Author
John D. (John Dann) MacDonald
1916-1986
John D. (John Dann) MacDonald (1916-1986) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by John D. (John Dann) MacDonald
A Bullet for Cinderella
"A Bullet for Cinderella" by John D. MacDonald is a suspenseful novel written in the mid-20th century. The story intricately unfolds through the experiences of Tal Howard, a man recently returned from a brutal prison camp in Korea, who is compelled to seek out the hidden fortune of his deceased comrade Timmy Warden. As Tal navigates the small town of Hillston, he grapples with not only the search for the money but also his own sense of purpose and connection to the past. The opening portion introduces readers to Tal's troubled psyche as he recounts his painful return to civilian life from the war, reflecting on memories of Timmy and the buried cash that Timmy had hidden. Tal’s journey to Hillston is filled with encounters that unveil the tangled lives of Timmy’s family and associates, revealing a mysterious figure named Fitzmartin, who complicates his search for the money. The narrative beautifully intertwines themes of loss, redemption, and the impact of war while establishing a tense atmosphere where secrets lurk in every corner of the seemingly quiet town. This gripping start prepares the reader for a deep exploration of human complexity, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions.
Common Denominator
"Common Denominator" by John D. MacDonald is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the interactions between humans and the Argonauts, an advanced alien civilization. It explores themes of societal evolution, the necessity for maturity in a species, and the consequences of unchecked human impulses. In the narrative, Lambert, a chief of the Bureau of Racial Maturity, becomes intrigued by the Argonauts after a successful cultural exchange. He discovers that the Argonauts had faced similar challenges to humanity but found a drastic solution to violence and instability: a form of self-administered euthanasia activated by a personal impulse to self-harm. This controversial practice allowed their society to thrive by weeding out potential sources of instability, ultimately leading to a content but stagnant civilization. The story culminates with Lambert reflecting on the implications of this practice and questioning if humanity could adopt such measures to survive its own destructive tendencies. Lambert's decision to leave his job in the ending suggests a broader contemplation on ethical governance and the future of humanity.