Books matching: eccentric character portrayals
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- #1
Save:A gorgeously written, peculiar family epic - rich in wit, oddball charm, and beautiful language, but its sprawling style and cast may not work for every reader. Approach for the atmosphere and prose, stay for the misfit magic!
In "Bowlaway," Elizabeth McCracken crafts a multi-generational story centered around Bertha Truitt, who mysteriously arrives in Salford, Massachusetts, claiming to have invented candlepin bowling. The novel follows the lives of Bertha and her descendants, as well as various characters connected to the bowling alley, spanning decades and exploring social issues. McCracken's writing style is described as rich, quirky, and whimsical, with a touch of magical realism, as she weaves together enchanting characters and vivid storytelling.
They found a body in the Salford Cemetery, but aboveground and alive. An ice storm the day before had beheaded the daffodils, and the cemetery was draped in frost: midspring, Massachusetts, the turn o...February 2019•370 pages - #2
Save:Weird, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt - this book is a rare graphic memoir that matches laugh-out-loud comedy with real emotional resonance. Worth it for the dog stories alone, but you’ll stay for the honest thoughts on being a not-quite-functioning adult. A cult classic for a reason!
'Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened' by Allie Brosh is a memoir-style book that combines humor and introspection. Brosh shares illustrated stories from her life, ranging from childhood tales to her experiences with her quirky dogs and her struggles with depression. Through a blend of humor, wit, and candidness, the author provides a unique and relatable perspective on various aspects of life, including identity, motivation, and mental health.
The book features a collection of essays and comics originally published on Brosh's blog, offering readers a mix of funny anecdotes and poignant reflections. Brosh's writing style is characterized by its simplicity, honesty, and ability to seamlessly blend humor with deeper themes, making the book an engaging and insightful read for those looking for a balance of laughter and introspection.
To reiterate, no matter how much pepper you eat, it won’t undo the ludicrous amount of salt you ate before it. The only thing you are accomplishing by eating pepper is making your mouth taste like pep...October 2013•385 pages A heartwarming, occasionally laugh-out-loud tale celebrating family, identity, and unsung WWII heroines. Not Flagg’s most complex novel, but a great pick-me-up for fans of Southern charm and stories about women finding their place in the world.
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg is a heartwarming novel that alternates between the present day story of Sookie, a Southern woman who discovers she was adopted, and the past story of the Jurdabralinski sisters from Wisconsin who were part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during WWII. The book beautifully weaves together themes of family, identity, and the courage of women who served in the war.
The dual narrative style of the book, switching between Sookie's journey of self-discovery and the historical background of the Polish sisters in WWII, adds depth and richness to the storytelling. Fannie Flagg's writing captures the essence of Southern charm and Midwestern grit, creating colorful characters and an engaging plot that explores the connections between different generations of women and the impact of family secrets.
MRS. EARLE POOLE, JR., BETTER KNOWN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS Sookie, was driving home from the Birds-R-Us store out on Highway 98 with one ten-pound bag of sunflower seeds and one ten-pound bag of wil...November 2013•388 pages- #4
Save:A weird and wildly imaginative ride through the strange mind of Philip K. Dick - fun, flawed, and full of madcap satire. Not his masterpiece, but definitely a memorable trip for the adventurous reader.
'Clans of the Alphane Moon' by Philip K. Dick is a science fiction novel that delves into a bizarre and fascinating story set on a moon around Alpha Centauri, where former residents of a mental hospital have organized a new society based on their individual mental illnesses. The novel follows the interstellar politics that ensue when Earth takes an interest in the moon's inhabitants, leading to a complex narrative filled with paranoid intrigue, telepathic slime molds, dysfunctional relationships, and interplanetary conflicts. Through dark humor and a unique writing style, the author explores themes of madness, sanity, and the fluidity of human nature and perception.
Before entering the supreme council room, Gabriel Baines sent his Mans-made simulacrum clacking ahead to see if by chance it might be attacked. The simulacrum—artfully constructed to resemble Baines i...1964•237 pages - #5Portuguese Irregular VerbsBook 1 in the series:Portuguese Irregular Verbs
Save:A clever, quirky, and extremely dry academic spoof - definitely not for everyone, but a treat if you love understated comedy and satire set in the ivory tower.
"Portuguese Irregular Verbs" by Alexander McCall Smith follows the adventures of Professor Dr. Moritz Maria von Igelfeld, a pompous and eccentric German philologist, and his colleagues as they navigate the world of academia with humorous undertakings and tame adventures. The stories are light-hearted, entertaining, and gently poke fun at the world of academics, set in various locations like Germany, Ireland, and Italy. The writing style is described as witty, light, and complex, with a focus on academic culture and sociological situations faced by intellectuals.
