Books matching: societal disconnection
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A short, quirky meditation on modern existence - bleak but funny, sad yet weirdly hopeful. Not for plot chasers, but essential for anyone who likes their fiction offbeat and brutally honest.
'Person' by Sam Pink is a novel that delves into the daily life of an ordinary person, exploring their mundane routines and inner psyche. The book presents a bleak yet intriguing narrative, with sparse information and descriptions that prompt readers to navigate their way through the void of the protagonist's existence. Through a stream of consciousness style, readers are immersed in the main character's world, experiencing themes of anxiety, isolation, and depression in a raw and unfiltered manner.
I’m walking around Chicago, feeling like a piece of shit. It’s winter. There are many people out. I pass an older homeless man and he is dressed almost exactly like me. Almost exactly. I want to stop...2010•87 pages- #2
Save:A lush, if sometimes implausible, historical romance about privilege, self-discovery, and finding courage amid the mysteries of war-torn Scotland. Not perfect, but a great choice for escapist reading and fans of Gruen’s richly described settings.
"At the Water's Edge" by Sara Gruen is a historical fiction novel set during World War II in Scotland. The story follows Maddie, a wealthy American, who accompanies her husband and his best friend on a quest to find the Loch Ness monster. As Maddie navigates life outside her privileged bubble, she begins to question her relationships and undergo a personal transformation. The book touches on themes of class structures, mental illness, wartime struggles, and personal growth, all against the backdrop of a vividly depicted Scottish landscape. The plot unfolds with a mix of romance, mystery, and elements of the supernatural, keeping readers engaged until the satisfying conclusion.
It had been nearly four hours since we’d left the naval base at Aultbea, and we’d been careening from checkpoint to checkpoint since. I truly believe those were the only times the driver used the brak...2013•464 pages - #3
Save:A devastating and sparely written classic of alienation - raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable. Approach with care, but if you connect with it, you won't soon forget it.
"No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai is a bleak and introspective novel that delves into the life of Oba Yozo, a character struggling with feelings of alienation and disconnection from society. The book explores themes of loneliness, suicide, and existential dread through Yozo's eyes as he navigates a world where he feels like an outsider. The writing style is described as powerful and impactful, with a narrative that captures the protagonist's internal turmoil and despair in a poignant manner.
I can’t even guess myself what it must be to live the life of a human being. I was born in a village in the Northeast, and it wasn’t until I was quite big that I saw my first train. I climbed up and d...1948•176 pages - #4
Save:A gleefully grotesque, candy-colored fever dream - deliciously weird, occasionally disturbing, and totally unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart, but a must if you’re up for a trip through the wilds of bizarro fiction.
The Cannibals of Candyland by Carlton Mellick III takes readers on a wild and bizarre journey through a colorful and dangerous underground world inhabited by cannibals made of candy. The story follows Franklin Pierce on his mission to wipe out all the candy people, leading to a surreal and perverted horror adventure. The book is described as full of blood, guts, gumdrops, swear words, and weaponry, immersing readers in a unique and intense world unlike any other.
The writing style in The Cannibals of Candyland is praised for being surreal, perverted, and filled with graphic and bloody scenes. Readers mention enjoying the descriptions of suffering from candy attacks, candy society, and surreal sex scenes. Carlton Mellick III is commended for his ability to create a captivating and imaginative world that leaves a lasting impact on readers, making them wonder about the reality of such a twisted universe.
Franklin walks down the sidewalk in his apple-red suit, wearing red gloves, a red baseball cap, and holding a red umbrella over his head. He shines loudly at every person who passes him. The people in...August 2009•163 pages - #5
Save:Creepy, atmospheric horror in the woods with a divisive second half. Come for the suspense and chills - just know it doesn't stick the landing for everyone.
'The Ritual' by Adam Nevill is a horror novel that follows the story of four friends who embark on a camping hiking trip in Sweden, near the Arctic Circle. As they take a shortcut through a forest, they encounter strange ruins and an impossibly dense forest, leading to disorientation, hostility, and physical exhaustion. The novel is split into two sections, with the first covering the failed camping trip and the breakdown of the group, while the second takes a ghastly turn as they face a final fight for survival against a predator living in the forest. The author, Adam Nevill, creates a pervading sense of dread from the beginning, building unrelenting intensity and terror throughout the story.
