LitQueuelitqueue

After

Clarice Lispector

Assis Brasil1969

6 of 6 directions open

More like it

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  • Listen, Liberal

    Thomas Frank2016

    This book examines the Democratic Party's shift from labor interests to a professional-managerial class. It covers policy changes over thirty years.

    Same elegiac register, still nonfiction

    pace0·prose0·bleak+1

Denser prose

3 more ↓

  • Either/Or

    Søren Kierkegaard1992

    A collection of papers presents two life philosophies: the aesthetic pursuit of pleasure and the ethical commitment to duty.

    elegiac → meditative

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak0

  • I Hope We Choose Love

    Kai Cheng Thom2019

    A collection of personal essays and poems regarding justice, social movements, and trauma. It examines how to maintain community after harm.

    Same elegiac register, still nonfiction

    pace+1·prose+1·bleak+1

  • Confessions

    Augustine of Hippo

    A 4th-century bishop writes a spiritual autobiography addressed to God. He recounts his sinful youth and his eventual conversion to Christianity.

    elegiac → meditative, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak-1

To recover

3 more ↓

  • Redshirts

    John Scalzi2012

    Low-ranking crew members on a starship realize they are disposable characters in a sci-fi television show. They attempt to escape their fate.

    elegiac → playful

    pace+1·prose-2·bleak-1

  • The Da Vinci Code

    Dan Brown2003

    A symbologist and a cryptologist flee the police while solving puzzles hidden in art. They search for a secret regarding the Holy Grail.

    elegiac → propulsive

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-1

  • Fifty Shades of Grey

    E.L. James2000

    A college student enters a sexual contract with a wealthy businessman. The story focuses on their power dynamics and BDSM encounters.

    elegiac → earnest

    pace+1·prose-2·bleak-1

Faster

3 more ↓

  • Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

    Neil deGrasse Tyson2017

    A summary of the origin of the universe, the laws of physics, and the nature of space and time.

    elegiac → playful

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-1

  • Steal Like an Artist

    Austin Kleon2012

    A series of short, illustrated principles for creative work. It focuses on remixing existing ideas and establishing productive daily habits.

    elegiac → playful

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-1

  • Poke the Box

    Seth Godin2011

    A short manifesto encouraging readers to start projects and take initiative. It argues that the greatest risk is staying in place.

    elegiac → earnest

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-1

Slower

3 more ↓

  • How to Read a Book

    Mortimer J. Adler1940

    This is a guide to active reading techniques for different genres. It outlines levels of reading from basic literacy to syntopical analysis.

    elegiac → mysterious, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak0

  • Either/Or

    Søren Kierkegaard1992

    A collection of papers presents two life philosophies: the aesthetic pursuit of pleasure and the ethical commitment to duty.

    elegiac → meditative

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak0

  • The Upanishads

    Anonymous1957

    Ancient Sanskrit texts explore the nature of reality and the self. They document a shift from ritual sacrifice to internal spiritual inquiry.

    elegiac → meditative, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose0·bleak-1

Heavier

3 more ↓

  • We're all doing time

    Bo Lozoff1985

    A guide to spiritual practice and meditation specifically written for people serving time in the prison system.

    Same elegiac register, still nonfiction

    pace0·prose0·bleak+2

  • Mother Hunger

    Kelly McDaniel2021

    A counselor analyzes the psychological impact of missing maternal nurturance, protection, and guidance during infancy.

    Same elegiac register, still nonfiction

    pace0·prose0·bleak+2

  • Rough Sleepers

    Tracy Kidder2023

    A doctor and his team provide medical care to the homeless population of Boston, navigating the limits of the healthcare system.

    elegiac → tender, still nonfiction

    pace-1·prose0·bleak+2