Books matching: dramatic storytelling
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'The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood' by Sam Wasson is a detailed and compelling account of the making of the classic movie 'Chinatown' in the 1970s. The book delves into the lives of key figures such as director Roman Polanski, screenwriter Robert Towne, producer Robert Evans, and actor Jack Nicholson, providing insights into their personal struggles and professional collaborations that shaped the film. Wasson's writing style captures the chaotic yet creative atmosphere of Hollywood at that time, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process of movie-making.
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Save:'Space Race: The Epic Battle Between America and the Soviet Union for Dominion of Space' by Deborah Cadbury is a detailed and well-written account of the historic space race. It covers the history, engineering, and politics of the era, providing previously unknown information about the struggle between the two superpowers. The author brings to life key figures like Von Braun and Korolev, describing their sacrifices and obstacles in achieving technological advancements. The narrative keeps the reader enthralled, showcasing the frailty and circumstances of these prominent historical figures.
takes readers on a journey from WWII to the '69 moon landing, offering a quick and entertaining read packed with information. It successfully captures the essence of the space programs, focusing on the political and technological aspects that drove the competition. While some dramatic liberties are taken, they serve to bring the story back to a human perspective, reminding readers of the incredible feats achieved against all odds.
In the mid-winter of 1945, the war in Europe had reached its final stages. Germany was crumbling under continued heavy Allied bombing. Cities were being obliterated, magnificent buildings returned to ... - #3
Save:Bringing Down the House is the true story of how six MIT students turned gambling into speculation to fleece Las Vegas for millions. The best and brightest students are recruited by an eccentric former teacher with teeth like a picket fence of spades, diamonds, clubs and hearts to practice in a college backroom as the MIT Blackjack Team before invading the strip. The book reveals the secrets of card counting, shuffle study, ace cutting, hi low counting, group spotters, third base coaches, card count code words, statistic indexes, and other tips the students used, and the casinos don't want you to know are revealed.
Moreover, the book delves into the world of casinos and card counting, exploring the job of the spotters, who cover as many tables as possible and keep running card counts at their location to help the big player count cards. The MIT team strapped thousands of dollars to their bodies to get the cash onto planes, used false names, always had limos waiting for them at airports, and always had personal hosts to escort them everywhere, creating a thrilling narrative filled with suspense and danger.
It was ten minutes past three in the morning, and Kevin Lewis looked like he was about to pass out. There were three empty martini glasses on the table in front of him, and he was leaning forward on b... Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 by Ian W. Toll is a detailed account of the early years of the Pacific Theater in World War II, focusing on the naval combat operations from Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway. The book provides a comprehensive narrative of key events such as the Doolittle Raid, the Battle of Coral Sea, and the strategic conflicts between the American and Japanese forces. Toll's writing style is described as engaging, well-researched, and balanced in presenting both the American and Japanese perspectives, offering insights into the military leaders, code-breaking operations, and cultural aspects that influenced the outcomes of the battles.
FOR THE INHABITANTS OF OAHU, THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL IN being jerked out of sleep by guns and bombs and low-flying aircraft. The island was crowded with military bases, and live-firing drills were c...- #5
Save:Play Dead by Harlan Coben is a thriller that revolves around the disappearance of basketball star David Baskin during his honeymoon with his wife Laura Ayers. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. The book is Coben's first published novel, showcasing his early writing style and storytelling techniques. Despite some predictable elements, the novel presents a suspenseful narrative that delves into themes of deception, secrets, and unexpected revelations.
LAURA opened the window and felt the gentle tropical breeze refresh her naked body. She closed her eyes as the palm trees’ cool wind made her skin tingle. The muscles in her legs still quaked. She tur... - #6
Save:The Vampire Lestat delves into the life of the infamous vampire Lestat, offering a different perspective than portrayed in Interview with the Vampire. Anne Rice's writing style captivates readers, providing a rich backstory for Lestat and exploring his character in depth. The narrative follows Lestat's journey from his boyhood transformation to his experiences as a vampire, all while maintaining Anne Rice's signature romantic and sensuous style.
