Books matching: masterful characterization
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- #1
Save:The Wings of the Dove by Henry James is a complex novel that follows the story of a young couple, Kate Merton and Merton Densher, who want to marry but lack the financial means. Their plan takes a twist when a wealthy American heiress, Milly, falls in love with Merton. Kate, realizing that Milly is terminally ill, orchestrates a scheme for Merton to woo Milly in hopes of inheriting her wealth. The plot is filled with intricate human emotions, guilt, and a journey to Venice, but some readers find the writing long-winded and filled with verbose observations, leading to a loss of emotional impact.
The novel is praised for its masterful characterization by Henry James, particularly in the creation of Milly, Kate, and Densher. While some readers appreciate the depth of the characters and the intriguing plot, others find the book challenging to get through due to James' verbose writing style, making it a tough read at times. Despite the intricate plot and character development, there are mixed opinions on whether the book lives up to James' other works or falls short in terms of readability and engagement.
1828 Construction begins on the first house on the north side of Washington Square; over the next thirty years Washington Square North will become the most expensive and fashionable street bordering W... - #2
Save:In 'Gods Behaving Badly' by Marie Phillips, the Greek gods find themselves living in a dilapidated London house, their powers diminishing as belief in them wanes. The story follows the amusing antics of the gods as they navigate day jobs, relationships, and schemes to entertain themselves, often involving mortals. The book offers a clever and original take on mythology, blending humor, wit, and imaginative sequences to create a fun and light-hearted read.
The author, Marie Phillips, skillfully humanizes the characters of the Greek gods, portraying them in a modern setting with humorous and relatable personalities. The plot weaves together elements of ancient mythology with contemporary London life, resulting in a delightful romp filled with laugh-out-loud moments, irreverent humor, and a touch of romance. Overall, 'Gods Behaving Badly' presents a fresh and entertaining twist on Greek mythology that will appeal to readers looking for a fun and engaging story.
The tree was standing alone in a sheltered part of the slope. To the untrained eye, the casual passerby, it probably just looked like a normal tree. But Artemis’s eye was far from untrained, and she r... In Alexander Chee's 'How to Write an Autobiographical Novel', he delves deep into his past, exploring his boyhood, life as a student, and the years leading up to becoming a writer. The book is a collection of essays that weave through his life experiences, from the early years of AIDS in San Francisco to the aftermath of a traumatic event that shaped him. Chee's writing style gently reveals his personal journey, touching on themes of identity, writing, and overcoming childhood traumas.
I WAS ONE OF twelve students in Chiapas from my high school that summer, on what now seems like an odd program: we lived there with the Mexican students who lived with us during the year, but unlike t...- #4
Save:In "Mark of the Fool 5," readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with likeable characters, creative plot elements, and a good story. The book is praised for its ability to keep readers entertained and engaged, with unexpected twists and turns that keep them on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around Alex and his friends who face stronger enemies, leading to a fantastic battle that leaves readers hyped up. The book showcases a strong sense of camaraderie among the characters, with a perfect blend of protection, teasing, and laughter, making them feel like a fiercely protective family.
The plot of the book is described as fantastic, with mysteries and secrets woven intricately throughout, maintaining a theme of scientific investigation. While the series has evolved from a school setting to a larger mystery, the author expertly balances action, romance, and growth, creating a RPG-style story that is both funny and engaging. The characters are well-developed, and the storytelling is fabulous, providing a perfect mix of entertainment and anticipation for what comes next in the series.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Mark of the Fool ) - #5
Save:Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a poignant and thought-provoking story that follows the journey of Charlie Gordon, a man with a low IQ who undergoes an experimental operation to increase his intelligence, leading him from innocence to genius and back again. The narrative is primarily written from Charlie's perspective, providing a deep exploration of his emotional and intellectual growth, as well as the impact of his changing relationships with those around him. Through Charlie's experiences, the book delves into themes of intelligence, happiness, humanity, and the importance of empathy in everyday interactions.
The story also touches on the ethical dilemmas of the experiment, the consequences of tampering with nature, and the societal treatment of individuals with different levels of intelligence. Keyes skillfully weaves together a narrative that challenges perceptions of intelligence, identity, and human connection, creating a touching and timeless tale that resonates with readers long after they finish the book.
progris riport 1 martch 3 Dr Strauss says I shoud rite down what I think and remembir and evrey thing that happins to me from now on. I dont no why but he says its importint so they will see if they c... - #6
Save:'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness is a heart-wrenching story about a 13-year-old boy named Conor who is struggling to cope with his mother's terminal cancer. Throughout the book, Conor is visited by a monster who guides him through dealing with his mother's illness and helps him confront his deepest fears and emotions. The story explores themes of grief, loss, and acceptance in a poignant and honest manner. The writing style is described as beautifully written, quick-paced, and emotionally impactful, with illustrations that complement the narrative perfectly.
He’d had a nightmare. Well, not a nightmare. The nightmare. The one he’d been having a lot lately. The one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming. The one with the hands slipping from his gr... - #7
Save:Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin is a powerful and moving novel set in Paris in the 1950s, revolving around David, an American living in Paris who finds himself torn between his fiancée Hella and his passionate relationship with Giovanni, a young Italian man. The book explores themes of love, identity, societal expectations, and the struggles of embracing one's true self. Through Baldwin's masterful writing, the story delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and desires, painting a vivid picture of the characters' internal conflicts and external challenges they face in a society that is not accepting of their love.
ISTAND AT THE window of this great house in the south of France as night falls, the night which is leading me to the most terrible morning of my life. I have a drink in my hand, there is a bottle at m... - #8
Save:Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin is a powerful and emotionally intense novel that delves into the lives of the Grimes family in Harlem. The story follows 14-year-old John Grimes as he navigates his complex relationships with his strict preacher father, Gabriel, and his own spiritual journey. Through a series of flashbacks and prayer segments, the reader is taken on a journey through the family's past, struggles, and deep-rooted faith. Baldwin's writing style is poetic, raw, and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the characters' inner turmoil and the societal challenges they face.
EVERYONE had always said that John would be a preacher when he grew up, just like his father. It had been said so often that John, without ever thinking about it, had come to believe it himself. Not u... In the book 'The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea' by Yukio Mishima, the story revolves around Noboru, a 13-year-old boy who idolizes a sailor named Ryuji. However, Noboru's admiration turns to disdain when Ryuji chooses a domestic life with Noboru's mother over a life at sea. This decision triggers a revenge plot by Noboru and his friends, leading to a disturbing and shocking ending. The narrative delves into themes of masculinity, youth, and the clash between traditional values and modern influences, all portrayed through Mishima's elegant and captivating prose style.
The book explores the complexities of relationships and the dark aspects of human nature, with a focus on the distorted perceptions of the characters and the consequences of their actions. Mishima skillfully weaves together a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge, creating a haunting and impactful story that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.
Noboru’s mother closed his bedroom door and locked it. What would she do if there were a fire? Let him out first thing—she had promised herself that. But what if the wooden door warped in the heat or ...- #10
Save:'The Puppet Masters' by Robert A. Heinlein is a science fiction novel that revolves around an alien invasion where slug-like creatures attach themselves to humans, taking over their bodies and minds. The story follows secret agents Sam and Mary as they join forces to combat the alien presence, facing car chases, gun battles, and abduction while developing a romantic relationship amidst the chaos. Heinlein's writing style in this novel is fast-paced, packed with action scenes, and evokes a sense of intense squeamishness with the insidious power of the alien invaders.
With the Soviets it seems certain that they did not invent anything. They simply took the communist power-for-power’s-sake and extended it without any “rotten liberal sentimentality” as the commissars...
