Books matching: galveston

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  1. 'Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History' by Erik Larson tells the story of the devastating Galveston hurricane of 1900. The narrative revolves around Isaac Cline, the chief meteorologist for Galveston, who failed to predict the severity of the hurricane, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Larson skillfully weaves together the personal stories of individuals affected by the storm, the background of the weather service, and the city of Galveston itself, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to and following the disaster. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the ignorance, arrogance, and tragic consequences of the deadliest hurricane in US history.

    The writing style of the book combines historical facts with personal narratives, creating a compelling and informative read. Larson delves into the history of weather forecasting at the turn of the century, the political dynamics within the Weather Bureau, and the human aspects of the individuals involved in the events surrounding the Galveston hurricane. offers a gripping portrayal of the power and unpredictability of nature, highlighting the devastating impact of the storm on the city and its inhabitants.

    Now chairman of the history department, Dodd had been a professor at the university since 1909, recognized nationally for his work on the American South and for a biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was s...

  2. #2

    Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto
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    'Galveston' by Nic Pizzolatto follows the story of Roy Cady, a bagman for a New Orleans gangster who, after a chaotic event, flees with a young prostitute named Rocky and her three-year-old sister to Galveston. The novel alternates between flashbacks and present-day, exploring themes of redemption, fate, and the harsh realities of life in the underbelly of society. The writing style is described as gritty, atmospheric, and evocative, with a sparse and lean structure that adds to the overall noir feel of the book.

    I’d felt something was wrong because days before I had chased a guy up two flights of stairs and I’d had trouble breathing, like there was a barbell on my chest. I’d been drinking pretty hard for a co...

  3. #3
    Galveston
    Book 3 in the series:Resurrection Man

    Galveston - Resurrection Man by Sean Stewart
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    In the book 'Galveston' by Sean Stewart, set in the world of Resurrection Man, the story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic Galveston hit by a Flood of Magic in 2004. The narrative follows the next generation of leaders, Sloane, Josh, and Ham, as they navigate a world where magic and reality clash. With themes of power struggles, dark forces, and the consequences of magic, the characters face challenges that force them to confront their destinies amidst a backdrop of a gritty and vividly depicted alternate universe.

    The plot delves into the intertwined lives of Sloane, Jane's daughter, and Josh, a bitter exile, as they grapple with their roles in a society divided between the real world and the magical Carnivale. As secrets unravel, alliances shift, and characters confront their inner demons, the story explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the complexities of human nature in a world where magic and reality collide.

    He played every Saturday afternoon on the verandah behind the Ford mansion. Most Saturdays, when the sun began to fall into the Gulf of Mexico, Joshua Cane got the job of fetching his father home for ...

  4. #4

    The Big Blow by Joe R. Lansdale
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    'The Big Blow' by Joe R. Lansdale is a novella set in 1900 Galveston, Texas, just before a devastating hurricane hits the town. The story revolves around the preparations for a major heavyweight boxing match between Jack Johnson, an African American boxer, and John McBride, the white boxer hired to defeat him. The narrative weaves through the lives of various residents as the storm approaches, showcasing themes of racism, historical events, and the intense atmosphere leading up to the climactic fight amidst the chaos of the impending disaster. Lansdale's writing style brings out the gritty, stark details of the characters' lives, blending elements of boxing, historical fiction, and natural calamities into a compelling and fast-paced narrative.


  5. #5

    The Legend of Charlie Fish by Josh Rountree
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    'The Legend of Charlie Fish' by Josh Rountree is a captivating blend of southern gothic myth and man vs nature, intertwined with themes of found family, redemption, and forgiveness. The story follows Floyd Betts as he travels to Old Cypress to bury his estranged father, only to be drawn into a world of mystery and danger when he encounters orphan siblings and a fish-like man named Charlie Fish. As Floyd, Grace, and Hank embark on a journey to Galveston to escape the grimness of Old Cypress, they find themselves entangled in a web of dark secrets, magic, and unexpected alliances. Rountree's writing style weaves together elements of folklore and historical fiction, creating a tale that is both inspiring and poignant, filled with unforgettable characters and unexpected twists.


