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Books matching: power and self destructiveness

5 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 5 of 5 
  1. #1

    The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
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    A short, clever, and thoughtful classic that bends reality and your mind - perfect for fans of idea-driven sci-fi and those who wonder, 'What if my dreams could change the world?'

    In 'The Lathe of Heaven', George Orr discovers that his dreams have the power to alter reality. Sent to a psychiatrist, Dr. Haber, George becomes the subject of an experiment where his dreams are manipulated to reshape the world. However, the unintended consequences of George's dreams lead to a series of ever-changing realities, challenging the fabric of existence itself. Ursula K. Le Guin masterfully delves into themes of power, self-destructiveness, and the nature of reality in this eerie and prescient science fiction novel set in a dystopian Portland, Oregon.

    Current-borne, wave-flung, tugged hugely by the whole might of ocean, the jellyfish drifts in the tidal abyss. The light shines through it, and the dark enters it. Borne, flung, tugged from anywhere t...
    1971
    188 pages

  2. #2

    Beasts by Joyce Carol Oates
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    A sharp, unsettling novella about obsession and power - 'Beasts' is quick, dark, and not for the faint of heart. It’s classic Oates: disturbing, literary, and beautifully written, but best for fans of dark academia and psychological drama.

    "Beasts" by Joyce Carol Oates is a dark and gothic novella set in a women's college in the 1970s, where a young college student named Gillian becomes entangled in a twisted relationship with her professor and his bohemian wife. The story delves into themes of obsession, manipulation, and self-destruction, as Gillian and her peers fall under the spell of the professor's seductive charm. Oates skillfully weaves together a narrative that blurs the lines between love and obsession, drawing the reader into a world of psychological turmoil and dark secrets. The book's brevity at 138 pages allows for a concise yet impactful exploration of human nature and the complexities of desire.

    The writing style in "Beasts" is described as rich, lyrical, and addictive, with Oates showcasing her talent for creating absorbing psychological landscapes and complex characters. The novella's atmospheric setting on a college campus, intertwined with themes of power dynamics and the blurred boundaries between predator and prey, adds depth to the narrative. Oates's ability to build suspense and evoke a sense of unease through subtle imagery and suggestive language contributes to the book's haunting and compelling nature.

    2001
    152 pages

  3. #3

    Ultraluminous by Katherine Faw
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    Bold, raw, and totally unfiltered - a book that will either mesmerize you or leave you cold. Worth a shot if you want a dark, unconventional ride through modern city life.

    Ultraluminous by Katherine Faw is a novel that follows the unnamed narrator, a high-end prostitute who returns to New York City after spending time in Dubai with a bomb maker. The story delves into her encounters with various clients, her drug use, and her reflections on life. The book is structured as a series of vignettes, offering glimpses into her daily life and past experiences, all narrated with a dry, nihilistic, and darkly funny prose style.

    The narrative of Ultraluminous is centered around themes of capitalism, toxic masculinity, power dynamics between men and women, and the emptiness that can come with a life devoid of true connection. Through a unique structure of brief vignettes, the book explores the protagonist's relationships with her clients, her struggles with addiction, and her search for meaning amidst a world of extravagance and destruction.

    Every girl at the gym has a tattoo but very few have fake boobs. The girl beside me has a big circle on her back. In the middle it says TODAY. It looks drawn by a child or mental patient. I wait until...
    December 2017
    208 pages

  4. #4

    Boy Parts by Eliza Clark
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    A punchy, art-soaked, messily brilliant dark comedy for those who revel in the shocking and the taboo - but definitely not for the faint of heart.

    'Boy Parts' by Eliza Clark is a darkly comic novel that follows the protagonist, Irina, a photographer in her late twenties who takes explicit photos of random men in Newcastle. The book delves into Irina's downward spiral as she immerses herself in photography, drugs, alcohol, and self-destruction. The narrative explores Irina's relationships, her grip on reality, and her constant spirals and blackouts, all while integrating texts, emails, and blog entries to portray how people react to her and how she interprets their words. The writing style is intense, sometimes violent, and sometimes strange, with a strong voice that brings out the intriguing and complex character of Irina.

    When the bus pulls over, I wobble on my heels. I imagine going over on my ankle, the bone snapping and breaking the skin. I imagine taking a photo in A&E and sending it to Ryan; yikes, guess I can’t c...
    July 2020
    286 pages

  5. #5
    Scumble
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    Book 2 in the series:Savvy

    Scumble - Savvy by Ingrid Law
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    A fun, magical coming-of-age adventure that’s perfect for middle grade readers - especially those who like humor, family drama, and a whole lot of chaos. If you enjoyed "Savvy" or just want a tall tale with heart, "Scumble" is a great pick.

    In "Scumble," the sequel to "Savvy" by Ingrid Law, readers are introduced to Ledger Kale, a young boy who, like his family, gains a unique magical ability on his thirteenth birthday. However, unlike his expectations of super speed, Ledger discovers he has the power to destroy mechanical things with just a glance, leading to chaos and a lack of control. The plot revolves around Ledger's journey to learn to manage his newfound savvy while dealing with family troubles and a nosy neighbor girl. The book is praised for its whimsical and fantastical storytelling, portraying the challenges of adolescence and coming of age through the lens of extraordinary powers.

    Ingrid Law's writing style in "Scumble" is commended for its ability to tie together seemingly unrelated events into a fantastical whirlwind of a tale. The story unfolds with casually mentioned facts and events resurfacing at key moments, creating a sense of predictability that adds to the fun of guessing where the plot is headed. The book is described as a cute fantasy read for middle schoolers, exploring themes of family, magic, personal responsibility, and the awkwardness of adolescence, all set against the backdrop of a unique and magical family with extraordinary talents.

    MOM AND DAD HAD KNOWN ABOUT the wedding at my uncle Autry’s ranch for months. But with the date set a mere ten days after my thirteenth birthday, my family’s RSVP had remained solidly unconfirmed unti...
    August 2010
    426 pages

    (Also, see 73 recommendations for the series Savvy )

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