Books matching: introspective contemplation
61 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.
Early November. It’s nine o’clock. The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can ... - #2
Save:'The Sins of the Fathers' by Lawrence Block follows the story of Matthew Scudder, a former cop turned private investigator, as he delves into the murder of a young prostitute and her suspected killer, the son of a minister. Set in New York City, the plot uncovers sleaze, corruption, and phoney religious cults as Scudder navigates through the city's underbelly to unravel the truth behind the murders. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gritty, and lean, with a focus on character development and a dark, noir atmosphere that captures the essence of 1970s New York.
He was a big man, about my height with a little more flesh on his heavy frame. His eyebrows, arched and prominent, were still black. The hair on his head was iron gray, combed straight back, giving hi... - #3
Save:The Stone and the Flute by Hans Bemmann is a coming of age story that incorporates fairy tale elements and emphasizes the significance of storytelling. The narrative follows a character named Listener who makes poor decisions but grows from them, meeting various individuals along the way. The book is described as a fantasy story about the importance of listening, featuring a mute protagonist and a boy named Listener. The writing style is noted to be poetic, with a structure that weaves together stories within stories, creating an immersive and introspective reading experience.
- #4
Save:"Suicide" by Edouard Leve is a short novel that delves into the concept of suicide through a unique narrative style. Written in a diary-esque, stream of consciousness manner, the book offers a detached account of a friend's suicide. The author's own personal connection to the topic, having committed suicide himself shortly after completing the book, adds a haunting layer to the exploration of the thought process and emotions surrounding suicide. is described as a contemplative piece that presents a deep dive into the psyche of a person contemplating suicide and the impact it has on those left behind.
One Saturday in the month of August, you leave your home wearing your tennis gear, accompanied by your wife. In the middle of the garden you point out to her that you’ve forgotten your racket in the h... - #5
Save:Ada Limon's book 'The Carrying: Poems' is a deeply emotional collection that delves into various themes such as infertility, middle age, personal struggles, nature, and the complexities of human emotions. The poems are described as gorgeous, often heartbreaking, and transcendent, touching on issues of politics, race, gender, and relationships. Limon's writing style is praised for its lyrical beauty, insightful observations, and the ability to capture moments in time that resonate with readers on a personal level.
- #6
Save:'Hotel World' by Ali Smith is a non-traditional novel that follows the interconnected lives of five characters linked by a tragic event at a hotel. The story is told through various narrative voices, including a teenage ghost, a homeless woman, a young front desk worker, and guests connected to the hotel. The book explores themes of love, life, death, and the impact of our lives on others even after we die. The writing style is described as fragmented, challenging, and at times stream of consciousness, offering different perspectives and unique storytelling techniques.
The plot of 'Hotel World' revolves around a freak accident involving a teenage chambermaid at a hotel, leading to a series of narratives from different characters connected to the incident. The prose is both disturbing and funny, with a mix of sorrow, isolation, and poignancy that delves into the psyches of the characters. The book features unusual narrative structures that vividly describe the characters, making readers feel deeply for everyone involved in the interconnected stories.
hooooooo what a fall what a soar what a plummet what a dash into dark into light what a plunge what a glide thud crash what a drop what a rush what a swoop what a fright what a mad hushed skirl what a... - #7
Save:"Swann's Way" by Marcel Proust is a challenging yet rewarding read that delves into themes of memory, obsession, and love. The book follows a young Marcel as he reminisces about his childhood and experiences a parallel obsession with Swann's daughter, Gilberte. Through lush and poetic language, Proust weaves together narratives of Marcel's first love, Swann's tragic obsession with Odette, and the complexities of memory and consciousness. The book meanders through intricate descriptions of characters, emotions, and surroundings, inviting readers to explore the depths of human experience and introspection.
FOR A LONG TIME, I went to bed early. Sometimes, my candle scarcely out, my eyes would close so quickly that I did not have time to say to myself: “I’m falling asleep.” And, half an hour later, the th... - #8
Save:"I Heard the Owl Call My Name" by Margaret Craven is a beautiful and spiritual book set in the Canadian wilderness. The book explores themes of peace, love, understanding, and the indigenous culture of the North Western North American continent. It is a short but powerful story that delves into deep human emotions and reflections on life, death, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The writing style is described as calming, spiritual, and reflective, making it a compelling read that provokes introspection and contemplation.
He stood at the wheel, watching the current stream, and the bald eagles fishing for herring that waited until the boat was almost upon them to lift, to drop the instant it had passed. The tops of the ... - #9
Save:Near to the Wild Heart by Clarice Lispector is a novel that delves into the life of the central character Joana, exploring her philosophical questions, unconventional nature, and introspective journey through childhood, adolescence, marriage, and self-discovery. The narrative style of the book is described as impressionistic, dreamlike, and introspective, reminiscent of modernist writers like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce. Joana's fierce determination to stay true to herself, her complex relationships, and her musings on life, death, and identity are at the core of this extraordinary novel.
Daddy's typewriter was tapping out tac-tac..tac-tac-tac... The clock chimed brightly ting-ting... ting-ting... The silence dragged out zzzzzzz. The wardrobe was saying what? clothes — clothes — clothe... - #10
Save:'Become What You Are' by Alan W. Watts is a collection of essays that delve into various aspects of life, spirituality, and philosophy. The book aims to guide readers towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Through his eloquent writing style, Watts explores complex topics such as Eastern philosophies, the nature of reality, and the importance of living in the present moment. Readers are taken on a thought-provoking journey filled with wisdom and insights, challenging them to question their beliefs and perceptions.
Watts' writing style is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and at times, challenging to grasp. Despite the occasional wordiness, his ability to distill profound wisdom into concise essays is appreciated by readers. The book encourages introspection and self-discovery, urging readers to contemplate their existence, beliefs, and place in the universe. Watts' unique blend of humor, intellect, and spiritual insights makes 'Become What You Are' a compelling read for those seeking enlightenment and a deeper connection to themselves.
AS THE TITLE SUGGESTS, BECOME WHAT YOU ARE is a collection of Alan Watts’s writings that touch on the dilemma of the person who seeks his or her true self, a quest so often undertaken at the expense o...
