Books matching: urban life
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- #1
Save:City Come a-Walkin' by John Shirley explores a cyberpunk world where San Francisco is creating its own superheroes to combat corruption and organized crime control of finance. The plot revolves around the Mafia's conspiracy to take over the city and the citizen's collective unconscious, embodied in City, fighting back. The book delves into the dangers that affect urban life, portraying City as an amoral entity acting in its own interests to defend the creative diversity that sustains urban life. The writing style, while at times rough, is powerful and thought-provoking, with detailed exploration of cyberpunk concepts and a distinct atmosphere.
Three of the seven men in the conference room were thinking solely about supper just then—seven-thirty p.m. on a Thursday. The other four were thinking about supper and about plans for the evening (on... - #2
Save:'The Cat and The City' by Nick Bradley is a collection of interlinked stories set in Tokyo, revolving around a diverse ensemble of characters such as a tattoo artist, gamers, homeless individuals, office workers, and more. The stories explore themes of loneliness, interconnectedness, and the complexity of urban life in a sprawling metropolis. The book utilizes the presence of a calico cat as a unifying thread that connects the characters and narratives throughout the different stories.
The writing style of 'The Cat and The City' is praised for its intricate description of life in Tokyo, engaging characters, and clever interlinking of stories. The book offers a unique perspective on contemporary Japan, with insights into Japanese culture and society. Through various narrative styles and motifs, the author weaves a tapestry of interconnected lives, showcasing the interconnectedness of individuals in a bustling city like Tokyo.
Kentaro held the hot cup of coffee to his lips and blew at the rising steam. The back office of his tattoo parlour was dimly lit, and the light from his laptop screen gave his dirty white stubble a bl... - #3
Save:In Metropole, Budai, a Hungarian linguist, finds himself in a strange city after boarding the wrong plane. Despite his language skills, he struggles to communicate with the city's inhabitants and navigate the chaotic urban environment. The novel explores themes of language barriers, urban life, and the frustration of being unable to connect with others in a foreign place, creating a nightmarish and Kafkaesque experience for the protagonist.
Budai's journey in Metropole is a surreal exploration of the challenges of communication, isolation, and survival in a city where he is constantly misunderstood and unable to grasp the local customs. The book delves into the protagonist's futile attempts to navigate the unfamiliar city, highlighting the absurdity and humor in his struggles as he grapples with the overwhelming environment and his own desperation.
Looking back on it later it could only have happened because Budai had gone through the wrong door in the confusion at the transit lounge and, having mistaken an exit sign, found himself on a plane bo... - #4
Save:'Manhattan Transfer' by John Dos Passos is a novel set in early twentieth century New York City, portraying a diverse cast of characters from different backgrounds and social standings trying to navigate the hustle and bustle of city life. The book jumps from character to character, showcasing their struggles and aspirations in a melting pot of city chaos. Dos Passos' writing style is described as rich and vivid, painting a harsh yet realistic picture of life in the squalid tenements of New York City during that period. The novel weaves together various storylines, culminating in a portrayal of the city immediately before, during, and after World War I.
THREE GULLS WHEEL above the broken boxes, orangerinds, spoiled cabbage heads that heave between the splintered plank walls, the green waves spume under the round bow as the ferry, skidding on the tide... - #5
Save:'The Stars Beneath Our Feet' by David Barclay Moore is a story about a young boy named Lolly Rachpaul who is navigating life in the streets of Harlem after the death of his brother due to gang violence. Lolly finds solace in building LEGO creations as a way to cope with his grief and navigate the challenges of living in a dangerous neighborhood. The story follows Lolly's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and making tough decisions while surrounded by themes of family, gang pressure, and creativity.
Lolly's character development is central to the plot, as he learns to choose his own path and find hope amidst the hardships he faces. The writing style authentically captures the struggles and triumphs of a young African American boy growing up in Harlem, addressing heavy themes such as grief, gang violence, and family dynamics with honesty and depth. Through Lolly's experiences, the book explores the power of creativity, friendship, and resilience in overcoming adversity.
