Books matching: individual struggles
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- #1
Save:A heartbreakingly beautiful, angsty romance that tugs at every heartstring - if you love emotional reads and gut-punching love stories, this one's a must, but expect to reach straight for book two when you finish!
"Bring Down the Stars" by Emma Scott follows the intertwined lives of three main characters - Autumn, Weston, and Connor. The story revolves around a complicated love triangle where both men are in love with the same girl, Autumn. The plot delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, love, and personal struggles as the characters navigate through heartbreak, deception, and conflicting emotions. The writing style is described as poignant, emotional, and engaging, with elements of poetry woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and intensity to the story.
August 2018•284 pages - #2
Save:A classic, moving tale about friendship and loss that balances imagination with real-life challenges. Expect to be inspired - and maybe shed a few tears.
Bridge to Terabithia is a heartwarming story about friendship and imagination, focusing on the bond between two young children, Jess and Leslie. The two friends create a magical kingdom in the woods, Terabithia, where they escape their reality and face challenges together. The book takes a turn when a tragic event occurs, forcing Jess to navigate through loss and find strength in the memories and teachings of Leslie. The writing style is engaging and emotionally impactful, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into the world of Terabithia.
One time last year Jesse had won. Not just the first heat but the whole shebang. Only once. But it had put into his mouth a taste for winning. Ever since he’d been in first grade he’d been that “crazy...January 1972•152 pages A beautifully written, thoughtful collection - part slice-of-life, part folklore, all heart. Worth reading if you enjoy literary fiction or want a window into a vanished world.
'Gimpel the Fool and Other Stories' by Isaac Bashevis Singer is a collection of stories that take the readers on a journey through time, depicting the lives of Jewish peasants living in Frampol, a village close to the Polish city of Zamosc. The stories are a mix of fantasy and real-life experiences, with some being quite hysterical and others dark. The author portrays meaningful relationships and explores how fragile life was for these people, who clung onto anything that could provide hope during difficult times. Through the tales of heroes and villains, Singer entertains and prompts readers to reflect on their own lives.
is considered a historical portrait of Jewish life and culture in a bygone age, offering insights into a different era. The stories in the collection are described as entertaining, thought-provoking, and memorable, with some readers finding inspiration and a renewed passion for storytelling after reading them. Despite differing opinions on the stylistic merits of the book, many readers appreciate the unique perspective it provides on rural Eastern Europe and the universal themes of human challenges and self-reliance.
1953•240 pages- #4
Save:A gorgeously written, multi-layered WWII novel that offers a fresh perspective and lingers long after the last page - but its leisurely pace and fragmented narrative may not suit everyone.
"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully crafted story set during World War II, focusing on the parallel lives of a French blind girl, Marie Laure, and a German orphan boy, Werner. The book intricately weaves together their individual experiences, struggles, and choices, ultimately leading to a fateful encounter. Through short chapters alternating between characters, the author paints a vivid picture of the war's atrocities and the interconnectedness of lives amidst chaos, showcasing the humanity on both sides of the conflict.
In a corner of the city, inside a tall, narrow house at Number 4 rue Vauborel, on the sixth and highest floor, a sightless sixteen-year-old named Marie-Laure LeBlanc kneels over a low table covered en...May 2014•547 pages - #5
Save:A raw and realistic slice of Napoleonic history - short, stark, and influential. Best for fans of military fiction and historical accuracy over character-driven drama.
"Rifleman Dodd" by C.S. Forester is set during the Peninsular War and follows the story of a soldier, Dodd, who is cut off from his retreating army and must find a way to navigate through the French troops blocking his path. is praised for its portrayal of the realities of battle and the consequences of war, with a focus on the personal experiences of individual characters like Dodd and the French troops. The writing style is described as gripping, technically well-researched, and emotionally engaging, drawing readers into the storyline and evoking empathy for the characters.
1932•211 pages - #6
Save:A visually gorgeous and emotionally sincere graphic novel - great for young readers exploring identity and family, but may not satisfy those seeking a super detailed cultural exploration or don’t click with whimsical storytelling.
