Books matching: self obsession
100 result(s)
- #1
The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. by Adelle Waldman follows the protagonist, Nate, as he navigates relationships and dating in New York City. The narrative style is a mix of witty social commentary and psychological insight, capturing the nuances of male-female dynamics and the complexities of modern romance. The novel delves into Nate's self-absorption and ungenerous thoughts, portraying a character who struggles with empathy and connection despite his attempts at relationships. Through a range of reactions towards Nate, the author, Waldman, presents a nuanced exploration of human behavior and societal ethics in the realm of dating.
- #2
Belladonna is a coming of age story set in the 1950s, following the lives of two friends, Bridget and Isabella, as they move to Italy to study art in a convent. The novel explores themes of friendship, obsession, and self-discovery, with Bridget, a biracial character of Egyptian heritage, trying to fit in and reinvent herself while dealing with the complexities of her relationship with Isabella. The writing style is described as angsty and emotional, painting a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and the secrets that unravel during their journey.
- #3
The Black Prince by Iris Murdoch is a complex and intriguing novel that delves into the themes of art, ethical choices, and erotic love. The story follows the protagonist, Bradley Pearson, a retired writer who gets entangled in a series of events that challenge his plans and identity. Through a narrative that includes unreliable narrators and contradictory perspectives, Murdoch weaves a tale that explores the relationship between art and reality, human behavior, and the tragic consequences of pursuing one's truth.
The book is characterized by its clever, funny, and engaging storytelling, which offers a multilayered and ironic portrayal of the characters' motives and actions. As readers navigate through the intricate plot and explore the depths of the characters' psyches, they are invited to reflect on the complexities of human nature, the role of art in life, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.
I am in more than one way responsible for the work that follows. The author of it, my friend Bradley Pearson, has placed the arrangements for publication in my hands. In this humble mechanical sense i... - #4
'Before She Met Me' by Julian Barnes is a novel that delves into the theme of jealous obsession within a relationship, focusing on the protagonist Graham's fixation on his wife Ann's past love affairs. The story unfolds as Graham's paranoia and delusional behavior escalate, leading to a series of bizarre actions driven by his insecurities. Barnes' writing style in this book is described as achingly funny yet intense, with a focus on psychological intrigue and wily dialogue that captures the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
- #5
The Mephisto Waltz by Fred Mustard Stewart is a classic witch story set in New York City in the late 1960s. The plot revolves around a satanic conspiracy involving a journalist's wife and a satanist concert pianist. The story delves into themes of love, desire, jealousy, power, and amorality, blurring the lines between good and evil. The characters are well-developed, with complex motivations and actions that drive the narrative forward. The writing style is fast-paced, filled with tension, unexpected plot twists, and eerie elements that keep the reader engaged until the surprising ending.
The call from Duncan Ely had come at eight o’clock on a Saturday morning, which was Paula Clarkson’s morning to sleep. Mumbling groggily, she rolled over in the king-sized bed, switched off her contro... - #6
'Narcissus Ascending: A Novel' by Karen McKinnon is a modern story that delves into the joys and sorrows of friendship, focusing on the complex and self-absorbed characters of Becky and Callie. The narrative, written in a unique diary-like style, explores the intertwined lives of four friends in New York's East Village, each dealing with the aftermath of their interactions with the mysterious Callie. Through introspective character development and engaging storytelling, the book offers a revealing look at human nature and the struggles of young adults in today's society.
The writing style of 'Narcissus Ascending' is described as engaging and thought-provoking, with a narrative structure that requires the reader to delve deeper into the intertwined lives of the characters. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of friendship, neurosis, desire, and ambition, as well as the complexities of human relationships in a modern setting, leaving readers contemplating the characters' actions and motivations long after finishing the book.
- #7
In Catherine Lacey's 'Nobody is Ever Missing' we enter into the mind of Elyria, a young woman who abruptly leaves her husband and her normal Manhattan life behind, traveling to New Zealand to escape and isolate herself from the monotony and melancholy she has grown to resent, as well as her unresolved grief following her sister's suicide. The novel is a haunting, surreal portrait of a woman in the midst of a personal crisis, told in a first-person stream of consciousness prose. Elyria engages in reckless behaviors, hitchhiking with strangers, sleeping in abandoned sheds, and ultimately landing herself under psychiatric evaluation, all while meditating on her own innate wildness and the futility of trying to escape herself.
The writing style of the book is described as lyrical, poetic, and stream of consciousness, with profound moments of clarity and insight mixed with endless sentences that culminate in considered observations. The novel delves into themes of grief, loss, depression, mental breakdown, and existentialism as Elyria navigates her journey of self-discovery and isolation in a foreign land.
There might be people in this world who can read minds against their will and if that kind of person exists I am pretty sure my husband is one of them. I think this because of what happened the week I... - #8
Blind Faith by Ben Elton is a dystopian novel set in a future society where privacy is illegal, and every aspect of individuals' lives is meant to be shared online. The protagonist, Trafford Sewell, struggles against the oppressive state that controls thoughts and behaviors, leading him to seek a way out and find a deeper meaning to his life. The book presents a satirical take on societal issues such as self-obsession, lack of privacy, and the dominance of religion over reason, creating a darkly humorous and thought-provoking narrative.
Trafford’s wife looked at him angrily. He knew that Chantorria suspected him of deliberately not greeting Barbieheart, as some kind of protest, some bizarre bid for independence. She was right, of cou... - #910:04by:
'10:04' by Ben Lerner is a novel that blurs the lines between fiction and non-fiction, following a New York-based poet and author named Ben who is navigating through life while fictionalizing his experiences to write a novel. The book delves into themes of art, love, identity, time, and the nature of memory, all set against the backdrop of New York City. Lerner's writing style is described as poetic, dense, and at times pretentious, with a narrative that unfolds through vignettes and meditations rather than a traditional plot structure.
The city had converted an elevated length of abandoned railway spur into an aerial greenway and the agent and I were walking south along it in the unseasonable warmth after an outrageously expensive c... - #10
'Big Sur' by Jack Kerouac is a poignant exploration of the author's descent into alcoholism and madness amidst the backdrop of California. The book delves into Kerouac's struggles with fame, addiction, and depression, offering a raw and introspective look at his inner turmoil. Through a stream of consciousness writing style, Kerouac paints a vivid picture of his chaotic life, capturing moments of despair, self-destruction, and fleeting moments of clarity. The narrative follows the protagonist, Jack Duluoz, as he grapples with his demons and attempts to find solace in the serene yet tumultuous environment of Big Sur.
Kerouac's writing in 'Big Sur' is characterized by its descriptive language, poetic style, and profound insights into the human condition. The book serves as a reflection of the author's struggles and serves as a haunting portrayal of a man on the brink of self-destruction. Through vivid imagery and emotive prose, Kerouac invites readers into his world of turmoil, introspection, and existential crisis, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of fame, addiction, and the relentless pursuit of meaning in life.
“ONE FAST MOVE OR I’M GONE” so I blow $8 on a cab to drive me down that coast, it’s a foggy night tho sometimes you can see stars in the sky to the right where the sea is, tho you cant see the sea you...