Books matching: extraordinary events
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- #1
Save:A wildly fun, inclusive, and heartfelt graphic novel that’s perfect for both young and young-at-heart readers seeking adventure, humor, and a dash of Saturday morning cartoon magic.
'The Boy Who Crashed to Earth' in the series 'Hilo' by author Judd Winick follows the story of DJ Kim, an ordinary boy living in a small, boring town until Hilo, a mysterious and powerful boy, crashes into his life from the sky. As strange and ominous events start happening in the town, Hilo's past begins to resurface, revealing his ultimate purpose. is described as a fantastic comic storybook with an energetic and engaging story, well-managed positive messaging, and emotional depth. The art style is whimsical, reminiscent of a mix between Calvin and Hobbes and Codename Kids Next Door.
Judd Winick's writing style is praised for capturing the expressiveness and dynamism of classic cartoon series like Bloom County and Calvin and Hobbes. The diverse characters, including DJ, an Asian American lead, and Gina, an African American girl, are highlighted for introducing themes of diversity, friendship, loyalty, and character in a thoughtful yet unobtrusive manner. is noted for its humor, charm, and heart, providing a light and breezy read that evokes nostalgia for Saturday morning cartoons.
September 2015•205 pages - #2
Save:A smart, thought-provoking first contact story that prioritizes curiosity and human connection over action - perfect for fans of cerebral sci-fi and fresh takes on alien encounters.
"Anomaly" by Peter Cawdron is a science fiction novel that follows the story of an underachieving teacher, David Teller, who unexpectedly finds himself involved in investigating an alien anomaly outside the United Nations in New York City. The book explores themes of first contact, human response to the unknown, and the implications of encountering extraterrestrial life. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, innovative, and realistic, with a focus on character development and building depth within the story.
The plot of "Anomaly" is praised for its fresh take on the first contact scenario, introducing likable characters and blending elements of science, philosophy, and exploration. The story is noted for its ability to engage readers, challenge assumptions about alien encounters, and keep them immersed in a plausible and intriguing narrative. The book is commended for its pacing, depth, and the author's dedication to revising and improving the story based on feedback, ultimately creating a satisfying and thought-provoking reading experience.
Shortly after lunch on Friday, cracks appeared in the road. Officer Davies had been directing traffic on the corner of 1 Avenue and East 45 in Manhattan since mid-morning after the traffic lights had...2011•278 pages - #3
Save:"The Frequency of Aliens" continues the story of Annie Collins, a young girl who saved humanity from a spaceship and a zombie horde in the previous installment. As Annie heads to college in Massachusetts, she tries to live a normal life while dealing with the aftermath of her extraordinary actions. However, strange occurrences start happening around her, leading to a series of events that ignite a maelstrom of chaos. Gene Doucette's writing style is described as comfortable, believable, and humorous, with a focus on character development and a unique take on alien incursion.
December 2017•445 pages
(Also, see 57 recommendations for the series Sorrow Falls ) - #4
Save:This is a heartwarming, character-driven space adventure that's more about the journey (and the people you wander with) than the destination. Highly recommended if you want sci-fi with optimism, charm, and a big dose of found-family love.
'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers follows the journey of the crew aboard the Wayfarer, a mixed species group traveling through space to a distant planet. The novel is a character-driven science fiction tale that delves into themes of relationships, personal growth, and diverse cultures. With a focus on the crew's interactions and daily lives, the story unfolds as a cozy and intimate exploration of the universe where humans are a minor part of the Galactic Commons. The narrative combines elements of space opera with episodic adventures, providing insightful glimpses into human and sapient nature.
The writing style of the book is described as light and engaging, with a strong emphasis on character development and world-building. The author intricately introduces multiple alien species, each with distinct characteristics and cultural backgrounds, creating a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives and experiences. Despite the lack of traditional dramatic tension, the novel offers a heartfelt and enjoyable read that resonates with fans of character-driven narratives and space exploration.
Living in space was anything but quiet. Grounders never expected that. For anyone who had grown up planetside, it took some time to get used to the clicks and hums of a ship, the ever-present ambiance...July 2014•539 pages - #5
Save:A classic worth reading for its quirky magic and unique take on childhood - just don’t expect spoonfuls of sugar! Mary Poppins is stranger, sterner, and altogether more enchanting in print.
'Mary Poppins' by P.L. Travers follows the adventures of a magical and strict nanny who brings enchantment and excitement to the Banks family. The book portrays Mary Poppins as a curmudgeon with godlike powers, taking the children on whimsical and sometimes dark adventures. The writing style is described as delightful, imaginative, and full of British vocabulary, creating a world that is both magical and slightly stern.
Well, Mr. Banks went off with his black bag, and Mrs. Banks went into the drawing-room and sat there all day long writing letters to the papers and begging them to send some Nannies to her at once as...1934•225 pages - #6
Save:A grounded, very British twist on post-apocalypse survival that favors believable characters and community over nonstop explosions. Not perfect, but well worth a read for those who want something less flashy and more human.