The YA graphic novel 'Pashmina' follows teenager Priyanka Das as she embarks on a journey to discover her family's history, cultural heritage, and her own identity. Through the discovery of a magical shawl, Priyanka is transported to India and learns about her mother's past, her absent father, and the complexities of her extended family relationships. The story is a blend of fantasy and heartfelt family narrative, beautifully illustrated with lush colors that come alive in the sequences involving the magical shawl.
Priyanka's quest for self-discovery leads her to explore themes of cultural identity, women's rights, family dynamics, and the importance of new perspectives. As she navigates her way through her heritage, she uncovers the power of storytelling, the significance of family bonds, and the beauty of embracing different aspects of her identity.
October 2017•176 pages - #7
Save:A dark, literary dive into the fallout of America’s industrial decline - beautifully written, quietly devastating, and perfect for those who appreciate realism and tough, thought-provoking stories.
'American Rust' by Philipp Meyer is a novel set in a decaying mining town in Western Pennsylvania, focusing on the lives of two high school friends, Poe and Isaac, who dream of escaping their deteriorating surroundings. The story unfolds as a crime occurs, altering the course of their lives forever. The novel delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, broken dreams, and the consequences of choices made in a bleak and harsh environment.
Isaac's mother was dead five years but he hadn't stopped thinking about her. He lived alone in the house with the old man, twenty, small for his age, easily mistaken for a boy. Late morning and he wal...2008•409 pages - #8
Save:A thoughtful and steamy slow-burn romance with a diverse cast and lots of family drama - come for the sizzle, stay for the emotional payoff. Best for lovers of character-driven, layered contemporary romance.
'Wrong to Need You' by Alisha Rai is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the complex dynamics of love, family relationships, and second chances. The story follows Jackson and Sadia, who were once best friends but drifted apart for ten years due to misunderstandings and unspoken feelings. When Jackson returns to town, their rekindled connection brings to light past secrets, family drama, and the challenges of balancing personal desires with familial responsibilities. The narrative unfolds with a slow-burn romance, rich character development, and emotional depth, capturing the struggles and triumphs of the protagonists as they navigate their way towards a possible happily ever after.
They were big, the perfect size to grasp her ass and grip her tight. Or to wrap around her neck while his thumbs settled into the hollow at the base of her throat. Or to cup her breast and lift it to...November 2017•369 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Forbidden Hearts ) - #9
Save:In Kenneth Calhoun's debut novel 'Black Moon', a mysterious epidemic of chronic sleeplessness sweeps the world, plunging society into chaos as sleep-deprived populations become dissociated, mad, and ultimately violent. The storyline follows a handful of individuals who are immune to the insomnia, focusing on their struggles to survive in a world where sleep is the rarest and most precious commodity. Through various perspectives, including those of characters like Matt Biggs, Carolyn, Chase, and Lila, the narrative unfolds as they navigate a dystopian reality where the ability to dream becomes a waking nightmare.
Calhoun's dark and hallucinatory writing style confronts the reader with a deeply human exploration of one of our primal needs and fears, skillfully weaving a tale of desperation, violence, and survival in a world where money and drugs are powerless against the plague of sleeplessness. The author's creation of a new dialect for the insomniacs, along with vivid descriptions of the characters' struggles and the collapse of reality, adds a creative and thought-provoking layer to the narrative.
BIGGS RAN IN BURSTS DOWN THE STREET, wanting to move quickly but without attracting attention. These dark blocks between their building and the ransacked drugstore were sketchy. He moved through the c...March 2014•289 pages - #10
Save:'Noah' in the series 'The Mitchell/Healy Family' by author Jennifer Foor follows the story of Noah, a young man torn between the life on his family ranch and the desire to explore beyond his familiar surroundings. When he meets Shalan, a woman with her own struggles, their instant chemistry leads to a complex relationship that challenges their preconceptions of love and life choices. The book beautifully captures the evolution of their connection, blending moments of heartwarming affection with intense emotional conflicts. Foor's writing style intricately weaves together themes of family dynamics, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
“Come on, Noah. Stay the night with me.” A finger trailed over my chest where she’d already unbuttoned my flannel shirt. I couldn’t help but watch her lips over-annunciate the words as she spoke to me...May 2014•450 pages
