Books matching: communication reflection
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism' by Benedict Anderson is a remarkable and thought-provoking study on the origins and rise of nationalism over the past three centuries. Anderson uses examples from Southeast Asia to illustrate his points, discussing how nations are essentially imagined communities built by capitalism, territory, language, culture, and the use of printing. The author's writing style is clear and engaging, making complex concepts more accessible to readers, even though some find the book to be a challenging read without prior context or guidance.
The armed conflicts of 1978–79 in Indochina, which provided the immediate occasion for the original text of Imagined Communities, seem already, a mere twelve years later, to belong to another era. The... - #2
Save:'We, the Drowned' by Carsten Jensen is a sweeping historical novel that spans over a century, focusing on the inhabitants of Marstal, Denmark, and their deep connection to the sea. The narrative unfolds through multiple generations of characters, showcasing their experiences of seafaring adventures, wartime struggles, and personal triumphs and tragedies. The writing style is praised for its vivid and poetic prose, effectively capturing the essence of life at sea and the complex emotions of the characters. The book seamlessly weaves together individual stories that reflect the larger narrative of the community of Marstal, highlighting themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of historical events.
He didn't soar as high as the tip of the mast on a full-rigged ship; in fact he got no farther than the main. Once up there, he stood outside the pearly gates and saw Saint Peter—though the guardian o... - #3
Save:In a small town along the coast in Washington State, the book "What Comes After" by JoAnne Tompkins tells the story of two young teenagers who are killed, leaving behind grieving parents and a pregnant homeless girl. Through multiple perspectives, the author delves into themes of grief, parenthood, forgiveness, and human connections, exploring how the characters navigate through tragedy and loss while uncovering the truth behind the deaths of the two boys.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of characters like Isaac, a Quaker father grappling with the death of his son, Lorrie, a widow trying to make ends meet and raise her daughter, and Evangeline, a pregnant teenager seeking love and support. As the story progresses, the complexities of the characters' motivations, relationships, and inner turmoil are revealed, highlighting the emotional depth and philosophical musings woven into the fabric of the novel.
A week into his senior year, my son failed to come home after football practice. When he hadn’t appeared by morning, I called Daniel’s mother, Katherine. She walked off her nursing shift, drove six ho... - #4
Save:'The Country of the Pointed Firs' by Sarah Orne Jewett is a collection of sketches depicting life in a quiet fishing village on the coast of Maine in the late 1800s. The book offers a gentle and insightful portrayal of the community, capturing the essence of a bygone era with well-drawn characters and evocative descriptions of the setting. Through the eyes of the unnamed narrator, readers are taken on a journey through Dunnet Landing, where they meet intriguing personalities and witness the close-knit relationships that define the village.
Jewett's writing style in 'The Country of the Pointed Firs' is characterized by its quiet and reflective tone, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of rural maritime New England. The narrative unfolds as a series of interactions between the narrator and the residents of the fictional coastal Maine town, offering a poignant exploration of human nature and the sense of place. The book is a charming blend of character-driven storytelling, vivid descriptions of the landscape, and a deep appreciation for the community life of the time.
There was something about the coast town of Dunnet which made it seem more attractive than other maritime villages of eastern Maine. Perhaps it was the simple fact of acquaintance with that neighborho... - #5
Save:'Morte D'Urban' by J.F. Powers follows the life of Father Urban, a priest in the fictitious Order of St. Clement, based in 1950s Chicago. After being transferred to a remote outpost in Duesterhaus, Minnesota, Father Urban initially struggles to adapt to the simple and unassuming life at St. Clement's Hill. However, as he immerses himself in the community and takes on pastoral duties, he begins to thrive and make a positive impact, showcasing his charisma and leadership skills. The story delves into Father Urban's relationships with fellow clergy, a wealthy benefactor named Billy Cosgrove, and various townspeople, revealing his complexities and the emotional depth of his character.
The narrative of 'Morte D'Urban' is characterized by dry wit and subtle humor as J.F. Powers skillfully satirizes elements of the Catholic Church, the priesthood, and small-town life. explores themes of ambition, faith, community, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a nuanced portrayal of Father Urban's journey of self-discovery and growth within the constraints of his religious calling.
