Books matching: humor in writing
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- #1
Save:A fun, clever twist on superhero tropes featuring lovable underdogs - great if you’re here for laughs and what-ifs, less so if you want a tightly plotted, flawless superhero epic.
'Playing for Keeps' by Mur Lafferty is a novel set in Seventh City, a world where superheroes coexist with regular citizens. The story follows Keepsie Branson, a Third Waver with seemingly weak superpowers, who gets entangled in the power struggles between A-list heroes and villains. The book explores the dynamics of a society where not all superpowers are considered valuable, and the underdogs, like Keepsie and her friends, navigate their place in a world dominated by the powerful and elite. The writing style combines humor, action, and sensitivity, providing depth and realism to the characters' personal lives within the superhero world.
"I mean, talk about a waste of money," said Richard. "Seventeen billion dollars this thing's costing. Gonna put a big old dome over the entire city. Climate control year round. There's, what? Two mill...July 2008•262 pages - #2
Save:A sassy, smart, and very River Song mystery - essential for Doctor Who fans and a delightful romp from first page to last!
Doctor Who: The Ruby's Curse by Alex Kingston is a captivating novel that weaves an intricate mystery featuring River Song, a beloved character from the Doctor Who franchise. The plot alternates between River writing her own detective story from a prison cell and the noir-themed escapades set in 1930s New York, creating a layered narrative that keeps readers engaged. Fans appreciate the depth of insight into River's character, as Kingston adeptly reveals her intellectual side while maintaining her signature wit and charm.
Kingston's writing style resonates with readers, embodying River's voice and personality perfectly. The story is filled with clever twists and delightful humor, keeping the pacing lively and entertaining. With strong Doctor Who references and engaging imagery, it appeals especially to dedicated fans of the series. Many readers find themselves fully absorbed, eagerly turning the pages until the very end, and expressing a strong desire for more of Kingston's work in the future.
I opened my eyes again, and tried not to feel too smug at my perfect landing – feet poised on the very edge of the next zone. But the danger wasn’t over. This was the Stormcage Containment Facility, t...April 2022•320 pages A fun, fast-moving sampler of Europe’s linguistic wonders - great for curious minds, less so for those wanting depth or seriousness. Ideal as a light, informative read for language lovers.
'Lingo: A Language Spotter's Guide to Europe' by Gaston Dorren takes readers on a whirlwind tour of European languages, exploring their peculiarities, evolution, and unique characteristics. The author presents the information in a fun and engaging manner, offering anecdotes, linguistic facts, and comparisons between different languages. Despite not being a scholarly work, the book provides a light and entertaining overview of the diverse languages found in Europe, touching on topics like language families, linguistic oddities, and the influence of one language on another.
This kind of detective work has yielded a great deal of information. Unfortunately, though, the results are not greatly enlightening for non-linguists. ‘Tongue’, as it turns out, appears to have been...November 2014•305 pagesA must-have for anyone curious about the mechanics of being funny. Practical, enjoyable, and perfect for writers at any level looking to punch up their work with genuine laughs.
'The Comic Toolbox How to Be Funny Even If You're Not' by John Vorhaus is a comprehensive guide on comedy writing, providing practical advice and exercises to help readers develop their comedic skills. The author delves into the intricacies of humor, breaking down comedic tools and techniques while encouraging readers to practice and apply them in their writing. Vorhaus draws from his own experience as a successful comic writer and teacher, offering insights on creating humor and analyzing what makes a joke funny. covers a wide range of topics, from understanding comic characters to exploring the law of comic opposites, all presented in an engaging and informative writing style.
When I was twelve years old, I fell in love with Leslie Parker. She was cute and smart, with blond hair in bangs, and a smile that made my head sweat. All through seventh grade, through lunch hours an...July 1994•202 pagesA charming love letter to the peculiar joys of book-obsession - best enjoyed by fellow bibliophiles and essay lovers.
"Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader" by Anne Fadiman is a charming collection of essays that celebrates the love of books and reading. Fadiman's writing style is described as graceful, personal, and easy on the mind, making the essays highly enjoyable and relatable to book lovers. The essays cover a variety of topics related to books and book people, from merging libraries to the joys of second-hand book shopping, all while showcasing Fadiman's sheer learning and passion for literature.
A few months ago, my husband and I decided to mix our books together. We had known each other for ten years, lived together for six, been married for five. Our mismatched coffee mugs cohabited amicabl...October 1998•166 pagesDelightfully nerdy and packed with humor, 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves' celebrates the quirky world of punctuation - perfect for fellow grammar geeks and those who enjoy clever wordplay, but may be too strict or tongue-in-cheek for grammar rebels.
'Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation' by Lynne Truss is a humorous and informative book that delves into the world of punctuation, highlighting its importance in communication. Truss shares anecdotes, historical trends, and examples to showcase the impact of proper punctuation on writing. The book covers various punctuation marks, rules, and common mistakes, all presented in a witty and engaging writing style that makes the topic of grammar enjoyable and accessible to readers.
Truss uses her sense of humor to discuss the decline of punctuation standards in modern communication, emphasizing the need for maintaining proper punctuation in everyday writing. Through funny examples and clear explanations, she advocates for the significance of punctuation in conveying meaning accurately. The book not only educates readers on the rules of punctuation but also encourages them to pay closer attention to their own writing habits and embrace the nuances of the English language through correct punctuation usage.
2002•223 pages- #7
Save:A beautifully written literary mystery that’s more about people than puzzles - a treat for fans of smart, character-driven fiction, but less satisfying for those craving a traditional, brisk-paced detective story.
'Case Histories' by Kate Atkinson follows the story of private detective Jackson Brodie as he investigates three cold cases that are more intriguing than the infidelity case he is initially hired for. The novel weaves together separate mysteries, each with its own set of characters and events, eventually converging in unexpected ways. Atkinson's writing style is described as unconventional, with alternating points of view and a non-linear timeline that keeps the reader engaged and surprised. The book delves into the complexities of family relationships, unresolved past traumas, and the personal struggles of the protagonist, Jackson Brodie.
How lucky were they? A heat wave in the middle of the school holidays, exactly where it belonged. Every morning the sun was up long before they were, making a mockery of the flimsy summer curtains tha...2004•395 pages - #8
Save:Magic Slays is a stellar continuation: action-packed, emotionally rich, and layered with humor and heart. Not the best place to start the series, but a must-read for existing fans!
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews is the fifth book in the Kate Daniels series, where Kate, now mated to the Beast Lord Curran, is running her independent detective magic agency. The plot revolves around a missing scientist, a terrorist plot, and a rogue vampire causing chaos. The book delves into Kate's past, her relationship with Curran, and the challenges they face together. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with humor, while the characters are believable despite the fantastical elements in the story.
MY OFFICE OCCUPIED A SMALL, STURDY BUILDING ON Jeremiah Street, in the northeast part of town. Jeremiah Street used to be called North Arcadia Street, until one day a Southern preacher walked out in t... A warm, funny, and deeply encouraging pep talk for writers and creative souls - more motivational than technical, but a modern classic for a reason.
'Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life' by Anne Lamott is a humorous and candid guide to the writing process, intertwined with insightful anecdotes and practical advice for aspiring writers. Lamott's writing style is described as witty, tender, funny, and forthright, making the book an enjoyable and engaging read. Through personal stories and reflections on life, Lamott offers a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of being a writer, blending writing advice with life lessons in a relatable and honest manner.
The book delves into the nuances of the writing life, exploring topics such as the creative process, self-doubt, and the importance of perseverance. Lamott's narrative style is described as enchanting, blackly funny, and like a conversation with a close friend, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with readers. By sharing her own experiences and insights, Lamott encourages readers to embrace the messy and imperfect nature of writing, inspiring them to find their voice and navigate the complexities of both writing and living.
The very first thing I tell my new students on the first day of a workshop is that good writing is about telling the truth. We are a species that needs and wants to understand who we are. Sheep lice d...May 1994•271 pages- #10
Save:A lively, imaginative historical fantasy romp with magic, romance, and wit to spare. Recommend for fans of quirky alt-history adventures, though light on pure steampunk. Not perfect, but definitely fun!
'The Native Star' by M.K. Hobson is an alternate history fantasy set in 19th century America where magic is real and intertwined with science. The story follows Emily Edwards, a local witch in Lost Pine, California, and Dreadnought Stanton, an exile credomancer, as they embark on a journey to deliver a powerful artifact to the Institute of Magic while facing dangers and betrayals. The plot involves a mix of historical elements, magic, romance, and a touch of steampunk, creating a vivid and engaging universe with well-developed characters like Emily and Stanton.
Emily threw off her covers, sending a pair of raggedy cats into grumpy flight. The chill morning air had a crisp, pitchy smell that mingled with the fragrance of the dried flowers and herbs that hung...August 2010•399 pages
