Books matching: societal challenges
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- #1
Save:Gripping, atmospheric, and beautifully crafted - A Hope Divided is a standout Civil War romance with real depth and heart, perfect for readers who love their love stories smart and substantive.
Marlie Lynch, a herbalist and code messenger during the Civil War, finds herself in a dangerous situation when the Confederate Home Guard takes over her home. Along with escaped prisoner Ewan McCall, Marlie must flee using the Underground Railroad. Their relationship blossoms amidst peril and prejudice, showcasing a story of love, danger, and hope. Alyssa Cole's writing style weaves historical accuracy with compelling characters, creating a gripping tale set against the backdrop of the Civil War.
Somewhere outside of the prison walls, a Kentucky Warbler chirruped, reminding Ewan McCall of days spent searching for flashes of brilliant yellow plumage in the underbrush near his family’s home. He...November 2017•348 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Loyal League ) - #2
Save:A charming, fast-paced historical romance with memorable leads - ideal for when you want a thoughtful love story in one sitting, but it may leave you wishing for a bit more depth and length.
The novella 'A Dream Defiant' by Susanna Fraser follows the story of Elijah, a black soldier in the British army of 1813, and Rose, the widow of one of his fellow soldiers. When Rose's husband dies in battle over a ruby necklace, he entrusts Elijah with the jewels to deliver them to his wife. This act leads to a series of events where Elijah and Rose end up getting married to protect her from danger, despite their mutual admiration for each other. The story explores themes of interracial romance, courage, and love overcoming societal barriers, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars in a British Army camp in Spain.
The author weaves a tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, showcasing the evolving relationship between Elijah and Rose amidst the challenges they face, both individually and as a couple. The writing style immerses the reader in a historical setting, painting a vivid picture of army life in the early 19th century and capturing the emotional depth of the characters as they navigate their feelings and circumstances.
July 2013•81 pages - #3
Save:A heartfelt, spicy Victorian romance with an unforgettable beta hero and a resilient heroine - perfect for readers who love emotional depth and slow-burning affection.
'Once a Fallen Lady' by Eve Pendle follows the story of Lydia, a woman who has been living a makeshift life for the past ten years, concealing her past and raising her daughter, Annie, alone. When Annie falls ill with symptoms of polio, Mr. Alfred Lowe, Annie's teacher, steps in to help, forming a bond with Lydia and her daughter. The book explores Lydia's struggles, the societal pressures she faces, and the growing attraction between Lydia and Alfred despite their different backgrounds.
The plot of 'Once a Fallen Lady' revolves around Lydia's journey towards finding happiness and acceptance, with unexpected plot twists and well-crafted characters that draw readers into the world created by Eve Pendle. The writing style is described as transporting readers into the historical romance setting, with attractive characters, societal challenges, and a storyline that keeps readers engaged till the end.
January 2020•178 pages - #4
Save:A smart, richly researched sequel perfect for science-minded readers, but its dense science and occasional slow burn may not be for everyone. For fans of evolutionary speculation and hard SF, it’s a stimulating ride, just don’t expect the same impact as "Darwin’s Radio."
'Darwin's Children' is the sequel to 'Darwin's Radio' and continues to follow the lives of Kaye, Mitch, and Stella, their daughter. The plot has interesting twists and turns, especially in the end, with believable reactions to new 'things' and power struggles. However, some readers found the writing to be dragging and confusing at times, with characters becoming caricatures of themselves. The book delves into themes of evolution, human nature, political intrigues, and the challenges of a new race of humanity coexisting with the old species.
“Citing ‘severe threats to national security,’ Emergency Action this week has requested of the U.S. Justice Department the authority to hack and shut down SHEVA parent Web sites and even e-journals an...May 2001•502 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Darwin's Radio ) 'Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson' by Geoffrey C. Ward is a detailed biography of the iconic figure Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion. delves into the challenges Johnson faced, including racism, prejudice, and legal persecution, as well as his bold and audacious personality that made him a trailblazer in the early 20th century. Through Ward's meticulous research and storytelling, readers are introduced to the incredible life of Jack Johnson, showcasing his courage, resilience, and impact on the world of boxing and beyond.
