Books matching: bittersweet ending
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- #1
Save:A gorgeously written, emotionally rich reimagining of the Iliad - equal parts epic love story and meditation on heroism. If you love myth with a modern heart, this one will stick with you.
'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru...September 2011•399 pages - #2
Save:Intimate, intense, and a bit maddening - Rooney’s sharp look at love, class, and adulthood will provoke strong opinions and plenty of feelings. Worth a read if you’re into raw, real portrayals of imperfect people.
'Normal People' by Sally Rooney follows the complex relationship between two young individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate through high school and college years, dealing with issues of miscommunication, self-worth, and emotional struggles. The story delves into the intricacies of their evolving friendship and love, portraying realistic dialogues and character interactions that highlight the challenges faced by the protagonists as they grow and change over time. Rooney's writing style captures the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the characters, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
She turns and walks down the hall. He follows her, closing the door behind him. Down a few steps in the kitchen, his mother Lorraine is peeling off a pair of rubber gloves. Marianne hops onto the coun...August 2018•305 pages - #3
Save:A unique, heart-wrenching classic that explores intelligence, identity, and empathy - deeply moving and worth every page.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a poignant and thought-provoking story that follows the journey of Charlie Gordon, a man with a low IQ who undergoes an experimental operation to increase his intelligence, leading him from innocence to genius and back again. The narrative is primarily written from Charlie's perspective, providing a deep exploration of his emotional and intellectual growth, as well as the impact of his changing relationships with those around him. Through Charlie's experiences, the book delves into themes of intelligence, happiness, humanity, and the importance of empathy in everyday interactions.
The story also touches on the ethical dilemmas of the experiment, the consequences of tampering with nature, and the societal treatment of individuals with different levels of intelligence. Keyes skillfully weaves together a narrative that challenges perceptions of intelligence, identity, and human connection, creating a touching and timeless tale that resonates with readers long after they finish the book.
progris riport 1 martch 3 Dr Strauss says I shoud rite down what I think and remembir and evrey thing that happins to me from now on. I dont no why but he says its importint so they will see if they c...1959•290 pages - #4
Save:A quietly devastating, beautifully written reflection on dignity, missed opportunities, and the cost of a life lived in service - bittersweet, subtle, and unforgettable.
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro is a poignant and introspective novel that follows the life of Mr. Stevens, a butler reflecting on his dedicated service at Darlington Hall. Through a series of memories and musings, the book delves into themes of loyalty, dignity, the impact of personal relationships, and the consequences of unwavering dedication to one's work. The narrative unfolds as Stevens embarks on a journey through England's countryside, providing a backdrop for his contemplation of past events and relationships, particularly with the housekeeper, Miss Kenton.
Tonight, I find myself here in a guest house in the city of Salisbury. The first day of my trip is now completed, and all in all, I must say I am quite satisfied. This expedition began this morning al...1989•259 pages - #5
Save:A beautifully written, deeply moving novel about the quiet dignity (and heartbreak) found in ordinary lives - a must-read if you’re okay with a slow, reflective, and sometimes melancholic journey.
"Stoner" by John Williams follows the life of William Stoner, a university professor whose existence is marked by a series of disappointments and tragic events. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Stoner finds solace in his love for literature and experiences fleeting moments of joy. The novel delves into themes of quiet desperation, loneliness, and the struggle to maintain dignity in the face of adversity, painting a poignant portrait of an ordinary man navigating the complexities of life.
Through a minimalist and precise prose style, John Williams masterfully captures the emotional depth of Stoner's journey, exploring themes of existentialism, human behavior, and the pursuit of happiness. The narrative unfolds with a melancholic tone, offering a contemplative reflection on the profound impact of seemingly small moments and decisions in shaping one's life trajectory.
WILLIAM STONER ENTERED the University of Missouri as a freshman in the year 1910, at the age of nineteen. Eight years later, during the height of World War I, he received his Doctor of Philosophy degr...1965•309 pages - #6
Save:A beautifully written, heart-wrenching tale of courage and survival that brings the Dust Bowl era to life. Unflinching, immersive, and perfect for fans of emotional, historical fiction - just don’t forget the tissues!
