Books matching: frenetic pacing
53 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Subterraneans' by Jack Kerouac is a short novel delving into the San Francisco experiences of the beat generation. Kerouac's jazzy, improvisational prose paints a vivid picture of poets and jazz musicians seeking inspiration through art. The story revolves around Jack's brief romance with a young African American girl named Mardou Fox, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and the struggles of relationships amidst a backdrop of bohemian life in the 1950s.
Kerouac's writing style in 'The Subterraneans' is characterized by spontaneous prose, stream of consciousness narrative, and poetic language. The novel captures the essence of beat culture, featuring Kerouac's fictional self alongside real-life beat figures like Allen Ginsberg and Neal Cassady, providing insight into their lives, struggles, and pursuit of artistic purity.
ONCE I WAS YOUNG and had so much more orientation and could talk with nervous intelligence about everything and with clarity and without as much literary preambling as this; in other words this is the... The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler is a character-driven novel set in 1950s Montreal, following the ambitious and morally complex protagonist, Duddy Kravitz. Duddy is portrayed as a conniving and relentless individual who stops at nothing to achieve his goal of owning land, even if it means betraying those closest to him. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, family dynamics, and the struggles of the Jewish community during that time period, offering a raw and honest portrayal of a young man's relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the consequences.
Richler's writing style in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is praised for its sharp and engaging dialogue, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor and intensity, drawing readers into Duddy's world of hustling and manipulation as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The book captures the essence of a specific time and place, showcasing the intricacies of human relationships and the complexities of individual ambitions in a close-knit community.
WHAT WITH HIS WIFE SO ILL THESE PAST FEW WEEKS and the prospect of three more days of teaching before the weekend break, Mr. MacPherson felt unusually glum. He trudged along St. Dominique Street to wi...- #3
Save:'Crosstalk' by Connie Willis is a fun, fast-paced romantic comedy exploring the concept of telepathy and over-communication in a modern technological world. The plot follows the protagonist, Briddey Flannigan, as she undergoes elective surgery to enhance her emotional connection with her boyfriend, only to discover unexpected consequences when she starts hearing voices in her head. The writing style is described as humorous, engaging, and full of well-developed characters, blending elements of science fiction, romance, and social satire.
By the time Briddey pulled into the parking garage at Commspan, there were forty-two text messages on her phone. The first one was from Suki Parker—of course—and the next four were from Jill Quincy, a... - #4
Save:'Cat-a-Lyst' by Alan Dean Foster is a humorous and high adventure novel that takes readers on a journey from Atlanta, Georgia to Peru to Scotland, blending elements of Alice in Wonderland, Lost Civilizations, and an alien invasion attempt. The story revolves around super beings with catlike qualities who oversee Earth's development, with humans stepping in to set things right amidst a rogue super being's attempt to disrupt everything. is described as a tongue-in-cheek adventure novel that is fun, especially for cat lovers, and offers a mix of missing Incan civilizations, inter-dimensional energy beings resembling housecats, and a battle between good and evil.
- #5
Save:Software by Rudy Rucker is a gritty, gripping science fiction novel that explores cyberpunk themes in a retro Pulp or early Golden Age format. The story is set in a future world where robots have rebelled against their enslavement to humanity and offer immortality to their creator, Cobb Anderson, in the form of a robot body with his own taped memories. The plot follows Cobb Anderson, an aging 'pheezer' in Florida, as he is approached by a representative of the robots, known as boppers, with the offer of immortality. The book delves into themes of sentient robots, old age, and the transmigration of the soul, presenting interesting science fiction concepts alongside bits of lurid imagery and unsubtle social commentary.
A computer disguised in an ice cream truck, a party animal teenager, and a retired drunkard are the unlikely heroes in this near-future setting. The tone of the book is described as funny, fresh, and original, providing a quick, fun read with good characters and a unique take on the transition from human to robotic bodies.
Cobb Anderson would have held out longer, but you don't see dolphins every day. There were twenty of them, fifty, rolling in the little gray waves, wicketting up out of the water. It was good to see t... - #6
Save:Sixty Five Stirrup Iron Road is a collaboration between nine of hardcore horror's most twisted innovators, resulting in a wild, no holds barred romp filled with extreme gore, violence, and perverse adult themes. The plot revolves around an evil or haunted house where the residents are slowly overcome by sexual desires of the most perverse variety. Each author takes turns writing chapters, pushing the limits of depravity and horror, creating a cliche-driven yet fun and entertaining tale. The book delves into extreme gore and violence, culminating in a twisted, morally reprehensible, and mind-bending experience for genre fans.
- #7
Save:'Mandibles' by Jeff Strand is a fast-paced horror novel featuring giant mutated fire ants terrorizing a city. The story follows different characters trapped in various situations, such as a dentist office and a convenience store robbery, as they try to survive the deadly ant attacks. The book is described as a creature feature filled with zany characters, descriptive scenes of carnage, and a touch of humor. Readers praise the high body count, surprise twists, and the author's ability to make unlikable characters somewhat likable.
The plot of 'Mandibles' revolves around a mass invasion of fire ants that have been bio-engineered to giant size, causing chaos and panic in a small town. The narrative is mainly presented from the perspectives of three different parties, all desperately trying to escape the relentless attacks of the hostile insects. Despite the absurdity of the giant ants premise, the book provides entertainment through its 80s B-movie feel, humorous elements, and suspenseful scenes of characters trying to outsmart the deadly creatures.
In her six years as a dental assistant, Roberta Alten had encountered some of the nastiest breath imaginable. Breath that made your nostrils burn and your eyes water. But this … this went beyond simpl... - #8
Save:'Bombardiers' by Po Bronson is a satirical novel set in the world of Wall Street and bond trading. The story follows Sidney Geeder, a bond salesman at Atlantic Pacific, who despises the bonds he sells but excels at his job. When a new salesman named Eggs Igino joins the company, his unconventional approach disrupts the status quo. The book explores the absurdities of the financial industry, the relationships between characters, and the frenetic pace of life on a trading floor.
The writing style of 'Bombardiers' is described as humorous, witty, and fast-paced. The author, Po Bronson, uses clever dialogue and subtle humor to paint a vivid picture of life in the financial markets. The plot is driven by the characters and their interactions, with a focus on satire and social commentary on corporate culture and greed.
- #9
Save:Michael Frayn's "Skios" is a farcical novel set on a Greek island, where mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and coincidences lead to a series of comedic mishaps and confusion. The plot revolves around a mix-up between a renowned speaker and a charming impostor, exploring themes of identity, human folly, and the capriciousness of events. Frayn's writing style is described as light, satirical, and humorous, with a touch of intellectualism underlying the classic farce elements.
- #10
Save:Field of Honor: A Novel by D.L. Birchfield follows the story of Lance Corporal Patrick Pushmataha McDaniel, a half-blood Choctaw who has been hiding from the U.S. Marine Corps for over a decade. When his secluded home is invaded by the military, McDaniel discovers an underground Choctaw civilization, leading him into a world of culture and politics where traditional ball games reign. The book is filled with erratic, frenzied action reminiscent of the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and the quirky characters akin to those in "Catch 22." Birchfield's witty observations about the U.S. military, Choctaw history, and a blend of modern concepts with sacred Indian mythology create a unique and engaging narrative.
