Books matching: pacing issues in narrative
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Fair Play offers a smart, actionable system for dividing domestic labor - especially powerful for women in traditional family setups - but it can feel narrow and biased, so it's not for everyone.
"Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do" by Eve Rodsky tackles the issue of household responsibilities and the imbalance of workload between partners. It introduces a system of cards and tasks aimed at redistributing the work and emotional labor within a relationship. The writing style is described as opinionated and at times biased, focusing heavily on the challenges faced by women in traditional heterosexual relationships while overlooking other family structures.
October 2019•368 pages- #2
Save:A fun, if imperfect, homage to Agatha Christie - The Monogram Murders is a complex, twisty mystery that delivers on puzzling intrigue but may leave Christie diehards longing for the master’s original touch. Worth a try for mystery lovers, especially if you read it as a loving pastiche rather than a true Christie novel.
In 'The Monogram Murders' by Sophie Hannah, Hercule Poirot finds himself drawn into a mysterious triple homicide investigation while on vacation. Teaming up with Inspector Catchpool of Scotland Yard, they navigate through a complex web of motives, relationships, and false leads in a surprisingly unfriendly village. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes as they try to unravel the intricately woven mystery set in 1920s London. The writing style is described as wordier and more descriptive than Agatha Christie's, with a tone that may not fully capture the essence of the original Poirot novels.
“ALL’S I’M SAYING IS, I don’t like her,” the waitress with the flyaway hair whispered. It was a loud whisper, easily overheard by the solitary customer in Pleasant’s Coffee House. He wondered whether...September 2014•355 pages - #3
Save:A funny but messier follow-up - worth reading if you loved Don, but don't expect all the magic of the first book.
In the sequel to 'The Rosie Project,' 'The Rosie Effect' follows Don Tillman and Rosie as they navigate married life in New York City, with Rosie's unexpected pregnancy throwing a new challenge their way. Don, a socially inept but brilliant genetics professor, finds himself diving into the world of pregnancy and parenthood with his logical and methodical approach, leading to humorous misadventures and strained relationships. The book explores Don's attempts to adapt to impending fatherhood while dealing with Rosie's concerns about his suitability as a parent, all set against a backdrop of quirky characters and unexpected events.
Orange juice was not scheduled for Fridays. Although Rosie and I had abandoned the Standardised Meal System, resulting in an improvement in ‘spontaneity’ at the expense of shopping time, food inventor...December 2014•446 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Don Tillman ) - #4
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally rich novel set in post-WWI England with memorable characters and a haunting atmosphere - perfect for fans of thoughtful, character-driven historical fiction.
The Boy I Love by Marion Husband is a captivating novel set in post-war Britain, delving into the lives of a diverse cast of characters struggling with their identities and relationships in a society intolerant of homosexuality. The story follows the main character, Paul Harris, who returns from the war and marries his dead brother's pregnant girlfriend in an attempt to conform to societal norms while grappling with his true desires for other men. The book expertly explores themes of secrecy, love, and societal prejudices, painting a vivid picture of the post-Great War England with its class tensions and personal struggles.
Marion Husband's writing style is laconic yet powerful, cutting to the heart of the complexities of the characters' lives and the societal pressures they face. Through delicately handled relationships and multifaceted characters, the author weaves a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the ravaged world of post-war Britain, showcasing the grittiness and realism of the era while exploring the intimate struggles of individuals trying to find their place in a changing world.
HIDING IN ADAM’S PANTRY, Paul remembered how he was once forced to eat marmalade at school, a whole pot of marmalade, Jenkins twisting his arms up his back as Nichols held his nose and clattered the s...November 2005•278 pages - #5
Save:Ambitious, thought-provoking, and unapologetically political, "Babel" is perfect for readers who want their fantasy smart and socially conscious - but it may be too didactic or slow-burning for those craving subtlety, romance, or adventure.
In 'Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution', R.F. Kuang presents an alternative history fantasy set in a Victorian Britain where the city of Oxford is the center of knowledge and progress. The story revolves around Robin Swift, a bright boy plucked from Canton, who is taken to England by Professor Richard Lovell to study languages at Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. As Robin befriends a group of misfits, they find themselves embroiled in a revolution that challenges the foundations of the Empire, all while dealing with themes of colonialism, language, and power.
Kuang's writing style intricately weaves together elements of history, fantasy, and language, creating a detailed and immersive world where the power of the Empire is tied to the magic of enchanted silver inscribed with untranslatable words. Through a diverse cast of characters and a unique magic system, the author explores complex themes of colonialism, empire building, exploitation, and prejudice, offering a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the dark corners of history and society.