- #6
Save:In "A Madness of Angels," readers are taken on a magical journey through a vivid and fantastical version of London with sorcerer Matthew Swift. Swift, who mysteriously reappears after two years, must navigate a world where sorcerers are being targeted for death. The book presents a unique take on magic, intertwining it with the urban environment of London, and features a diverse cast of characters. The story is fast-paced, intriguing, and at times bloody and violent, as Swift seeks allies, friends, and the truth about his own past.
The book delves into the life of Matthew Swift, an urban sorcerer with a special connection to the magical essence of London. As Swift uncovers the machinations of his former mentor and the power struggles within the city, readers are drawn into a narrative that blends magic, mystery, and urban fantasy. With elements of revenge, alliances, and a touch of the supernatural, "A Madness of Angels" offers a compelling and complex story that immerses readers in a world where magic is intertwined with the fabric of the city itself.
At dawn, we parted company. Oda went – where, she would not say – and the biker’s only contribution was that he was going to “hit the road” for a while. We agreed a time and a place to meet again, and... - #7
Save:Clockers by Richard Price is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life on the streets, focusing on the intertwined stories of a black drug seller named Strike and a white homicide detective named Rocco in a New Jersey city. The book delves deep into the world of drug trade, dirty cops, racial profiling, and the moral complexities faced by its characters. Price's writing style is described as excellent, detailed, and deeply researched, with a focus on creating authentic and flawed characters that feel real and relatable.
STRIKE spotted her: baby fat, baby face, Shanelle or Shanette, fourteen years old maybe, standing there with that queasy smile, trying to work up the nerve. He looked away, seeing her two months from ... - #8
Save:'Up in the Old Hotel' by Joseph Mitchell is a collection of stories about New Yorkers, mostly from the 1930s to 1950s-60s, blending nonfiction and fiction. Mitchell, a master storyteller, presents captivating tales about everyday people from the city's past, showcasing a naturalistic writing style with an acceptance, respect, and grace towards his subjects. delves into the lives of iconic characters who lived on the fringes of New York City, offering a glimpse into the city's gritty and realistic yet naturally portrayed atmosphere.
McSORLEY’S OCCUPIES THE ground floor of a red-brick tenement at 15 Seventh Street, just off Cooper Square, where the Bowery ends. It was opened in 1854 and is the oldest saloon in New York City. In ei... - #9
Save:'Last Exit to Brooklyn' by Hubert Selby Jr. is a raw and brutally honest portrayal of life in the projects of Brooklyn in the 1950s. The book delves into the sordid side of American culture, depicting poverty, prostitution, alcoholism, drugs, and sexual perversion, painting a stark contrast to the wholesome image often associated with that era. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the novel explores the lives of vile low-life criminals, hookers, drag queens, dealers, and addicts, offering a relentless journey into America's underbelly post-WWII. Selby's writing style is described as raw, crude, and dark, capturing the gritty reality of urban life with searing detail and unfiltered honesty.
The characters in 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' are portrayed as deeply flawed and often despicable, engaging in acts of violence, abuse, and degradation. Selby's narrative weaves together these individual stories, showcasing the struggles and dreams of people living on the margins of society in Brooklyn. The book presents a stream of consciousness account of urban life, with each character's experiences adding layers to the overall depiction of a harsh and unforgiving environment. Despite the grim subject matter, the novel is praised for its powerful storytelling and the unapologetic way in which Selby captures the complexities of human nature in extreme circumstances.
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a... - #10
Save:Make Way for Ducklings is a heartwarming tale of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, a duck couple searching for the perfect place to raise their ducklings. Set in the bustling city of Boston, the story follows their journey as they navigate through busy streets and encounter helpful individuals, ultimately finding a safe haven for their family in the Public Garden. Through charming illustrations and simple storytelling, the book captures the essence of family, community, and the enduring spirit of parenthood.
As the Mallard family faces challenges in their quest for a new home, readers are taken on a delightful adventure filled with moments of kindness, determination, and love. The narrative beautifully portrays the bond between the duck parents and their ducklings, showcasing themes of resilience, cooperation, and the importance of finding a sense of belonging. With its endearing characters and engaging storyline, Make Way for Ducklings invites readers of all ages to join in the heartening journey of this feathered family.
