Books matching: sympathetic protagonist
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- #1
Save:The Damned by Algernon Blackwood is a chilling tale that delves into the concept of evil intent lingering in a house, magnifying over time and struggling for control. The story follows a widow who faces rising horror as she deals with the twisted beliefs of her fanatically religious deceased husband. Blackwood's writing style creates an intensely chilly atmosphere, leading readers through a supernatural account of a house steeped in damnation, where the struggle between good and evil plays out in a subtle yet terrifying manner.
"I'm over forty, Frances, and rather set in my ways," I said good-naturedly, ready to yield if she insisted that our going together on the visit involved her happiness. "My work is rather heavy just n...1914•116 pages - #2
Save:A moody, thoughtful start to a classic detective series - more about character and atmosphere than nail-biting suspense. Perfect for fans of noir and flawed antiheroes.
'The Sins of the Fathers' by Lawrence Block follows the story of Matthew Scudder, a former cop turned private investigator, as he delves into the murder of a young prostitute and her suspected killer, the son of a minister. Set in New York City, the plot uncovers sleaze, corruption, and phoney religious cults as Scudder navigates through the city's underbelly to unravel the truth behind the murders. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gritty, and lean, with a focus on character development and a dark, noir atmosphere that captures the essence of 1970s New York.
He was a big man, about my height with a little more flesh on his heavy frame. His eyebrows, arched and prominent, were still black. The hair on his head was iron gray, combed straight back, giving hi...1960•208 pages - #3
Save:Funny, raw, and heartfelt - this is a standout YA novel about body image, self-discovery, and family, best for mature teens.
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things follows Virginia Shreves, a 15-year-old girl struggling with body image issues in the midst of her seemingly perfect family. Virginia feels out of place surrounded by her athletic and intelligent family members, dealing with weight insecurities and loneliness. The book delves into Virginia's journey of self-acceptance, especially after a family scandal involving her brother, as she navigates teenage life, relationships, and societal expectations.
Through a candid and relatable narrative, Carolyn Mackler explores themes of body image, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Virginia's humorous yet poignant voice offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by teenagers, touching on issues like weight control, relationships, and personal growth in the face of societal pressures and family expectations.
This is the third Monday that he’s come over to my apartment after school. Every week we go a little further, and today, on September twenty-third at 3:17 P.M., he’s begun inching his fingers across m...2003•285 pages - #4
Save:Jailbird is a sly, satirical ride through American history and bureaucracy - funny, thoughtful, and unmistakably Vonnegut. Not his most groundbreaking, but a solid (and very witty) entry for fans of his unique style.
Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a satirical novel that follows the life of Walter F. Starbuck, a man released from prison for his involvement in the Watergate scandal. The book weaves together flashbacks of Walter's past with comical coincidences in his present, creating a complex yet entertaining narrative. Vonnegut's writing style is described as wacky, humorous, and tightly woven, with a mix of historical events and fictional elements seamlessly integrated throughout the story.
Pay attention, please, for years as well as people are characters in this book, which is the story of my life so far. Nineteen-hundred and Twenty-nine wrecked the American economy. Nineteen-hundred an...January 1979•315 pages - #5
Save:A poignant, slow-burn romance that’s as much about healing as it is about love. Come for the balloon, stay for Emmie’s journey to finding happiness - just keep some tissues handy!
'Dear Emmie Blue' by Lia Louis is a heartwarming story about Emmie Blue, a young woman who has faced numerous challenges in her life, from betrayal to neglect. The book follows Emmie's journey as she navigates her past traumas, searches for her missing father, and discovers the true meaning of friendship and love. Through a captivating writing style, vibrant characters, and engaging drama, readers are taken on a emotional rollercoaster as Emmie's story unfolds.
I was ready; so ready for him to ask me. So ready, I was practically beaming, and I imagine so red in the cheeks, I probably looked ruddy, like streetwise children do in Charles Dickens novels—a tomat...July 2020•320 pages - #6
Save:A powerful, heartfelt look at sacrifice, survival, and self-discovery, Dominicana stands out for its emotional depth and unique perspective. Not always easy, but absolutely worth the read.
