Books matching: raw honesty
100 result(s)
- #1
"Love Is a Dog from Hell" by Charles Bukowski is a collection of poetry that delves into the gritty realities of life, relationships, love, and loneliness. The author's writing style is described as powerful, touching, and brutally honest, offering a unique perspective on themes like companionship, acknowledgment, and the human condition. The poems in this collection touch on topics such as aging, human relationships, and the struggles of daily life, presented with a mix of humor, sadness, and raw honesty.
“you know,” she said, “you were at the bar so you didn’t see but I danced with this guy. we danced and we danced close. but I didn’t go home with him because he knew I was with you.” “thanks a bunch,”... - #2
'So Sad Today: Personal Essays' by Melissa Broder is a collection of personal essays that delve deep into the author's struggles with mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. The book is praised for its candid and raw exploration of these issues, with Broder using self-deprecating humor to navigate through themes of sex, death, and love. The writing style is described as engrossing, relatable, and emotionally impactful, providing a platform for readers to find solace and understanding in their own struggles with mental health.
BRINGING A CHILD INTO THE world without its consent seems unethical. Leaving the womb just seems insane. The womb is nirvana. It’s tripping in an eternal orb outside the space-time continuum. It’s a w... - #3
"Hyena" is a raw and unfiltered memoir by Jude Angelini, presented as a collection of essays that paint a vivid picture of his tumultuous life experiences. The book delves into themes of poverty, substance abuse, relationships, and the struggles of growing up amidst a backdrop of divorce and addiction. Each chapter stands alone as a short story, yet collectively they weave a narrative that offers readers a glimpse into the author's personal journey, filled with both humor and heartbreak. Angelini's writing style is characterized by its candidness, often reminiscent of a conversation with a friend over coffee, making the reader feel intimately connected to his experiences.
The author employs a distinctive voice throughout the book, marked by a blend of humor and brutal honesty. His ability to evoke a range of emotions—from laughter to discomfort—keeps readers engaged and reflective. The prose is straightforward and lacks pretentiousness, allowing the raw emotions and realities of his life to shine through without the embellishment of flowery language. As Jude shares his stories, he provides insights into a world that many may find unfamiliar, yet relatable, making "Hyena" both an entertaining and thought-provoking read.
- #4
'Helium' by Rudy Francisco is a collection of powerful and heartfelt poetry that delves into themes of love, loss, self-reflection, and human experiences. Francisco's writing style is described as raw, honest, and relatable, with metaphors that are expressed in a way that resonates deeply with readers. The poems in this collection are said to be both personal and global, touching on political and non-political topics, showcasing the beauty of imperfections and highlighting the essence of humanity.
Last night, I had a dream. And in this particular dream, I died in my dreams, woke not knowing I was still sleeping and decided to walk. That night, I walked in my sleep, I slept in my walk, I walked ... - #5
'You're Better Than Me: A Memoir' by Bonnie McFarlane is a comedic memoir that delves into the author's journey to comedic stardom with a mix of funny anecdotes and brutal honesty. Readers find themselves sympathizing with Bonnie as she navigates through life and comedy with her sassy, self-deprecating humor. The book provides insight into the life of a stand-up comic and offers a personal view of the world, showcasing Bonnie's wit both on stage and in writing. The writing style is clear, engaging, and always interesting, making it a book that readers find hard to put down.
Ask anyone, I’m weird. But not like weird, weird. It’s harder to categorize than that. My weirdness is more unsettling because it can go under the radar for a long time before it snaps to the surface.... - #6
'Monsoon Mansion' by Cinelle Barnes is a memoir that delves into the author's tumultuous childhood in Manila, where she grew up in a large and opulent mansion that eventually succumbed to destruction, leading to her family's financial downfall. The book vividly portrays the author's harrowing experiences, including the loss of her baby brother, creating a jeepney service with her brother to make ends meet, and enduring the filth and debauchery in the mansion during difficult times. Through rich and descriptive prose, the author recounts pivotal moments in her life, such as her father leaving, her mother's involvement with an abusive boyfriend, and the struggles she faced growing up in a dysfunctional family.
I was born two pounds small with a diamond-shaped birthmark on my left palm. A contradiction, a paradox of holy signs, my yaya and the maids had said. The common masses, which my mother spoke about wi... - #7
'Bad Behavior' by Mary Gaitskill is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on themes of sexuality, power dynamics, and emotional struggles. The stories are set in New York City, portraying a raw and candid exploration of urban life in the late 1980s. Gaitskill's writing style is described as haunting, gripping, and brutally honest, offering a glimpse into the lives of characters dealing with issues such as abusive relationships, unconventional sexual encounters, and challenging personal choices.
JOEY FELT THAT his romance with Daisy might ruin his life, but that didn’t stop him. He liked the idea in fact. It had been a long time since he’d felt his life was in danger of further ruin, and it w... - #8
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese is a powerful and heartbreaking story that delves into the life of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy who was taken from his family and sent to a residential school in Canada. Despite the brutalities he faced, Saul finds solace in the game of hockey, using it as an escape from his traumatic past. The book beautifully captures Saul's journey of healing and self-discovery as he navigates through the challenges of racism, abuse, and addiction, ultimately finding strength in his cultural roots and community support. Wagamese's writing style is described as poignant and poetic, with vivid descriptions that evoke strong emotions in the readers.
My name is Saul Indian Horse. I am the son of Mary Mandamin and John Indian Horse. My grandfather was called Solomon so my name is the diminutive of his. My people are from the Fish Clan of the northe... - #9
'Her' by Christa Parravani is a raw and emotional memoir that explores the deep bond between identical twin sisters, Christa and Cara. The book delves into the tragic events that unfold in their lives, including Cara's descent into drug abuse and eventual death. Christa grapples with grief, self-destructive behavior, and the complex feelings of trying to fill the void left by her twin's absence. The narrative is compelling, exploring themes of loss, survival, and the healing power of writing.
I forgot who I was after my sister died. I tried to remind myself with a trinity mantra. I whispered my mantra to the woman who stared back at me in my morning mirror: I’m twinless. I’m a photographer... - #10
Alison Rhymes' 'Brutal Play,' the second installment in the 'False Start' series, delves into the intertwined lives of Noah Anders and Lorelai Simmons, exploring themes of second chances, redemption, and romance with a touch of kink. The narrative unfolds from multiple perspectives, shedding light on the complexities of relationships and the repercussions of past actions. Through intricate character development and a compelling storyline, Rhymes weaves a tale of growth, forgiveness, and self-discovery that captivates readers from start to finish.
In 'Brutal Play,' readers are immersed in a world where flawed characters navigate through emotional turmoil, personal struggles, and the consequences of their choices. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that challenges societal norms, delving into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the complexity of human relationships. With a blend of raw honesty, heartfelt moments, and unexpected twists, Rhymes invites readers to explore the depths of her characters' journeys as they confront their pasts and strive for a brighter future.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series False Start )