#fiction

[ follow ]
#creativity

Remote islands free the imagination but they also stir up fear

Islands evoke creativity and imagination due to their isolation and unique characteristics.

Mystery Flesh Pit National Park welcomes you to a very special, very moist kind of role-playing game

Mystery Flesh Pit National Park, a fictional setting, will be managed by the National Park Service starting in 2025.

Remote islands free the imagination but they also stir up fear

Islands evoke creativity and imagination due to their isolation and unique characteristics.

Mystery Flesh Pit National Park welcomes you to a very special, very moist kind of role-playing game

Mystery Flesh Pit National Park, a fictional setting, will be managed by the National Park Service starting in 2025.
morecreativity
#books

Best of 2024: Don't miss out on reading these standout books

2024 saw significant literary works that provoke thought on humanity and society through diverse narratives.

78 Books Scientific American Recommends in 2024

Scientific American highlights a blend of nonfiction and fiction books that illuminate various scientific discoveries and stories in 2024.

Yiyun Li Reads "The Particles of Order"

Yiyun Li's new story explores the balance between order and chaos in human experiences.

Rebecca Makkai Reads Jhumpa Lahiri

Rebecca Makkai discusses Jhumpa Lahiri's immigration themes in "The Third and Final Continent".

Daisy Hildyard Reads "Revision"

Daisy Hildyard's story 'Revision' demonstrates her acclaimed storytelling ability, being featured in a notable literary magazine.

Best of 2024: Don't miss out on reading these standout books

2024 saw significant literary works that provoke thought on humanity and society through diverse narratives.

78 Books Scientific American Recommends in 2024

Scientific American highlights a blend of nonfiction and fiction books that illuminate various scientific discoveries and stories in 2024.

Yiyun Li Reads "The Particles of Order"

Yiyun Li's new story explores the balance between order and chaos in human experiences.

Rebecca Makkai Reads Jhumpa Lahiri

Rebecca Makkai discusses Jhumpa Lahiri's immigration themes in "The Third and Final Continent".

Daisy Hildyard Reads "Revision"

Daisy Hildyard's story 'Revision' demonstrates her acclaimed storytelling ability, being featured in a notable literary magazine.
morebooks
#thriller

Review: Comic thriller delivers both a dead body and a life lesson

The novel blends dark comedy with suspense to explore the pressures of being a writer and personal guilt following a disastrous event.

These are the 30 best books of 2024

Miranda July's 'All Fours' captivates with its unique narrative of self-discovery for women over 40, becoming a significant literary talk-piece.

Briefly Noted

Estela's story in 'Clean' exposes themes of class conflict and emotional detachment intertwined with a family's tragedy.

Review: Comic thriller delivers both a dead body and a life lesson

The novel blends dark comedy with suspense to explore the pressures of being a writer and personal guilt following a disastrous event.

These are the 30 best books of 2024

Miranda July's 'All Fours' captivates with its unique narrative of self-discovery for women over 40, becoming a significant literary talk-piece.

Briefly Noted

Estela's story in 'Clean' exposes themes of class conflict and emotional detachment intertwined with a family's tragedy.
morethriller
#existentialism

Martyr!

Cyrus Shams grapples with deep grief and existential questions stemming from family loss while seeking connection and meaning in his life.

Everything is the worst in this 'Banal Nightmare'

Banal Nightmare explores the chaotic intertwining of humor and dissatisfaction in life, showcasing Moddie's struggle for self-identity in a darkly humorous lens.

Rachel Kushner: "Gentleness Can Inspire Other People"

Rachel Kushner's novel "Creation Lake" explores existential themes through the lens of a clandestine spy infiltrating an eco-conscious commune in France.

'It's One of Those Infinite Time-Loop Situations You Might Have Heard About'

Balle's novel series explores existential themes through a time-loop narrative that challenges traditional genre conventions, asking profound questions about existence and choice.

Martyr!

Cyrus Shams grapples with deep grief and existential questions stemming from family loss while seeking connection and meaning in his life.

