Books matching: familial dysfunction
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Endless Love by Scott Spencer is a dark and intense novel that explores the destructive power of obsessive love. The story follows a teenage boy named David who becomes deeply infatuated with a girl named Jade, leading to a series of tragic events that spiral out of control. Written in a first-person narrative, the book delves into themes of passion, obsession, and the blurred lines between love and madness. The plot unfolds in a gripping and emotional manner, drawing readers into the complex and dysfunctional relationships portrayed in the story.
The writing style of Endless Love is described as both literary and easy to read, with a mix of dark humor and emotional depth. The author, Scott Spencer, masterfully captures the intricate dynamics of adolescent love and the consequences of unchecked desire. Through vivid descriptions and compelling character development, the novel immerses readers in a tumultuous tale of love, loss, and obsession that challenges traditional notions of romance and highlights the darker aspects of human relationships.
When I was seventeen and in full obedience to my heart’s most urgent commands, I stepped far from the pathway of normal life and in a moment’s time ruined everything I loved—I loved so deeply, and whe... - #2
Save:'Crossroads' by Jonathan Franzen is a family drama set just before Christmas 1971, focusing on the Hildebrandt family. The novel explores the lives of the patriarch Russ, his wife Marion, and their four children - Clem, Becky, Perry, and Judson. Each family member is dealing with their own struggles and desires, leading to a complex web of relationships and personal dilemmas. The narrative delves into themes of religion, morality, faith, love, addiction, betrayal, and existential philosophy. The writing style is described as beautifully written, compelling, and immersive, with a strong focus on character development and domestic dynamics.
The plot of 'Crossroads' revolves around the Hildebrandt family, their individual journeys at personal crossroads, and the interconnected dynamics within the family and the church community. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of family relationships, spirituality, and the challenges of navigating life in the 1970s, creating a rich tapestry of characters and events. The author, Jonathan Franzen, presents a nuanced exploration of human behavior, morality, and the complexities of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of the Hildebrandt family's experiences.
The sky broken by the bare oaks and elms of New Prospect was full of moist promise, a pair of frontal systems grayly colluding to deliver a white Christmas, when Russ Hildebrandt made his morning roun... - #3
Save:'Yes, Daddy' by Jonathan Parks-Ramage is a dark and gripping novel that delves into the complex and traumatic relationship between Jonah, a struggling playwright, and Richard, a successful and manipulative older man. The story explores themes of manipulation, abuse, blind faith, and the damaging effects of conversion therapy. Through a detailed and emotionally charged narrative, the author vividly portrays the world of wealth, privilege, and corruption, where victims often remain silent out of fear and self-blame.
The writing style of Jonathan Parks-Ramage is described as striking and realistic, with deep insights into the characters' emotions and motivations. The plot unfolds in a non-linear fashion, starting with a traumatic courtroom scene in 2011 and then delving into Jonah's past leading up to the trial. The novel skillfully balances moments of darkness and hope, providing a raw and unflinching portrayal of the characters' struggles and the harsh realities they face.
I stood in the back of the auditorium watching as he finished a conversation with the organizers of the event—a short, wiry lesbian in a linen pantsuit and the disheveled gay academic who had founded ... - #4
Save:"My Phantoms" by Gwendoline Riley is a novella that delves into the complex and tumultuous relationship between a mother and daughter. The story follows the narrator reflecting on her dying mother's possessions, highlighting the dysfunctional family dynamics and the daughter's response to her mother's final illness. The writing style is spare yet compelling, with sharp and clear prose that skillfully spans decades to focus on the mother-daughter bond.
- #5
Save:'A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing' is a highly experimental novel written in a fragmented, stream of consciousness prose style. The story follows the life of a young Irish Catholic girl growing up in a dysfunctional family environment, dealing with issues such as religious fanaticism, sexual abuse, and the struggles of her brother's terminal illness. The narrative is raw, intense, and emotionally harrowing, exploring themes of guilt, trauma, and the impact of family dynamics on one's upbringing and psyche.
