Books matching: life and death decisions
30 result(s)
- #1
In a near future world where self-driving cars are the norm, a group of passengers find themselves targeted by a hacker who takes control of their vehicles, setting them on a collision course with each other. As their secrets are revealed to the public through social media, a jury must decide who will live and who will die. The fast-paced thriller explores themes of privacy, technology, and the consequences of giving up control to artificial intelligence.
The plot of "The Passengers" by John Marrs unfolds as a chilling warning about the dangers of AI and the potential consequences of technology becoming too advanced. The narrative delves into the lives of the diverse group of passengers, their hidden secrets, and the manipulation of public opinion through social media, creating a suspenseful and harrowing story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
She lingered inside the porch, re-reading the notes she had made on her phone until she heard the faint beep-beep-beep of the alarm as the house secured itself. She gave a furtive glance across the su... - #2
'Ramage' by Dudley Pope is the first book in the 'Lord Ramage' series, set in the English navy during Napoleon's time. The story follows Lt. Lord Nicholas Ramage, who becomes the captain of a sinking ship after a sea battle. Despite facing troubles and enemies from his past, Ramage must navigate through court martials, rescue missions, and romantic entanglements. The book is filled with nautical and sailing technical talk, providing an authentic feel to the Age of Sail era, with some readers appreciating the explanations of sailing terms.
The plot of 'Ramage' introduces readers to Ramage's character, his struggles, and his relationships with other characters in the series. The book combines elements of naval battles, romance, and court dramas, offering a mix of action and intrigue within the historical context of the British Navy during the Napoleonic era. Readers are taken on an adventure as Ramage faces challenges, makes tough decisions, and strives to prove himself despite the odds.
Ramage felt dazed and grabbed at the thoughts rushing through his head: he guessed it was a nightmare, so he would soon wake up safely in his cabin; but for the moment his mind was apparently separate... - #3
In 'Velocity' by Dean Koontz, the protagonist Billy Wiles, a bartender, finds himself in a terrifying situation when he starts receiving cryptic notes from a killer, forcing him to make life-and-death decisions. The book is a fast-paced thriller with elements of horror and suspense, as Billy races against time to unravel the mystery and save himself and his loved ones from danger. The story delves into themes of choice, morality, and the consequences of one's actions, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the surprising revelations at the end.
The plot of 'Velocity' revolves around Billy's struggle to navigate a twisted game orchestrated by a psychopathic killer, where he must decide between two horrifying outcomes. The narrative unfolds with gripping intensity, exploring the complexities of human nature and the darkness that lies within. Dean Koontz weaves a tale that challenges the reader to ponder moral dilemmas and the limits of compassion, making 'Velocity' a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Although he had a head reminiscent of a squash ball and the heavy rounded shoulders of a sumo wrestler, Ned was an athletic man only if you thought barroom jabber and grudge-holding qualified as sport... - #4
Ian McEwan's 'The Children Act' follows the life of Fiona Maye, a family court judge facing both personal and professional challenges. Her husband requests an open marriage while she must decide whether a 17-year-old Jehovah's Witness should receive a life-saving blood transfusion against his wishes. Through Fiona's narrative, the book delves into themes of obsession, love, and the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The writing style is described as vivid, fluid, and dynamic, capturing Fiona's inner turmoil and the weight of her decisions.
LONDON. TRINITY TERM one week old. Implacable June weather. Fiona Maye, a High Court judge, at home on Sunday evening, supine on a chaise longue, staring past her stockinged feet toward the end of the... - #5
Doctors by Erich Segal tells the story of medical students at Harvard School of Medicine. The plot explores their personal and professional lives, detailing the intense challenges they face as they navigate their medical education and careers. It intertwines themes of love and destiny, especially focusing on the relationship between two main characters, Barney and Laura.
The writing style captures the grueling journey of becoming a doctor with empathy and insight. However, readers note that the transitions between characters can be abrupt, making it challenging to follow, especially in e-book format. Despite these issues, many find the book engaging and worth reading for its honest portrayal of the medical profession and the emotional struggles of its characters.