  6. #6
    Jacaranda
    Book 7 in the series:The Clockwork Century

    Jacaranda - The Clockwork Century by Cherie Priest
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    'Jacaranda' in the series 'The Clockwork Century' by author Cherie Priest is a novella set in an alternate 19th century world where a haunted hotel, the Jacaranda, on Galveston Island, Texas, is quietly killing its guests. The story follows a Mexican priest, an Irish nun, and a Texas Ranger who join forces to combat the dark forces within the hotel during an approaching hurricane. Despite being categorized as 'Clockwork Century 6', the book can be enjoyed as a standalone haunted hotel story, with a focus on supernatural elements and a tense, creepy atmosphere.

    The plot of 'Jacaranda' is centered around conflicts between personal values, needs, religious beliefs, and courage, as the characters face a malevolent entity residing within the hotel. The writing style of Cherie Priest is described as beautifully lyrical, taut, and suspenseful, with well-drawn characters and a plot that builds tension effectively. Despite the lack of prominent steampunk elements, the book offers a riveting supernatural horror story with powerful characterization, set in a world that is loosely connected to the Clockwork Century series, providing depth and an eerie, macabre atmosphere.

    The nun’s letter intercepted Juan Miguel Quintero Rios on the road to Port Bolivar. Her handwriting was small and precise, and easy to read—even in the back of a bouncing cart on a rough-paved road ma...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Clockwork Century )

  7. #7
    Uncommon Pleasure
    Book 1 in the series:Uncommon

    Uncommon Pleasure - Uncommon by Anne Calhoun
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    'Uncommon Pleasure' by Anne Calhoun is an erotic anthology featuring ménage scenes in each romance, with loosely connected stories involving recurring characters. The explosive chemistry between the characters, the absence of reliance on 'kinky' scenes, and the author's smooth and edgy writing style with beautifully detailed sex scenes make this book a steamy and engaging read. The plot revolves around characters like Abby and Sean, who navigate complex relationships and emotional conflicts while exploring themes of love, desire, and personal growth.


  8. #8

    No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
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    Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a fortune in drug money near the Texas-Mexico border, setting off a deadly chase involving a drug cartel, a ruthless killer, and the aging Sheriff Bell. The narrative delves into the decay of modern society through Bell's eyes, showcasing McCarthy's unique writing style that mirrors spoken language with a thick Southern accent. The story unfolds with a sense of inevitability, exploring themes of death, violence, and the loss of nature in a brutal, unforgiving landscape.

    McCarthy's novel is a gripping tale of survival, morality, and the relentless pursuit of power and money. The characters, including the larger-than-life antagonist Chigurh, are sharply drawn and engage in a battle of wits as they navigate a world where death looms large and the rules of storytelling are upended. The narrative propels forward with sparse, haunting prose that captures the harsh beauty of the West Texas landscape, leaving readers on edge as they witness the characters' fates unfold.

    I sent one boy to the gaschamber at Huntsville. One and only one. My arrest and my testimony. I went up there and visited with him two or three times. Three times. The last time was the day of his exe...

  9. #9

    The Nightrunners by Joe R. Lansdale
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    In 'The Nightrunners' by Joe R. Lansdale, the story follows Montgomery and Becky Jones, a couple who are trying to mend their fractured marriage following a traumatic event. Becky, a teacher, was brutally raped by some of her students, leading to a deep emotional and physical rift between her and Monty. In an attempt to find solace, they retreat to a friend's cabin in the woods, only to be pursued by the gang responsible for Becky's assault. As the gang, led by the psychopathic Brian Blackwood, closes in on them, a harrowing battle ensues, blending elements of supernatural horror and relentless violence. Lansdale's writing style is described as visceral, dark, and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds with a sense of growing dread and palpable tension.

    Well, he hadn't expected a mere change of scenery to correct that, but right here, near the end of their trip, at the true beginning of their vacation —if that was the proper word—he took it as a bad ...

  10. #10

    What You Wish For by Katherine Center
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    'What You Wish For' by Katherine Center is a heartwarming story set on Galveston Island, Texas, revolving around the life of Samantha Casey, a librarian at an elementary school. The plot unfolds with the unexpected death of the school founder, Max, and the arrival of a new principal, Duncan Carpenter, who brings significant changes to the school. Through a mix of humor, romance, and tackling tough subjects, the book explores themes of joy, grief, and finding happiness in challenging times. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a storyline that keeps readers invested from page one.

    Actually, pretty much everything that night was me. Max and Babette had gone on a last-minute, two-week, second-honeymoon cruise around the boot of Italy that they’d found for a steal—and the return d...

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