Books matching: unexpected consequences
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A quick, gently told tale about the power of books and awakening during a dark chapter of modern China - recommended for those who cherish stories about stories, but may leave readers wanting more depth or a stronger ending.
'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress' by Dai Sijie is a novel set during the Cultural Revolution in China, focusing on two teenage boys who are sent to a remote village for re-education. They encounter the Little Chinese Seamstress, a tailor's daughter, and discover a stash of banned Western books that open their minds to new ideas and possibilities. The book explores themes of friendship, love, the power of literature, and the impact of forbidden knowledge in a repressive society.
The narrative of the book is described as engaging, with a focus on the transformative power of reading and storytelling. The story follows the protagonists as they navigate life in the village, their relationships with the Little Chinese Seamstress, and their discovery of Western literature that challenges their perspectives and leads to unexpected consequences. The writing style is praised for its simplicity, humor, and ability to evoke the setting of rural China during a tumultuous period in history.
Four-Eyes had a secret suitcase, which he kept carefully hidden. He was our friend. (Remember? We were on our way to see him when we had our encounter with the tailor on the mountain path.) The villag...2000•184 pages- #2
Save:A breezy, hilarious vampire rom-com that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Great for paranormal romance fans looking for laughs and lovable weirdos, but those craving deep angst or edge might want to look elsewhere.
'Love Bites' in the 'Argeneau' series by Lynsay Sands follows the story of Etienne Argeneau, a 300-year-old vampire who encounters a disturbed human, Pudge, obsessed with killing him. When Rachel Garrett, a ME, saves Etienne's life and is mortally wounded in the process, Etienne turns her into a vampire to save her. The plot revolves around their rocky romance, dealing with the stalker, and Rachel's struggle to accept her new life as a vampire. The writing style combines humor, romance, and paranormal elements, with a focus on family dynamics within the Argeneau clan.
delves into themes of love, family, and acceptance amidst a paranormal romance backdrop. It explores the challenges faced by Rachel as she navigates her new life as a vampire while developing a relationship with Etienne. The plot involves a mix of humor, drama, and action, with a touch of unpredictability and unique twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Rachel Garrett straightened and wiped the back of her gloved hand across her forehead. She had been bouncing between the chills and fever since arriving at work two hours earlier. At the moment, she w... - #3
Save:Campy superhero rom-com that’s charming and fun - best for readers in the mood for popcorn fiction and playful escapism.
Carmen Cole, a journalist, seeks revenge after discovering her fiancé and best friend's betrayal on her wedding day. Unmasking their secret identities as a superhero and ubervillain, Carmen's mission spirals out of control as she aims to expose all superheroes and villains. The book delves into themes of revenge, self-discovery, and the consequences of one's actions, all set in a world of superheroes and ubervillains. The writing style is described as fun, light-hearted, and filled with humor, presenting a mix of romance, action, and superhero elements.
It was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. A time of joy and celebration and new beginnings. The day every girl dreams of from the time she’s old enough to play dress-up in her mother’s clothe...2007•376 pages - #4
Save:Book of the Dead (TombQuest) by Michael Northrop is the first book in a thrilling new series filled with Egyptian mythology and adventure. The story follows eleven-year-old Alex, who has been sick his whole life. When his condition worsens, his mother, an Egyptologist, uses a powerful spell from the Book of the Dead to save him. However, this magic has unintended consequences, releasing chaos into the world and causing strange events to unfold. With his mother missing, Alex teams up with his best friend Ren to confront the dangers unleashed by the ancient spell.
The writing is fast-paced and engaging, making it an exciting read for both children and adults. The characters, especially Alex and Ren, are lively and relatable, though some readers wish for deeper development as the series progresses. The book combines action, suspense, and a touch of magic while introducing readers to intriguing Egyptian lore, ensuring that it captures the interest of young readers looking for adventure.
January 2015•211 pages - #5
Save:'Sympathy for the Devil' by Holly Lisle follows the story of a nurse who prays for the damned souls in Hell to have a second chance at redemption. When her prayer is granted by God, Hellspawn emerge, and the Devil seizes the opportunity for his own gain. The plot is described as both tongue-in-cheek and serious, making it a good light read while also hinting at a continuation beyond the book's close. The story blends elements of humor, romance, and thought-provoking scenarios, portraying Heaven and Hell in a unique and modern light.
Lucifer—Puissant Lord of Evil, Utmost Originator of All Things Foul, Master of the Netherworlds, Purveyor of Anguish—glanced up from his newspaper to stare thoughtfully over the miles of open office s...1995•255 pages - #6
Save:Angsty, gentle, and deeply rooted in rural life, 'The Fulfillment' offers a bittersweet love triangle with plenty of emotional depth - best for fans of heartfelt, slow-burn historical romance.
