Books matching: mortality
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- #1
Save:A fun, twisty, and addictive start to a popular urban fantasy series - great for fans of supernatural YA and quirky, action-packed adventures, but not for everyone. Expect drama, demons, and just enough sass to keep you coming back for more.
"City of Bones" follows the story of Clary, a teenage girl who discovers a hidden world of Shadowhunters, angels, and demons after her mother disappears. Set in New York City, the plot revolves around Clary's journey to uncover the truth about her past, her connection to the supernatural world, and her attempts to save her mother. The writing style is described as engaging, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers into the fantastical world created by the author, Cassandra Clare.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” the bouncer said, folding his arms across his massive chest. He stared down at the boy in the red zip-up jacket and shook his shaved head. “You can’t bring that thing in...2007•561 pages A thoughtful, compassionate, and necessary book about aging, dying, and the choices that shape the end of our stories. Read it before you think you need to - your future self and loved ones will thank you.
'Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End' by Atul Gawande is a deeply touching examination of how Americans deal with end-of-life issues. The author draws on his own medical practice and personal experiences to highlight the importance of prioritizing quality of life and dignity in the final stages. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and medical research, Gawande explores the societal approach to mortality, advocating for a shift towards hospice care, terminal care, and individual autonomy in end-of-life decision-making. The book presents a thought-provoking narrative on the need for open conversations about mortality and the importance of respecting the wishes of the elderly and terminally ill individuals.
Growing up, I never witnessed serious illness or the difficulties of old age. My parents, both doctors, were fit and healthy. They were immigrants from India, raising me and my sister in the small col...October 2014•303 pages- #3
Save:A moving, beautifully written memoir that explores life, death, purpose, and the human spirit - guaranteed to make you reflect on what really matters. Highly recommended, especially for fans of introspective nonfiction.
In "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi, readers are taken on a poignant journey through the author's experiences as a neurosurgeon facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. The book beautifully captures Kalanithi's reflections on life, death, and the pursuit of meaning amidst his battle with illness. Through eloquent writing and a blend of medical insights, personal anecdotes, and literary references, Kalanithi shares his profound thoughts on mortality, resilience, and the importance of living purposefully even in the face of imminent death.
PAUL DIED ON MONDAY, March 9, 2015, surrounded by his family, in a hospital bed roughly two hundred yards from the labor and delivery ward where our daughter, Cady, had entered the world eight months...January 2016•244 pages - #4
Save:A promising, atmospheric start to an epic fantasy saga with a touch of mystery and slow-burn romance - just be prepared for more questions than answers, and some waiting between releases.
The novella "The Scepter" by J. Bree is a fantasy prequel to "The Crown of Oaths and Curses" and the first book in "The Mortal Fates" series. It follows Rooke, a powerful and intriguing character, as she embarks on a dangerous journey alongside her brother, Pemba. The story introduces a world filled with witches, faes, goblins, and other mystical creatures, setting the stage for a war between different factions. Readers are drawn into Rooke's story, eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding her fate and the challenges she will face.
The writing style of J. Bree captivates readers with vivid descriptions, intricate world-building, and compelling character relationships. The novella lays a strong foundation for the series, providing important background information on Rooke and setting the tone for the adventures and conflicts to come in the subsequent books.
2023•88 pages - #5
Save:Atmospheric and addictive, Clockwork Angel is a fun start to the Infernal Devices trilogy - brimming with magic, romance, and lovable (and hateable!) characters, especially if you’re already a Shadowhunter fan.
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare is a steampunk novel set in Victorian London, following the story of Tessa Gray, a girl who discovers her rare ability to shapeshift into other people. Kidnapped by the Dark Sisters, she is rescued by Shadowhunters and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother while uncovering the evil forces behind the Pandemonium Club. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot full of action, diverse characters, and the infusion of historical references and literature in a dark paranormal setting.
Set in the 1800s England, the novel introduces readers to a world of Shadowhunters, downworlders, and a clockwork army led by the Magister, all while exploring themes of love, friendship, and supernatural circumstances. The writing style is commended for its simplicity yet effective blend of historical reality and steampunk paranormal fantasy, making it an engaging read for both teens and adults who enjoy dark, action-packed stories with well-developed characters.
