Books matching: humor in harsh realities
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- #1
Save:Set in 1870s London, "The Crimson Petal and the White" follows the lives of various characters navigating the stark realities of both poverty and wealth during the Victorian era. The story revolves around Sugar, a prostitute striving to improve her circumstances, and William, a complex character whose actions disappoint and intrigue readers. Michel Faber's writing style immerses readers in the sights and sounds of London, offering a detailed portrayal of the time period.
Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them. This city I am bringing you to is vast and intricate, and you have not been here before. You may imagine, from other stories you’ve read,... - #2
Save:Far Tortuga by Peter Matthiessen is a novel that delves into the lives of a diverse crew of turtle fishermen navigating the challenges of declining sea life in the Caribbean. The book is written in a unique format, described as an extended imagistic prose poem that evokes the Romantic lyricism of Coleridge's works. The story follows the crew's struggles, superstitions, and the encroaching modern world, all portrayed through vivid descriptions of the sea and the characters' dialects.
Figures beneath an almond tree observe the distant rain. Though the water at quaiside, in the lee, is clear and still, the green schooner offshore swings on her mooring. Beyond, the water shades from ... - #3
Save:'Generation Kill' by Evan Wright is a firsthand account of the 2003 invasion of Iraq from the perspective of front line grunts in the First Recon Battalion. The book focuses on the experiences, struggles, and impact of the war on the soldiers rather than just the tactical aspects. Wright provides a vivid and honest portrayal of the Marines, their camaraderie, challenges, and the intense situations they faced during the invasion. The narrative moves fast, capturing the essence of the whirlwind of battle and brotherhood within the platoon.
The book is described as thought-provoking, entertaining, and unexpectedly engaging. It offers a character study of the soldiers involved, showcasing their personalities, interactions, and how the war affected them on emotional and physical levels. Wright's writing style is praised for its unbiased and unvarnished manner, presenting the Marines' hopes, nightmares, successes, and challenges in a raw and authentic way. The book is commended for providing a unique and rare perspective on the war from a non-military standpoint, highlighting the hard work, brotherhood, and struggles of the Marines without a political agenda.
Major General James Mattis calls the men in First Reconnaissance Battalion “cocky, obnoxious bastards.” Recon Marines belong to a distinct military occupational specialty, and there are only about a t... - #4
Save:Miriam Toews' 'Summer of My Amazing Luck' is a poignant yet uplifting story that follows Lucy, an 18-year-old single welfare mom, as she navigates life in low-income housing with her young son. The book beautifully captures the challenges and camaraderie among the diverse group of single mothers facing similar struggles. Through humor, wit, and vivid descriptions, Toews portrays the resilience and hopefulness of these women in the face of poverty and loneliness. The narrative revolves around Lucy's journey of self-discovery and friendship, culminating in a trip to Colorado that brings insights and wisdom to the characters.
Lish had been a lifer even before the trouble started with Serenity Place. She had four daughters, two of them with the same guy and the other two, twins, with a carefree street performer who had fall... - #5
Save:"The Spinning Heart" by Donal Ryan is a novel set in a small Irish village dealing with the aftermath of the economic collapse in 2008. Through a series of interconnected stories told by different characters, the book explores the impact of the recession on the community. The narrative is structured with each chapter offering a unique perspective on the struggles faced by the villagers, creating a mosaic of voices that come together to paint a vivid picture of a town in crisis. The writing style is raw and realistic, capturing the coarse language and bleak reality of the characters' lives with a touch of underlying humor.
MY FATHER STILL lives back the road past the weir in the cottage I was reared in. I go there every day to see is he dead and every day he lets me down. He hasn’t yet missed a day of letting me down. H... - #6
Save:'Edge of Dark Water' by Joe R. Lansdale follows the story of three teenage friends who discover buried bank heist money in their small town. The trio decides to keep the money to fund their trip to California, but soon find themselves pursued by dangerous individuals, including a ruthless killer named Skunk. As they navigate down the Sabine River on a raft, they encounter a series of challenges, well-drawn characters, and unexpected twists. The book combines elements of adventure, thriller, and coming-of-age, set against the backdrop of East Texas during the Great Depression.
