Books matching: cultural context impact
25 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Turn: The Hollows Begins with Death' is an intense prequel to the 'Hallows' series, set during the 1960s and focusing on the events leading to the world-changing virus outbreak that outed supernaturals to humans. The book follows the dark elf Trisk and her rival Kal, both brilliant geneticists, as they navigate a world filled with rivalry, sexism, and apocalyptic consequences. The story delves into the complexities of their characters and their actions, providing a backstory for some of the major characters in the series.
The writing style of the book is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into a world where magic and science collide, and where characters face moral dilemmas and intense conflicts. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, revealing the dark motivations and ambitions of the main characters, ultimately leading to a catastrophic event that sets the stage for the future events in 'The Hollows' series.
Trisk ran a hand down her Jackie Kennedy dress, not liking how it hampered her motions even if it showed off her curves. Grades and accomplishments were her primary weapons in the battle to attract an...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Hollows ) 'A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance' by Hanif Abdurraqib is a deeply personal exploration of Black performance and culture in America. The author weaves together historical insights, cultural commentary, and his own experiences to create a rich tapestry of reflections on race, identity, and artistry. Through a series of connected essays, Abdurraqib delves into the complexities of Blackness, highlighting the struggles, triumphs, and nuances of Black performers throughout history. His writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and emotionally charged, drawing readers in with its vivid imagery and profound storytelling.
Abdurraqib's book is a powerful ode to the resilience, beauty, and power of Black performance. It offers a unique perspective on Afro-American culture, blending personal memoir with in-depth analysis of iconic figures like Aretha Franklin, Josephine Baker, and Whitney Houston. The author's ability to intertwine his own life experiences with the stories of Black artists creates a compelling narrative that invites readers to reflect on the intersections of race, art, and identity in America. With a mix of journalistic precision and intimate storytelling, Abdurraqib crafts a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be Black in a society marked by racial tensions and cultural complexities.
When the thick fog of exhaustion set in on a room, it was desire that kept a dancer’s body upright. When the desire wore off, it would be another dancer, pulling their partner up by the arms. In the p...- #3
Save:Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende is a historical novel that continues the story begun in Daughter of Fortune. The book follows the life of Aurora del Valle, who was raised in San Francisco's Chinatown by her grandparents due to tragic circumstances. As the story unfolds over decades and continents, it explores the secrets and strained relations within a family against backdrops of war, racism, and illness. The narrative weaves through multiple generations, revealing unusual family dynamics and hidden truths, all while showcasing the search for belonging and love in the protagonist's life.
Allende's writing style in Portrait in Sepia is described as intricate and rich, with vivid descriptions of diverse cultures in Chile, America, China, and England. The novel is characterized by its portrayal of flamboyant and interesting characters, as well as its exploration of personal stories within the larger historical context. The book delves into themes of family ties, identity, and the impact of past generations on the present, offering a multilayered narrative that spans continents and generations.
I came into the world one Tuesday in the autumn of 1880, in San Francisco, in the home of my maternal grandparents. While inside that labyrinthine wood house my mother panted and pushed, her valiant h...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Daughter Of Fortune ) - #4
Save:'Grimoires: A History of Magic Books' by Owen Davies delves into the origins and evolution of magic books, tracing their history from ancient times to the modern era. The book explores the influence of various cultures like Egypt, Israel, and Baghdad on European magic books, as well as the connection between different strands of Western esotericism. Davies provides a detailed account of the role of magic books in society, from their use in locating treasure to their association with figures like Joseph Smith and practices like Freemasonry.
The writing style of the book is described as informative and well-researched, appealing to both history buffs and readers new to the subject of magic books. Davies takes a methodical approach to presenting evidence, ensuring accuracy and depth in his exploration of the topic. Readers find the book to be a wealth of knowledge, shedding light on the true history of the world and the existence of secret societies, making it a fascinating read for those interested in alternative religion, magic, and superstition.
'Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge' by Terence McKenna explores the history of human interaction with medicinal and shamanic plants, delving into their transformative effects on knowledge-seeking and consciousness. McKenna advocates for a new perspective on psychedelics, emphasizing wonder, mystery, and discovery. He presents a compelling case for the role of psychedelic plants in spiritual consciousness evolution and human language development, highlighting their impact on societal structures and individual and collective consciousness.
Until relatively recently, the practices of Mangi and her remote Amazonian tribe were typical of religious practice everywhere. Only in the last several millennia have theology and ritual graduated to...'Max Havelaar: of de koffieveilingen der Nederlandsche Handelmaatschappij' by Multatuli is a complex and challenging read that delves into the harsh realities of Dutch colonial exploitation in Indonesia. The plot unfolds through multiple viewpoints, including a Dutch coffee broker, an aspiring writer, an idealist newly appointed as a Resident in Java, a preacher, and a young servant, all interconnected through the coffee trade. The writing style is described as chaotic, disjointed, and at times preachy, but the substance of the story is impactful, shedding light on the maltreatment and exploitation of individuals in the name of profit.
I AM A coffee broker and live in a canal-side house at N 37 Lauriergracht. It is not my habit to write novels or suchlike, so it was some time before I could bring myself to order a few extra reams of...'Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges' by Antonin Scalia and Bryan A. Garner is a book that offers detailed advice on how to write and speak effectively in a legal setting, specifically targeting an appellate audience, including the US Supreme Court. The book teaches through examples, provides entertaining content, and emphasizes the importance of presenting arguments persuasively. It also delves into the nuances of legal writing, oral arguments, and the impact of court decisions on daily life.
- #8
Save:'The Nineties' by Chuck Klosterman is a nostalgic yet insightful exploration of the 1990s, covering a wide array of topics from cultural icons like Nirvana and Tupac to significant events such as the OJ Simpson trial and the 9/11 attacks. Klosterman's writing style delves into the essence of the decade, reflecting on the impact of technology, politics, and pop culture on American society. Through anecdotes and analysis, he captures the unique atmosphere of the era, providing a fresh perspective on what it was like to live through the 90s.
Klosterman skillfully weaves together personal experiences with historical context, offering a captivating narrative that resonates with readers who experienced the decade firsthand or are intrigued by its cultural significance. The book not only reflects on the past but also prompts readers to reconsider their understanding of the 90s, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on the complexities that defined the era.
The nineties began on January 1 of 1990, except for the fact that of course they did not. Decades are about cultural perception, and culture can’t read a clock. The 1950s started in the 1940s. The six... - #9
Save:The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussell is a magisterial study that delves into how British slang, drama, poetry, and memoirs from World War I have influenced our perceptions of war and shaped modern culture. Fussell compares soldiers' real experiences with the sanitized versions of the war, exploring how literature and drama both informed and were informed by the conflict, ultimately arguing that the ironic mode of understanding in the twentieth century has its roots in WWI.
Fussell's book is a challenging yet informative tour of how the British literary and cultural experience of the Great War has impacted modernism and society. Through a thorough examination of the works of classic memoirists like Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves, and Edmund Blunden, Fussell provides a compelling analysis of how the collision between industrialized mass killing and traditional British values has shaped our understanding of war and memory.
BY MID-DECEMBER, 1914, BRITISH TROOPS HAD BEEN FIGHTING ON THE Continent for over five months. Casualties had been shocking, positions had settled into self-destructive stalemate, and sensitive people... - #10
Save:Chuck Klosterman's book, 'But What If We're Wrong? Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past', delves into thought-provoking discussions about modern questions and challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about the present and the future. Klosterman's writing style combines humor, skepticism, and engaging storytelling to explore topics ranging from the impact of contemporary culture on future generations to the unpredictability of societal trends. The book presents a unique perspective on how history, memory, and cultural perceptions shape our understanding of the world, making readers question their own beliefs and interpretations.
