Books matching: quirky storytelling
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'The Dark Side of the Road' by Simon R. Green is a supernatural country house mystery that follows Ishmael Jones, a character reminiscent of John Taylor from Green's other works. Jones is a murderer hired by a mysterious man known as the Colonel, with a murky past of his own. Jones is summoned to the Colonel's isolated manor for Christmas, where a series of murders occur amidst a snowstorm, leaving everyone trapped and at risk. The story blends elements of a locked room mystery with a paranormal twist, as Jones navigates through a group of suspicious guests to uncover the culprit and unravel the supernatural aspects of the case.
I got the phone call in the early hours of the morning. I was in the main bar of some hotel in London. Don’t ask me its name; they all blend into each other after a while. I have no home of my own. Ne... - #2The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own MakingBook 1 in the series:Fairyland
Save:'The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making' by Catherynne M. Valente is a whimsical modern fairy tale following a 12-year-old girl named September who embarks on an adventurous journey to Fairyland. Along the way, she encounters fantastical creatures, makes unusual friends, and must use her wits to protect Fairyland from the wicked Marquess. The book is described as a delightful blend of classic fairy tales like 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'The Wizard of Oz', featuring a colorful and sometimes dark world filled with whimsy and imagination. The narrative style is praised for its creative use of language, quirky storytelling, and engaging storytelling that appeals to both children and adults.
Once upon a time, a girl named September grew very tired indeed of her parents’ house, where she washed the same pink-and-yellow teacups and matching gravy boats every day, slept on the same embroider... 'The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories' by Tim Burton is a collection of darkly humorous poems accompanied by illustrations, featuring odd and outcast characters such as Oyster Boy, Matchstick Girl, and Stain Boy. The poems explore themes of macabre, quirky, and sometimes disturbing situations, told in a style that is reminiscent of nursery rhymes with a twist of dark humor. Tim Burton's unique writing style and illustrations create a world filled with innocence-meets-horror characters, appealing to fans of his films like 'Edward Scissorhands' and 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'.
The book is a short yet delightful read that captures Burton's signature style of blending darkness with humor and whimsy. Each poem presents a different oddity or misfortune faced by the characters, drawing readers into a world where the bizarre and the melancholic intersect in a way that is both captivating and unsettling. The illustrations complement the poems perfectly, enhancing the overall reading experience and adding to the charm of Burton's storytelling.
"Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates" by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and eccentric novel that follows the wheelchair-bound protagonist, Switters, on a globetrotting adventure filled with love, danger, and spiritual exploration. The book delves into themes of contradiction, light and dark coexisting, and the complexities of human nature. With a diverse cast of characters including a pyramid-headed shaman, a matisse model turned nun, rogue CIA agents, and a squawking parrot, Robbins weaves a tale that challenges societal norms and celebrates individuality.
The naked parrot looked like a human fetus spliced onto a kosher chicken. It was so old it had lost every single one of its feathers, even its pinfeathers, and its bumpy, jaundiced skin was latticed b...- #5
Save:"Villa Incognito" by Tom Robbins is a novel that takes readers on a whimsical journey through Southeast Asia, blending elements of fantasy, folklore, and social commentary. The story follows American MIAs who have chosen to stay hidden in the jungle, a woman claiming Tanuki heritage with a chrysanthemum seed in her mouth, and a group of ex-pats involved in heroin smuggling for charitable purposes. Robbins' writing style is characterized by quirky characters, witty wordplay, and philosophical reflections, creating a narrative that is both surreal and insightful.
What immediately follows is a brief, and only partial, clarification concerning Tanuki’s nature. To wit: while virtually everyone refers to him as a “badger,” to the point where “Badger” is practicall... - #6Adamby:
Save:'Adam' by Ariel Schrag follows the story of a 17-year-old cis boy named Adam Freedman who pretends to be a trans boy for a summer to pursue a romantic interest in a lesbian named Gillian. As the plot unfolds, Adam struggles with the consequences of his deceit, leading to a deeper understanding of transgender identity and the complexities of relationships. Through Adam's experiences, the book delves into themes of love, trust, and the challenges of maintaining facades, ultimately exploring the impact of lies on personal happiness and ethical dilemmas.
The writing style of 'Adam' is described as funny, quirky, and engaging by readers who appreciated the author's storytelling ability. Despite some controversial elements, such as the portrayal of transgender characters and the exploration of LGBT stereotypes, the book offers a breezy and refreshing narrative that captures the essence of NYC queer culture in 2006 through the eyes of a teenage protagonist.
But now, about to climb the tree, he didn’t know what to do with it. If he just held it in his hand while he climbed up, it would definitely get smashed; same thing with putting it in his back pocket.... - #7
Save:The Year of Ice by Brian Malloy is a coming of age and coming out novel set in the 1970s. The story follows Kevin, a gay Midwestern teen, as he navigates the complexities of his dysfunctional family, his own sexuality, and the aftermath of his mother's death. Through a blend of touching and quirky storytelling, the novel explores themes of love, family, angst, longing, and confusion, offering unexpected twists that add depth to the narrative.
The plot of the book revolves around Kevin's journey of self-discovery amidst the challenges of his relationship with his father, who is struggling with his own demons. As Kevin delves deeper into his mother's mysterious death and grapples with his homosexuality, he uncovers hidden truths that reshape his understanding of his family and himself. The writing style of The Year of Ice is described as absorbing, well-written, and at times, both irritating and amusing, capturing the essence of teenage emotions and experiences with a mix of cynicism, humor, and depth.
Aunt Nora always says that people can still surprise you. I never got what she meant by that until last fall. I mean, Floyd Anderson always seemed normal enough. He’s an old Swede who has been our nei... - #8
Save:Fifty-One Tales by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories and prose pieces that delve into fantasy, mythology, and philosophical themes. The tales are often very short, atmospheric, and quirky, with some being twists on myths or fables. The writing style is described as poetic and literary, with a focus on irony, satire, humor, and sheer poetry packed into concise narratives.
I was climbing round the perilous outside of the Palace of Colquonhombros. So far below me that in the tranquil twilight and clear air of those lands I could only barely see them lay the craggy tops o... - #9
Save:'We Are Never Meeting in Real Life.' by Samantha Irby is a collection of raw and honest essays that delve into the author's experiences as a black woman in America. Irby shares her struggles with anxiety, chronic illness, and dating, all while infusing her writing with humor and wit. The book offers a glimpse into Irby's life, where she fearlessly exposes her innermost thoughts and secrets, creating a relatable and entertaining narrative for readers. Through her quirky storytelling, Irby explores themes of self-deprecation, love, and the challenges of navigating through life's uncertainties.
I am squeezed into my push-up bra and sparkly, ill-fitting dress. I’ve got the requisite sixteen coats of waterproof mascara, black eyeliner, and salmon-colored streaks of hastily applied self-tanner ... - #10
Save:'Willard and His Bowling Trophies' by Richard Brautigan is a quirky and surreal novel that follows the lives of two couples, the Logan brothers, and a papier mache bird named Willard. The story involves elements of humor, melancholy, and absurdity, with a unique writing style that combines postmodern sensibilities, non-linear narrative, and jarring stylistic approaches. Brautigan's playfulness with characterization and his ability to portray individuals and their peculiar behaviors in a light-hearted yet profound manner make this book a compelling read.