The air was rank, the floors slippery. A jug of water sat full, untouched by the bed. At first the boy had been too scared of retching to drink; now he was too weak to lift the jug. He was still consc...August 2022•579 pages - #6
Save:Inventive, funny, and thought-provoking, "The Verifiers" blends a sharp-witted mystery with modern themes. Just be ready for a more technical deep-dive in the latter half. Great for those seeking something fresh in detective fiction!
'The Verifiers' by Jane Pek is a refreshing mystery novel that combines elements of LGBTQ representation, technology, and family dynamics. The story follows Claudia, a smart and rebellious protagonist working at a verification company, who gets involved in solving a murder mystery while navigating the complexities of online dating and personal privacy. The book is praised for its originality, humor, and engaging writing style that blends mystery, emotion, and morality seamlessly.
Everyone else walks into Veracity wearing some residue of embarrassment. Their gazes skitter about, their sentences are potholed with ums and wells. They overexplain. They worry that we’ll judge them,...February 2022•361 pages - #7
Save:Mount Misery is a satirical novel that delves into the world of psychiatry, exploring the excesses and challenges faced by first-year resident Roy Basch as he navigates through different theoretical schools at Mount Misery. The book humorously caricatures psychiatrists and their one-track-minded approaches, showcasing the struggles and transformations of the main characters against the backdrop of a hyperbolic yet insightful portrayal of the psychiatric field. The narrative highlights the loss of humanism and care in psychiatric training, interwoven with themes of patient exploitation, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of reputation in the medical profession.
WASPS, I’D DISCOVERED in my month of being a shrink, are notoriously hard to read. Their body language borders on mute, and their language itself is oblique, like those masters of obliqueness the Engl...1997•578 pages - #8
Save:A fresh, charming take on cozy fantasy, filled with snark, magic, and character growth. Not perfect, but absolutely worth curling up with - especially if you’re happy to sink into a world where the journey (and the goat) matter as much as the destination.
The Warden by Daniel M. Ford tells the story of Aelis de Lenti, a talented but entitled graduate of a prestigious magic academy. Instead of receiving a coveted position in the city, she is sent to the remote village of Lone Pine, where she must adapt to a life filled with manual labor, goats, and distrustful villagers. As Aelis settles into her role as the Warden, she faces various trials, including uncovering local mysteries and dealing with old magic's effects on the town. The stakes rise as strange occurrences begin to disrupt the fragile peace between humans and orcs, pushing Aelis to grow into her responsibilities.
The writing style of the book is engaging and blends character development with a cozy fantasy feel. Ford explores Aelis's journey with a mix of humor, introspection, and action, although some moments veer into lengthy flashbacks. Readers enjoy the richly built world, colorful supporting characters, and a unique take on necromancy. Despite some pacing issues and occasional awkward exposition, the novel provides an enticing plot that feels reminiscent of classic RPG adventures, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
“The walls are sound,” the boy protested, feebly. “It just needs a roof, is all.” He was already backing away from her, and once he was a couple of yards away, he turned and ran, his feet pounding dus...April 2023•326 pages - #9
Save:A sharp, authentic political thriller that nails the Washington vibe - great for policy buffs and fans of nuanced intrigue, but the crowded cast and uneven pacing might trip up some readers.
Tom Rosenstiel's 'Shining City' is a political thriller that delves into the behind-the-scenes activities involved in getting a Supreme Court nomination, from vetting to confirmation. The book follows the death of a Supreme Court Justice and the nomination of a replacement, intertwining political maneuvering with a subplot of serial murders. The two main characters, Randi Brooks and Peter Rena, run a consulting firm that solves problems for politicians and delve into the qualifications of the nominee, Judge Madison, leading to connections between the main plot and the B story of the serial killer. The book is praised for its realistic cast of characters and the author's expertise in media and politics, providing insights into the intersection of big media with political processes.
The key point in any interrogation is the moment of capitulation. The instant when the subject, exhausted of all other hope, concludes the interrogator is no longer someone to fear but a friend—maybe...February 2017•387 pages - #10
Save:A punchy, myth-busting romp through Victorian England that’s more entertaining than scholarly. Fun and eye-opening for the casual or curious, but likely to leave detail hounds and academics wanting more depth.
'Inventing the Victorians' by Matthew Sweet explores the myths and stereotypes surrounding the Victorian era, challenging popular misconceptions about the time period. The book delves into various aspects of Victorian society, including sex scandals, media circus, interior decoration, and serial killers, providing a different perspective on Queen Victoria's reign. Sweet's writing style is described as entertaining and thought-provoking, using anecdotes and examples to present a vivid portrait of the Victorians.
2001•289 pages