At the Annual Congress of Romance Philology in Zürich, the three professors decided to stay in a small village on the edge of the lake. There was an excellent train which took them into the city each...2003•129 pages Charming, funny, and full of suburbia-strangeness, Lost in Place is a delightful, quirky memoir - perfect for anyone who appreciates humor in humility and a nostalgic spin on coming of age.
'Lost In Place: Growing Up Absurd in Suburbia' by Mark Salzman is a humorous memoir that delves into the coming-of-age story of a young Mark Salzman growing up in the suburbs in the 70s. The book explores Salzman's passions for kung fu, the cello, and Chinese culture, which sets him apart as an undersized, oversensitive kid from Connecticut. Readers are taken on a journey through Salzman's teenage years, filled with self-deprecating vignettes that capture the cruelty, weirdness, and humor of suburban life. The writing style is described as easy-going, intelligent, and concise, with a touch of humor and sincerity that makes the author's childhood experiences charming and relatable.
When I was thirteen years old I saw my first kung fu movie, and before it ended I decided that the life of a wandering Zen monk was the life for me. I announced my willingness to leave East Ridge Juni...1995•288 pages- #7
Save:A joyfully odd, meta romp best suited for fans of clever, unconventional storytelling. If you're up for some delightfully weird literary play, dive in - with a cup of tea and a sense of humor!
'Emotionally Weird' by Kate Atkinson is a novel that delves into the lives of college students, particularly focusing on the protagonist Effie, as she navigates through a chaotic and weird college experience. The book intertwines multiple storylines, incorporating elements of mystery, humor, and literary experimentation. Atkinson's writing style is described as brilliant, witty, and humorous, with a unique structure that includes stories within stories and different narrative styles.
MY MOTHER IS A VIRGIN. (TRUST ME.) MY MOTHER, NORA – A FIERY Caledonian beacon – says she is untouched by the hand of man and is as pure as Joan of Arc or the snow on the Grampians. If you were asked...2000•375 pages A cult Aussie classic full of gross-out laughs and weird tales, but your enjoyment depends on your taste for messy share house horror stories.
'He Died with a Felafel in His Hand' by John Birmingham is a collection of humorous and sometimes outrageous anecdotes about the author's experiences living in shared accommodations in Australia. features a series of vignettes detailing the eccentricities of various housemates, the chaotic living conditions, and the absurd situations that arise from communal living. The writing style is described as fast-paced, random, and filled with dark humor, showcasing the author's observations and reflections on the unconventional lifestyle of share houses.
He died with a felafel in his hand. We found him on a bean bag with his chin resting on the top button of a favourite flannelette shirt. He’d worn the shirt when we’d interviewed him for the empty roo...1994•214 pages- #9
Save:A funny, sometimes dark, and often outrageous collection of essays - perfect if you like your memoirs with bite. Not Burroughs’ deepest book, but you’ll find plenty to smirk (and sometimes wince) about.
'Possible Side Effects' by Augusten Burroughs is a collection of short stories and essays that delve into the author's life experiences, from growing up in a dysfunctional family to navigating through adulthood. The book offers a mix of humor and darkness, with Burroughs showcasing his unique writing style that can make readers laugh out loud one moment and feel deeply moved the next. Through his witty and honest storytelling, Burroughs explores themes of family, relationships, personal quirks, and the absurdities of life.
The book provides a glimpse into Burroughs' unconventional upbringing and his ability to find humor in life's tougher subjects. Each chapter offers a different perspective on various aspects of the author's life, from childhood escapades to adult adventures, all presented in a candid and entertaining manner. Burroughs' writing style is characterized by a blend of humor, insight, and self-reflection, making 'Possible Side Effects' a compelling and engaging read for fans of his work.
The first time I was starstruck, the object of my affection was a glamorous Eastern Airlines stewardess. She had towering blond hair, frosted blue eyelids, and was well into her twenties. I was eight....2006•306 pages - #10
Save:A frothy, funny, and sometimes savage look at the British aristocracy between the wars - read it for the sparkling satire and memorable characters, not for plot twists or heartfelt drama.
'Love in a Cold Climate' by Nancy Mitford is a satirical novel set in the 1920s and 30s, revolving around the lives of the wealthy Montdore family and their social circle. The story is narrated by Fanny, who provides insights into the extravagant lifestyles, gossip, and societal norms of the aristocratic class. The plot follows the central character, Polly, as she navigates love, marriage, and societal expectations, while introducing colorful characters like Cedric Hampton, who bring humor and charm to the narrative.
1949•304 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Radlett and Montdore )