Polio was on the rampage that year. The Angel of Death seemed to be stalking every street in the city. Most Brooklyn parents who could afford it were sending their children to the rural safety of plac... 'Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital' by Sheri Fink provides a harrowing and detailed account of the events at Memorial Hospital in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. The author meticulously reconstructs the choices made by doctors, nurses, and patients in the face of overwhelming stress and hardship, resulting in questionable decisions, legal proceedings, and an exploration of ethical dilemmas in extreme circumstances. Fink's writing style immerses readers in the hospital setting, portraying the stark realities, split-second life-and-death decisions, and the aftermath of the tragic events that unfolded during those five days.
FOR CERTAIN NEW ORLEANIANS, Memorial Medical Center was the place you went to ride out each hurricane that the loop current of the Gulf of Mexico launched like a pinball at the city. But chances are y...- #7
'Lone Wolf' by Jodi Picoult revolves around a man, Luke, who is a wolf specialist and lives with wolves in the wild. After Luke is in a severe car accident and ends up in a vegetative state, his family is faced with the dilemma of making medical decisions for him, leading to a conflict over guardianship. The story delves into family dynamics, moral and ethical dilemmas, and the parallels between human families and wolf packs. Picoult skillfully explores the themes of family strife, secrets, and the difficult decisions that need to be made in challenging situations, all while incorporating informative details about wolves and their behavior.
The narrative style of the book involves multiple perspectives, showcasing the emotions and feelings of each character in a unique yet relatable manner. Despite the family drama and courtroom battles, the book also provides insightful information about wolves, their pack dynamics, and the complexities of relationships, both human and animal. Throughout the story, Picoult weaves together the themes of love, loss, hope, and tough choices, creating a thought-provoking and engaging read that keeps readers captivated until the end.
I was thirteen, and I’d just moved back in with my father. Or, more accurately, my clothes were once again hanging in my former bedroom, but I was living out of a backpack in a trailer on the north en... - #8
The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin is a historical fiction novel that delves into the harrowing events of the Schoolchildren's Blizzard that struck the plains states in 1888. The story primarily follows two teenage sisters, Raina and Gerda Olsen, who are school teachers in the Dakota and Nebraska territories. As the unexpected blizzard hits, the sisters are faced with life and death decisions for themselves and their students, setting the stage for a gripping tale of survival, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of their choices. Through vivid storytelling and multiple character perspectives, the author paints a poignant picture of the blizzard's aftermath and the personal struggles faced by the individuals caught in its path.
The prairie was burning, snapping and hissing, sparks flying in every direction, propelled by the scorching wind. Sparks falling as thick as snowflakes in winter, burning tiny holes in cloth, stinging... "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" by Richard Flanagan is a powerful and harrowing novel that delves into the experiences of Australian prisoners of war in Siam during World War II. The story follows Dorrigo Evans, a doctor and commanding officer of the POWs, as he navigates the brutal conditions of the Japanese work camp, the aftermath of the war, and his complex relationships. The narrative seamlessly weaves between past and present, exploring themes of love, humanity, and the horrors of war with haunting detail and emotional depth.
The book is structured around the building of the Burma death railway, providing graphic descriptions of the dehumanizing treatment endured by both the prisoners and their Japanese captors. Flanagan skillfully incorporates multiple perspectives, including those of Australian, Japanese, and Korean characters, offering insights into the complexities of wartime experiences and the lasting impact on individuals. Through a blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling, the novel highlights themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the search for meaning in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Why at the beginning of things is there always light? Dorrigo Evans’ earliest memories were of sun flooding a church hall in which he sat with his mother and grandmother. A wooden church hall. Blindin...- #10
In "Touch of Power" by Maria V. Snyder, the story follows Avry, a healer living in a world where healers are hunted and feared. Avry's journey of selflessness and bravery unfolds as she navigates a dangerous world filled with wars, death, and prejudice. The plot revolves around Avry's decision to heal a sick child, leading to her imprisonment and subsequent rescue by a group of men with their own motives. As Avry grapples with her past and the challenges of her present, she must decide whether to risk her life to save someone who could potentially change the fate of their world.
The little girl wouldn’t stop crying. I didn’t blame her. She was dying, after all. Her lungs were so full of fluid she’d drown in another few hours. Tossing and turning on my thin mattress, I listene...