Books matching: poetic elements
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- #1
Save:Chilling, inspiring, and full of heart - The Long Winter remains a Little House standout and a stirring story of grit and family against the odds.
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a gripping tale that follows the Ingalls family and their town as they endure a brutal seven-month winter filled with blizzards, food shortages, and cabin fever. The author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, paints a vivid picture of the cold and hunger pains experienced by the characters, showcasing the family's strength and love that ultimately helps them survive the harsh conditions. The book captures the essence of perseverance, cooperation, and resilience in the face of extreme challenges.
Set in the Dakota Territory, the story focuses on the Ingalls family's struggles as they face numerous blizzards and the looming threat of starvation during the relentless winter. The writing style is described as controlled and descriptive, drawing readers into the claustrophobic despair of the situation while also highlighting the unwavering determination and resourcefulness of the characters. The Long Winter is praised for its realistic portrayal of pioneer life, emphasizing themes of family support, survival, and the human spirit's power to endure even the harshest conditions.
She dressed downstairs by the fire that Pa had kindled before he went to the stable. They ate their coarse brown bread. T h e n all day long she and Ma and Mary ground wheat and twisted hay as fast as... - #2
Save:A rollicking, clever space western filled with larger-than-life characters and quick wit - great fun if you want a snappy, entertaining sci-fi adventure rather than deep, hard sci-fi.
Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future by Mike Resnick is a space western novel set in the outer frontier of the galaxy. The story follows a bounty hunter who decides to go after the galaxy's most wanted man, Santiago, encountering a variety of larger-than-life characters along the way. The book reads like an old-fashioned Western novel, with spaceships instead of horses, and aliens reminiscent of Native Americans.
The plot is driven by the search for Santiago, with multiple characters independently pursuing the notorious outlaw for their own reasons. The narrative is described as a traditional western novel transposed into outer space, featuring a lawless frontier culture, bounty hunters, and morally ambiguous characters, all set against the backdrop of a galaxy filled with intrigue and adventure.
1992•394 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully written classic that still enchants with its longing and magic - best enjoyed by those who appreciate poetic language and Arthurian lore, but maybe not for everyone if you're not into poetry or experimental illustrations.
The Lady of Shalott by Alfred Tennyson is a classic poem inspired by Arthurian legends, specifically the story of Elaine and Lancelot. The poem explores the themes of unrequited love, isolation, and the curse of living a life of illusion. Tennyson's writing style in this poem is described as beautiful, poignant, and impactful, with each stanza occupying its own page in the book.
1833•56 pages - #4
Save:Unforgiving, poetic, and deeply dark - "Outer Dark" is an Appalachian fever dream for fans of literary horror and Southern Gothic fiction. Approach with caution if you want light or closure, but prepare for haunting prose if you go in.
Outer Dark by Cormac McCarthy is a dark and haunting tale set in rural Appalachia, following the story of a brother, Culla, and his sister, Rinthy. The plot revolves around the disturbing events of incest, abandonment, and the search for a lost baby. Throughout their journeys, the siblings encounter various characters, both kind and cruel, as they navigate a bleak and unforgiving world. The writing style of McCarthy is described as beautifully expressive, with haunting prose that effectively captures the brutality and beauty of the characters and their surroundings.
She shook him awake from dark to dark, delivered out of the clamorous rabble under a black sun and into a night more dolorous, sitting upright and cursing beneath his breath in the bed he shared with...January 1968•256 pages A heartfelt, sharply honest memoir that packs a punch in under 100 pages - not always an easy read, but absolutely a worthwhile one if you crave emotional depth and lyrical storytelling.
'Two or Three Things I Know for Sure' by Dorothy Allison is a slim autobiographical volume that reflects on the author's impoverished childhood and the love-hate relationships within her family. The book is described as candid, inspiring, and eerily familiar, with a storyteller-ish quality that leaves the reader in awe of the strength displayed by Allison and the women in her family in the face of incredible hardship. The memoir touches on themes of poverty, sexual abuse, and hard living in the American South, presented through frank observations and poignant reflections.
Allison's writing style is praised for its honesty, rawness, and realness, as she delves into her experiences with a mix of celebration and bitterness. The memoir is noted for its masterful storytelling, vivid descriptions, and exploration of complex emotions like love, pride, determination, and self-discovery. Despite the heavy themes, the book is also described as a quick read with wonderful prose that captivates the reader from start to finish.
Where I was born—Greenville, South Carolina—smelled like nowhere else I’ve ever been. Cut wet grass, split green apples, baby shit and beer bottles, cheap makeup and motor oil. Everything was ripe, ev...1995•94 pages- #6
Save:A vintage noir gem - tense, stylish, and loaded with literary flair. If you want a suspenseful, cerebral thriller with a psychological edge, "The Big Clock" delivers.
