Books matching: resilience and challenges
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Meadow' by James Galvin is a poetic narrative that delves into the lives of American farmers struggling to make a living in the harsh environments of Colorado and Wyoming. The book showcases the deep connection between the characters and the land, portraying their resilience and the challenges they face through generations. The non-linear storytelling style weaves together the stories of individuals living in a remote area high in the front range of the Colorado Rockies, capturing the essence of their lives with poetic prose.
The real world goes like this: The Neversummer Mountains like a jumble of broken glass. Snowfields weep slowly down. Chambers Lake, ringed by trees, gratefully catches the drip in its tin cup, and giv... - #2
Save:'Pretty Little Savage' by Lucy Smoke introduces readers to 18-year-old Avalon Manning, a strong and independent young woman who has learned to survive in a challenging environment due to her troubled home life. When given the opportunity to enroll in an elite school, Avalon finds herself entangled with the enigmatic 'Sick Boys', a group of powerful students who control the campus. The book delves into themes of mystery, dark romance, suspense, and the dynamics between the characters, particularly focusing on the complex relationship between Avalon and the Sick Boys.
The plot unfolds with Avalon navigating through dangerous situations, facing her past, and challenging the authority of the Sick Boys. The writing style of Lucy Smoke captures the reader's attention with its blend of suspense, angst, snark, and gripping storytelling, keeping readers hooked from the beginning to the end of the book.
I put my foot to the gas, and floor it. The wavering pointer on the speedometer jerks up and then inches over, slowly but surely making its way to the 100mph mark and then beyond. The headlights wash ... - #3
Save:'The Thing About Jellyfish' by Ali Benjamin is a poignant middle-grade novel that delves into the themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery. The story follows Suzy, a 13-year-old girl who is grappling with the sudden death of her best friend, Franny, in a drowning accident. As Suzy navigates the challenges of middle school and the complexities of her own emotions, she becomes obsessed with the idea that Franny's death was caused by a rare jellyfish sting. Through Suzy's journey of grief and self-reflection, the book explores themes of loss, friendship, and the power of resilience.
The narrative alternates between Suzy's present-day struggles with grief and her memories of her friendship with Franny, highlighting the evolution of their relationship and the difficulties of growing apart. Through Suzy's scientific exploration of jellyfish and her internal dialogue, readers are taken on an emotional and educational journey that ultimately leads to self-forgiveness and healing.
I’d always thought that being seen was about what people perceived with their eyes. But by the time the Eugene Field Memorial Middle School made the fall trip to the aquarium, I, Suzy Swanson, had dis... - #4
Save:'Grandma Gatewood's Walk' by Ben Montgomery is a biography that tells the inspiring story of Emma Gatewood, a sixty-seven-year-old great-grandmother who, in 1955, became the first woman to hike the entire 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail alone. Despite facing hardships such as raising eleven children during the Great Depression and surviving an abusive husband, Emma Gatewood's determination and resilience shine through as she embarks on this unprecedented journey. The book highlights her adventurous spirit, her love for nature, and her journey towards finding redemption and happiness through hiking.
The narrative style of the book captures the essence of Emma Gatewood's extraordinary life and her trailblazing accomplishments. Through vivid descriptions of her trek, the author paints a picture of a woman who defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of hikers. The book not only explores Emma Gatewood's physical journey but also delves into the emotional and historical context of her life, making it a compelling read for those interested in tales of courage, perseverance, and the great outdoors.
She caught a ride to Charleston, West Virginia, then boarded a bus to the airport, then a plane to Atlanta, then a bus from there to a little picture-postcard spot called Jasper, Georgia, “the First M... - #5
Save:"News of the World" by Paulette Jiles follows the journey of Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, an aging war veteran who travels through post-Civil War Texas reading newspapers to small town residents. When he is entrusted with returning a 10-year-old girl, Johanna, who was captured by the Kiowa tribe, to her living relatives, their 400-mile trek becomes a tale of survival, friendship, and cultural clash. The book explores the bond that forms between the Captain and Johanna as they face various perils, showcasing the vivid descriptions of the Texas landscape and the challenges of a changing society.