Everything is the worst in this 'Banal Nightmare'

Banal Nightmare explores the chaotic intertwining of humor and dissatisfaction in life, showcasing Moddie's struggle for self-identity in a darkly humorous lens.

Rachel Kushner: "Gentleness Can Inspire Other People"

Rachel Kushner's novel "Creation Lake" explores existential themes through the lens of a clandestine spy infiltrating an eco-conscious commune in France.

'It's One of Those Infinite Time-Loop Situations You Might Have Heard About'

Balle's novel series explores existential themes through a time-loop narrative that challenges traditional genre conventions, asking profound questions about existence and choice.
moreexistentialism
#family-dynamics

The Most Anticipated Books Hitting Shelves This Winter

Cozy up with a stack of new winter reading material to enjoy during cold Sunday afternoons.

Crime and thrillers of the month review

Bella Mackie's novel explores dark humor through a wealthy family's dysfunction and murder at a birthday party, juxtaposed with Laura Sims's eerie examination of identity.

What to read this weekend: Family dysfunction at the end of the world, and the woman who challenged Victorian medicine

Julia Armfield's "Private Rites" is a speculative reimagining of King Lear set in an underwater world.

'Time of the Child' Is a Marvelous Blend of Despair and Redemption

'Time of the Child' beautifully interlaces stories of despair, love, and resilience in a rural Irish setting, highlighting the emotional complexities of its characters.

The Most Anticipated Books Hitting Shelves This Winter

Cozy up with a stack of new winter reading material to enjoy during cold Sunday afternoons.

Crime and thrillers of the month review

Bella Mackie's novel explores dark humor through a wealthy family's dysfunction and murder at a birthday party, juxtaposed with Laura Sims's eerie examination of identity.

What to read this weekend: Family dysfunction at the end of the world, and the woman who challenged Victorian medicine

Julia Armfield's "Private Rites" is a speculative reimagining of King Lear set in an underwater world.

'Time of the Child' Is a Marvelous Blend of Despair and Redemption

'Time of the Child' beautifully interlaces stories of despair, love, and resilience in a rural Irish setting, highlighting the emotional complexities of its characters.
morefamily-dynamics
#memoir

Pedro Almodovar: Life needs fiction to make it bearable'

Fiction is essential for a more bearable life, as taught by Almodovar's mother.

A spy in the land of the privileged': why Eve Babitz's cult Hollywood memoir still matters 50 years on

Eve Babitz's book 'Eve's Hollywood' combines memoir, fiction, and essays in a unique genre-defying style.

The best books to give as gifts this Christmas

Colin Barrett and Richard Flanagan's works provide exciting Christmas reading experiences, blending engaging storytelling with personal depth.

Top of Your Stack: 12.5.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

Each of the featured books explores complex themes like love, identity, and artistic evolution, showcasing diverse narratives and styles.

Pedro Almodovar: Life needs fiction to make it bearable'

Fiction is essential for a more bearable life, as taught by Almodovar's mother.

A spy in the land of the privileged': why Eve Babitz's cult Hollywood memoir still matters 50 years on

Eve Babitz's book 'Eve's Hollywood' combines memoir, fiction, and essays in a unique genre-defying style.

The best books to give as gifts this Christmas

Colin Barrett and Richard Flanagan's works provide exciting Christmas reading experiences, blending engaging storytelling with personal depth.

Top of Your Stack: 12.5.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

Each of the featured books explores complex themes like love, identity, and artistic evolution, showcasing diverse narratives and styles.
morememoir
#literature

The Woman Who Didn't Want to Get Well

Health and happiness can be in conflict, as illustrated by Ellen's struggle with mania and her idealized persona, Esmeralda.

These Are The 20 Best Romance Books Of 2024, According To Amazon

Ali navigates life post-marriage and discovers unexpected romance in 'Summer Romance.'
Misery Lark faces challenges balancing duty and personal desires in her vampire-centric narrative.
The governess-soldier romance explores the intersection of love and hidden pasts.
Freya's storyline illustrates the conflict between personal sacrifice and societal obligations in romance.