Through the eyes of Lestat, readers are taken on a mesmerizing and thrilling journey across centuries as he navigates his immortality and seeks answers about his existence. The book intertwines history, mythology, and character exploration, allowing readers to connect with Lestat on a deeper level and uncover the complexities of his personality and adventures.
These were bitter years for me. My father was the Marquis, and I was the seventh son and the youngest of the three who had lived to manhood. I had no claim to the title or the land, and no prospects. ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Vampire Chronicles ) - #7
Save:'Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany' by Donald L. Miller provides a detailed study of the conditions in which young men put their lives at stake during World War II. It covers everything from doctrine to major operations, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices made by the USAAF aircrews. The narrative includes personal accounts that immerse the reader into the experiences of the bomber boys as they flew missions over Europe, shedding light on the challenges they faced and the impact of their actions on the war effort.
The first of the dozen Fortresses to clear the runway was Butcher Shop, piloted by twenty-seven-year-old Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., of Miami, Florida. The finest flier in the 97th Bombardment Group, Major ... - #8
Save:'Slow Heat in Heaven' by Sandra Brown is a romance novel set in Louisiana that follows the story of Schyler Crandall as she returns home to her family estate, Valtair, due to her grandfather's heart attack. She reconnects with Cash Boudreaux, who is now working for her grandfather, and together they work to save her family's logging business. The book delves into themes of family loyalty, dark secrets, and betrayal, while also exploring the complicated relationship between Schyler and Cash, characterized by passion and tension.
The writing style of 'Slow Heat in Heaven' is described as suspenseful, dramatic, and romantic, with a touch of mystery added to the storyline. The characters are portrayed as complex and flawed, particularly Cash, who is depicted as a hot and alpha male with a troubled past, making him a character that evokes mixed emotions from readers.
She had been dozing. Her head rested on her bent arm, which had gone to sleep and had started to tingle. She woke up and opened her eyes, then stretched languorously and turned her head. That’s when s... 'The History of the Conquest of New Spain' by Bernal Diaz del Castillo is a captivating first-hand account of the 16th-century Spanish discovery and defeat of the Mexican empire. The book provides insights into the extraordinary military valor of Cortez and his men, the role of religious beliefs, tribal conflicts, and Cortez's manipulative cunning in pursuit of gold. Written by a soldier and participant in Cortez's campaign, the narrative details the conquest of Mexico with a focus on the conquistadores' quest for glory and gold, shedding light on their actions and mindset during that time.
Possibly inspired by the idea of recording his memories of the conquest while in Mexico, Diaz began writing his account in the early 1550s, completing it in 1568. The book, titled 'A True History of the Conquest of New Spain,' provides a detailed and honest recollection of the epic years 1519-1521, showcasing Diaz's deep sense of personal involvement, remarkable memory, and flair for dramatic storytelling. Despite his unpolished style and occasional naivety in observations, Diaz's narrative is factually correct, offering a unique perspective of the conquest from a conquistador's point of view.
I, Bernal Díaz del Castillo, citizen and Regidor of the most loyal city of Santiago de Guatemala, one of the first discoverers and conquerors of New Spain and its provinces, and the Cape of Honduras a...- #10
Save:'Victim' by Gary Kinder is a true crime book that focuses on the victims rather than the criminals. The book narrates the excruciating journey of one victim in particular who survived a heinous crime, shedding light on the inhumanity of the perpetrators and the torturous crime scene they left behind. The story follows the victim's gruesome, painful, and emotional fight to survive, providing a chilling and heroic account of their struggle through hospitals, surgeries, and psychological impacts.
The author, Gary Kinder, starts the book with a rush of action reminiscent of an episode of ER, as doctors, nurses, and technicians work to save two gunshot victims. The book then delves into the events that led to the victims being rushed to the hospital, describing the brutal scene in a Hi-Fi shop in Ogden, Utah in 1974. Kinder's writing style captures the attention of readers by focusing on the victims' stories in a detailed and descriptive manner, setting it apart from other true crime books that typically center on the criminals.
St. Benedict’s Hospital sat high on the east bench overlooking Og-den, Utah. It was an old three-story structure made of red brick, and from its rooftop shone a fluorescent white cross. At night the p...