'Survival' in the series 'After It Happened' by Devon C. Ford follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious virus wipes out 99% of the population, leaving only a handful of immune individuals. The story focuses on the struggles and challenges faced by these survivors as they navigate a world devoid of most of the population and resources, relying on their wits and newfound skills to stay alive. The writing style is described as refreshing, enthralling, and grounded, offering a unique take on the dystopian genre by showcasing ordinary people dealing with extraordinary events.
They woke the next morning with a little more purpose. Packed the car with as much as they could, including more tins and bottled water from a nearby shop, and set out with their plan of building a su...2016•254 pages - #7
Save:A classic, whimsical romp through midcentury small-town life - a bit old-fashioned, but still sweet and funny for readers who enjoy clever, gentle humor and nostalgia.
'Homer Price' by Robert McCloskey is a collection of humorous and heartwarming stories set in small town America. The book follows the adventures of Homer Price, a young boy who finds himself in various amusing situations, from capturing bandits with his pet skunk to dealing with a runaway doughnut machine. The stories are filled with outlandish characters, everyday life scenarios, and tall tale mischief, all illustrated with fantastic line drawings that bring the narrative to life.
The writing style of 'Homer Price' is described as nostalgic, charming, and entertaining, appealing to both children and adults alike. The book captures the essence of mid-century America, blending ordinary life with extraordinary events in a way that keeps readers engaged and delighted. Each story in the collection offers a unique and whimsical glimpse into Homer's world, creating a sense of warmth and familiarity that resonates with readers of all ages.
Mr. Dreggs made a speech about the wonderful thing Mr. N. W. Blott had contributed to the future of American shaving with his winning slogan: “The after shave lotion with the distinctive invigorating...1942•154 pages - #8
Save:A poignant, accessible historical fiction inspired by true events, "Sold on a Monday" offers heartache, hope, and raises thoughtful questions about the impact of a single photograph. Great for fans of character-driven stories with moral complexities.
In 'Sold on a Monday' by Kristina McMorris, the story revolves around a journalist who takes a photograph of a sign reading '2 Children for Sale' during the Great Depression. The plot unfolds as the journalist, Ellis Reed, and his colleague, Lily Palmer, track down the children in the photo and uncover a series of extraordinary events involving adoption, love, and the Prohibition era mob. The book delves into the struggles faced by families during the 1930s, exploring themes of parental love, moral dilemmas, and the impact of difficult choices on individuals' lives.
The writing style of Kristina McMorris in 'Sold on a Monday' is described as engaging, poignant, and emotional. Readers praise the author for creating well-described characters and vivid settings that bring the historical period to life. The novel captures the heart-wrenching reality of families selling their children out of desperation, while also delving into the complexities of relationships, redemption, and the lasting effects of decisions made during challenging times.
Really, they shouldn’t have shocked him. Not with so many folks still reeling since the market crashed in ’29. Every day, children were being farmed out to relatives or dropped off at churches, orphan...August 2018 - #9
Save:A beautifully written, imaginative, and emotionally powerful collection. Essential reading for fans of intelligent, thought-provoking speculative fiction, though be prepared for some seriously moving - and sometimes dark - stories.
'The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories' by Ken Liu is a collection of short stories that range from fantasy to science fiction to historical fiction. The stories explore themes of technology, human emotions, Asian immigrant experiences, and cultural histories. Ken Liu's writing style is described as enchanting, thought-provoking, and emotionally affecting, with a talent for weaving traditional Chinese beliefs and cultural elements into his narratives.
There is no definitive census of all the intelligent species in the universe. Not only are there perennial arguments about what qualifies as intelligence, but each moment and everywhere, civilizations...May 2001•464 pages - #10
Save:Dahl’s adult stories are deliciously dark, clever, and memorable - a perfect pick for fans of sharp, twisted tales, but not quite the whimsical world of his children’s classics.
'The Best of Roald Dahl' by Roald Dahl is a collection of short stories filled with dark humor and unexpected twists. Despite being best known as a children's author, Dahl showcases his imaginative writing that is enjoyable for readers of all ages. The stories in this book are a mix of ordinary people experiencing extraordinary events, with shocking and sometimes unsettling endings that leave readers wanting more.
The writing style of Roald Dahl in this collection is noted for its detail-oriented nature, colorful characters, and free-flowing dialogue. The stories vary in length and tone, ranging from hilarious to thought-provoking, but always clever and original. The author's ability to deliver twists, both subtle and shocking, keeps readers engaged from the first words to the last, making it a memorable read for anyone looking for a diverse and high-quality short story collection.
‘For God’s sake, get out,’ said a voice from the next room. ‘Come on, Stag, you’ve had over an hour.’ Stuffy was sitting on the edge of the bed with no clothes on, drinking slowly and waiting his turn...April 1978•497 pages
