Books matching: societal issues
100 result(s)
'Dig.' by A.S. King is a novel that delves into the interconnected stories of five teenage cousins, each narrating their own version of their family's history of abuse and racism. The book weaves together elements of mystery, systemic racism, supernatural thriller, and a tale of hope for the future within the younger generation. Through its dark, clever, and moving storytelling, 'Dig.' explores themes of inherited hatred, white supremacy, privilege, abuse, bigotry, and the complexities of family relationships.
The narrative of 'Dig.' unfolds through audacious storytelling that portrays the lives of the characters in a distinct and unique way, tackling issues such as racism, hate, broken family relationships, and the legacy passed down through generations. The book introduces readers to a group of teens from dysfunctional families who are brought together by mysterious connections, leading them to confront their shared past and present struggles.
Marla Hemmings is hiding neon-colored plastic Easter eggs in the front flower bed. Four feet behind her, Gottfried is hacking at a patch of onion grass with a trowel. He stops to watch two spring robi...- #2
Save:'Ecstasy' by Irvine Welsh is a collection of three short stories that revolve around the theme of drugs, with drug-related erotic undertones. The stories feature characters from the UK club scene, exploring topics such as drug use, romance, revenge, and loveless marriages. The writing style includes strong Scottish dialect and slang, which can be challenging at first but eventually becomes gripping and emotional.
Rebecca Navarro sat in her spacious conservatory and looked out across the bright, fresh garden. Perky was down at the bottom end by the old stone wall, pruning the rose-bushes. She could just about m... - #3
Save:'Hardy: Poems' by Thomas Hardy, edited by Peter Washington, is a collection of poems that some readers feel is incomplete and lacks some of Hardy's most well-known and admired works. The opinions suggest that Thomas Hardy, known for his controversial novels like Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure, preferred to call himself a poet in his lifetime. is described as containing moderately short poems that resonate with the same tragic sense of life found in Hardy's novels, focusing on themes of societal views on women, historical projects, and landscape descriptions.
- #4
Save:'Under Your Skin' by Lee Winter, the sequel to 'The Red Files', delves deeper into the romance and character development of Catherine and Lauren, two investigative journalists entangled in a world of corruption, greed, and political intrigue. The narrative skillfully weaves together family dynamics, investigative journalism, and a thrilling plot involving corporate government wrongdoing, all while maintaining a balance of humor and romance. Lee Winter's writing shines through in this superior sequel, showcasing her ability to create compelling characters and intricate storylines that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
The book explores the evolving relationship between Catherine and Lauren, as they navigate personal challenges, professional endeavors, and the complexities of their own pasts. With witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and a touch of mystery, 'Under Your Skin' offers a captivating blend of romance, intrigue, and character-driven storytelling that captivates readers and leaves them eager for more.
Catherine Ayers had been reading the man’s autobiography of late. Never had a shallower book crossed her news desk. Somewhere between asides on fly fishing, pie baking, and cow tipping lay an ambitiou...
(Also, see 62 recommendations for the series On The Record ) - #5
Save:'Mischief' in the '87th Precinct' series by Ed McBain is the 45th entry in the series and features three separate investigations intertwined into one novel. The plot involves the 87th Precinct's persistent nemesis, the Deaf Man, who returns to taunt the detectives with a new scheme. Additionally, there are storylines concerning the dumping of elderly people, the murder of graffiti artists, and the Deaf Man's heist of confiscated drugs. is noted for its intricate storytelling, large cast of characters, and the evolution of police technology over the years as depicted in the series.
He and his partner were dressed identically, and they now waved away Parker’s wise-ass remarks in unison. As the forecasters had promised, it had begun raining a few hours ago. Now, at seven in the mo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series 87th Precinct ) - #6
Save:'1979' by Val McDermid introduces readers to a new heroine, Allie Burns, an investigative reporter in Glasgow. The book takes a step away from the usual police crime thriller, focusing on Allie's investigation of a fraud case in 1970s Glasgow. As the story unfolds, readers are immersed in the world of newspaper journalism, exploring the challenges faced by women in the industry and the societal norms of the time. McDermid's writing style, filled with detail and nuance, brings the setting and characters to life, creating a captivating narrative that gradually draws readers in with its twists and turns.
The plot of '1979' revolves around Allie Burns partnering with her colleague, Danny Sullivan, to uncover two major stories involving a tax evasion scheme and a potential bomb plot by Scottish nationalists. As the narrative unfolds, Allie navigates through a male-dominated newsroom, facing misogyny and challenges in her pursuit of justice and truth. With a focus on the 1970s Glasgow setting, McDermid skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, gradually building up the tension and suspense as Allie delves deeper into her investigations, ultimately leading to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.
- #7
Save:'That's Not My Name' by Megan Lally is a gripping thriller that follows the intertwined narratives of Drew, a man suspected of his girlfriend's disappearance, and Mary, a girl found with memory loss on the side of the road. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, trying to piece together the mysteries surrounding the characters. is told in alternating POVs, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the surprising twists at the end. The writing style is fast-paced, with well-developed characters and a plot that unfolds at a good pace, leading to a twisty ending that leaves readers shocked.
- #8
Save:'Between Worlds' in 'The Occupation Saga' by J.L. Williams is a science fiction novel that explores gender dynamics and societal power struggles through a unique lens. The story follows the protagonist, Jason, as he navigates a world where humanity has been conquered, presenting a new perspective on relationships and social structures. The writing style of the book combines elements of humor, romance, and social commentary, creating an engaging and thought-provoking narrative that delves into both practical and whimsical themes.
- #9
Save:'Hate to Love You' by Tijan is a college romance novel that follows the story of Kennedy Clarke and Shay Coleman. Kennedy is portrayed as a complex character with trust issues, while Shay is depicted as a charming and persistent male protagonist. The book delves into their journey from initially hating each other to developing a deep and meaningful relationship. Alongside exploring their romance, the story also touches on themes of self-discovery, friendship, and overcoming past traumas. The writing style is described as engaging, with the author skillfully weaving together college drama, sports-related romance, and a diverse cast of characters to create a captivating narrative.
One was tall with broad shoulders, dark blond hair, blue eyes lined with ice, trim waist, and the kind of cheekbones girls would melt into their seats and sigh about. He was model material, and it was... - #10
Save:"The Garden of Rama" continues the story of humanity's exploration and survival within the mysterious alien spacecraft known as Rama. The plot centers around a founding family, led by Nicole des Jardin, who navigates the challenges of life in this artificial environment while interacting with new human recruits. As they establish their community, the narrative delves into interpersonal relationships, politics, and the struggle for power among the humans, highlighting themes of selfishness, rivalry, and the complexities of human nature in an alien setting. The story shifts focus from the awe of exploration to the intricacies of family life, character backstories, and the day-to-day challenges they face.
In terms of writing style, the book has drawn mixed reviews, with some readers appreciating the depth of human motives and emotions, while others criticize it for becoming overly focused on character drama at the expense of the original sci-fi elements. The pacing of the story is noted to be uneven, with some sections dragging on and containing unnecessary details. The narrative often leans into melodrama, which detracts from the original sci-fi mystery that characterized the first book in the series. Overall, readers find that while the book has moments of intrigue, it often feels disconnected from the core essence of what made the original "Rendezvous with Rama" captivating.
universe. It was an incredible experience. I thought I had felt powerful emotions before, but nothing in my life-not the death of my mother, not the Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles, not my thirty-si...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rama )