The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing is a noir novel set in the NYC publishing world of the 1940s. The story follows George Stroud, a man who works for a conglomerate and gets entangled in a conspiracy when he has an affair with his boss's girlfriend, who ends up murdered. As George tries to prove his innocence, a cat and mouse game ensues, leading to a tense and suspenseful narrative. The book is narrated from multiple first-person viewpoints, adding complexity to the plot and creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The writing style combines elements of thriller, noir, and social satire, keeping readers hooked as the story unfolds.
I FIRST met Pauline Delos at one of those substantial parties Earl Janoth liked to give every two or three months, attended by members of the staff, his personal friends, private moguls, and public no...January 1946•200 pages - #7
Save:A fresh, female-focused spin on Arthurian legend with vivid settings and a strong heroine - great for die-hard fantasy fans, but might not win over everyone, especially if you crave lots of action or richly developed supporting characters.
"Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit" by Mercedes Lackey is a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Guinevere, focusing on her journey from a warrior in her father's kingdom to becoming the third wife of King Arthur. The novel delves into Gwenhwyfar's struggles, choices, and interactions with traditional Arthurian characters, offering a fresh take on the well-known legend. Lackey's writing style combines elements of magic, battle scenes, and character development, creating a narrative that explores themes of destiny, agency, and female empowerment within a historical fantasy setting.
The talk atthe hearth of the high hall of her father’s castle was all of magic that wild evening. Harvest-time had come and gone, and Samhain not far off; the old men and women were muttering about a...October 2009•416 pages - #8
Save:A challenging but thought-provoking classic for anyone curious about society and meaning - rewarding if you’re up for the mental workout, but definitely not an easy stroll.
Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard delves into the concept of hyperreality, where images become more real than reality itself. Baudrillard explores the idea that modern media inundates us with a hyperreal nothingness, where symbols reference other symbols in a pattern that may not necessarily represent reality. The book discusses how humans live in their own simulations, subject to chaotic shifts in meaning, akin to a race to a symbolic nowhere.
Baudrillard's writing style in Simulacra and Simulation is described as alternating between the poetic and the incomprehensible, challenging readers to contemplate and digest complex ideas. The book presents profound insights on the loss of referentials in the world, existing primarily as simulacra or copies without a true original. Despite being a challenging read, the book is praised for its revolutionary views on space, time, and perception, making readers ponder deeply about philosophy and psychology.
1981•172 pages A poignant, powerful window into love, race, and womanhood in 20th-century America. With original, heartfelt stories and exceptional writing, it’s a hidden gem for literary fiction fans.
Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? is a collection of short stories by Kathleen Collins that explores Black life and relationships during the civil rights era and beyond. Each story delves into complex themes of race, identity, and love, often featuring young Black women navigating their relationships in a society fraught with racial tension. The title story highlights the lives of two college students, one Black and one white, who face the realities of interracial love amidst societal expectations and personal struggles.
Collins' writing style is engaging and lyrical, combining conversational tones with a poetic touch. Her characters are richly developed, reflecting diverse experiences while addressing themes of heartache, family dynamics, and social inequality. The stories are structured almost like film scripts at times, revealing the intricacies of love and longing through a nuanced lens. Overall, this book serves as a powerful reminder of Collins' unique voice and insight into the human experience.
I first heard of Kathleen Collins when I was in graduate school in the mid-1980s. I was studying English with a focus on African American and Caribbean literature. The black cultural feminism I encoun...December 2016•193 pages- #10
Save:A trippy, unsettling read that flips the human-animal relationship on its head - bold, poetic, and polarizing. A must for anyone seeking literary weirdness and fresh takes on dystopia, but maybe not for those wanting an easy or heartwarming story.
In 'The Animals in That Country' by Laura Jean McKay, a strange virus spreads across Australia, allowing humans to understand and communicate with animals. The story follows Jean, a rough and hard-drinking grandmother who works at a wildlife park, as she navigates the chaos caused by the virus. The novel delves into themes of family, communication, and the breakdown of society as people grapple with this newfound ability to hear the thoughts of animals. McKay's writing style is described as unique and intriguing, with a focus on depicting the complexities of human-animal relationships and the psychological effects of the pandemic.
Everyone wants to see the wild ones. Dingoes, crocodiles, stingrays, maybe a snake. That’s what they ask for when they come to the Park. We’ve got wallaroos with striped faces and fat bums. We’ve got...March 2020•289 pages