Five Books That Conjure Entirely New Worlds

Fiction bridges the gap between reader and character consciousness, transporting audiences to fantastical worlds.

The 10 Best Fiction Books of 2024

This year's best fiction illuminates feelings of alienation and belonging across various characters and settings, compelling readers to reflect on their own connections.

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout review when Olive Kitteridge met Lucy Barton

Elizabeth Strout masterfully weaves the lives of ordinary people into a rich narrative tapestry set in New England.
The convergence of characters and settings showcases the depth of everyday human experiences.

The Women Behind the Door by Roddy Doyle review his best yet

Roddy Doyle's latest novel revisits Paula Spencer, showcasing her growth and resilience while maintaining humor and empathy.

The Woman Who Didn't Want to Get Well

Health and happiness can be in conflict, as illustrated by Ellen's struggle with mania and her idealized persona, Esmeralda.

These Are The 20 Best Romance Books Of 2024, According To Amazon

Ali navigates life post-marriage and discovers unexpected romance in 'Summer Romance.'
Misery Lark faces challenges balancing duty and personal desires in her vampire-centric narrative.
The governess-soldier romance explores the intersection of love and hidden pasts.
Freya's storyline illustrates the conflict between personal sacrifice and societal obligations in romance.

Five Books That Conjure Entirely New Worlds

Fiction bridges the gap between reader and character consciousness, transporting audiences to fantastical worlds.

The 10 Best Fiction Books of 2024

This year's best fiction illuminates feelings of alienation and belonging across various characters and settings, compelling readers to reflect on their own connections.

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout review when Olive Kitteridge met Lucy Barton

Elizabeth Strout masterfully weaves the lives of ordinary people into a rich narrative tapestry set in New England.
The convergence of characters and settings showcases the depth of everyday human experiences.

The Women Behind the Door by Roddy Doyle review his best yet

Roddy Doyle's latest novel revisits Paula Spencer, showcasing her growth and resilience while maintaining humor and empathy.
moreliterature
from www.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

The best books of 2024

This year's fiction highlights feature a diverse selection of innovative literature spanning various genres, reflecting contemporary themes and engaging storytelling.
#environmentalism

Rachel Kushner's Covert Op Against Realism

Kushner's 'Creation Lake' intricately examines the moral complexities of espionage through the character of Sadie Smith, reflecting broader themes of identity and ethics.

Thirst by Giles Foden review adventures on the Skeleton Coast

Foden's Thirst explores the struggles for resources in a climate-worsened future through the eyes of an idealistic environmental scientist.

Rachel Kushner's Covert Op Against Realism

Kushner's 'Creation Lake' intricately examines the moral complexities of espionage through the character of Sadie Smith, reflecting broader themes of identity and ethics.

Thirst by Giles Foden review adventures on the Skeleton Coast

Foden's Thirst explores the struggles for resources in a climate-worsened future through the eyes of an idealistic environmental scientist.
moreenvironmentalism
#romance

100 Notable Books of 2024

Miranda July's novel explores themes of desire and self-reinvention through unconventional romance during a cross-country trip.

The Women's Midlife-Crisis Novel Enters the Season of the Witch

A woman in midlife seeks to balance self-abandonment with self-reflection in her relationships.

This Week's Bestsellers: November 18, 2024

This week features new collector's editions for popular YA and adult novels, underscoring the enduring interest in these genres.

100 Notable Books of 2024

Miranda July's novel explores themes of desire and self-reinvention through unconventional romance during a cross-country trip.

The Women's Midlife-Crisis Novel Enters the Season of the Witch

A woman in midlife seeks to balance self-abandonment with self-reflection in her relationships.

This Week's Bestsellers: November 18, 2024

This week features new collector's editions for popular YA and adult novels, underscoring the enduring interest in these genres.
moreromance
#booker-prize

British writer Samantha Harvey wins Booker Prize for space novel Orbital

Samantha Harvey's 'Orbital' won the 2024 Booker Prize for its exploration of humanity aboard the International Space Station, emphasizing beauty, ambition, and fragility.

