Books matching: absurdist humor
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Save:Woody Allen’s 'Without Feathers' is a zany, laugh-out-loud collection for fans of absurdist comedy and clever wordplay. It’s a quirky classic - but its brand of humor isn’t for everyone.
'Without Feathers' by Woody Allen is a collection of humorous essays, short stories, and plays that showcase Allen's signature absurdist humor and witty writing style. The book covers a wide range of topics, from literary satire to existential musings, all presented in Allen's unique comedic lens. Readers can expect disjointed yet entertaining stories that often meander through bizarre scenarios, punctuated with unexpected punchlines and clever observations. The plays included in the book, such as 'Death' and 'God', delve into Kafkaesque situations and meta-awareness, providing a blend of humor and thought-provoking narratives.
Gettingthrough the night is becoming harder and harder. Last evening, I had the uneasy feeling that some men were trying to break into my room to shampoo me. But why? I kept imagining I saw shadowy fo...1972•224 pages - #2
Save:A brilliantly surreal, darkly funny, and thought-provoking classic - equal parts hilarious and horrifying. Stick with the chaos and you’ll see why it’s called one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.
'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.
The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.
Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea...January 1961•534 pages - #3
Save:A cult classic that’s as clever as it is silly - The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is essential reading for anyone with a funny bone and a sense of adventure. Don’t panic - just bring your towel and enjoy the ride.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous science fiction novel by Douglas Adams that follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a mild-mannered Earthling who is saved from the destruction of Earth by his alien friend Ford Prefect. Together, they embark on a journey through space and time, encountering eccentric characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android. The book is known for its quirky, whimsical writing style, filled with absurdity, satire, and philosophical musings on the meaning of life.
The plot revolves around Arthur and Ford's escapades as they hitchhike across the galaxy, facing bizarre situations and navigating through the absurdities of the universe. Adams' narrative style is conversational and comically bizarre, blending elements of science fiction with absurdist humor to create a unique and entertaining reading experience that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.
At eight o’clock on Thursday morning Arthur didn’t feel very good. He woke up blearily, got up, wandered blearily round his room, opened a window, saw a bulldozer, found his slippers, and stomped off...1978•229 pages - #4
Save:"Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom" by Louis Sachar is a new addition to the beloved Wayside School series. The book continues to follow the adventures of the quirky students and teachers at Wayside School, with a new illustrator adding diversity to the cast. Readers have noted a theme of 'opposite' running through the whole book, along with references and callbacks to old stories that add to the charm of the series. The writing style is described as funny, creative, and a lot of fun, keeping with the traditional silliness of the Wayside books while updating for the 21st century.
Todd was in Mrs. Jewls’s class. He was stuck behind a mass of kids outside the building waiting for the doors to open. He jumped up and down, trying to see over the heads of those in front of him. If...March 2020•191 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wayside School ) - #5
Save:A brilliantly bonkers kickoff to Discworld - witty, ridiculous, and endlessly inventive. Not Pratchett’s most polished, but essential if you want to see where fantasy’s funniest universe began. Give it a shot, and don’t be afraid to skip ahead in the series if it doesn’t click right away!
'The Colour of Magic' by Terry Pratchett is the first book in the Discworld series, introducing readers to the adventures of Twoflower, the Disc's first tourist, and Rincewind, a failed wizard who becomes his guide. The book is a humorous and whimsical fantasy satire that cleverly turns fantasy tropes on their heads, featuring a variety of eccentric characters and imaginative situations. The writing style of Terry Pratchett is described as witty, clever, and full of clever wordplay that creates a detailed and fantastical world for readers to explore.
FIRE ROARED through the bifurcated city of Ankh-Morpork. Where it licked the Wizards’ Quarter it burned blue and green and was even laced with strange sparks of the eighth color, octarine; where its o...1983•227 pages - #6
Save:A wild, hilarious, grotesquely inventive horror-comedy that’s equal parts clever and crude - totally worth it if you like your fiction weird and your laughs dark.
