Books matching: absurdity of daily life
13 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Galactic Pot-Healer" by Philip K. Dick follows the story of Joe Fernwright, a pot healer living in a dystopian future Earth who is chosen by an alien named Glimmung to join a team of specialists on a distant planet to raise a cathedral dedicated to oceanic gods. The plot is described as iffy, the dialogue terrible, and the character development non-existent, leading to mixed opinions on the overall quality of the book. Despite the unconventional storyline and writing style, the book explores themes of meaninglessness, free will versus predestination, and the interaction between advanced technology and alien mythology.
His father had been a pot-healer before him. And so he, too, healed pots, in fact any kind of ceramic ware left over from the Old Days, before the war, when objects had not always been made out of pla... - #2
Save:'Miniatures' by John Scalzi is a collection of very short stories, each under 2,000 words, showcasing Scalzi's signature humor and wit. The stories cover a variety of topics, from alien encounters and Pluto's perspective to humorous takes on everyday life scenarios. Scalzi's writing style is fast-paced, punchy, and to the point, often resembling news articles, memos, or interview transcripts. The stories entertain and amuse, offering a glimpse into human interactions with aliens or intelligent machinery in a lighthearted manner.
- #3
Save:'This Is Paradise!: My North Korean Childhood' by Hyok Kang, Shaun Whiteside, and Philippe Grangereau is a compelling memoir that provides a firsthand account of life in North Korea. The book details the author's childhood experiences, including the harsh realities of propaganda, school life, and the struggle for basic necessities like food. Through the author's resilient and skeptical perspective, readers are taken on a journey that sheds light on the oppressive regime and the daily challenges faced by the North Korean population. The narrative also delves into the author's escape to South Korea, highlighting the difficulties of assimilation and the stark differences between the two Korean states.
- #4
Save:Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle is a graphic novel that chronicles the author's year-long stay in Burma with his wife, who works for Doctors Without Borders. Through humorous and observant vignettes, Delisle portrays daily life in Myanmar, touching on topics like government censorship, corruption, nepotism, and the challenges faced by aid organizations in the country. The book provides insights into Burmese culture, politics, and society, while also showcasing the author's experiences as a foreigner living in a tightly controlled nation.
"The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank" by Erma Bombeck is a humorous take on suburban life in the 1940s and 1950s. The author chronicles her family's experiences of raising children and navigating the challenges of early suburbia with wit and sarcasm. The stories touch on various aspects of suburban living, from building a house and dealing with societal expectations to humorous family adventures like camping trips and scouting activities.
The suburbs were a wilderness with nothing to offer but wide, open spaces, virgin forests, and a cool breeze at night that made you breathe deep, close your eyes and sigh, “My God! Who's fertilizing w...- #6
Save:'The Pleasure of My Company' by Steve Martin is a novella that delves into the life of the neurotic protagonist, Daniel Pecan Cambridge, who struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The story follows Daniel's daily routines, his eccentricities, and his desire for love and companionship amidst his mental challenges. Through a series of humorous and poignant moments, Daniel navigates his small world in Santa Monica, forming connections with those around him and seeking ways to break free from his self-imposed limitations.
Martin's writing style in 'The Pleasure of My Company' is described as witty, charming, and tender, with a touch of absurdity and humor that adds depth to the narrative. The book explores themes of loneliness, mental illness, and personal growth, all while maintaining a light and enjoyable tone that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
Without the clerical error, I wouldn’t have been thinking this way at all; I wouldn’t have had time. I would have been too preoccupied with the new friends I was planning to make at Mensa, the interna... - #7
Save:'The New Me' by Halle Butler follows the life of Millie, a disaffected millennial working as a temp in an office setting. The book delves into Millie's struggles with personal hygiene, social interactions, and her aspirations to become a better version of herself. Through a darkly humorous lens, the narrative explores themes of office life, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by young adults in finding their place in the world.
The author, Halle Butler, adopts a sharp and biting writing style to portray the mundane yet chaotic life of Millie. The novel offers a glimpse into the millennial experience, showcasing the protagonist's internal monologues, self-absorbed behaviors, and the subtle cruelties of everyday social interactions. As the story unfolds, Butler skillfully navigates Millie's journey towards self-improvement and self-awareness, painting a convincing portrait of a young woman at a crossroads in her life.
In the windowless back offices of a designer furniture showroom, women stand in a circle, stuffed into ill-fitting black jeans, gray jeans, olive jeans, the ass cloth sagging one inch, two, below wher... - #8
Save:'The End of Vandalism' by Tom Drury is a beautifully written novel that captures the complexity of rural simplicity, resonating with readers who appreciate narratives set in small towns. The story follows a cast of well-developed characters dealing with everyday joys, sorrows, and absurdities in a midwestern farm life that is slowly fading. Drury's writing style is praised for its ability to draw readers in gradually, combining humor, pathos, and real-life situations that keep the readers engaged till the end.
- #9
Save:'Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea' by Guy Delisle is a graphic novel memoir chronicling the author's experience working in an animation studio in North Korea's capital. Delisle's detailed observations of the elusive and secretive country offer glimpses into the totalitarian mundanity of life in Pyongyang. The book provides a unique perspective on the day-to-day operations and cultural aspects of North Korea, highlighting the absurdities of the regime and the challenges faced by both foreigners and locals.
Delisle's writing style combines humor with tragic modern-day observations, creating a visually engaging narrative that sheds light on the isolated and repressive society of North Korea. Through his illustrations and personal insights, the author captures the loneliness and rigidity of life in Pyongyang, offering readers a rare first-hand account of the closed-off nation.
'Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued about' by Mil Millington is a humorous tale about British IT middle manager Pel, his German girlfriend Ursula, and their two sons. Pel finds himself unexpectedly promoted after his boss disappears following a conversation about extradition laws during a game of laser tag. This leads to a series of misadventures as Pel tries to navigate his new responsibilities at work while dealing with the chaotic and argumentative dynamics of his home life with Ursula. The plot is filled with witty commentary on relationships, outrageous situations, and the challenges of everyday life, all told with a skillful blend of humor and genuine affection.
The writing style of the book is characterized by rich, sarcastic humor, clever observations on life, and a layer of deadpan dryness typical of British humor. The story unfolds with a mix of absurdity and realism, as Pel faces missing colleagues, illegal deals, and escalating challenges both at work and at home. captures the essence of everyday struggles, love, and family dynamics through a lens of comedic storytelling, making it an engaging and entertaining read for those who appreciate English humor.
I’m now late. Ten minutes ago I was early. I was wandering about in a too-early limbo, in fact; scratching out a succession of ludicrously trivial and unsatisfying things to do, struggling against the...
