Jim Lynch gestaltet Romane, die sich mit der Komplexität menschlicher Beziehungen und den Auswirkungen gesellschaftlicher Veränderungen auf das persönliche Leben befassen. Sein unverwechselbarer Stil zeichnet sich durch tiefgründige Charakterpsychologie und lyrische Prosa aus, wobei er Themen wie Identität, Zugehörigkeit und die Suche nach Sinn in herausfordernden Umständen erforscht. Die Leser schätzen seine Fähigkeit, tief menschliche Erzählungen voller ergreifender Momente und unerwarteter Wendungen zu weben. Seine Arbeit besticht durch authentische Kraft und erfasst das Wesen des menschlichen Geistes.
How did the universe and life begin and what are the threats to people and the environment in a pandemic? This book is for anybody with interest in protecting life on the planet. A major focus is the spread of microbes, Lynch showing how failure to control disease can lead to the collapse of any biotic population.
Exploring the complexities of democracy, the narrative delves into the challenges of consensus-building and the imperfections of elected officials. It highlights the inherent messiness of democratic governance, where conflicting ideas and moral weaknesses often hinder progress. Through the journey of one individual's political aspirations, the book reveals the lessons learned in striving for improvement within an imperfect system. It emphasizes the ambition to enhance democracy, acknowledging that perfection may be unattainable.
The Johannssens are a sailing family: adventurous, fanatical, and, for now, a complete and total mess. Ruby, a prodigiously talented skipper, has taken off for Africa. Bernard is god-knows-where at sea. And at thirty-one years old, Josh Johannssen, the middle child, is fixing up an old family boat and trying to figure out where it all went wrong. When Josh’s father coaxes his children home for one last yacht race, the Johannssens find themselves reunited under thrilling circumstances that will change the course of their lives. Before the Wind is a funny, tender, and big-hearted novel about a gifted, volatile family whose love for the sea rivals their love for each other.”
The narrative explores the struggles of three generations of the McGowan family as they navigate the harsh realities of working on the Boston waterfront. Central to their experiences is the outdated shape-up or pick-up system, which dictated daily employment opportunities and was plagued by favoritism. Through interconnected stories, the book delves into the personal battles and resilience of the characters as they strive for stability and dignity in their challenging environment.
Set against the backdrop of Seattle's transformation from the 1962 World's Fair to the tech boom of 2001, the novel weaves a captivating tale of political intrigue. It explores the interplay between characters navigating the complexities of urban life, highlighting the shifting dynamics of power and ambition in a city undergoing rapid change. The cat-and-mouse narrative keeps readers engaged as it delves into the historical and cultural evolution of Seattle, making it both a thrilling and insightful read.
Exploring themes of health, wellness, sexuality, and spirituality, the narrative follows a diverse group of characters who navigate personal choices while building a business that promotes these values. Set against a global backdrop from 2008 to 2012, the story delves into the complexities of their relationships, revealing characters that evoke both love and disdain. Their journey not only highlights individual growth but also addresses broader societal issues, making for a rich and engaging read.
Brandon Vanderkool’s severe dyslexia and six-foot-eight height give him an unusual perspective on his new job with the American Border Patrol, along the Washington/BC border - just a long, grassy ditch, really, barely dividing neighbours who used to be as congenial as those in any small community. Though his curious mind proves surprisingly adept at intercepting Canadian pot smugglers and potentially dangerous illegals, years of security hysteria and cross-border resentment - and a fascinating young Canadian who has turned her green thumb to a more lucrative crop - complicate Brandon’ s world in ways even he might not be able to see past.Border Songs is that rare delight: a gently satirical portrait, an extraordinary love story and a celebration of the coincidental and the miraculous.From the Hardcover edition.
Set in May 1953 in Charlestown, Boston, a bartender's brutal murder sets off a chain of events that compels longshoreman Jackie Xavier Monyhan to take matters into his own hands. Armed with crucial information about the crime, Jackie opts to join the police force, motivated by a desire for justice while protecting his family from potential danger. As he navigates the complexities of law enforcement and personal risk, the story unfolds in a gritty exploration of loyalty, courage, and the quest for truth.
One unforgettable night, thirteen-year-old Miles goes to the flats near his home in search of shellfish, only to discover something startling and remarkable: a giant squid. Instantly he becomes a local celebrity and is pursued by TV crews urging him to explain the phenomenon. His psychic friend Florence predicts that even more astonishing discoveries will precede the highest tide in fifty years. Yet Miles worries more about matters closer to home: will his passion for his ex-babysitter Angie go unrequited? Will his arguing parents divorce? Is everything, even the bay, shifting from him?
In einer Mondscheinnacht verlässt der 13-jährige Miles das Haus, nimmt seinen Kajak und schippert in den Puget Sound an der Pazifikküste. Was als harmlose Erkundung von Schnecken, Krebsen, Quallen und Seeigeln beginnt, führt plötzlich zu einer unerwarteten Begegnung - mit einem Riesenkalmar. Die Sensation ist groß, Miles gibt Fernsehinterviews, aber selbst das Interesse der Medien lässt ihn nicht seine Probleme vergessen: Seine Eltern wollen sich trennen; seine beste Freundin, eine ältere Frau aus der Nachbarschaft, ist unheilbar krank; und seine heimliche Liebe Angie hat Drogenprobleme. Eines Tages wird eine Jahrhundertflut vorausgesagt, die wenig später Wirklichkeit wird.