Tessa set the book she had been reading down on the bedside table, and turned to see Miranda standing in the doorway of her small room—just as she did at this time every day, delivering the same messa...2010•516 pages - #6
Save:A gorgeously written, thoughtful reimagining of a classic myth - ideal for readers who enjoy strong, complex heroines and a modern spin on ancient stories.
In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.
When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist. They called me nymph, assuming I would be like my mother and aunts and thousand cousins. Least of the lesser goddesses, our powers were so modes...April 2018•422 pages A beautifully written, thoughtful exploration of death anxiety and how acknowledging our limits helps us live more meaningfully. Read it when you're ready for deep reflection and want a comforting but honest companion on the topic of mortality.
Irvin D. Yalom's book 'Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death' delves into the exploration of mortality and the fear of death. Through a combination of personal experiences, patient stories, literature, and philosophy, Yalom offers solutions to help readers alleviate their death anxiety. The book is described as a blend of psychology, philosophy, and practical advice, encouraging readers to confront their mortality and live a more fulfilling life. Yalom's writing style is praised for being engaging, conversational, and thought-provoking, making the heavy topic of death approachable and enlightening.
Self-awareness is a supreme gift, a treasure as precious as life. This is what makes us human. But it comes with a costly price: the wound of mortality. Our existence is forever shadowed by the knowle...March 2008•319 pages- #8
Save:A wildly inventive, action-packed YA adventure set in a world where cities hunt cities - perfect for fans of imaginative steampunk and breakneck storytelling, as long as you don’t mind a bit of YA simplicity or suspend-your-disbelief worldbuilding.
In a post-apocalyptic world where traction cities roam the wastelands devouring each other for survival, "Mortal Engines" follows the journey of Tom, an apprentice, and Hester, a mysterious assassin, as they unravel a sinister plot in the mobile city of London. The story is filled with action, adventure, and complex characters navigating themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and survival. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and at times dark, appealing to both young adult and adult readers with its dystopian setting and intricate world-building.
In happier times, London would never have bothered with such feeble prey. The great Traction City had once spent its days hunting far bigger towns than this, ranging north as far as the edges of the I...2001•399 pages - #9
Save:A must-read for Shadowhunter fans and a solid urban fantasy with great characters - just be prepared for lots of angst, some familiar tropes, and a hefty dose of drama along with the adventure.
"Lady Midnight" by Cassandra Clare is a continuation of the Shadowhunters series, picking up five years after the conclusion of The Mortal Instruments. The story follows Emma and Julian, who are now grown up, along with other orphans. The book is praised for its intricate plot full of twists and turns, adventures, and a shocking ending that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. The writing style is described as immersive, with well-developed characters and a deep connection to the Shadowhunter world.
Disconsolate noises came from the other end of the phone. Emma was barely able to decipher them—the reception wasn’t particularly good on the roof of the Sepulchre Bar. She paced along the edge of the...2014•742 pages - #10
Save:Fast-paced, science-filled, and full of twisty drama, "This Mortal Coil" offers a refreshingly geeky spin on the YA dystopian genre - perfect for fans of tense, morally complex adventures with a sci-fi edge.
In a future world plagued by a deadly virus that turns people into cannibals, the story follows Catarina, a talented hacker and the daughter of a renowned geneticist. Her father was taken by a shady organization, Cartaxus, to create a vaccine against the disease. When a soldier from Cartaxus informs Cat that she holds the key to decoding the vaccine, she embarks on a journey with him to uncover the truth about her father and the vaccine. The plot is filled with unexpected twists, complex characters, and a final revelation that sets the stage for a sequel to this thrilling science fiction, dystopian, and romantic adventure.
The book explores themes of genetic manipulation, biotechnology, survival in a post-apocalyptic world, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The writing style seamlessly weaves futuristic tech jargon, gene sequencing, and scientific principles into the narrative, creating a fresh and smart post-apocalyptic story that feels both realistic and relevant. The characters are well-developed and dynamic, with Cat being portrayed as a strong and realistic heroine who grapples with self-doubt and complex emotions, while the world-building is inventive and the core story is riveting.
IT’S SUNSET, AND THE SKY is aflame, not with clouds or dust, but with the iridescent feathers of a million genehacked passenger pigeons. They soar across the sky like a live impressionist painting in...November 2017•456 pages