2004•545 pages- #6
Save:A gorgeous, feel-good queer romance that balances hope and heartache, wrapped in midcentury charm. If you want a soft, uplifting love story, pitch perfect for quiet nights in, this book’s a win.
'You Should Be So Lucky' by Cat Sebastian is a historical gay romance set in 1960s New York City. The story follows Mark Bailey, a grieving journalist assigned to cover Eddie O'Leary, a troubled baseball player. Both men are facing personal and professional challenges, finding unexpected companionship and support in each other. The book beautifully captures the struggles of being gay in a time when it was still a criminal offense, while also delivering a heartwarming and hopeful love story between two unlikely individuals. The writing style is described as evocative, insightful, and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the characters' lives and the historical backdrop of the 1960s.
May 2024•395 pages - #7
Save:A moving, beautifully written romance that doesn’t shy away from tough history - heartfelt and highly recommended if you want real stakes with your swooning.
'Let It Shine' by Alyssa Cole is a historical romance novella set during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The story follows Sofie and Ivan, childhood friends who reunite and become involved in nonviolent protests for civil rights. As they navigate their feelings for each other amidst societal expectations and challenges, the book explores themes of love, activism, racial injustice, and personal growth. The writing style is described as emotionally impactful, with a strong focus on character development and historical accuracy, immersing readers in the turbulent era of the civil rights struggle.
Sofie usually felt at peace after church—there was comfort in the rote liturgical acts, and in the familiarity of her fellow parishioners. She sorely needed that familiarity after almost two semesters...March 2016•134 pages Heartbreaking yet hopeful, All Souls is a powerful, eye-opening memoir that spotlights the resilience and love within a battered community. Not a light read, but truly unforgettable.
All Souls: A Family Story from Southie by Michael Patrick MacDonald is a memoir that delves into the tumultuous history of growing up in the projects of South Boston during the 1960s and 1970s. The author vividly portrays the tragic realities faced by the residents of Southie, including the prevalence of drugs, corruption, crime, and poverty. MacDonald's writing style is described as poignant, candid, and deeply moving, as he narrates his personal tragedies and triumphs, along with his love-hate relationship with the rough Irish projects that shaped his family's lives.
The book sheds light on the impact of gang control, drug addiction, and a culture of silence that plagued the neighborhood, while also exploring themes of resilience, compassion, and the fight against injustice. Through MacDonald's storytelling, readers are exposed to the harsh realities of life in Southie, from violent anti-bussing battles to the struggles of impoverished families trying to survive in a society marked by division and powerlessness.
IWAS BACK IN SOUTHIE, “THE BEST PLACE IN THE world,” as Ma used to say before the kids died. That’s what we call them now, “the kids.” Even when we want to say their names, we sometimes get confused a...1999•299 pages- #9
Save:The Masterpiece shines as a beautifully-researched love letter to art, grit, and historical New York, perfect for fans of elegant, character-driven fiction and atmospheric city stories.
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis is a historical fiction novel that intertwines the stories of two women, Clara Darden and Virginia Clay, who are connected through Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Set in the 1920s and 1970s, the book explores the lives of Clara, an artist and teacher at the Grand Central School of Art, and Virginia, a divorced mother who discovers a painting at the abandoned art school. As their stories unfold, readers are taken on a journey through the art world, architecture, and history of Grand Central Terminal, witnessing the struggles and triumphs of these two unique and strong female characters.
Clara Darden’s illustration class at the Grand Central School of Art, tucked under the copper eaves of the terminal, was unaffected by the trains that rumbled through ancient layers of Manhattan schis...August 2018•383 pages - #10
Save:Powerful, poignant, and honest - A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a must-read YA novel about identity, prejudice, and the messy magic of first love.
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi is a contemporary YA novel that delves into the struggles of Shirin, a Muslim girl wearing a hijab, as she navigates high school post 9/11. The book explores themes of racism, xenophobia, teen angst, young love, family pressure, and finding oneself. Through Shirin's point of view, readers witness the impact of stereotypes and prejudice on individuals, while also experiencing a heartwarming romance with Ocean, a basketball star who tries to combat the bigotry around them. The writing style is described as personal, emotional, and engaging, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences.
We always seemed to be moving, always for the better, always to make our lives better, whatever. I couldn’t keep up with the emotional whiplash. I’d attended so many elementary schools and middle scho...October 2018•322 pages