I'm so not an astronaut!' Samantha Harvey on her Booker-winning space novel and the anxiety that drove it

Samantha Harvey's novel 'Orbital' vividly explores the lives of astronauts aboard the ISS, winning the Booker Prize as a symbol of creative perseverance.

Samantha Harvey Wins Booker Prize for Space-Station Novel Orbital

Samantha Harvey's novel 'Orbital' won the Booker Prize, exploring themes of unity and cooperation from the perspective of astronauts on the ISS.

British writer Samantha Harvey wins Booker Prize for space novel Orbital

Samantha Harvey's 'Orbital' won the 2024 Booker Prize for its exploration of humanity aboard the International Space Station, emphasizing beauty, ambition, and fragility.

I'm so not an astronaut!' Samantha Harvey on her Booker-winning space novel and the anxiety that drove it

Samantha Harvey's novel 'Orbital' vividly explores the lives of astronauts aboard the ISS, winning the Booker Prize as a symbol of creative perseverance.

Samantha Harvey Wins Booker Prize for Space-Station Novel Orbital

Samantha Harvey's novel 'Orbital' won the Booker Prize, exploring themes of unity and cooperation from the perspective of astronauts on the ISS.
morebooker-prize
#literary-analysis

Haruki Murakami on Rethinking Early Work

Haruki Murakami's latest novel revisits themes and ideas from his early works, exploring the blurry lines between reality and imagination.

Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers review trauma unearthed

Clare Chambers's Shy Creatures showcases her storytelling prowess and deep character exploration, solidifying her status as a leading contemporary novelist.

Haruki Murakami on Rethinking Early Work

Haruki Murakami's latest novel revisits themes and ideas from his early works, exploring the blurry lines between reality and imagination.

Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers review trauma unearthed

Clare Chambers's Shy Creatures showcases her storytelling prowess and deep character exploration, solidifying her status as a leading contemporary novelist.
moreliterary-analysis

Bazaar Writers Salon

Bazaar Writers Salon highlights outstanding writing from the Bay Area and beyond in an intimate setting.
#non-fiction

Top of Your Stack: 10.3.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

The articles present a range of narratives exploring themes of control, identity, spirituality, information influence, and the quest for personal growth.

Top of Your Stack: 11.7.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

The Heartbeat Library explores themes of healing and connection through the unique setting of a library that preserves the echoes of heartbeats.

Top of Your Stack: 10.3.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

The articles present a range of narratives exploring themes of control, identity, spirituality, information influence, and the quest for personal growth.

Top of Your Stack: 11.7.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

The Heartbeat Library explores themes of healing and connection through the unique setting of a library that preserves the echoes of heartbeats.
morenon-fiction

Who's Really Writing Celebrity Novels?

Celebrity collaborations on novels often serve as smart marketing strategies that capitalize on their existing fan base.
#nonfiction

BookTok Boom: Social Media Helps Drive Sales in Some International Markets

Fiction is experiencing growth globally while nonfiction sales are declining, influenced by the BookTok community.

What to read this weekend: Rural horror infused with Chinese mythology, and the lush alien world of Convert

Sacrificial Animals explores themes of familial trauma and horror through a supernatural lens, highlighting the impact of an abusive childhood.

BookTok Boom: Social Media Helps Drive Sales in Some International Markets

Fiction is experiencing growth globally while nonfiction sales are declining, influenced by the BookTok community.

What to read this weekend: Rural horror infused with Chinese mythology, and the lush alien world of Convert

Sacrificial Animals explores themes of familial trauma and horror through a supernatural lens, highlighting the impact of an abusive childhood.
morenonfiction
#narrative-structure

Bryan Washington on the Possibilities of Queerness

Using familiar settings like Houston provides a creative space for exploration and emotional depth in storytelling.

Paul Yoon on Bringing Animals Into the Foreground

The author aims to explore animal perspectives in fiction by centering narratives around their experiences.

