unique perspective and the exploration of themes such as friendship, acceptance, and the complexities of teenage years.
Lucia's character is portrayed as bright, tough, and sarcastic, yet vulnerable underneath her rebellious exterior. Through her unconventional journey, the novel touches on themes of grief, loneliness, and the search for identity and purpose. The writing style alternates between simple and florid prose, capturing Lucia's sharp wit and emotional depth as she grapples with her past and present circumstances.
Some people hate cats. I don’t, I mean, I don’t personally hate cats, but I understand how a person could. I think everyone needs to have a cause, so for some people it is hating cats, and that’s fine...
