Books matching: late 20th century setting
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Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.
Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop ...- #2
Save:'What I Loved' by Siri Hustvedt is a compelling novel set in the New York artistic academic scene, spanning the 1980s and 90s. The book delves into questions of identity, love, loss, and psychological health through the intimate portrayal of characters who navigate complex relationships and personal struggles. The plot unfolds as a blend of friendship, art, literature, and psychological thriller elements, keeping readers engaged as unexpected events shape the lives of the characters. The writing style is described as lyrical, engaging, and emotionally resonant, offering a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of family dynamics, artistic expression, and the intricacies of human connection.
YESTERDAY, I FOUND VIOLET’S LETTERS TO BILL. THEY WERE HIDDEN between the pages of one of his books and came tumbling out and fell to the floor. I had known about the letters for years, but neither Bi... - #3
Save:Billions & Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium by Carl Sagan is a collection of essays that covers a wide range of topics, from science and environmental crises to ethics, nuclear war, and personal reflections. Sagan's writing style is described as accessible, informative, and thought-provoking, with a focus on making complex scientific concepts understandable to a general audience. The book includes a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and scientific insights that aim to inspire curiosity and interest in topics like astronomy, physics, and the importance of science in our lives.
Three hundred million years ago the Earth was covered by vast swamps. When the ferns, horsetails, and club mosses died, they were buried in muck. Ages passed; the remains were carried down underground... "The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames" by Kai Bird is a biography that delves into the life of CIA officer Robert Ames, focusing on his expertise in the Middle East and his relationships in the region. The narrative portrays Ames as a complex figure who navigated the volatile political landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showcasing his dedication to understanding the cultural nuances and historical background of the area. Bird's writing style captures the intricacies of espionage, diplomacy, and personal relationships, offering a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by operatives like Ames.
Ames's story unfolds against the backdrop of key historical events in the Middle East, including the Embassy bombing in Beirut and the rise of fundamentalism in the region. Bird skillfully weaves together the personal and professional aspects of Ames's life, painting a vivid portrait of a man who strived to forge common ground amidst political tensions. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book sheds light on the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and the blurred lines between good and evil in the world of espionage.
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Save:Firestarter is a thrilling tale of a father, Andy McGee, and his young daughter, Charlie, who are on the run from a secret government agency called The Shop. Both Andy and Charlie possess supernatural abilities - Andy has mental domination powers, while Charlie has the ability to start fires with her mind. As they try to lead a normal life, The Shop relentlessly hunts them down, leading to a high-stakes and intense showdown. The book delves deep into the characters' emotions and struggles, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
The plot of Firestarter unfolds with a fast-paced writing style that never feels bogged down or boring, even at 564 pages. King expertly weaves together a story of government experiments, supernatural powers, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. The book explores themes of family, survival, and government conspiracy, making it a captivating read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
While Cap discussed her future with Al Steinowitz in Longmont, Charlie McGee was sitting on the edge of the motel bed in Unit Sixteen of the Slumberland, yawning and stretching. Bright morning sunligh... - #6
Save:'Then She Found Me' by Elinor Lipman is a charming and heartwarming story that follows April Epner, a high school Latin teacher, as she navigates unexpected changes in her life after being contacted by her birth mother, Bernice Graves. The reunion between the two women leads to a series of events that challenge their perceptions of family, love, and relationships. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, wit, and poignant moments, as April explores her identity, reconnects with her biological family, and opens herself up to new possibilities in life.
The narrative style of the book is characterized by a blend of humor, realism, and emotional depth. The author weaves a story that delves into complex family dynamics, adoption issues, and the journey of self-discovery. Through the interactions between April, Bernice, and other characters, the reader is taken on a journey of growth, acceptance, and understanding, as relationships evolve and the characters confront their pasts to embrace a brighter future.
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Save:'The World According to Garp' by John Irving is a novel that follows the life of T.S. Garp, exploring his journey through happy moments followed by tragedies, making readers both sympathize and despise the character. The book delves into complex themes such as feminism, single parenting, marital affairs, and societal issues, all while showcasing Irving's unique storytelling style that blends humor, compassion, and eccentricity.
Irving's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of quirky characters, extreme situations, and bizarre incidents that range from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly sad. The protagonist, T.S. Garp, is a writer whose life mirrors the wacky stories he creates. The novel is a mix of humor, tragedy, and classic storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both eccentric and deeply human.
John Irving, a highly imaginative storyteller whose fictional values and narrative techniques have invited comparison with Charles Dickens and other popular nineteenth-century novelists, was born in E... 'The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America' by George Packer is a narrative journey over the past 30 years of economic and social history in America. Packer weaves together the stories of various individuals to showcase the changes in American society, highlighting winners and losers, and how society has evolved over the years. The book delves into the impact of globalization, reactionary government policies, income inequality, and the concentration of power and wealth in fewer hands, painting a raw and intimate portrait of the struggles faced by ordinary Americans.
Packer's writing style in 'The Unwinding' is reminiscent of John Dos Passos's experimental novels, where he combines real people's stories with newspaper clippings to create a novel-like narrative. The book reads like a story, immersing the reader in the characters' lives and evoking emotions of anger, despair, and hope as it explores the societal changes that have led to the current state of America.
I want to have a frank talk with you tonight about our most serious domestic problem. That problem is inflation.… twenty-twenty-twenty-four hours to go / I wanna be sedated … We must face a time of na...- #9
Save:'101 Reykjavik' by Hallgrimur Helgason is a darkly humorous novel that follows the life of Hlynur, a 30-year-old unemployed Icelandic man living with his mother. The story is told through Hlynur's cynical and blunt perspective, turning everyday events into hilarious and provocative situations. The novel offers insights into Icelandic culture and society, with a focus on Hlynur's unconventional views and interactions with the world around him. The writing style is described as witty, with wordplay and dry humor that adds depth to the narrative.
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Save:In "Sons of Fortune" by Jeffrey Archer, the story revolves around two twin brothers who are separated at birth and grow up in different circumstances, one in privilege and the other in a middle-class setting. Both brothers lead successful lives, one as a war hero and bank executive, and the other as a lawyer and politician. The plot follows their individual journeys and eventual reunion, providing a broad picture of life in mid to late twentieth-century America. The narrative switches between the two brothers, showcasing their similar choices and different outcomes, leading to a dramatic climax where their lives intersect as they both run for governor of Connecticut.
The writing style in "Sons of Fortune" is described as well-crafted, with a tremendous flow and easy readability. The author, Jeffrey Archer, intricately weaves a tale of political, financial, and relational intrigue set against the backdrop of America in the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. The story is filled with character development, multiple storylines, and insightful commentary on the American political system, making it a compelling read for those interested in family sagas and political dramas.
Susan plonked the ice cream firmly on Michael Cartwright’s head. It was the first occasion the two of them had met, or that was what Michael’s best man claimed when Susan and Michael were married twen...