Bryan Washington on the Possibilities of Queerness

Using familiar settings like Houston provides a creative space for exploration and emotional depth in storytelling.

Paul Yoon on Bringing Animals Into the Foreground

The author aims to explore animal perspectives in fiction by centering narratives around their experiences.
morenarrative-structure
#mental-health

After Years of Depression, a Best-Selling Author Confronts What Haunted Him

Matt Haig's new novel explores finding joy after loss, drawing from personal experiences with depression.

Liam Payne's ex-girlfriend wrote a book about a pop star who threatens to jump off a balcony

Maya Henry's novel reflects themes of mental health crises, paralleling real-life events surrounding Liam Payne's tragic death.

After Years of Depression, a Best-Selling Author Confronts What Haunted Him

Matt Haig's new novel explores finding joy after loss, drawing from personal experiences with depression.

Liam Payne's ex-girlfriend wrote a book about a pop star who threatens to jump off a balcony

Maya Henry's novel reflects themes of mental health crises, paralleling real-life events surrounding Liam Payne's tragic death.
moremental-health
#relationships

In Defense of Marital Secrets

Self-awareness can complicate relationships; total honesty in marriage has limitations and can detract from storytelling.

Single Mom in Her 50s Falls for Much Younger Man in Susan Minot's Latest Novel

The novel explores the juxtaposition of erotic desire and maternal duties in Ivy's life.

Bonding by Mariel Franklin review smart satire of tech elites

Fiction from younger authors often carries the expectation of conveying internet-related insights to older readers.

'Disclaimer' Review: Episodes 3 and 4 Dig for Buried Truths in 'Exquisite' Fiction - Spoilers

The central theme of "Disclaimer" revolves around the pervasive nature of suffering and its impact on individuals and their relationships.

In Defense of Marital Secrets

Self-awareness can complicate relationships; total honesty in marriage has limitations and can detract from storytelling.

Single Mom in Her 50s Falls for Much Younger Man in Susan Minot's Latest Novel

The novel explores the juxtaposition of erotic desire and maternal duties in Ivy's life.

Bonding by Mariel Franklin review smart satire of tech elites

Fiction from younger authors often carries the expectation of conveying internet-related insights to older readers.

'Disclaimer' Review: Episodes 3 and 4 Dig for Buried Truths in 'Exquisite' Fiction - Spoilers

The central theme of "Disclaimer" revolves around the pervasive nature of suffering and its impact on individuals and their relationships.
morerelationships

Tears and turnarounds in Davina McCall's new show about new starts

Adam Buxton's new drama 'Up in Smoke' creatively combines fiction with true crime elements.
Davina McCall's podcast addresses midlife challenges through empathetic conversations with guests.

Where to pre-order Warhammer 40K The Ultimate Guide

Warhammer 40K The Ultimate Guide is a 336-page, rules-free encyclopedia ideal for fans seeking insights into the franchise.

Former Biglaw Partner Writes Biting Novel Dishing On What's Wrong With The Profession

Luba Shur discusses her transition from law to writing, emphasizing the interplay of legal ethics and storytelling.
Her novel Rule 23 sheds light on the legal profession's dysfunction.
#literary-awards

The National Book Foundation's 2024 Fiction Longlist

The 2024 National Book Foundation Fiction Longlist highlights diverse literature, including debut novels and unique themes like incel culture.

Bryan Washington Reads "Last Coffeehouse on Travis"

Bryan Washington's writing explores human connection and identity through richly detailed narratives.

2024 Goldsmiths prize shortlist spotlights the novel at its most novel'

The 2024 Goldsmiths Prize shortlist highlights innovative fiction that challenges traditional novelistic boundaries and engages with complex themes through diverse narratives.

The National Book Foundation's 2024 Fiction Longlist

The 2024 National Book Foundation Fiction Longlist highlights diverse literature, including debut novels and unique themes like incel culture.

Bryan Washington Reads "Last Coffeehouse on Travis"

Bryan Washington's writing explores human connection and identity through richly detailed narratives.