Dominicana by Angie Cruz tells the story of Ana, a young girl from the Dominican Republic who is forced into a loveless marriage with an older man, Juan, in order to secure a better life for her family in the United States. Set in the 1960s, the book explores Ana's struggles as an immigrant in New York City, her turbulent relationship with her husband and his brother, and her journey towards independence and self-discovery. The novel is praised for its powerful storytelling, vivid descriptions of the time period and locations, and the emotional depth of the protagonist.
The first time Juan Ruiz proposes, I’m eleven years old, skinny and flat-chested. I’m half asleep, my frizzy hair has busted out from a rubber band, and my dress is on backwards. Every other weekend J...September 2019•336 pages A beautifully written, grounded take on the Cinderella story that gives the iconic stepmother her due. Less magic, more humanity - perfect for fans of character-driven historical fiction and nuanced fairy tale retellings.
All the Ever Afters: The Untold Story of Cinderella's Stepmother by Danielle Teller is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story from the perspective of the stepmother, Agnes. The book delves into Agnes' background, starting from her childhood as a peasant girl and following her journey as she becomes Cinderella's stepmother. The story is set in a historical context, devoid of magic, and focuses on the realistic and human aspects of the characters, providing a fresh and imaginative take on the well-known fairy tale.
May 2018•394 pages- #8
Save:Popcorn thriller lovers - this is your page-turner. Not flawless, but packed with suspense and more than enough twists to keep you hooked until the very end.
Linwood Barclay's 'Never Look Away' follows David Harwood, a small town newspaper reporter, whose wife Jan disappears during a family outing to an amusement park. As David becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance, he embarks on a frantic search to clear his name and unravel the truth behind his wife's actions. The novel is praised for its fast-paced and suspenseful plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end.
The narrative delves into themes of deception, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. Barclay's writing style is described as gripping and compelling, with a blend of first-person and third-person perspectives that add depth to the story and create a sense of urgency that propels the plot forward.
“Yeah, David.” This was the thing with politicians. You called them “Mister” and they called you by your first name. Didn’t matter whether it was the president of the United States or some flunky on t...February 2010•528 pages - #9
Save:A highly entertaining, page-turning thriller with an everyman hero and jaw-dropping twists - just don’t expect gritty realism. Perfect for a weekend binge when you want suspense without nightmares.
"The Accident" by Linwood Barclay follows the story of Glen Garber, a Connecticut contractor, who is trying to unravel the mystery behind his wife Sheila's death in a car accident that appears to be her fault due to drunk driving. As Glen struggles to cope with his wife's death and take care of their daughter Kelly, he begins to investigate further, uncovering a series of seemingly unrelated accidents and mysteries that lead him to a dark world of counterfeit goods and dangerous secrets. The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns, and showcases how ordinary people can get caught up in extraordinary circumstances, making for a suspenseful and engaging read.
If I'd known this was our last morning, I'd have rolled over in bed and held her. But of course, if it had been possible to know something like that--if I could have somehow seen into the future--I wo...August 2011•468 pages - #10
Save:Charming, comforting, and uplifting - this is a cozy read about love, loss, and starting over. Perfect for when you need a hug in book form.
Having been married for over 40 years, 69 year old Arthur Pepper is mourning the loss of his wife, Miriam. One day he finds a charm bracelet that belonged to Miriam. What follows is an adventure that takes Arthur on a quest to find out the truth about the charms and the truth about his wife's life before they married. It will be a life-changing quest. The story follows Arthur as he embarks on several adventures to discover the origins of the charms and what secrets his wife had been keeping. Along the way, he meets several interesting characters and rediscovers himself.
EACH DAY ARTHUR got out of bed at precisely 7:30 a.m. just as he did when his wife, Miriam, was alive. He showered and got dressed in the gray slacks, pale blue shirt and mustard sweater-vest that he...May 2016•333 pages
