Books matching: cycle of violence
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- #1
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a powerful novel written in verse, exploring the cycle of violence and revenge within inner-city communities. The story follows Will, a young man who embarks on an elevator ride armed with a gun, seeking to avenge the murder of his older brother Shawn. Throughout the elevator journey, Will encounters ghosts from his past, each representing a different aspect of his life and the consequences of following the rules of the street - no crying, no snitching, get revenge. The narrative delves into themes of grief, loss, and the impact of gun violence, presented in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
Reynolds' writing style, characterized by short, poignant verses, creates a fast-paced and impactful reading experience. The use of free verse allows for a raw and emotional exploration of Will's inner turmoil and the complex decisions he faces. Through the concise yet evocative language, Reynolds captures the intense emotions and struggles of the characters, inviting readers to reflect on the consequences of violence and the choices we make in the face of tragedy.
- #2
'Titus Andronicus' by William Shakespeare is a revenge play that revolves around the intertwined cases of revenge between the families of Titus Andronicus, a Roman general, and Tamora, Queen of the Goths and later Empress of Rome. The plot is driven by themes of instability, chaos, death, and violence, showcasing how revenge begets revenge in a cycle of destruction. The play is known for its extreme violence, shocking plot twists, and complex characters, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores the depths of human nature.
In recent years, ways of dealing with Shakespeare’s texts and with the interpretation of his plays have been undergoing significant change. This edition, while retaining many of the features that have... - #3
'The Abuse of Ashley Collins' by Jon Athan delves into the horrifying dynamics of the Collins family, where parents resort to violence to discipline their teenage daughter, Ashley. As the story progresses, the narrative takes a gruesome turn, portraying the parents' descent into sadism and the extreme abuse inflicted on Ashley. The author's writing style is described as raw, gritty, and unapologetically realistic, painting a vivid and disturbing picture of abuse and sadism within a family setting.
'An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago' by Alex Kotlowitz delves into the tragic effects of gun violence in Chicago during the summer of 2013. Through in-depth reporting and interviews, Kotlowitz explores the lives of victims, perpetrators, and their families, shedding light on the cycle of violence and its impact on the community. humanizes the individuals involved, portraying their longings, remorse, and love amidst the harsh realities of inner-city violence.
Kotlowitz's writing style in 'An American Summer' is described as compelling and evocative, reminiscent of Studs Terkel's oral history. provides a powerful narrative that goes beyond stereotypes, showcasing the humanity behind the tough exteriors of young men affected by gun violence in impoverished neighborhoods of Chicago.
Marcelo Sanchez’s memory of the next twenty-four hours is hazy, mostly because he’d been drinking. First Hennessy Cognac mixed with the energy drink Monster. Then, later, Heineken. Five days earlier M...- #5
'La Bete humaine' by Emile Zola is a novel set against the backdrop of the French railways just before the outbreak of the 1870 Franco Prussian war. It delves into the atavistic passions of the human animal, exploring themes of love, obsession, and multiple murders. The narrative unfolds in a recognizably urban environment, intertwining the characters' obsessions and compulsions with the rapid industrialization and social decay of the Second Empire. Zola's writing style vividly portrays the tensions of man's relationships with technology and the primal fears that drive individuals, creating a dark and macabre story full of murder, passion, and the inner compulsions that lie beneath the surface of rationalism and modernity.
The novel is described as a gripping page-turner with a compelling narrative that intertwines the lives of its characters with the railway network, making it a major character in the book. Zola's exploration of the human psyche, inner compulsions, and the intertwined desires for sex and violence, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, makes 'La Bete humaine' a complex and thought-provoking read that delves into the darker aspects of human nature.
'Revolutionary Russia, 1891-1991: A History' by Orlando Figes is a comprehensive exploration of the tumultuous events that shaped Russia over a century. Figes delves into the revolutions of 1905, February and October 1917, the impact of Stalin's reign, and the intricate web of political and social upheavals leading to the fall of the Soviet Union. Through a blend of personal narratives and historical analysis, Figes vividly portrays the struggles of diverse groups in Russian society, from political philosophers to peasants, soldiers to industrial workers, during times of revolution, war, and the devastating Great Terror. The book offers readers a gateway into Russian history, providing insights into key figures, events, and the enduring impact of political decisions on the Russian people.
After a year of meteorological catastrophes the peasants of south-east Russia faced starvation in the summer of 1891. The seeds planted the previous autumn had barely time to germinate before the fros...- #7
'Brother' by Ania Ahlborn is a dark and disturbing horror novel that delves into the twisted dynamics of the Morrow family living in the secluded West Virginia sticks. The story follows Michael Morrow, who was taken in by the Morrows as a child and raised amidst their bloodthirsty and brutal ways. As Michael starts to question his family's violent secrets and meets a girl who shows him a different path, the narrative unfolds into a chilling tale of abuse, murder, and vengeance. The writing style is described as gripping, with simple yet impactful sentences that vividly bring to life the gruesome and eerie atmosphere of the story.
People used that saying all the time, bloody murder, despite never having heard anyone being murdered before. Reb called it an analogy. When Michael asked what that was, Reb said they were things peop... - #8
"Once Were Warriors" by Alan Duff is a gritty and honest portrayal of Maori culture and the struggles faced by a Maori family trying to find their dignity in a society they don't fully understand. The story delves into themes of identity, culture, despair, and hope, showcasing the human depravity found in all cultures. Through a nuanced view, the author presents a fictionalized account of a Maori family within a ghettoized community, highlighting the trials and tribulations they endure while also shedding light on the broader issues faced by minority cultures worldwide.
The writing style of the book is described as confusing yet realistic, with a mix of thoughts, memories, speech, and actions that provide a deep insight into the characters' minds and hearts. The plot is engaging and offers a unique perspective on Maori people, drawing readers in with its incisive look at relationships and lives, making it a compelling read that resonates with those familiar with other minority cultures facing oppression and ghettoization.
Bastard, she’d think, looking out her back kitchen window. Lucky white bastard, at that glimpse of two-storey house through its surround of big old trees and its oh so secure greater surround of rolli... - #9
'Father and Son' by Larry Brown follows the story of Glen Davis, a vengeful and aggressive man returning from prison for vehicular homicide. Set in rural Mississippi in the 1960s, the novel delves into the complex relationships between characters like Glen, his father, the sheriff, and his old girlfriend. As the plot unfolds, a path of destruction is revealed, showcasing the raw and gritty realities of life in the uneducated rural South.
It was Saturday when they drove the old car into town, returning him, passing by the big houses with their blankets of dark grass beneath the ancient oaks. Midday. A hot wind blew in the car windows a... - #10
Metamorphoses by Ovid is a captivating collection of myths from Greek and Roman mythology, focusing on physical transformations. The book weaves together various myths and legends, showcasing stories involving gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines being transformed into different forms such as birds, trees, and stones. Ovid's writing style is described as lyrical, lush, and poetic, providing vivid descriptions that bring the ancient myths to life for readers.
Swiftly Ovid enters the theme of metamorphoses, the mutability of all things in creation. There is not much doubt that the source of his inspiration is in the first book of Lucretius’s De Rerum Natura...