2024 Goldsmiths prize shortlist spotlights the novel at its most novel'

The 2024 Goldsmiths Prize shortlist highlights innovative fiction that challenges traditional novelistic boundaries and engages with complex themes through diverse narratives.
moreliterary-awards

The Third Realm by Karl Ove Knausgard review a visionary epic

Karl Ove Knausgard's 'The Third Realm' brings deeper insights into familiar characters, illustrating how fiction can expand reader understanding through rich perspectives.

What we're reading: writers and readers on the books they enjoyed in September

Emily Perkins' 'Lioness' examines the complex interplay of social aspiration, money, and marriage, highlighting the risks for women in navigating these domains.

Premium Content: Coco Mellors on revisiting 'Cleopatra and Frankenstein,' entering motherhood and writing her next book

Coco Mellors is a cosmopolitan writer whose novels explore life in vibrant cities, reflecting her early experiences in London and New York.
#race

'Colored Television' is an ungentle satire set in post-post-racial America

Danzy Senna's "Colored Television" intricately explores the complexities of race, artistry, and identity through its biracial protagonist's journey in Los Angeles.

In Rumaan Alam's 'Entitlement,' Money Comes At The Expense Of Everything Else | Defector

The novel explores racial and societal issues through a character oblivious to her surroundings in a chaotic 2014 summer in New York.

'Colored Television' is an ungentle satire set in post-post-racial America

Danzy Senna's "Colored Television" intricately explores the complexities of race, artistry, and identity through its biracial protagonist's journey in Los Angeles.

In Rumaan Alam's 'Entitlement,' Money Comes At The Expense Of Everything Else | Defector

The novel explores racial and societal issues through a character oblivious to her surroundings in a chaotic 2014 summer in New York.
morerace
#identity

Chelsea Bieker on Wellness Addiction and Autobiographical Fiction

Chelsea Bieker's novel "Madwoman" explores identity, trauma, and the struggle to escape one's past through the character Clove.

Top of Your Stack: 8.22.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

Catalina focuses on the challenges faced by undocumented students, highlighting their struggles with identity and future uncertainty post-graduation.

Chelsea Bieker on Wellness Addiction and Autobiographical Fiction

Chelsea Bieker's novel "Madwoman" explores identity, trauma, and the struggle to escape one's past through the character Clove.

Top of Your Stack: 8.22.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

Catalina focuses on the challenges faced by undocumented students, highlighting their struggles with identity and future uncertainty post-graduation.
moreidentity

The Irresistible Pull of an Alternate Universe

The concept of the multiverse allows exploration of alternate identities shaped by different choices in life.

"Rebel Ridge" Is a Police Drama with a Difference

"Rebel Ridge" portrays the urgent social issue of police malpractice but falls into familiar narrative patterns, losing its initial impact.

A Coolly Thrilling New Novel From a Cool, Thrilling Writer

Sadie Smith infiltrates a commune to sabotage their activism against corporate exploitation of local resources.

Ferdia Lennon: I was tired of Merchant Ivory accents'

Ferdia Lennon's novel explores themes of friendship and ambition through Athenian prisoners and Sicilian potters during the Peloponnesian War.

The Watermark by Sam Mills review a time-travelling romp

Sam Mills's 'The Watermark' is a whimsical adventure story that combines elements of humor, time travel, and self-reflection, asking readers to engage deeply.

The Funeral Crasher

The Joy of Funerals emphasizes the necessity for authentic human connection amid isolation, resonating with modern readers post-pandemic.

The best new novels for autumn 2024, from Sally Rooney to Jonathan Coe and Haruki Murakami

This autumn features an impressive array of novels from established and new authors, catering to the diverse preferences of readers.

The Hotel Avocado by Bob Mortimer review more affable nonsense

The Hotel Avocado offers a whimsical, absurd narrative filled with quirky humor and delightful storytelling, characteristic of Bob Mortimer's unique comedic style.

Middle Age and Absences

Reflecting on mortality and change as time progresses. Fiction on adult themes extends beyond sex, encompassing life experiences.
[ Load more ]