Books matching: exploration of urban life
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- #1
Save:An original, ambitious, and moving allegory that tackles big ideas with humor, poetry, and pathos. Unmissable for fans of literary fiction with a philosophical bite - just keep some tissues handy!
One evening in Toronto, the gods Apollo and Hermes were at the Wheat Sheaf Tavern. Apollo had allowed his beard to grow until it reached his clavicle. Hermes, more fastidious, was clean-shaven, but hi... - #2
Save:A tough but rewarding Booker Prize winner - profane, authentic, and full of raw energy. Perfect if you want to lose yourself in a working-class Glaswegian’s head, but be warned: it’s relentless, unapologetic, and not for the faint of heart.
YE WAKE IN a corner and stay there hoping yer body will disappear, the thoughts smothering ye; these thoughts; but ye want to remember and face up to things, just something keeps ye from doing it, why... - #3
Save:Suicide Blonde by Darcey Steinke is a provocative and raw exploration of a young woman named Jesse living in San Francisco, entangled in troubled relationships and risky behavior. The narrative delves deep into themes of obsession, despair, and unfulfilled desires, portraying a world where characters struggle with their inner demons and destructive tendencies. Steinke's writing style is described as lyrical and poetic, albeit at times disturbing and uncomfortable, painting a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of San Francisco and the damaged individuals who inhabit it.
WAS IT THE BOURBON OR THE DYE FUMES THAT MADE THE PINK walls quiver like vaginal lips? An acidy scent ribboned the pawed tub, fingered up the shower curtain. My vision was liquid and various as a lava... - #4
Save:In 'Started Early, Took My Dog', the narrative follows ex-detective Jackson Brodie as he delves into a case involving an adopted woman searching for her birth parents, intertwined with the story of Tracy Waterhouse, a retired police detective who impulsively buys a child from an abusive prostitute. The plot weaves together themes of murdered prostitutes, lost and stolen children, police corruption, and the vulnerabilities of women and children, set against the backdrop of West Yorkshire. The writing style is described as multi-layered, with fragmented and disconnected beginnings that eventually pull together to create an intriguing mystery with a satisfying sense of urgency towards the end.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jackson Brodie ) - #5
Save:Hanif Abdurraqib's 'The Crown Ain't Worth Much' is a collection of urban, fast-paced poems that seamlessly intertwine pop culture references with personal memories, creating a universal and personal experience for the readers. The poems range from traditional poetic styles to lyrical and rhythm-heavy pieces, all offering multiple entry points into the emotional and thought-provoking world Abdurraqib creates.
The book delves into themes of love, memory, music, and the experience of being a young black man in America, offering a unique perspective that challenges readers to confront their own understanding of pain, identity, and society. Abdurraqib's writing style is described as visceral, vivid, and punchy, creating an exercise in remembrance and catharsis that is both vulnerable and creatively expressive.
The old man rocks / on the porch and tells us / boys that the way to power is / displaying what you kill / letting a body rot in the stink / of summer’s blaze / meat cooked dark on / the steaming pave... A beautifully illustrated, heartwarming book that gently opens up fresh conversations about empathy and diversity - worth a place on every child's bookshelf.
- #7
Save:'Life in a Medieval City' by Frances and Joseph Gies is a detailed exploration of the medieval city of Troyes in 1250 AD, focusing on various aspects of life such as major institutions, occupations, and daily activities. The authors provide a systematic examination of medieval town life, discussing topics like commercial activities, legal structures, and the role of women in city life. The writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, offering a vivid portrayal of the period while avoiding romanticization.
At daybreak cathedral bells sound the first note in a clangorous dialogue that keeps time all day for the citizens of Troyes. The cathedral, as the bishop’s church, has the right to speak first—before... - #8
Save:A dark, witty, and briskly-paced noir full of oddball characters and city secrets - Gun Machine is a wild ride for fans of inventive crime fiction, but may leave purists wanting a more methodical investigation.
A 911 call is the pain signal that takes a relative age to travel from the dinosaur’s tail to its brain. The lumbering thunder lizard of the NYPD informational mesh doesn’t even see the swift, highly... - #9
Save:A vibrant, moving, and uniquely voiced classic that sheds light on the heart and humor of London’s immigrant community - definitely worth your time, especially if you want a fresh, empathetic perspective on city life.
One grim winter evening, when it had a kind of unrealness about London, with a fog sleeping restlessly over the city and the lights showing in the blur as if is not London at all but some strange plac... - #10
Save:A powerful, sometimes dark glimpse into the realities behind South Korea's glossy exterior - beautifully written, thought-provoking, and essential for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, gender, and identity.
Sujin is hell-bent on becoming a room salon girl. She has invited Kyuri from across the hall to our tiny apartment, and the three of us are sitting on the floor in a little triangle, looking out the w...