The writing style of 'Edge of Dark Water' is described as atmospheric, engaging, and authentic. Lansdale's storytelling keeps readers on edge, with a winding plot that defies predictability. The characters are vibrant and diverse, adding depth to the narrative as they face moral dilemmas, danger, and the harsh realities of their environment. The book is praised for its ability to transport readers to a different time and place, evoking strong emotions and vivid imagery throughout the journey down the river.
- #7
Save:GraceLand by Chris Abani follows the story of Elvis, a young Nigerian boy living in Lagos in the 1980s. Named after an American entertainer, Elvis navigates a tumultuous life filled with family conflicts, poverty, and a desire to escape his circumstances through impersonating Elvis Presley. The book delves into the harsh realities of life in Nigeria, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Abani's writing style weaves together intricate details of Nigerian culture, portraying a vivid picture of both past and present through the eyes of the protagonist.
Elvis stood by the open window. Outside: heavy rain. He jammed the wooden shutter open with an old radio battery, against the wind. The storm drowned the tinny sound of the portable radio on the table... - #8
Save:'Rilla of Ingleside' is a poignant coming-of-age story set during World War I, focusing on Anne Shirley's youngest daughter, Rilla. The narrative follows Rilla's growth from a frivolous teenager to a mature young woman as she navigates the challenges of war, loss, and personal growth. The book delves into the impact of the war on the Blythe family and their community in Prince Edward Island, capturing both the sorrows and triumphs experienced during this tumultuous time. L.M. Montgomery's writing style expertly weaves together themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of historical events.
It was a warm, golden-cloudy, lovable afternoon. In the big living room at Ingleside Susan Baker sat down with a certain grim satisfaction hovering about her like an aura; it was four o’clock and Susa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Anne of Green Gables ) - #9
Save:'The Truce (The Reawakening)' by Primo Levi is a poignant autobiography that serves as a sequel to the author's classic memoir of the Holocaust, 'Survival in Auschwitz.' The book recounts Levi's journey home after his survival in the concentration camp, capturing the chaotic aftermath of the war where jews, refugees, and war victims strive to return home amidst starvation and sickness. Levi's lucid writing style presents vivid descriptions of a wide array of characters, showcasing their strength, resilience, kindness, and cruelty in the face of absurd circumstances. The narrative delves into the harrowing experiences of Levi and his companions as they navigate through various camps, highlighting the struggles and survival instincts of those who endured the atrocities of Auschwitz.
Unlike the somber tone of 'If This is a Man,' 'The Truce' is filled with expectation and hope as Primo Levi documents his circuitous journey home, shedding light on the resilience and optimism that persisted even in the aftermath of the horrors of the concentration camp. Levi's account offers a unique perspective on the post-Holocaust era, challenging common perceptions and providing a thought-provoking narrative that unveils the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity.
- #10
Save:'All Over But the Shoutin'' by Rick Bragg is a memoir that delves into the author's childhood memories and his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful writer. The book narrates the story of overcoming obstacles, reaching goals against all odds, and the deep devotion of a boy to his mother. Bragg writes with style, wit, and compassion, offering a heartfelt account of growing up poor in the South and the impact of familial relationships on his life.
The narrative captures the struggles of poverty, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the author's rise to becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Bragg's writing style is described as powerful, evocative, and emotionally generous, with a focus on authenticity and storytelling. The book resonates with readers through its poignant depiction of courage, adversity, and the unconditional love of a mother, making it a compelling and touching read.
I used to stand amazed and watch the redbirds fight. They would flash and flutter like scraps of burning rags through a sky unbelievably blue, swirling, soaring, plummeting. On the ground they were a ...
