Books matching: comedic retelling
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- #1
Save:A quirky, sharp-edged comedy that’s as likely to make you laugh out loud as roll your eyes. Best enjoyed by lovers of satire and comically irreverent retellings - your mileage may vary!
'Boating for Beginners' by Jeanette Winterson is a contemporary retelling of the Genesis myth, specifically focusing on the story of Noah's Ark. The book offers a satirical and cynical perspective on religious dogma, blending humor and sharp wit to create a refreshing and entertaining narrative. Winterson's writing style in this book is described as funny, acerbic, and clever, with elements of wicked satire aimed at religion and mass market culture. The plot revolves around quirky characters like entrepreneur Noah, a romance writer, a devout cook, and a cleaning lady film extra, all coming together in a humorous and absurd take on the biblical flood story.
She had dreamed of martyrdom, her elegant profile jutting through the flames; she had dreamed of stardom, eager thousands trying to make their cheekbones just like hers. At the very least she might ha...1985•162 pages - #2
Save:A wickedly funny, x-rated Shakespearean parody that’s not for the prudish but perfect for those who like their comedy bold, smart, and a little bit wrong.
Christopher Moore's 'Fool' is a comedic retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear from the perspective of the Fool, Pocket. The story follows Pocket as he navigates the treacherous court of King Lear, resorting to assassinations and starting wars to thwart the evil schemes of Lear's daughters. Moore's writing style in 'Fool' is characterized by its bawdy humor, irreverent tone, and liberal use of vulgarity, creating a unique and entertaining take on the classic tragedy.
The plot of 'Fool' is filled with witty dialogue, unique characters, and fantastical elements, all presented through Moore's trademark satirical lens. The novel blends Shakespearean themes with modern humor, offering a fresh and humorous perspective on the original play. Despite taking liberties with the plot, 'Fool' delivers a rollicking and entertaining story that keeps readers engaged with its absurdity and clever twists.
The yeoman took a swipe at the bird with his spear and the great black bird swooped off the wall and went cawing out over the Thames. A ferryman looked up from his boat, saw us on the tower, and waved...January 2009•391 pages - #3
Save:A hilarious, sexy, and empowering rom-com that flips Cinderella on its head - perfect for readers who want their fairy tales with a wild side and a lot of laughs.
At the Stroke of Midnight is a modern take on fairy tale romance, focusing on Cynthia, a newly divorced woman struggling to make ends meet. The story follows her transformation from an uptight, buttoned-up PTA president to a confident, independent woman with the help of The Naughty Princess Club. With elements of humor, romance, and empowerment, this book incorporates fairy tale details into a contemporary setting, creating a story filled with laughs, friendship, and self-discovery.
My fingers absentmindedly fiddle with the strand of pearls around my neck as I stare out of the kitchen window at the front yard, cocking my head to the side and mentally adding call the landscaper to...February 2018 - #4
Save:A hilariously unpredictable romp through Tudor England with magic, mayhem, and plenty of heart - read this if you want to escape reality and just have fun!
'My Lady Jane' is a hilariously charming young adult novel that offers a unique twist on historical characters, with a touch of fantasy. The book follows a group of characters, some of whom can turn into animals, on a humorous and engaging adventure filled with mischief, friendship, and romance. The writing style is witty and light-hearted, making it a perfect read for those in need of a feel-good escape.
Bollocks, thought Edward. Yes, he’d been sick for several months now, but he was sixteen years old. He couldn’t be dying. He had a cold, was all, a cough that had been hanging on longer than it should...June 2016•512 pages - #5
Save:A wild, genre-busting, and fiercely funny ride: Oreo is a true literary original that’s overdue for the spotlight - if you’re up for some clever chaos, don’t miss it.
Oreo by Fran Ross is a satirical novel that follows the journey of the protagonist Oreo, a strong and intelligent Black woman who embarks on a quest to find her father, Samuel Schwartz. The book cleverly weaves elements of the Theseus myth into Oreo's story, where she uses her wit and humor to navigate between her Black and Jewish heritage. Through a series of adventures and encounters in New York City, Oreo showcases her brilliance and resilience, challenging societal norms and expectations along the way. The writing style of the book is described as witty, humorous, and rich with energy, exploring themes of race, gender, and identity in a playful and imaginative manner.
Simple, she conceded, compared with the overlapping fugal subject-answer-countersubject head equations that were her favorites—elegant, in fact, but not quite absorbing enough to keep her mind off the...1974•250 pages - #6
Save:A refreshingly hilarious, no-holds-barred take on world mythology that’s as informative as it is side-splitting. Grab this if you need a good laugh and love your ancient stories with a modern twist!
Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes: A No-Bullshit Guide to World Mythology is a ribald and irreverent retelling of world myths that provides a humorous and entertaining look at stories from various cultures. The author, Cory O'Brien, presents myths from ancient Sumeria and Greece to modern legends like Paul Bunyan and Davy Crockett in a witty and clever manner that keeps readers laughing out loud. The book is a perfect mashup of satire and sense, offering quick and dirty retellings of myths while still maintaining accuracy in its content.
The writing style of Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes is witty, funny, and engaging, making it a refreshing take on mythology stories. O'Brien's complete research into the subject ensures that readers will learn more through this book than they would from a traditional textbook, all while enjoying the humorous and irreverent tone of the retellings.
March 2013•305 pages - #7
Save:A zany, satirical romp perfect for fans of comic fantasy. Expect clever twists, some groan-worthy puns, and a good time - just don’t go in expecting epic drama or serious stakes.
Bad Prince Charlie by John Moore is a comedic fantasy novel that satirizes fairy tale conventions and medieval politics. The story follows Charlie, the illegitimate son of the late King of Damask, who is manipulated into becoming the ruler in a plot to bring about the downfall of the kingdom. As Charlie navigates through corruption, intrigue, and prophecies, he struggles to balance doing good deeds with fulfilling his role as the bad prince. The writing style is described as witty, humorous, and filled with twists that keep the reader guessing until the end.
It was a dark night—not a stormy night, not at all—but very dark, and that was good for ghosts. To be more explicit, it was a good night for seeing ghosts. Ghostly ectoplasm has a faint luminescence a...April 2006•240 pages - #8
Save:A quirky, horror-tinged love letter to Scooby-Doo and teen detective tropes, but not without bumpy storytelling and some questionable choices - perfect for those seeking weird, nostalgic fun, but a rough ride for others.
"Meddling Kids" by Edgar Cantero follows the story of former kid detectives who reunite as troubled adults to re-investigate their last case, which is the root of their dysfunction. The narrative is a self-aware mishmash of genres, blending elements of teen detectives like Scooby Doo with Lovecraftian horror. The characters, damaged by their early experiences, embark on a journey filled with nostalgia, supernatural forces, and unresolved mysteries from their past, leading to a fast-paced and action-packed adventure.
The writing style of Cantero in "Meddling Kids" is described as unique and engaging, featuring meta-textual references, witty dialogues, and a blend of humor and dark themes. The author's ability to create compelling characters, incorporate nods to classic childhood mysteries, and infuse the narrative with elements of horror and humor makes the book an entertaining and captivating read for fans of the genre.
She flung the door open to clamorous nonreaction, silhouetted down to a bulky jacket and a baseball cap, the blue wind blowing away the title card. Dramatically opening doors was one of Andy’s few nat...July 2017•357 pages - #9
Save:A darkly entertaining, fast-paced modern family drama inspired by King Lear. Enjoyable for fans of clever adaptations, but it won’t dethrone the Bard.
"Dunbar" is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear set in the context of a media empire. The story follows Henry Dunbar, a corporate mogul who is betrayed by his two eldest daughters, Abby and Megan, and confined to a mental facility. With elements of family drama, suspense, and adventure, the plot unfolds as Dunbar escapes with the help of a fellow patient and navigates the treacherous landscape of his family's power struggle.
St. Aubyn's adaptation of King Lear delves into themes of power, betrayal, and family loyalty within the cutthroat corporate world. The narrative explores the dynamics between Dunbar and his daughters, particularly Florence, who stands out as the only one truly devoted to her father amidst the deceit and manipulation orchestrated by her sisters. Through a blend of humor, insight, and riveting storytelling, the book presents a modern take on a classic tragedy, offering a compelling exploration of greed, forgiveness, and the complexities of familial relationships.
“We’re off our meds/ we’re off our heads,” sang Peter, “we’re out of our beds/ and we’re off our meds! Yesterday,” he continued in a conspiratorial whisper, “we were drooling into the lapels of our te...October 2017•256 pages
(Also, see 88 recommendations for the series Hogarth Shakespeare ) A hilarious, lovingly-crafted, adults-only graphic novel that brings Egyptian mythology to life with heart, flair, and a wink. Not for the easily offended or young readers, but an absolute winner for fans of edgy humor and ancient gods.
'Pantheon: The True Story of the Egyptian Deities' by Hamish Steele is a humorous and entertaining retelling of Egyptian mythology. The book presents the stories of the Egyptian deities in a way that is easily understood and enjoyable for readers of all ages. The art style is adorable, and the writing is both well-drawn and well-written, making it a fun and educational read about the world of Egyptian mythology.
Steele's unique sense of humor shines through in the book, turning confusing Egyptian religion into hilarious and memorable moments. The author presents the myths with a mix of ridiculousness and respect, making the stories come to life in a way that is engaging and informative. Overall, 'Pantheon' offers a fresh and entertaining take on Egyptian mythology, combining humor, art, and storytelling to create a delightful reading experience.
2014•179 pages
