Books matching: love, loss, family
100 result(s)
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- #1
Save:'We're All Damaged' by Matthew Norman follows the story of Andy Carter, a man facing a series of challenges in his life including a sudden divorce, job struggles, and unresolved family issues. Upon learning that his grandfather is dying, Andy returns to his hometown to confront his past and navigate his present struggles. combines humor, emotion, and relatable characters in a modern-day tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as quick, easy, humorous, and refreshing, offering a simple yet engaging storyline that balances emotion with humor.
Our waiter had a button stuck to his apron that said “Ask Me about Bacon Time!” Why in the hell would I remember that? He had to have been wearing, like, thirty buttons—they always do—but that’s the o... - #2
Save:'Beach Music' by Pat Conroy is a saga that spans generations and continents, focusing on the life of Jack McCall and his family and friends. The story delves into themes of family dysfunction, friendship, love, loss, and redemption, weaving together multiple storylines that take place in the South Carolina low country and Italy. The writing style is described as poetic and beautiful, with intricate character development and vivid descriptions of various settings, from the beauty of Rome to the haunting memories of the Holocaust.
At six in the morning, the man at the newspaper stand arrives and begins arranging magazines beneath his canopy. Then a truck enters the piazza from the west carrying bales of Il Messaggero and other ... - #3
Save:Set in Minnesota in 1932, 'This Tender Land' follows the journey of four orphans who escape from an abusive school for Native American children during the Great Depression. The protagonists, Odie, Albert, Mose, and Emmy, embark on a canoe trip down the Mississippi River towards St. Louis, encountering various challenges, characters, and themes of hope, compassion, and growing up along the way. The book delves into the harsh realities faced by the children, the historical backdrop of the Great Depression, and the resilience and bonds formed between the characters.
The writing style of 'This Tender Land' is described as lyrical, poetic, and captivating by readers. The author, William Kent Krueger, intricately weaves together themes of empathy, compassion, and insight within the pages, creating a work of art that is both beautiful and profound. The plot is praised for its depth, historical accuracy, and the way it portrays the characters' journey of escape and self-discovery, evoking strong emotions and leaving readers emotionally invested in the story.
It was an old creature, a mottle of gray and white fur. Almost always, it kept to the edges of the tiny cell, scurrying along the wall to a corner where I’d put a few crumbs of the hard biscuit that h... - #4
Save:'Hello Beautiful' by Ann Napolitano is a poignant and emotionally complex family drama that delves into the relationships between four sisters, Julia, Sylvie, Cecelia, and Emeline, and the ripple effects of trauma across generations. Set between the 1960s and the early 2000s, the novel follows the Padavano sisters as they navigate love, loss, motherhood, and their own identities and desires amidst pivotal historical moments. The core relationships that structure the narrative are between the sisters themselves, with their mother Rose, and with the men that enter their lives, disrupting and reshaping the sisterly unit in different ways.
The novel alternates between the perspectives of Julia and Sylvie, exposing both women's hopes, flaws, and deepest wounds. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, individual identity, forgiveness, and the complexities of sisterhood, all set against the backdrop of a 1970s suburban Chicago setting that immerses readers into the interior lives of its characters and the intergenerational traumas that shape their identities.
- #5
Save:'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart is a story about a privileged family, the Sinclairs, who spend their summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. The book follows Cadence, one of the Sinclair grandchildren, as she returns to the island after a traumatic accident during the summer of fifteen, trying to recover her memories. The plot revolves around the mystery of what happened to Cadence and her friends, known as the Liars, during that fateful summer. The writing style is described as beautifully written, haunting, and with a twist that keeps readers engaged until the end.
The novel is a coming-of-age story with elements of privilege, family dysfunction, love, friendship, and secrets. The narrative unfolds delicately, revealing the story bit by bit as Cadence remembers the events surrounding her accident. The book delves into themes of race, power, greed, and features a shocking twist ending that catches readers by surprise, making it a captivating and heartbreaking read.
Dad was a middling-successful professor of military history. Back then I adored him. He wore tweed jackets. He was gaunt. He drank milky tea. He was fond of board games and let me win, fond of boats a... - #6
Save:'HOMESTEAD' by Rosina Lippi is a captivating account of life in an Austrian village spanning from 1909 to 1977, narrated through the perspectives of various women who are constrained by the societal norms of a close-knit yet supportive community. The intertwined stories of these women offer a complex yet continuous narrative that delves into the challenges and intricacies of their lives, set against the backdrop of a changing world. The book provides insights into the evolution of the village over time, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants as they navigate through love, loss, family, and societal expectations.
The storytelling in 'HOMESTEAD' is praised for its ability to transport readers to the isolated Austrian village, immersing them in the lives of the characters and the unique culture of the community. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the author skillfully weaves together the experiences of different women, shedding light on universal themes such as love, resilience, tradition, and the passage of time. Readers appreciate the depth of the narratives, the rich historical context, and the way in which each chapter builds upon the previous ones, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives that culminates in a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of human experiences.
- #7
Save:'The Moonflower Vine' by Jetta Carleton is a novel that delves into the lives of the Soames family in rural Missouri during the early 20th century. The story unfolds through the perspectives of each family member, exploring their relationships, challenges, and secrets. The narrative is divided into sections, with each chapter focusing on a different character, providing depth and dimension to the family dynamics. The writing style is described as gentle and flowing, slowly revealing the complexities of the characters and their interconnected lives.
My father had a farm on the western side of Missouri, below the river, where the Ozark Plateau levels to join the plains. This is a region cut by creeks, where high pastures rise out of wooded valleys... - #8
Save:The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred is a poignant and emotional tale of love and second chances. The story follows the lives of Alix and Nick, childhood friends who grow up together in the South. The book explores themes of love, tragedy, forgiveness, and misunderstandings, spanning nearly three decades of their relationship. The writing style is described as poetic, beautiful, and atmospheric, with a focus on character development and emotional depth.
Growing up in the Crowley Ridge area of Arkansas, I paid little attention to the sweet gum trees except to admire their brilliant colors during the fall. And maybe to laugh when the Judge cursed each... - #9
Save:The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of Hiram Walker, an enslaved man with a special ability who becomes an Underground Railroad conductor. The book explores themes of love, loss, family, and the liberating power of memory, all while delving into the horrors of slavery. Coates combines his knowledge of slavery with magical realism to create a lyrical and compelling narrative that follows Hiram's journey from the plantation to the Underground Railroad and back.
AND I COULD ONLY have seen her there on the stone bridge, a dancer wreathed in ghostly blue, because that was the way they would have taken her back when I was young, back when the Virginia earth was ... - #10
Save:Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a beautifully written tale set in the 1800s English countryside, centered around a mysterious little girl who is found alive after being thought dead in the river Thames. The story weaves together multiple families' narratives, combining elements of fairy tales, supernatural occurrences, and intricate character development. The book unfolds like a meandering river, slowly revealing the connections between the characters and exploring themes of love, loss, family, and magic.
THERE WAS ONCE an inn that sat peacefully on the bank of the Thames at Radcot, a long day’s walk from the source. There were a great many inns along the upper reaches of the Thames at the time of this...
