Books matching: chaotic life
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- #1
Save:A funny, sharp, and sometimes maddening portrait of artistic obsession. Exuberant, unique, and not for everyone, but a must for readers craving something truly original and offbeat.
'The Horse's Mouth' by Joyce Cary is a novel that delves into the life of Gully Jimson, a rascally old painter with a tumultuous relationship with his only patron. The story follows Jimson's struggles with poverty, social ineptitude, and his relentless pursuit of art. Cary's writing style immerses the reader in Jimson's chaotic world, filled with inventive prose, irresistible energy, and great fun. The novel explores themes of artistry, creativity, and the complexities of relationships, particularly Jimson's interactions with his former lover.
The plot of 'The Horse's Mouth' revolves around Jimson's eccentric behavior as he devotes himself to painting a remarkable mural while trying to reclaim one of his older paintings for financial support. Cary's narrative weaves together comedy, tragedy, love, and pathos, creating a rich and fruitful novel that captures the essence of a bohemian artist's life in mid-20th century Britain.
I was walking by the Thames. Half-past morning on an autumn day. Sun in a mist. Like an orange in a fried fish shop. All bright below. Low tide, dusty water and a crooked bar of straw, chicken-boxes,...January 1944•416 pages - #2
Save:Unflinchingly raw and deeply poetic - a wild diary of talent, trouble, and survival. You'll either find it riveting or relentless, but it's definitely unforgettable.
The Basketball Diaries by Jim Carroll is a raw and intense autobiographical account of Jim's teenage years in 1970s New York City, where he navigates the challenges of drug addiction, basketball dreams, and self-destruction. Through vivid and poetic writing, Carroll delves into the dark and gritty realities of his life, showcasing a journey filled with highs and lows, humor, and tragedy. The book captures the essence of growing up amidst addiction and the struggle to find oneself in the midst of chaos, making it a compelling and impactful read for readers of all ages.
Today was my first Biddy League game and my first day in any organized basketball league. I'm enthused about life due to this exciting event. The Biddy League is a league for anyone 12 yrs. old or und...1978•224 pages - #3
Save:'Musclebound' by Liza Cody is the third book in the 'Eva Wylie' series, featuring the tough and unconventional protagonist, Eva Wylie. The book follows Eva's journey as a former professional wrestler turned night watchman, who finds herself entangled in a series of events after coming into possession of a bag full of counterfeit money. Through a first-person narrative, readers get a glimpse into Eva's raw and unapologetic character, filled with sarcastic comebacks and a no-nonsense attitude towards life. As Eva navigates through unexpected challenges and unwelcome visitors, readers are taken on a wild and crazy ride that showcases the complexities of Eva's world.
- #4
Save:Blind Date by Jerzy Kosinski is a novel that delves into the life of the protagonist, George Levanter, as he navigates through a series of unpredictable and often shocking events. The book follows George as he encounters a mix of violent murders, sexual conquests, and explorations of class in jet-set European settings, all while questioning the concept of identity and pre-determination. The narrative is depicted in non-linear time frames, offering a sharp and cinematic portrayal of George's tumultuous life.
The writing style of Blind Date is characterized by its mesmerizing yet unemotional language, with a series of vignettes that build a compelling thematic read. The book is filled with a kaleidoscope of different situations and paradoxical dilemmas, challenging readers to explore the dark side of human nature through the eyes of the protagonist. Kosinski's narrative is sharp, minimalist, and filled with detail, presenting a surreal and introspective look at the worst aspects of society through the lens of George Levanter's experiences.
When he was a schoolboy, George Levanter had learned a convenient routine: a four-hour sleep in the afternoon enabled him to remain mentally and physically active until the early dawn, when he would a...January 1977•250 pages - #5
Save:Fun, twisty, and full of pirates - just be patient with the pacing. If you loved the first book, stick with it: Locke and Jean’s adventures are still thoroughly entertaining, even if they’re a little choppier this time around.
