Books matching: absurdity and satire
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'Armageddon: The Musical' by Robert Rankin is a hilarious and absurd tale set in a post-apocalyptic Earth manipulated by an outside force to create the biggest reality show ever. The plot involves a variety of eccentric characters, including human-like, plant-based TV executives, a religious leader named Dalai Lama Dan who controls the population through narcotic Buddhabeer, and Elvis Presley with a time-traveling brussel sprout embedded in his brain. The book is a mad dash of confusing yet readable interplanetary reality TV, social commentary on religion and media, and British humor filled with puns and wordplay.
Planet Earth rolled on in ever decreasing circles around the sun. As it had been carrying on in this fashion for more years than anyone cared to remember, there seemed no cause for immediate alarm. No... - #2
Save:Lucky You by Carl Hiaasen is a comedic novel set in Florida, revolving around JoLayne Lucks, a lottery winner who dreams of saving land from developers. However, her plans are thwarted when two felons, including a white supremacist, try to steal her winning ticket. With the help of quirky characters like a reporter and a Federal agent, JoLayne sets out on a wild adventure to retrieve what is rightfully hers. The book is filled with zany characters, absurd situations, and a witty writing style that keeps the reader entertained and enlightened about the state of Florida.
The significance of her Lotto numbers was this: each represented an age at which she had jettisoned a burdensome man. At 17 it was Rick the Pontiac mechanic. At 19 it was Rick’s brother, Robert. At 22... - #3
Save:'The Masters of Atlantis' by Charles Portis is a humorous and eccentric tale about the Gnomon Society, a fictional 20th-century initiatory order that arrived in the US following World War I. The story follows the adventures and misadventures of Corporal Lamar Jimmerson, who becomes involved with the society after being entrusted with a sacred text from Atlantis. As Jimmerson spreads the teachings of Gnomonism, he recruits new adherents like Sidney Hen and Austin Popper, leading to a series of comical and absurd situations. The writing style of the book is described as consistent, engaging, and masterful, with a tone that balances humor and satire.
YOUNG LAMAR JIMMERSON went to France in 1917 with the American Expeditionary Forces, serving first with the Balloon Section, stumbling about in open fields holding one end of a long rope, and then lat... The Collected Tales of Nikolai Gogol is a brilliant collection of short stories that range from the supernatural and devil themes of rural Ukrainian tales to cynical, government officials centered tales based in Petersburg. Gogol's writing style is a unique blend of magical realism, absurdity, and satire, with stories that alternate between the absurdly comical and the frightfully chilling. The book is divided into two sections: Ukrainian Tales, which sound like folktales and deal with mystical elements, and Petersburg Tales, which feature more surreal and unexplained occurrences like "The Nose" and other oddities.
Look at it, for God's sake—especially if he starts talking with somebody—look from the side: it's simply delicious! There's no describing it: velvet! silver! fire! Lord God! Saint Nicholas the holy wo...- #5
Save:"Big Trouble" by Dave Barry is a humorous caper novel set in Miami, Florida, involving mobsters, mix-ups, and bombs. The story follows a large cast of quirky characters who get caught up in a race against time involving a nuclear bomb, resulting in a comedy of errors. The writing style is described as light-hearted, witty, and satirical, reminiscent of authors like Carl Hiaasen and Kurt Vonnegut. The plot is full of ridiculous situations, hilarious dialogues, and unexpected connections between the characters, making it an entertaining and fast-paced read.
Puggy had held down his job at the Jolly Jackal Bar and Grill, which did not have a grill, for almost three weeks. For Puggy, this was a personal employment record. In fact, after a career as a semipr... - #6
Save:In "Guards! Guards!", Terry Pratchett introduces the Watch of Ankh Morpork, a group of humorous and quirky characters who stumble around trying to do as poor a job as possible, only to discover a dragon menacing the city. The book follows the Watch as they set out to save the city, dealing with social commentary, absurdity, romance, and twisted tropes in classic Discworld style. Pratchett's writing is described as hilarious, well-plotted, and just plain fun, with all the elements that readers expect from his works.
The novel is praised for introducing the City Watch characters, including the beloved Captain Vimes, and providing a humorous take on dysfunctional policing in a chaotic city. The plot involves intrigue, conspiracy, danger, and dragons, with a touch of satire and clever observations that make it a standout entry in the Discworld series.
And although the space they occupy isn’t like normal space, nevertheless they are packed in tightly. Not a cubic inch there but is filled by a claw, a talon, a scale, the tip of a tail, so the effect ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #7
Save:The Road to Gandolfo is a humorous and light-hearted novel by Robert Ludlum that follows the escapades of a disgraced American general, Mac, who decides to kidnap the Pope for ransom money. The plot is filled with ridiculous situations, quirky characters, and unexpected twists, making it a fun and entertaining read. Ludlum's writing style in this book is described as atypical for him, leaning more towards comedy than a traditional thriller, but still maintaining his signature passion for action.
“That son of a bitch!” Brigadier General Arnold Symington brought the paperweight down on the thick layer of glass on his Pentagon desk. The glass shattered; fragments shot through the air in all dire... - #8
Save:Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen is a humorous neo-noir novel that follows the story of an obsessive eco-activist terrorist who becomes fixated on a man after witnessing him littering. The plot unfolds with a series of wacky incidents involving colorful characters and outlandish scenarios, such as an eco-justice revenge mission, wild game hunts, and environmental messages intertwined with dark humor and satire. The narrative is set in Florida and delves into themes of environmental conservation, political corruption, and the quirky antics of the characters involved, creating a fast-paced and entertaining read.
The writing style of Sick Puppy is characterized by Hiaasen's sharp wit, dark humor, and ability to create vivid and eccentric characters. Readers are drawn into a world filled with absurd situations, over-the-top scenarios, and a blend of comedy and social commentary that keeps them engaged throughout the book. Hiaasen's storytelling skill shines through in his portrayal of the Florida landscape, the interactions between characters, and the unpredictable nature of the plot, making Sick Puppy a compelling and enjoyable read for those who appreciate quirky, offbeat narratives.
On the morning of April 24, an hour past dawn, a man named Palmer Stoat shot a rare African black rhinoceros. He fired from a distance of thirteen yards and used a Winchester .458, which knocked him f...
(Also, see 95 recommendations for the series Skink ) - #9
Save:"Good Omens" is a witty and humorous take on the end of the world, where an angel and a demon work together to prevent the apocalypse from happening. The story involves a mix-up at a maternity hospital that leads to the Antichrist being raised by the wrong family, setting off a chain of events involving witches, witch hunters, prophecies, and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The writing style is described as clever, funny, and full of gentle humor, blending the unique senses of humor of both Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett seamlessly.
You may be feeling run down and always in the same old daily round. Home and family matters are highlighted and are hanging fire. Avoid unnecessary risks. A friend is important to you. Shelve major de... - #10
Save:"Diary of a Madman" by Nikolai Gogol is a collection of short stories that delves into themes of madness, absurdity, and social satire. The protagonist in the titular story gradually descends into madness, believing himself to be the King of Spain. The writing style is described as funny, frightening, and thought-provoking, with elements of satire and absurdity intertwined throughout the narratives. Gogol's storytelling captures the protagonist's erratic thoughts and actions, creating an unsettling yet engaging reading experience.
A strange occurrence has taken place to-day. I got up fairly late, and when Mawra brought me my clean boots, I asked her how late it was. When I heard it had long struck ten, I dressed as quickly as p...