IT HAD BEEN a lucky day for the Order of St Clement the day Mr Billy Cosgrove entered the sacristy of a suburban church after Mass and shook the hand of Father Urban. Billy, a powerful-looking man in ... - #6
Save:In "The Girl Who Fell" by S.M. Parker, the story follows Zephyr Doyle, a high school senior and star field hockey player, as she navigates the emotional fallout of her father's abandonment on her eighteenth birthday. When Zephyr meets Alec, a charming new boy at school, she is immediately drawn to him, but soon realizes that their intense love may not be as healthy as it seems. Through Parker's authentic and addictive prose, readers witness Zephyr's transformation as she becomes isolated and manipulated by Alec, leading to a gripping and intense narrative that explores the dangers of toxic relationships.
The book delves into the realness of manipulation disguised as love, portraying Zephyr's struggle with balancing her personal desires and hidden longings with the impact on her future plans. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a thought-provoking journey that captures the profound aspects of human nature and the complexities of identifying toxic relationships, ultimately culminating in a raw and powerful exploration of love, manipulation, and self-discovery.
Stuck in the limbo of being a high school senior. Here, but dreaming of next year, of college and freedom. Freedom from hall passes, curfews, field hockey pressure, and conjugating French verbs in a g... 'What Was She Thinking?: Notes on a Scandal' by Zoe Heller is a psychological thriller that delves into the twisted dynamics of obsession, jealousy, and an inappropriate sexual relationship between a female teacher and her young male student. The story is narrated by Barbara Covett, a cynical and lonely teacher who becomes fixated on her colleague Sheba, leading to a web of betrayal, envy, and manipulation. Through Barbara's unreliable and creepy narration, the book explores themes of loneliness, human flaws, and the consequences of seeking affection in the wrong places.
The first time I ever saw Sheba was on a Monday morning, early in the winter term of 1996. I was standing in the St. George’s car park, getting books out of the back of my car, when she came through t..."The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher" by Lewis Thomas is a collection of beautifully written essays that explore various topics related to biology, nature, and medicine. Thomas delves into subjects such as the complexity of a single cell, the interactions of social insects, the role of mitochondria in our cells, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The book offers thought-provoking insights on the biological world, man's place in it, and the philosophical and social implications of our existence. Thomas' writing style is described as elegant, poetic, and engaging, incorporating art, literature, and history to illustrate his points.
We are told that the trouble with Modern Man is that he has been trying to detach himself from nature. He sits in the topmost tiers of polymer, glass, and steel, dangling his pulsing legs, surveying a...On the Run: Fugitive Life in an American City by Alice Goffman delves into the lives of young black men in a poor neighborhood in Philadelphia, known as 6th Street. The author, a young white female sociologist, spent years living among the community as part of her research, witnessing and experiencing their struggles and interactions with the criminal justice system. Goffman uses a participant observation method to provide an intimate and detailed account of the challenges faced by these individuals, from difficulties in obtaining official identification to the constant fear of imprisonment and the impact of intensive policing and surveillance on black communities.
This book presents a raw and eye-opening exploration of the complex dynamics within marginalized communities, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by individuals living on the fringes of society. Through her immersive research and personal experiences, Goffman paints a vivid picture of a world where everyday decisions are influenced by the looming presence of the criminal justice system, offering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative on the struggles of those trying to navigate a system stacked against them.
Mike, Chuck, and their friend Alex were shooting dice on the wall of the elementary school. It was approaching midnight and quite cool for mid-September in Philadelphia. Between throws, Chuck cupped h...- #10
Save:"Jayber Crow" by Wendell Berry is a novel that follows the life story of Jayber Crow, a barber in the small town of Port William, Kentucky. The book is narrated in the first person by Jayber, who reflects on his experiences from childhood to old age, offering insights into love, friendship, and community. Through Jayber's observations, readers are taken on a journey through the changing landscapes of rural America in the 20th century, touching on themes of progress, farming, and the impact of societal changes on small-town life. The writing style is described as reflective, quiet, and contemplative, with rich descriptions that immerse readers in the world of Port William.
I never put up a barber pole or a sign or even gave my shop a name. I didn’t have to. The building was already called “the barbershop.” That was its name because that had been its name for nobody knew...
