Books matching: whimsical elements
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- #1
Save:The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie is a quirky novel that follows the lives of Veblen, a temp worker with a penchant for talking to squirrels, and Paul, a researcher with family issues and a questionable engagement. The book delves into themes of marriage, family dynamics, ethical dilemmas in the medical industry, and the unexpected turns life can take. The writing style is crisp and lyrical, interweaving humor and thought-provoking moments throughout the narrative. The characters, including a squirrel with a significant role, provide a whimsical touch to the story, while also exploring deeper questions about living an ethical life amidst chaos.
- #2
Save:'A Fistful of Sky' by Nina Kiriki Hoffman is a magical coming-of-age story that follows Gypsum, a young woman from a magical family who is the odd one out as she hasn't received her powers. When Gypsum finally gains her powers, she discovers that she has inherited the ability to cast curses, which she must learn to control to avoid harming others. The book delves into themes of family relationships, self-acceptance, and the complexities of dealing with newfound powers in a quirky and creative way. Readers found the story engaging, with a blend of whimsical elements, intimate family dynamics, and a touch of darkness that keeps them engrossed.
IN my family, we used the word we all the time. Most of the time we meant the five of us, the children. We hated this TV show, loved that one. We adored cutthroat card games and fast chess, but preten... - #3
Save:'Ghostly Gallery' by Alfred Hitchcock is a collection of classic weird tales packaged for young readers, including work by renowned authors like H.G. Wells, Robert Louis Stevenson, Algernon Blackwood, F. Marion Crawford, and Lord Dunsany. The stories range from serious to whimsical, with only a few being actual ghost stories. is described as a light, enjoyable read with a mix of horror, mystery, sci-fi, and humor, suitable for both children and adults. Readers reminisce about their childhood experiences with the book, recalling the nostalgia and enjoyment it brought them.
- #4
Save:'The Unrest-Cure and Other Stories' by Saki, Edward Gorey is a collection of satirical short stories that poke fun at the social pretensions of the upper class English at the turn of the last century. Saki's writing style, reminiscent of Oscar Wilde but with a unique touch, involves witty and clever storytelling with plots that can include talking cats, werewolves, and bloodthirsty ferrets. The stories are set in various unlikely spots like drawing rooms, country houses, and suburban railways, featuring characters such as languid young men, haughty dowagers, and elegant young women, often with a supernatural twist.
- #5
Save:'The Book of Three' is the first book in 'The Chronicles of Prydain' series by Lloyd Alexander. The story follows Taran, an assistant pig keeper, who dreams of adventure and heroism. When his pig, Hen Wen, runs away, Taran embarks on a journey far from home, facing great danger and evil forces in the land of Prydain. Along the way, he meets a collection of strange and wonderful friends who help him in his quest to ensure good triumphs over evil. The book combines elements of Welsh mythology with fast-paced action, engaging characters, and a coming-of-age theme as Taran learns what true heroism entails.
TARAN WANTED to make a sword; but Coll, charged with the practical side of his education, decided on horseshoes. And so it had been horseshoes all morning long. Taran’s arms ached, soot blackened his ... - #6
Save:The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune follows the story of Linus Baker, a bureaucratic caseworker who is tasked with investigating an orphanage for magical children on Marsyas Island. Through his interactions with the children, including Lucy the Antichrist and other unique characters like a were pomeranian and an endearing blob, Linus undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The book combines elements of fantasy, found family, and queer romance, all wrapped in a heartwarming and enchanting narrative that explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the power of love.
The writing style in The House in the Cerulean Sea is described as charming, delightful, and heartwarming, with a touch of humor and magical realism. The story unfolds with a mix of whimsical elements, poignant moments, and gentle allegory, creating a narrative that celebrates diversity, found family, misfits, and queer love. The characters, especially the magical children, are portrayed with real and relatable emotions, making the book a comforting and uplifting read that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.
That was an understatement. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head. The blocks spun in slow, concentric circles. Daisy frowned in... - #7
Save:'If You Could See Me Now' by Cecelia Ahern is a delightful and heartwarming story about Elizabeth Egan, a woman who leads a structured and somewhat lonely life, caring for her young nephew Luke and dealing with her dysfunctional family. The introduction of an imaginary friend named Ivan, who initially befriends Luke but soon impacts Elizabeth's life as well, brings a touch of magic and whimsy to the story. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of imagination, all wrapped in a fairy tale-like narrative style that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.
The novel explores themes of family dynamics, coping mechanisms, and personal growth, all through the lens of a unique and imaginative storyline. With a blend of humor, emotion, and a touch of fantasy, Cecelia Ahern weaves a compelling tale that challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between reality and imagination, ultimately delivering a message of hope, love, and the beauty of embracing the unexpected.
ELIZABETH’S HEART HAMMERED loudly against her chest. She banged the front door behind her and paced the hallway in uneven strides. With the phone pressed hard between her ear and shoulder, she balance... "Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town" by Cory Doctorow is a dark and surreal tale that follows the life of Alan, a man with a mountain for a father and a washing machine for a mother. The story weaves between alternate reality, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the quest to provide free WiFi to a neighborhood. The narrative is filled with bizarre characters, magical realism, and unexpected twists, creating a unique blend of contemporary fantasy and technological fiction. Doctorow's writing style is engaging, with jumps in timeline and strange elements that keep readers captivated as they delve into Alan's world of eccentricity and mystery.
Alan sanded the house on Wales Avenue. It took six months, and the whole time it was the smell of the sawdust, ancient and sweet, and the reek of chemical stripper and the damp smell of rusting steel ...'Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters' is a unique twist on the classic Jane Austen novel, 'Sense and Sensibility', where the original storyline is completely rewritten to incorporate sea monster attacks, underwater cities, and supernatural elements. The author, Ben H. Winters, seamlessly weaves these fantastical elements into Austen's precise style and grammar, creating a humorous and engaging science fiction sub-plot within the familiar Austen narrative. The book retains the essence of the original characters and plot while adding a fresh and entertaining twist that keeps readers engrossed in the story.
- #10
Save:'The Iron Ring' by Lloyd Alexander is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Tamar, Prince of Sundari, who is manipulated into a dice game by an older prince and ends up becoming the servant of Prince Jaya. Tamar embarks on a journey filled with challenges to his personal honor, caste, heart, and loyalty, all while questioning the concept of dharma as a warrior. Along the way, Tamar encounters a diverse cast of characters, including wise kings, knowing animals, and humble companions, each playing predetermined roles in his quest. The story has a dream-like feel with elements of reality, betrayal, and the struggle with mortality, making it a compelling read for both adults and younger readers.
The writing style of 'The Iron Ring' is described as having a chaotic tempo with a staccato rhythm, where events sometimes unfold quickly and with abrupt transitions. Despite some awkward exposition and a goofiness that fades away, the book offers deep philosophical themes and moral weight, challenging readers with questions about reality, societal norms, honor, duty, and mortality. The Eastern setting and simpler world-building draw comparisons to Tolkien's work thematically and tonally, with traces of C. S. Lewis and Patricia McKillip evident in the narrative, making 'The Iron Ring' a captivating and thought-provoking fantasy novel.
Elephants were in Sundari Palace courtyard, half a dozen or more, torchlight flickering on tusks ornamented with gold bands and ropes of pearls; horses with jeweled saddles; chariots flying flags and ...