'Red Seas Under Red Skies' is the second installment in the 'Gentleman Bastards' series by Scott Lynch. The book follows Locke and Jean as they set up for a heist involving pirates, political maneuvering, and a casino, which spirals out of control. The story is described as having a mix of heist elements, pirates, and multifaceted political intrigue, with a writing style that is witty, humorous, and filled with sparkling dialogue.
The plot of 'Red Seas Under Red Skies' picks up where the first book left off, showcasing the aftermath of the previous adventure and delving deeper into the relationship between Locke and Jean. The narrative is praised for its action-packed sequences, well-developed characters, and the exploration of themes like friendship and loyalty. Despite some pacing issues and structural flaws, the book is noted for its entertaining and engaging storytelling.
THE GAME WAS CAROUSEL HAZARD, the stakes were roughly half of all the wealth they commanded in the entire world, and the plain truth was that Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen were getting beaten like a pa...July 2007•728 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Gentleman Bastards ) - #6
Save:Disturbing, outrageous, and surprisingly heartfelt in moments, "Choke" is a rollercoaster of dark humor and satire - but definitely not for everyone.
A story of a sex addict who scams good samaritans by pretending to choke in restaurants and allowing himself to be 'saved', in order to pay for his mother's hospital care. The book delves into themes of depression, madness, and hopelessness, with a plot that is both bizarre and twisted. The writing style is described as raucous, satiric, and scatalogical, focusing on an antihero named Victor Mancini who seeks support and financial aid from strangers while dealing with his own addictions and subversive behavior.
There has to be something better on television. Or since you have so much time on your hands, maybe you could take a night course. Become a doctor. You could make something out of yourself. Treat your...2001•312 pages - #7
Save:A fun, fluffy romantic caper full of screwball antics and fantastic banter - perfect for when you need a light, cheerful read (especially if you love dogs).
Lucy Savage, a recently divorced physics teacher, finds herself in a series of dangerous and humorous situations after leaving her husband Bradley. When she is nearly shot, she is saved by a police officer named Zack, who moves in with her for protection. As the two navigate misunderstandings and danger, their relationship quickly evolves into something more. The plot is described as funny, suspenseful, and light-hearted, with quirky characters and witty dialogue creating an entertaining read.
“Not good.” Lucy Savage Porter tried to smooth her flowered skirt with a damp hand. “Can we go? I’m not enjoying this.” She gave up on the skirt and clutched her lumpy tapestry bag to her as she glanc...1994•249 pages - #8
Save:A compelling, empathetic portrait of addiction behind the ‘perfect’ facade - timely, relevant, and not always comfortable, but definitely worth a read.
"All Fall Down" by Jennifer Weiner is a gripping and realistic portrayal of a woman named Allison Weiss who seems to have it all - a seemingly perfect life with a house in the suburbs, a successful blogger job, a supportive family, and a journalist husband. However, beneath the facade lies a woman struggling to cope with the pressures of motherhood, work, and family, leading her to turn to prescription drugs for relief. As Allison's addiction spirals out of control, the novel delves into the harrowing journey of her battle with addiction, denial, and the consequences that follow. Through a compelling narrative, Weiner skillfully captures the everyday struggles of a high-functioning addict, shedding light on the thin line between maintaining a perfect facade and losing everything.
I hesitated with my hand over the page. I’d picked up the magazine to read the “How to Dress Right for Your Shape” story advertised on the cover, but it had opened to a quiz that asked “Has Your Drink...June 2014•411 pages - #9
Save:A heartfelt, nostalgic coming-of-age story with lots of 70s flair and a main character you can’t help but root for. Great for fans of character-driven novels, but the boundary-pushing content and offbeat tone won’t appeal to everyone.
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...May 2021 - #10
Save:A sharp, funny, and often heartbreaking portrait of a teen outsider - perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories with a bite.
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...July 2016•320 pages