'The Fulfillment' by LaVyrle Spencer is a historical romance novel that explores the complex relationships between the characters. The story revolves around Aaron, Jonathan, and Mary, who find themselves entangled in a love triangle. The plot delves into themes of love, commitment, and emotional turmoil, set in a historical backdrop. Spencer's writing style captivates readers with its emotional depth and realistic portrayals of relationships, making the book a compelling read for fans of historical romances.
1979•362 pages - #7
Save:Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit is a classic children’s story that unfolds when five siblings stumble upon a grumpy magical creature named the Psammead. This sand fairy can grant one wish per day, which leads to a series of whimsical and misadventurous situations as the children quickly learn that their wishes often come with unexpected consequences. Each wish serves as a standalone tale filled with humor and charm as the siblings navigate the ups and downs of their magical encounters, all while learning lessons about desires and responsibility.
The writing style of the book reflects its early 20th-century origins, making it somewhat old-fashioned and occasionally difficult for younger readers to grasp without parental assistance. The narrative is descriptive and detailed, often allowing for in-depth character exploration. While the classic storyline holds appeal for many, the complexity of the language and some outdated social themes may pose challenges for modern readers. Despite these issues, the book remains a beloved, enchanting tale that offers a nostalgic glimpse into childhood adventures and sibling dynamics.
1902•182 pages - #8
Save:Dragon Princess by S. Andrew Swann is a humorous and fast-paced high fantasy adventure that plays with familiar tropes. The story follows Frank, a thieving hero who unexpectedly finds himself in the body of a princess he was supposed to rescue. As he navigates the challenges of his new identity, complete with a dragon, gambling problems, and mercenaries, he experiences significant personal growth amidst a series of unpredictable disasters.
Swann's writing style is fluid and engaging, filled with witty banter and clever characters. The plot is characterized by comical situations that keep readers guessing, as expectations are cleverly subverted at every turn. Despite some inconsistencies in character development and an unconventional ending that leaves room for a sequel, Dragon Princess captivates with its charm and humor, making it a delightful read for fans of fantasy looking for something fresh.
While it is customary to delegate such duties to historians, scribes, poets, minstrels, and such, there are two primary reasons I’m taking on this duty myself. First, I’m not a person of historical no...May 2014•337 pages - #9
Save:'The Boxes' by William Sleator is a young adult science fiction novel that follows the story of fifteen-year-old Annie who receives two mysterious boxes from her Uncle Marco. Against the warning not to open them, Annie takes a peek and unleashes crab-like creatures that start multiplying. As Annie grapples with the consequences of her actions, she must decide whether to open the second box, leading to a suspenseful and mysterious journey filled with action and fantasy elements. William Sleator's writing style expertly weaves together suspense and detailed descriptions, keeping the readers engaged and intrigued about the outcome of Annie's choices and the creatures she encounters.
“And don’t try to open them. Don’t even think about trying to open them,” Uncle Marco said. “I’m leaving them with you because you’re the only person here I can trust. No one else can know they even e...1998•216 pages - #10
Save:A fiendishly fun mix of horror, humor, and whodunit - lighten up and enjoy the chaos! If you’re craving a wild, bloody romp with more laughs than scares, Jeff Strand’s Andrew Mayhem debut is worth digging up.
"Graverobbers Wanted: No Experience Necessary" by Jeff Strand follows the misadventures of Andrew Mayhem, a bumbling novice detective who finds himself in a horrific situation after taking on a seemingly simple job to dig up a body for $20,000. However, things take a dark turn when Andrew realizes that the person in the grave is not dead, leading to a series of chaotic and bloody events. The book is a blend of mystery, humor, and gore, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and entertained. Jeff Strand's writing style walks a fine line between graphic violence and humor, creating a unique and compelling narrative that is both light and funny yet not for the easily squeamish.
Andrew Mayhem's character is portrayed as deeply sarcastic and witty, making him a likable protagonist whose running commentary adds to the fun and snappy writing style of the author. Despite the chaotic and ludicrous plot, the book manages to maintain tension by throwing innocents into the mix, making readers fear for the safety of Andrew's family and friends. Overall, "Graverobbers Wanted: No Experience Necessary" is a fast-paced and entertaining read that seamlessly merges horror and comedy, showcasing Jeff Strand's talent in crafting a darkly humorous and thrilling story.
My wife Helen says that Theresa takes after me, and as happens more times than I can count, she's right. That's why I try to let Helen handle as much of thechildraising as possible. It's better for so...2000•201 pages
