Books matching: brisk narrative pace
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- #1
Save:'Galactic Patrol' by E.E. "Doc" Smith is a classic Old School Sci-Fi novel that follows the adventures of Kimball Kinnison in a galaxy-wide battle between Good and Evil. The book is filled with brilliant heroes, weird aliens, and epic space battles, setting the stage for what would become known as space opera. Despite the dated values and language, the story holds its own, offering a mix of action, twists, and deepening plots that keep readers engaged. The writing style, although sometimes plagued by spelling and formatting errors, is described as a nostalgic and enjoyable read that captures the essence of early pseudo science fiction.
Dominating twice a hundred square miles of campus, parade-ground, Airport, and spaceport, a ninety-story edifice of chromium and glass sparkled dazzlingly in the bright sunlight of a June morning. Thi...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lensman ) - #2
Save:'We're All Damaged' by Matthew Norman follows the story of Andy Carter, a man facing a series of challenges in his life including a sudden divorce, job struggles, and unresolved family issues. Upon learning that his grandfather is dying, Andy returns to his hometown to confront his past and navigate his present struggles. combines humor, emotion, and relatable characters in a modern-day tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as quick, easy, humorous, and refreshing, offering a simple yet engaging storyline that balances emotion with humor.
Our waiter had a button stuck to his apron that said “Ask Me about Bacon Time!” Why in the hell would I remember that? He had to have been wearing, like, thirty buttons—they always do—but that’s the o... - #3
Save:'Love in the Time of Zombies' by Cassandra Gannon is a humorous and engaging romance novel with a supernatural twist. The story follows Zeke, a seemingly deadbeat boss of a topless golf course, and his assistant, Scotlyn, who band together during a zombie apocalypse. The book is filled with paranormal creatures like vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters, as well as two intertwined love stories that keep the readers rooting for the main characters to succeed. The writing style is light-hearted, funny, and endearing, creating a world where characters feel real and relatable despite the supernatural elements.
The plot of 'Love in the Time of Zombies' revolves around the characters navigating the challenges of the zombie apocalypse while also exploring themes of friendship, love, and unexpected connections. The story ties up most loose ends neatly, with the addition of hilarious side stories and romances that add depth to the narrative. The book is a fun and adventurous romance novel that keeps readers entertained with its unique blend of humor, romance, and supernatural elements.
- #4
Save:'The Mysterious Stranger' by Mark Twain tells the story of a mysterious young stranger who befriends three boys in a small Austrian village in the sixteenth century. This stranger, who identifies himself as an angel named Satan, challenges the boys' beliefs and morals, leading to a series of thought-provoking and often unsettling interactions. Through Satan's unconventional teachings and magical abilities, the narrative explores themes of religion, morality, good, evil, and the hypocrisy of human nature. Mark Twain's writing style in this novella is described as dark, cynical, and nihilistic, offering a satirical critique of Christian religious beliefs set in the Middle Ages.
It was in 1590—winter. Austria was far away from the world, and asleep; it was still the Middle Ages in Austria, and promised to remain so forever. Some even set it away back centuries upon centuries ... - #5
Save:"The Girl Who Owned a City" by O.T. Nelson is a dystopian novel where a deadly virus wipes out all the adults over the age of twelve, leaving only children to fend for themselves. The story follows a young girl named Lisa Nelson who takes care of her younger brother Todd in a world where kids must grow up fast and learn to provide for themselves. Facing gangs, starvation, and other challenges, Lisa must navigate this new reality and find a safe place to live while trying to ensure their survival.
The plot of the book revolves around the children's struggle to survive in a world without adults, dealing with fear, loneliness, and the need to cooperate with others. The writing style is described as compelling and engaging, with themes of perseverance, resourcefulness, and leadership shining through as the young protagonist takes on the responsibility of helping those less fortunate and leading her peers in a post-apocalyptic world.
