Jim Lynch crée des romans qui explorent les complexités des liens humains et les répercussions des changements sociétaux sur la vie personnelle. Son style distinctif se caractérise par une psychologie de personnage profonde et une prose lyrique, explorant les thèmes de l'identité, de l'appartenance et de la quête de sens dans des circonstances difficiles. Les lecteurs sont attirés par sa capacité à tisser des récits profondément humains remplis de moments émouvants et de rebondissements inattendus. Son œuvre résonne d'une puissante authenticité, capturant l'essence de l'esprit humain.
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.
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?
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.
A mesmerizing, allegorical, and beautifully wrought first novel about one boy’s fascination with the sea during the summer that will change his life. One moonlit night, thirteen-year-old Miles O’Malley slips out of his house, packs up his kayak and goes exploring on the flats of Puget Sound. But what begins as an ordinary hunt for starfish, snails, and clams is soon transformed by an astonishing sight: a beached giant squid. As the first person to ever see a giant squid alive, the speed-reading Rachel Carson-obsessed insomniac instantly becomes a local curiosity. When he later finds a rare deepwater fish in the tidal waters by his home, and saves a dog from drowning, he is hailed as a prophet. The media hovers and everyone wants to hear what Miles has to say. But Miles is really just a teenager on the verge of growing up, infatuated with the girl next door, worried that his bickering parents will divorce, and fearful that everything, even the bay he loves, is shifting away from him. While the sea continues to offer up discoveries from its mysterious depths, Miles struggles to deal with the difficulties that attend the equally mysterious process of growing up. In this mesmerizing, beautifully wrought first novel, we witness the dramatic sea change for both Miles and the coastline that he adores over the course of a summer—one that will culminate with the highest tide in fifty years.
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 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.
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.
Successful coaching in sports is intricately connected to effective business management in this insightful work by Jack Ramsay and Jim Lynch. The authors explore how principles of performance improvement in athletics can be applied to enhance productivity and leadership in the corporate world. By drawing parallels between coaching techniques and management strategies, they provide valuable insights for professionals seeking to elevate their teams and achieve peak performance in their organizations.
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.