Books matching: culture and race relations
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- #1
Save:'Don't Stop the Carnival' by Herman Wouk is a humorous departure from the author's usual historical works, focusing on the story of Norman Paperman, a New Yorker who decides to escape his city life by managing a resort in the Caribbean. The plot follows Paperman as he faces numerous troubles while trying to run the resort, showcasing a mix of humor and challenges that he encounters on the island. provides insights into the complexities of managing a business in the Caribbean, touching on themes of tourism, colonialism, and personal struggles.
The writing style of 'Don't Stop the Carnival' is characterized by a blend of humor and satire, as the narrative unfolds through a series of misfortunes and successes that Paperman experiences while navigating the idyllic yet challenging island life. The author incorporates well-developed characters and real-life situations, drawing inspiration from his own experiences of running a hotel in the Caribbean, which adds depth and authenticity to the story.
The Union Jack flew over this enchanting green hump in the blue ocean for almost two hundred years. Before that the island was Danish; before that, French; before that, cannibal. Smoky gun battles bet... - #2
Save:The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson is a Southern novel filled with real-world problems, family drama, and hidden family secrets. The story follows Leia Birch Briggs, a graphic novel illustrator, who finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand with a man dressed as Batman. As Leia navigates her unexpected pregnancy and family chaos, she must also care for her ailing grandmother in Birchville, Alabama. Through a series of events, Leia uncovers deep-rooted issues within her family and community, ultimately leading to profound personal revelations that shape her future.
The narrative of The Almost Sisters skillfully weaves together themes of sisterhood, racism, family dynamics, and Southern charm. Joshilyn Jackson's writing style captures the essence of the South, addressing sensitive topics with humor and tenderness. Readers are drawn into Leia's journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with unexpected challenges and uncovers long-buried family secrets that redefine her understanding of love, family, and identity.
My son, Digby, began at exactly 3:02 in the morning on the first Friday in June. I don’t mean his conception or his birth. I mean the moment he began for me, which happened between those two larger ev... - #3
Save:'Tales of the South Pacific' by James A. Michener is a collection of linked stories that portray life in the South Pacific during World War II. The book delves into the experiences of American soldiers stationed in the Pacific, highlighting their struggles, relationships, and daily life on the islands. Through a mix of humor, tragedy, courage, and friendship, Michener paints a vivid picture of humanity amidst the backdrop of war, offering a nuanced exploration of individual coping mechanisms and the impact of conflict on ordinary men and women.
I WISH I could tell you about the South Pacific. The way it actually was. The endless ocean. The infinite specks of coral we called islands. Coconut palms nodding gracefully toward the ocean. Reefs up... - #4
Save:'The Indian in the Cupboard' by Lynne Reid Banks tells the story of a young boy named Omri who receives a plastic Indian figurine as a birthday present. When he locks the Indian inside an old cupboard, the figure magically comes to life, leading to a series of adventures and life lessons for Omri. The plot revolves around the friendship and bond that develops between Omri and the Indian, as well as the responsibilities and consequences that come with having a toy come to life. The writing style of the book is engaging, with elements of fantasy, adventure, and moral lessons intertwined to create an entertaining and thought-provoking story for readers.
The story also explores themes of friendship, respect, courage, and imagination as Omri navigates the challenges of having a living toy Indian and learns important life lessons along the way. The plot is filled with suspense, mystery, and magic, making it an enchanting read for middle-grade readers. The author, Lynne Reid Banks, skillfully weaves together elements of history, culture, and fantasy to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Omri got dressed in a state of such high excitement that he could scarcely control his fumbling fingers enough to do up buttons and tie his shoelaces. He’d thought he was excited yesterday, on his bir... - #5
Save:In the novel 'In Our Mad and Furious City' by Guy Gunaratne, the story unfolds in present-day London following a tragic event where a police officer is killed by a young man of color, sparking high tensions in the city. The narrative delves into the lives of various characters residing in public housing estates, each striving to create a better future for themselves and their families amidst the aftermath of this incident. The book captures a polyphony of real-life narrators, portraying the fury and impoverished existence of the characters in an intense and experimental writing style that reads like verse.