John Dies at the End by Jason Pargin, writing as David Wong, is a horror-comedy novel that intertwines absurdist humor with elements of cosmic horror. The plot follows the misadventures of two aimless slackers, Dave and John, who ingest a mysterious drug known as 'Soy Sauce'. This drug grants them bizarre supernatural abilities, allowing them to perceive otherworldly demons and bizarre realities that most people cannot see, placing them in increasingly ludicrous and dangerous situations. The story is narrated primarily from Dave's first-person perspective, with occasional shifts to third-person for segments featuring John and Amy, which allows for humorous contrasts and insights into their chaotic adventures.
The writing style is punchy and laden with crude humor, reminiscent of a mix between Douglas Adams and cosmic horror. Readers are often taken on a wild, unpredictable ride filled with grotesque scenarios and heartfelt moments. While it lacks a satisfying conclusion, the blend of horror and comedy, alongside the outrageous twists and turns, contributes to its cult appeal, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, it's a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud read that challenges the boundaries of genre and storytelling.
2007•463 pages A razor-sharp, quick read that’s both outrageously funny and brutally honest about human nature. If you love satire, you gotta read Candide.
'Candide' by Voltaire is a satirical novel that follows the misfortunes of the young man Candide as he travels through various adventures and encounters absurd situations. The book explores philosophical themes such as optimism and pessimism in a light-hearted and humorous tone, challenging the idea of the best of all possible worlds. Voltaire's writing style is witty and satirical, using Candide's journey to critique society and question human behavior.
IN THE castle of Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh in Westphalia, there once lived a youth endowed by nature with the gentlest of characters. His soul was revealed in his face. He combined rather sound judgme...1746•221 pages- #8
Save:A hilarious, biting, and surprisingly modern satire - just be prepared for an abrupt ending and lots of eccentric detours along the way!
Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol is a satirical novel set in the nineteenth century Russian countryside, following the protagonist, Chichikov, on his quest to purchase deceased serfs' names in order to deceive landowners and acquire wealth. The book offers a humorous yet chilling commentary on social class, ownership, and deception, intertwined with clever writing and character sketches that provide insight into Russian society at the time.
Despite being an unfinished work, Dead Souls is celebrated as a classic of Russian literature, blending realism and symbolism to create a multi-layered narrative that delves into the complexities of Russian society. Gogol's writing style is praised for its wit, rich descriptions, and satirical portrayal of characters, showcasing his talent for blending humor with social commentary in a way that transcends time and borders.
A rather pretty little chaise on springs, such as bachelors, half-pay officers, staff captains, landowners with about a hundred serfs—in short, all such as are spoken of as “gentlemen of the middling...1842•476 pages - #9
Save:A brilliantly funny, weird, and quietly profound road novel - perfect for readers who enjoy quirky characters and dry wit over traditional storytelling.
The Dog of the South by Charles Portis is a humorous and absurdist tale following the journey of Ray Midge, a man whose wife runs off with his best friend, taking his car and credit card. Determined to track them down, Ray embarks on a road trip from Arkansas to Belize, encountering eccentric characters like Dr. Reo Symes along the way. The plot is filled with quirky conversations and preposterous situations, creating a unique and entertaining narrative style that blends humor with subtle observations about human nature.
MY WIFE NORMA had run off with Guy Dupree and I was waiting around for the credit card billings to come in so I could see where they had gone. I was biding my time. This was October. They had taken my...1979•268 pages - #10
Save:A dazzling, puzzling, and sometimes maddening trip - perfect for intrepid readers hungry for something playful and thought-provoking, but not a great fit if you crave tidy answers or traditional storytelling.
'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon is a short yet complex novel that delves into the world of conspiracy theories and underground societies. The story follows Oedipa, who becomes entangled in a mysterious web of secrets and subversive postal systems after being named the executor of her ex-husband's will. The writing style is described as dense and intricate, with eccentric characters and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end, leaving them feeling both intrigued and confused.
The book is praised for its fast-paced and witty narrative, offering a unique blend of humor, satire, and mystery within its concise 160 pages. Readers find the novel to be a good introduction to Pynchon's oeuvre, showcasing his ability to create a labyrinthine and addictive story that captures the essence of 1960s America. Despite its short length, 'The Crying of Lot 49' is commended for its ability to engage readers with its unconventional storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
One summer afternoon Mrs Oedipa Maas came home from a Tupper-ware party whose hostess had put perhaps too much kirsch in the fondue to find that she, Oedipa, had been named executor, or she supposed e...1965•180 pages