The book challenges traditional narrative structures with its unconventional writing, featuring incomplete sentences, odd word choices, and disjointed thoughts. The protagonist's internal monologue provides a deep dive into her mind from childhood to young adulthood, portraying a dark and disturbing coming-of-age story filled with tragedy, violence, and confusion. Despite the challenging content and style, the novel offers a unique perspective on the protagonist's experiences and emotions, creating a haunting portrayal of a young woman's tumultuous journey towards self-discovery.
For you. You’ll soon. You’ll give her name. In thestitches of her skin she’ll wear your say. Mammy me? Yes you.Bounce the bed, I’d say. I’d say that’s what you did. Then lay youdown. They cut you roun... - #6
Save:Fifteen-year-old Lucky Linderman is enduring relentless bullying from a local bully, Nader McMillan, which escalates after a social studies project gone awry. Lucky's parents are unhelpful, and his only solace is in his dreams where he tries to rescue his grandfather, missing in Vietnam. The story blends realism with fantasy elements, showing Lucky's personal growth as he navigates through challenging situations with the support of quirky characters like Ginny and Aunt Jodi. The book delves into themes of overcoming bullies, family dynamics, and the impact of the Vietnam War, all portrayed through an accessible writing style with a touch of magical realism.
Six months ago I was assigned the standard second-semester freshman social studies project at Freddy High: Create a survey, evaluate data, graph data, express conclusion in a two-hundred-word paper. T... - #7
Save:'Jar City' by Arnaldur Indridason is a murder mystery set in Reykjavik, Iceland, following Inspector Erlendur as he investigates the killing of a solitary man found murdered in his apartment. The story delves into the dead man's past, revealing a connection to an unsolved crime from forty years earlier. The plot unfolds with Inspector Erlendur's dedication to following subtle clues, blending past events with current ones, and taking readers through a dark and intriguing investigation. The writing style is noted for its sparseness, attention to detail, and the author's ability to weave together past and present in a compelling manner.
It was the body of a man of about 70. He was lying on the floor on his right side, against the sofa in a small sitting room, wearing a blue shirt and fawn corduroy trousers. He wore slippers on his fe... - #8
Save:In "The Last Stone" by Mark Bowden, readers are taken through the harrowing investigation of the cold case involving the disappearance of two young sisters from a shopping mall in 1975. The book delves into the meticulous efforts of a team of detectives who, after decades, manage to extract a confession from a convicted pedophile named Lloyd Welch. Through detailed interviews and interrogation techniques, the detectives strive to unravel the truth behind the heinous crimes committed against the girls, shedding light on the dark and disturbing events that took place.
The narrative of "The Last Stone" is structured around the interactions between the detectives and the imprisoned suspect, highlighting the battle of wits and psychological manipulation that unfolds during the interrogation process. Mark Bowden's writing style captures the tension and complexity of the investigation, providing a glimpse into the dedication and challenges faced by law enforcement in seeking justice for the victims and their families.
But Lloyd was already mixed up in it, enough to scare him. He needed to do something, even if it meant running a big risk. The marijuana buzz, he figured, would soothe him and help him think straight.... - #9
Save:'The Castle in the Forest' by Norman Mailer is a fictionalized tale of Adolf Hitler's family, focusing on the life of his father, Alois Hitler, and ending with Adolf obtaining his diploma in 1904. The story is narrated in the third person by a devil's minion, offering a unique perspective on Hitler's upbringing. The novel delves into the intricate details of Hitler's early life, exploring themes of evil, familial relationships, and social influences. However, some readers found the book to be meandering, with excessive focus on digressions such as beekeeping and a lengthy diversion into Russia.
The room that Himmler used when speaking to our elite group was a small lecture hall with dark walnut paneling and was limited to twenty seats raked upward in four rows of five. My emphasis will not b... - #10
Save:The Stories of John Cheever is a collection of short stories that spans Cheever's career, reflecting cultural changes from 1947 to 1978. The stories mainly focus on difficulties within families, set in suburban NYC, portraying personal issues with sincerity and modesty. Cheever's writing style is described as shattering, elegant, and still ringing true, chronicling life in upscale suburbia with deep, nuanced, and dark themes.
WE ARE a family that has always been very close in spirit. Our father was drowned in a sailing accident when we were young, and our mother has always stressed the fact that our familial relationships ...