At midday, Hutch stopped walking and turned to look back at the others; three colourful figures appearing insignificant upon the misty vastness of the rocky landscape they meandered across. They were...May 2011•430 pages - #6
Save:A quirky and compassionate novel that's both timely and touching - ideal if you enjoy charming, thought-provoking stories about community and hope, even if it takes a few detours along the way.
A young man named Joe Haak, a computer analyst from a major financial institution, washes up on a beach in a seaside village where he finds unexpected salvation. The novel intertwines present events with future myth, highlighting the interconnectedness of the world's financial systems and the strength of personal relationships in finding personal and social salvation. The book explores themes of community spirit, selflessness, and the contrast between rural and urban life in the face of global challenges.
In the village of St Piran they still speak of the day when the naked man washed up on Piran Sands. It was the same day Kenny Kennet saw the whale. Some say it was a Wednesday. Others seem sure it was...November 2015•320 pages - #7
Save:A weird but thought-provoking novel that swings between nostalgic brilliance and apocalyptic weirdness. It’s not for everyone, but if you like literary curveballs and don’t mind some philosophical heavy lifting, it’s definitely worth a try.
'Girlfriend in a Coma' by Douglas Coupland is a novel that follows the story of Karen, a teenage girl who falls into a coma in 1979 and wakes up 17 years later, finding the world around her changed and dystopian. The book explores themes of loss, grief, friendship, loneliness, and the impact of tragedy on individuals. The writing style of the book has been described as a mix of teenage love story, middle-age crisis, dystopian fiction, and redemption, with a narrative that defies easy categorization and keeps readers engaged.
On Friday, October 14, 1978, I was playing football with my high school team, the Sentinel Spartans. It was an away-game at another school, Handsworth, in North Vancouver. Early on in the game I was t...1998•327 pages - #8
Save:Weird, warm, and wonderfully written - this is a cult classic for lovers of literary oddities and big-hearted storytelling.
The Tenants of Moonbloom by Edward Lewis Wallant is a novel set in Manhattan focusing on Norman Moonbloom, a rent collector for his slum landlord brother, Irwin. The book delves into the lives of the diverse tenants of Moonbloom tenements, exploring their struggles, sorrows, and desires, as well as Norman's journey from a feckless student to a compassionate figure trying to improve their lives. Wallant's writing style is described as peculiar, lucid, and meaningful, capturing the essence of New York City's cultural diversity and the existentialist themes of the novel.
LASHED IN THE twisted phone wire, Norman was a victim of his own tendency to fool around, but, finally anchored, he became quiet. His brother’s voice was a record played at the wrong speed, reminding...1963•267 pages - #9
Save:'You Should Come With Me Now' by M. John Harrison is a collection of short stories that showcase the author's ability to blend elements of weirdness, playfulness, and humor. The book explores themes of escapism, reality, and societal constructs, offering a glimpse into characters who are trying to navigate their lives while facing the complexities of modern society. The writing style is described as compact, elusive, and otherworldly, with stories that range from lyrical passages to ironic political miniatures, all demonstrating the author's precise and beautiful language.
November 2017•257 pages - #10
Save:A hilarious, scathing, and smart dissection of American political dysfunction and bizarre subcultures; not for the easily offended, but perfect for those who like their social commentary with edge and wit.
'The Great Derangement: A Terrifying True Story of War, Politics, and Religion at the Twilight of the American Empire' by Matt Taibbi is a thought-provoking exploration of the state of American politics, focusing on the interplay between power, corruption, and the disillusionment of ordinary citizens. Through a blend of investigative journalism and personal experiences, Taibbi delves into topics such as government manipulation, conspiracy theories, and the impact of religion on politics. The book offers a critical analysis of the contemporary political landscape, highlighting the complexities and contradictions inherent in American society.
Taibbi's writing style is characterized by its incisiveness, humor, and ability to captivate readers with sharp observations and witty commentary. Drawing on influences like Hunter S. Thompson, Taibbi presents a narrative that is both informative and engaging, challenging readers to question the status quo and reevaluate their understanding of power dynamics in the modern world.
IT’S A THURSDAY AFTERNOON in San Antonio and I’m in a rented room—creaky floorboards, peeling wallpaper, month to month, no lease, space heater only, the ultimate temporary lifestyle—and I can’t find...May 2008•320 pages