At this very time last Tuesday, she had been sitting, patiently, in fifth-grade social studies. There had been no reason to believe that her life would ever change. But it had, and now it seemed sudde... - #6
Save:Eileen Chang's 'Love in a Fallen City' is a collection of short stories set in Shanghai and Hong Kong during the 1930s and early 1940s. The stories revolve around themes of love, relationships, societal changes, and cultural clashes, portraying characters facing moral ambiguity, sexual tension, and longing. Chang's narrative style is distinct and elegant, capturing the lives and loves of individuals in these fallen cities with a sinuous voice that avoids sentimentality or brutality.
GO AND fetch, will you please, a copper incense brazier, a family heirloom gorgeously encrusted now with moldy green, and light in it some pungent chips of aloeswood. Listen while I tell a Hong Kong t... - #7
Save:Killshot by Elmore Leonard is a fast-paced thriller involving two criminals: Armand Degas, a half Ojibway Indian hitman known as the Blackbird, and Richie Nix, a not so bright redneck. The story unfolds as they team up for a scam that goes awry, involving an ironworker and his wife who inadvertently get caught up in the events. The plot is described as real and unpredictable, driven by human impulse and chance, creating suspense and leaving the reader guessing about the characters' fates.
Elmore Leonard's writing style in Killshot is praised for its matter-of-fact approach and evocative storytelling, making the characters' emotions and actions feel real and engaging. The book is noted for its well-drawn characters, fast-paced narrative, and a plot that is a cut above most in the genre. The dialogue and characterizations are highlighted as particularly strong, with Leonard's ability to create vivid and relatable characters being a standout feature of the book.
THE BLACKBIRD TOLD HIMSELF he was drinking too much because he lived in this hotel and the Silver Dollar was close by, right downstairs. Try to walk out the door past it. Try to come along Spadina Ave... - #8
Save:'A Fan's Notes' by Frederick Exley is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the life of the protagonist, exploring themes of alcoholism, obsession with football, despair, and redemption. The book follows the protagonist's struggles with his inner demons, relationships, family life, and his deep-rooted obsessions, all intertwined with vivid descriptions of football games and dark humor. Exley's writing style is described as conversational, honest, and humorous, with a structure that jumps between past and present, showcasing the protagonist's journey through self-discovery and self-destruction.
On Sunday, the eleventh of November, 196-, while sitting at the bar of the New Parrot Restaurant in my home town, Watertown, New York, awaiting the telecast of the New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys footb... - #9
Save:The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls is a novel that follows the story of two sisters, Liz and Bean, who are left to fend for themselves when their mother, Charlotte, abandons them to pursue her dreams. The girls embark on a journey to their uncle's home in Byler, Virginia, where they navigate challenges such as financial struggles, bullying, and family dynamics. Set in the 1970s, the book explores themes of family relationships, coming of age, and resilience in the face of adversity. Narrated from the perspective of Bean, the younger sister, the story unfolds with a mix of humor, meanness, and hope, portraying the sisters' struggles and triumphs as they find sanctuary in their ancestral home.
The plot of The Silver Star moves at a leisurely pace, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the lives of Liz and Bean as they adapt to their new surroundings and confront the harsh realities of the adult world. Walls' writing style is described as easy to read, engaging, and relatable, with a focus on character development and storytelling that captures the innocence and resilience of the young protagonists. The novel weaves together themes of family bonds, abandonment, self-discovery, and the power of love and resilience, creating a poignant narrative that resonates with readers.
My sister saved my life when I was just a baby. Here’s what happened. After a fight with her family, Mom decided to leave home in the middle of the night, taking us with her. I was only a few months o... - #10
Save:Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls is a novelized memoir that delves into the life of the author's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. The story follows Lily's remarkable journey from her upbringing on a west Texas homestead to her roles as a schoolteacher, wife, mother, and ranch hand. Lily's character is portrayed as strong-willed, independent, and courageous, facing various challenges such as discrimination, personal tragedies, and the harsh realities of the Great Depression. The narrative is written in a distinct voice, offering a vivid depiction of life in the early 20th century American West.
WE TRAVELED THREE DAYSto reach the Casey Ranch, which Dad, with his love of phonetic spelling, insisted should officially be renamed the KC Ranch. It was in the middle of the Hondo Valley, south of th...