Texas, 1934. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl have brought immense hardships to farmers like Elsa Martinelli. Forced to choose between fighting for her land or seeking a better life in California, Elsa embarks on a journey that tests her courage and resilience. 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah is a poignant portrayal of America during a time of struggle and sacrifice, seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose story defines a generation. The novel delves into themes of love, family, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream amidst adversity and despair.
Elsa Wolcott had spent years in enforced solitude, reading fictional adventures and imagining other lives. In her lonely bedroom, surrounded by the novels that had become her friends, she sometimes da...January 2021•480 pages - #7
Save:A beautifully gut-wrenching, spicy, and emotional love story that’s as likely to make you ugly cry as it is to make you swoon. Not your classic HEA romance - be prepared for some heartbreak, but if you love intense, poignant fiction, it’s worth every page.
'Hello Stranger' by Jade West is a beautifully written story that delves into themes of love, loss, and resilience. The book follows the emotional journey of Chloe and Logan, two characters who are brought together by fate and go through a rollercoaster of emotions as their relationship unfolds. The plot is filled with moments of happiness, sadness, and passion, creating a story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Jade West's writing style is described as emotional, heartfelt, and insightful, capturing the depth of human emotions and experiences with grace and sensitivity.
I knew the route by heart, since I’d been travelling it daily for nine years straight. I knew the line of oak trees past the Sunnydale viaduct. I knew the corner shop sign with its fresh newspaper hea...July 2020•338 pages - #8
Save:A moody, atmospheric deep-dive into nostalgia, love, and loss - with gorgeous writing, flawed characters, and plenty to reflect on, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re in the mood for a melancholic, character-driven coming-of-age tale, it’s worth a try.
Set in Tokyo during the late 1960s, "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami tells the story of Toru, a college student navigating the aftermath of his best friend's suicide and the mental health struggles of his friend's girlfriend, Naoko. As Toru meets Midori, a progressive fellow student, he is faced with the challenge of letting go of the past to embrace the future. The novel delves into themes of mental health, suicide, relationships, and personal growth in a realistic and reflective manner, all set against the backdrop of late 1960s Tokyo.
Murakami's writing style in "Norwegian Wood" is described as poignant, reflective, and touching. The novel unfolds at a walking pace, punctuated by small moments of loss and heartbreak, devoid of the magical realism present in his other works. The characters, particularly Toru, Naoko, and Midori, are portrayed with depth and complexity as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal struggles.
I WAS THIRTY-SEVEN THEN, STRAPPED IN MY SEAT AS THE HUGE 747 plunged through dense cloud cover on approach to the Hamburg airport. Cold November rains drenched the earth and lent everything the gloomy...1987•377 pages - #9
Save:A Thousand Splendid Suns is a devastating, fast-paced, and unforgettable novel celebrating the strength of women amid adversity - perfect if you want a poignant, eye-opening, and ultimately hopeful read (just keep the tissues close).
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.
Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.
It happened on a Thursday. It must have, because Mariam remembered that she had been restless and preoccupied that day, the way she was only on Thursdays, the day when Jalil visited her at the kolba....January 2007•435 pages - #10
Save:A sprawling, imaginative story that mixes time travel, love, and 20th-century Americana - emotionally rich, occasionally meandering, and totally worth it if you’re in the mood for an epic page-turner.
'11/22/63' by Stephen King is a time travel novel that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school teacher who is recruited by a diner owner to travel back in time to 1958 with the mission to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The book delves into the complexities of altering history, the consequences of changing the past, and the personal sacrifices Jake must make in his quest to rewrite a pivotal moment in American history. Through a blend of historical events, time travel elements, and a touch of romance, King weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they follow Jake's journey through the past.
After the benediction (spoken by Father Bandy, who rarely missed an LHS function), I made my way through the milling friends and relatives to where Harry was standing alone in his billowy black gown,...2011•833 pages
