Books matching: human resilience
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"Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand is a gripping historical account that follows the incredible life of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic athlete who becomes a prisoner of war in Japanese camps during World War II. The writing style is described as engaging, addicting, and moving, with detailed research and a focus on presenting the harsh realities of war and human nature.
IN THE PREDAWN DARKNESS OF AUGUST 26, 1929, IN THE back bedroom of a small house in Torrance, California, a twelve-year-old boy sat up in bed, listening. There was a sound coming from outside, growing...- #2
Save:Eric Newby's 'Love and War in the Apennines' is a memoir that recounts his experiences during World War II, from being captured by the Germans in Sicily to becoming a prisoner of war in Italy. The narrative follows Newby's escape into the hills where he is sheltered by Italian partisans, falls in love with an Italian nurse, and ultimately gets recaptured. The book captures the hardships of war, the kindness of strangers, and Newby's journey of love and survival in the Apennines.
Newby's writing style is described as immediate and affecting, with a limpid flow that sweeps readers along like a mountain stream. The memoir is praised for its heartfelt storytelling, detailing Newby's wartime escapades, his interactions with the villagers who helped him, and the emotional journey that culminates in finding love amidst the chaos of war.
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Save:A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra is a beautifully written and heart-wrenching novel set in war-torn Chechnya during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The story follows the lives of several characters whose paths become intertwined as they navigate the brutality of war and the lengths they go to for love and survival. Through poignant storytelling and well-developed characters, the book depicts the human resilience and compassion amidst the horrors of conflict, shedding light on the atrocities and struggles faced by individuals in the region.
ON THE MORNING after the Feds burned down her house and took her father, Havaa woke from dreams of sea anemones. While the girl dressed, Akhmed, who hadn’t slept at all, paced outside the bedroom door... - #4
Save:In 'Softly Falling' by Carla Kelly, readers are transported to the Wyoming Territory in 1886, where a small group of individuals come together to survive a brutal winter. The story revolves around Lily Carteret, a resilient and compassionate young woman who finds herself at her father's ranch after being raised in England. As she becomes a teacher to four children on the ranch, she forms deep connections with the diverse characters around her, including the ranch hands, a pack rat, and a cat. Despite the harsh conditions and challenges they face, the group works together to stay alive, emphasizing themes of resilience, community, and human spirit. Kelly's writing style is described as engaging, descriptive, and emotionally impactful, with a focus on historical details and character development.
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Save:The Cellist of Sarajevo is a poignant novel set in a city under siege during the Bosnian war. The story follows the lives of four characters, each struggling to survive and maintain their humanity in the face of war atrocities. The plot revolves around a cellist who vows to play a piece symbolizing hope and rebirth at the site of a massacre each day for 22 days, honoring the victims while risking his life. Through snapshots of daily life, the author paints a vivid picture of the war-torn city and explores themes of resilience, survival, and the impact of war on civilians.
It screamed downward, splitting air and sky without effort. A target expanded in size, brought into focus by time and velocity. There was a moment before impact that was the last instant of things as ... - #6
Save:'The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl' by author Timothy Egan is a gripping narrative that delves into the harrowing experiences of families and communities during the Dust Bowl era in America. Egan brilliantly captures the catastrophic events of blinding black dust blizzards, crop failures, and the struggles of individuals to survive through the darkest years of the Depression. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on the resilience and hardships faced by the stoic men and women who braved the relentless dust storms and economic turmoil, painting a poignant picture of a devastating environmental and human tragedy.
Egan's writing style in 'The Worst Hard Time' has been praised for its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and the ability to humanize the characters who lived through the Dust Bowl. not only provides a historical account of the era but also offers insights into the political, environmental, and societal factors that contributed to the disaster. By focusing on personal narratives and intimate details, Egan brings to life the struggles, sacrifices, and courage of those who endured the unimaginable challenges of the Dust Bowl, making it a compelling and informative read for anyone interested in American history.
THEY HAD BEEN on the road for six days, a clan of five bouncing along in a tired wagon, when Bam White woke to some bad news. One of his horses was dead. It was the nineteenth-century equivalent of a ... - #7
Save:'Desperate Journeys, Abandoned Souls: True Stories of Castaways and Other Survivors' is a gripping account of harrowing survival stories dating back to 1500 onwards. The author delves into little-known tales of human endurance and the lengths individuals will go to stay alive at any cost. The book covers a wide range of survival narratives, from ancient explorers to modern-day survivors, highlighting the depths of human endeavor when faced with extreme circumstances.
The author's writing style is a blend of storytelling, excerpts from journals, and literature, offering a unique and engaging perspective on each survival story. Despite some unnecessary commentary, the book provides eye-opening insights into the primal urge for survival and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Save:'The Watch that Ends the Night' by Hugh MacLennan is a classic Canadian novel set during the Depression and World War II in Montreal. The story revolves around George Stewart, his wife Catherine, and her first husband Jerome, who returns after being presumed dead. The narrative delves into George's mixed emotions towards Jerome's return, the impact on his marriage, and the social structure of Montreal. MacLennan's writing style vividly describes the setting, characters, and the complexities of relationships, making it a compelling read that offers insights into Canada's history and the human condition.
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Save:Perihelion Summer by Greg Egan is a science fiction novella that presents a climate change disaster scenario caused by a pair of small black holes disrupting Earth's orbit. The story follows the protagonist, Matt, as he navigates through the challenges of impending high tides and the need to lead a group of refugees to survivable conditions in Antarctica. Egan's writing style is characterized by a commitment to hard science fiction, rational characters, and a focus on exploring urgent adaptation without assigning blame or denial typically associated with climate change narratives.
Matt’s parents threw a party for New Year’s Eve, filling the house and garden with people and food, music and liquor. His mother had sent invitations to the rest of the crew, but Matt knew that on the... - #10
Save:Set in the Provence region of France during a cholera epidemic in the early 1830s, 'The Horseman on the Roof' follows the journey of Angelo, an Italian nobleman and revolutionary, as he navigates through the catastrophic effects of the pandemic. The book captures the natural wonders of the homeland, the deadly cholera epidemic, and Angelo's gallant adventures as he encounters harrowing scenes and strives to protect those around him. Written by Jean Giono, the story unfolds slowly, revealing the character of Angelo and his unwavering optimism in the face of despair and darkness.
Giono's writing style intricately weaves together descriptions of the countryside suffering from a heatwave, the battle with cholera, and Angelo's encounters with death and survival. The narrative is grounded in the dirt and filth of humanity's darker side, portraying Angelo's struggle for freedom and his belief in the goodness of humanity amidst the bleak reality of the epidemic. The book explores themes of morality, heroism, and the fundamental nature of human resilience in the face of adversity.
Dawn found Angelo mute and yawning but awake. The brow of the hill had protected him from the slight dew that falls in these regions in summer. He rubbed his horse down with a handful of heather and r...