The book intricately weaves together the stories of diverse characters like Selvon, an aspiring athlete; Caroline, an Irish immigrant with a secretive past; Ardan, a shy music enthusiast; Yusuf, a Muslim boy navigating strict religious expectations; and Nelson, a Jamaican immigrant entangled in racial tensions. Through their perspectives, the novel explores themes of racialism, fear, social consequences, and radicalism, offering a vivid portrayal of London's multicultural landscape and the simmering tensions within.
- #6
Save:'Maps for Lost Lovers' by Nadeem Aslam is a poignant tale of a first-generation immigrant Muslim couple dealing with the disappearance of a family member under suspicious circumstances in an unnamed town in England. The story delves into the complexities of family relationships, societal pressures, and the struggle to find meaning in a community caught between two cultures. Through lush poetic language and metaphors, the author paints a vivid picture of the Pakistani community in Northern England, highlighting issues like honour killings, race relations, and the challenges of reconciling religious teachings with changing morals and different lifestyles.
Shamas stands in the open door and watches the earth, the magnet that it is, pulling snowflakes out of the sky towards itself. With their deliberate, almost-impaired pace, they fall like feathers sink... - #7
Save:"Something Of Value" by Robert Ruark is a novel that delves into the complexities of relationships between whites and blacks in a post-colonial Africa, particularly in Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising. Through the eyes of African workers and white colonialists, the story explores themes of racism, loyalty, rebellion, and the clash of cultures. Ruark's writing style combines truth with fictional elements, bringing to life the values and beliefs of indigenous peoples and colonials, offering a deep understanding of the historical context and perspectives of the time.
The narrative of "Something Of Value" is a poignant and tragic story that realistically portrays characters who are compassionate, cruel, and everything in between. Ruark weaves together the families' stories and the events of the time, providing a deep insight into the calamity and complexities of the era. offers a blend of novel and history lesson, making it a compelling read for those interested in African culture, history, and social dynamics.
- #8
Save:Black Mischief by Evelyn Waugh is a satirical novel set in the fictional African island of Azania, where Emperor Seth, along with the help of Englishman Basil Seal, attempts to modernize his kingdom. The book humorously chronicles the chaotic efforts at modernization, including the introduction of homemade currency, a Birth Control Gala, and the absurdities surrounding the emperor's coronation ceremonies. Despite its comedic elements, the book also delves into themes of political corruption, colonialism, and cultural clashes between the African population and European influences.
They were in the upper story of the old fort at Matodi. Here, three hundred years before, a Portuguese garrison had withstood eight months’ siege from the Omani Arabs; at this window they had watched ... - #9
Save:'Ragtime' by E.L. Doctorow is a historical fiction novel set in early twentieth-century America, featuring a diverse cast of characters including fictional families and real-life figures like Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan, and Emma Goldman. The story weaves together various narratives, exploring themes of immigration, social class, and historical events, all against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. Doctorow's writing style is described as lush, lyrical, and cleverly written, incorporating elements of humor, irony, and a unique narrative structure.
In 1902 Father built a house at the crest of the Broadview Avenue hill in New Rochelle, New York. It was a three-story brown shingle with dormers, bay windows and a screened porch. Striped awnings sha... - #10
Save:'All Souls' Rising' in the series 'Haitian Revolutionary trilogy' by author Madison Smartt Bell is a historical fiction novel that vividly portrays the violent yet inspiring Haitian slave revolt of 1791-1804. Bell skillfully presents both sides of the revolt, depicting pre-revolt life in Haiti and the characters involved in the uprising. The writing style is described as coolly descriptive, historically accurate, and masterfully evocative of the sweltering, insect-ridden landscape of Haiti.
YOU COULD NOT CALL IT an actual crucifixion, Doctor Hébert thought, because it was not actually a cross. Only a pole, or a log rather, with the bark still on it and scars on the bark toward the top, f...
