Books matching: brutally funny
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- #1
Save:"The Book of Ruth" by Jane Hamilton is a haunting and heartbreaking story that follows the life of Ruth Dahl, a somewhat dimwitted girl living in a small town in Illinois. The book delves into Ruth's struggles, including her dysfunctional family dynamics, her troubled marriage, and a family tragedy that changes the course of her life. The writing style is described as beautifully evocative, painting a vivid picture of Ruth's world and inner turmoil.
Ruth's character development and the exploration of complex family relationships are central to the plot. The narrative unfolds slowly, providing insights into Ruth's life, her challenges, and the emotional abuse she endures. The story captures the essence of resilience, human capacity for mercy, compassion, and love amidst difficult circumstances, making it a powerful and emotionally impactful read.
WHAT it begins with, I know finally, is the kernel of meanness in people’s hearts. I don’t know exactly how or why it gets inside us; that’s one of the mysteries I haven’t solved yet. I always tried t... - #2
Save:Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski is a raw and honest semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the unruly and depressing youth and young adulthood of Henry Chinaski. The story follows Chinaski's struggles with an abusive father, sexual frustration, schoolyard beatings, and the discovery of alcohol, all set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Bukowski's writing style is described as dark, humorous, and brutally funny, capturing the difficulties of growing up for young outsiders in a transgressive and at times disgusting narrative.
The novel explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, survival, and the impact of a traumatic childhood on shaping one's adulthood. Through vivid recollections, frank statements, and a fast-paced narrative, Bukowski paints a poignant picture of Chinaski's journey from birth to late adolescence, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity and his struggle to find his place in a hypocritical and false society.
The first thing I remember is being under something. It was a table, I saw a table leg, I saw the legs of the people, and a portion of the tablecloth hanging down. It was dark under there, I liked bei... - #3
Save:'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is a dark comedy set in New Orleans, following the eccentric and obnoxious protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. The plot revolves around Ignatius' misadventures and interactions with a range of bizarre characters in the city, showcasing a mix of humor and sadness. The writing style is described as unique, blending humor with a touch of melancholy, and featuring well-developed characters in a vividly constructed setting.
A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either ... - #4
Save:'My Pet Serial Killer' follows the story of Claire, a graduate criminology student with a chilling hobby of grooming serial killers to be her perfect pets. The narrative delves into Claire's twisted relationships with these killers, her manipulation of them, and her relentless pursuit of academic success through their actions. The book combines elements of psychological exploration, graphic violence, and a unique writing style that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, keeping the reader engaged with Claire's dark world.
Claire's journey with her pet killers takes unexpected turns as she embarks on a quest to shape a new killer for her doctoral thesis, leading to a series of audacious kills and bizarre relationships. The novel explores themes of possession, control, and the blurred boundaries between fiction and reality as Claire's project spirals out of control, challenging both her and the reader to confront the dark depths of human nature.
- #5
Save: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 ... - #6
Save:'Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned' by Wells Tower is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of characters who are grappling with human nature, making sense of their existence through brutal, funny, and humane actions. The stories cover a wide range of emotions, from sadness and heartbreak to moments of dark humor and compassion. Tower's writing style is described as well-crafted, delicately beautiful, and occasionally very funny, capturing the essence of contemporary life with acerbic wit and a macabre sense of humor.
Bob Munroe woke up on his face. His jaw hurt and morning birds were yelling and there was real discomfort in his underpants. He’d come in late, his spine throbbing from the bus ride down, and he had s... - #7
Save:'Lake Success' by Gary Shteyngart follows the journey of Barry Cohen, a wealthy hedge fund manager, who decides to leave his wife and autistic son behind to embark on a Greyhound bus trip across America with a suitcase full of expensive watches. The novel delves into themes of wealth, privilege, self-discovery, and redemption, while offering a satirical commentary on America during the Trump era. The story is told through alternating perspectives, blending humor, absurdity, and poignant moments to create a compelling narrative.
The writing style in 'Lake Success' is engaging and well-crafted, with a mix of laugh-out-loud moments, insightful observations, and vivid characterizations. The author, Gary Shteyngart, skillfully navigates between humor and depth, presenting a cast of flawed and complex characters against the backdrop of a changing America. The novel explores the complexities of human relationships, the pursuit of happiness, and the consequences of living a life driven by materialism.
BARRY COHEN, a man with 2.4 billion dollars of assets under management, staggered into the Port Authority Bus Terminal. He was visibly drunk and bleeding. There was a clean slice above his left brow w... - #8
Save:'Animals Eat Each Other: A Novel' by Elle Nash follows the story of an unnamed 19-year-old narrator who seeks validation in destructive behaviors such as getting high on Robitussin and snorting pills. The novel delves into the young woman's journey out of high school, exploring her involvement in a polyamorous sadomasochistic relationship that leads to broken hearts and broken futures. Elle Nash's writing style is described as honest, dark, and poetic, capturing the madness of infatuation and blurring the lines between pain and pleasure.
- #9
Save:In the novel 'The Heavenly Table' by Donald Ray Pollock, set in 1917, readers are introduced to the Jewett family, particularly the three young sons, Cane, Chimney, and Cobb, who turn to a life of crime after their father's sudden death. The story also follows Ellsworth Fiddler, a farmer swindled out of his life savings, and a wealthy young man struggling with his sexual identity as they navigate their own challenges. The author skillfully weaves these narratives together, introducing a cast of quirky and dangerous characters, providing dry humor, sudden bursts of violence, and a mix of lively adventure and vulgar satire.
The Heavenly Table is a gritty and imaginative novel that delves into themes of poverty, crime, suffering, and redemption in a vividly drawn setting of 1917 America. With multiple perspectives, the story follows characters on independent paths that ultimately converge, creating a raw and abrasive narrative that keeps readers engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and unapologetically bold storytelling style.
IN 1917, JUST as another hellish August was starting to come to an end along the border that divides Georgia and Alabama, Pearl Jewett awakened his sons before dawn one morning with a guttural bark th... - #10
Save:'The Acid House' by Irvine Welsh is a collection of short stories that delve into the gritty and dark underbelly of Scottish society. Welsh's writing style is described as experimental, using inventive use of the Scottish dialect and unique syntax to draw readers in. The stories are a mix of brutal and funny, with a clear, sharp view of post-Thatcher Scotland portrayed through lyrical prose and rich language.
Marge shrugged sheepishly. Gary had a temper and he’d been really uptight since he got out. He turned to me, pleading for understanding. — You see how it is, Jock? Every fucking time! Treated like I’m...