CAPTAIN KIDD LAID out the Boston Morning Journal on the lectern and began to read from the article on the Fifteenth Amendment. He had been born in 1798 and the third war of his lifetime had ended five... - #6
Save:"Bone Swans" by C.S.E. Cooney is a collection of dark and gritty fantasy short stories and novellas that reimagines traditional fairy tales with a modern twist. The stories delve into themes of myth, folklore, and fantasy, presenting original and inventive interpretations of classic tales such as The Pied Piper, The Juniper Tree, and Rumpelstiltskin. Cooney's writing style is described as vivid, dark, and humorous, with a mordant sense of humor and a knack for crafting sentences that feel lovingly created. The stories feature a mix of mythic and contemporary elements, blending the sacred and the profane to create a wholly satisfying reading experience.
'Barracoon: The Story of the Last ?Black Cargo?' by Zora Neale Hurston narrates the life story of Cudjo Lewis, who was captured from Africa and brought to America on the last known slave ship, the Clotilda. delves into Cudjo's experiences before, during, and after slavery, highlighting his yearning for home, the love for his family, and the challenges he faced in America. Through Cudjo's own words and dialect, Hurston vividly portrays his journey from enslavement to freedom, including the establishment of Africatown post-Civil War.
not only provides a firsthand account of enslavement but also sheds light on life in Africa before enslavement, the establishment of Africatown, and the impact of slavery on individuals and communities. Hurston's writing style, capturing Cudjo's authentic voice and emotions, offers a poignant and informative narrative that educates readers about a lesser-known aspect of American history.
It was summer when I went to talk with Cudjo so his door was standing wide open. But I knew he was somewhere about the house before I entered the yard, because I had found the gate unlocked. When Cudj...- #8
Save:"My Ántonia" by Willa Cather is a novel set in late 19th-century Nebraska, following the lives of several immigrant families through the eyes of the protagonist, Jim Burden. The story revolves around the character of the Bohemian immigrant woman, Ántonia, and her enduring friendship with Jim. The narrative is a collection of memories that depict the challenges and joys of life on the prairie, capturing the essence of the American Midwest during that era. The plot is character-driven, focusing on the growth and experiences of the main characters over a span of 30 years.
I FIRST HEARD OF Ántonia on what seemed to me an interminable journey across the great midland plain of North America. I was ten years old then; I had lost both my father and mother within a year, and... - #9
Save:'Nobody Cries at Bingo' by Dawn Dumont is a personal narrative that delves into the author's life from early childhood to her college years. The book is not a typical chronological autobiography but rather a collection of episodes that paint a vivid picture of her experiences growing up as a Canadian Native American. Through humor, self-deprecation, and keen insights, the author shares stories that are funny, touching, sad, and hopeful all at once, offering a unique perspective on what it means to be Native in modern Canada.
Dumont's writing style is inclusive, funny, honest, and intimate, allowing readers to immerse themselves in her memories and reflect on the complexities of family dynamics, cultural identity, and societal challenges. The book provides a gentle, yet powerful look at a girl's coming-of-age journey, offering valuable lessons and a deeper understanding of life on a Saskatchewan Cree reserve.
IWAS BORN IN A SMALL SASKATCHEWAN TOWN called Balcarres. The town had given itself the nickname, the “Pride of the Prairies,” which is a pretty bold statement for a community that boasts more boarded ... - #10
Save:Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee is a historical fiction novel set in San Francisco's Chinatown in 1906, revolving around the protagonist, Mercy Wong, a determined Chinese American girl. Mercy's quest to break free from poverty leads her to negotiate a place at St. Clare's School for Girls, posing as a Chinese heiress to gain the education that can open doors for her. The story follows Mercy's journey of perseverance, friendship, and resilience amidst the racial prejudices and the chaos of the Great Earthquake that struck the city.
The book is praised for its vivid sensory details that bring the setting to life, the strong character development of Mercy, and the depiction of historical background, particularly focusing on racial relations and the challenges faced by Chinese Americans during that period. Stacey Lee's writing style is described as quotable, immersive, and emotionally impactful, with a moderate pacing that allows readers to connect deeply with the characters and feel a sense of satisfaction and admiration upon finishing the book.
Tom’s hot air balloon, the Floating Island, hovers above us, a cloud of tofu-colored silk trapped in netting. After scores of solo flights, Tom finally deemed it safe enough to bring me aboard. I run ...
