Books matching: witty observations
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- #1
Save:A boldly original, funny, and oddly touching post-apocalyptic romp seen through a crow’s eyes - come for the talking animals, stay for the big feels. If you’re looking for something different, give it a go!
In "Hollow Kingdom" by Kira Jane Buxton, the story unfolds in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, where the human population has been turned into zombies. The narrative is primarily told from the perspective of a pet crow named S.T. or Shit Turd, who embarks on a journey with his companion, a bloodhound named Dennis, to navigate the chaos and help other animals survive. Through witty and irreverent narration, the book explores themes of survival, interspecies communication, and the resilience of nature in a world where humanity has self-destructed.
The writing style of "Hollow Kingdom" is described as fresh, original, and humorous, with a mix of poignant moments and quirky characters. The story is filled with colorful animal voices, including S.T.'s sharp commentary on human behavior, interactions with other intelligent animals, and the exploration of interconnected networks in the natural world. The book offers a unique perspective on the apocalypse, blending humor, satire, and a touch of darkness to create a captivating and engaging tale.
I should have known something was dangerously wrong long before I did. How do you miss something so critical? There were signs, signs that were slow as sap, that amber lava that swallows up a disease-...August 2019•336 pages - #2
Save:Clever, funny, and distinctly British - Midnight Riot is a quirky urban fantasy that’s more police romp than Hogwarts retread. Not perfect, but a must-try for anyone wanting something different in the genre.
"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau...February 2011•292 pages - #3
Save:Sourcery by Terry Pratchett is a humorous tale set in the Discworld where a powerful sourcerer is born, threatening to bring chaos and destruction to the realm. The inept wizard Rincewind, along with his trusty Luggage, is reluctantly pulled into the mission to prevent the impending Apocalypse. The story is filled with witty observations, comedic dialogues, and a mix of romp and well-paced humor that keeps readers entertained throughout the book. Pratchett's writing style shines through with his unique way of describing characters and settings, creating a fantastical world that suspends disbelief and provides pure entertainment.
But the eighth son grew up and married and had eight sons, and because there is only one suitable profession for the eighth son of an eighth son, he became a wizard. And he became wise and powerful, o... - #4
Save:A witty, weird, and surprisingly informative romp through some of America’s darkest chapters. If you love offbeat history and geeky humor, jump in!
Sarah Vowell's 'Assassination Vacation' is a witty and irreverent exploration of the assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley. Through a mix of humor, historical anecdotes, and personal observations, Vowell takes readers on a journey to the sites associated with these tragic events. Her unique writing style blends detailed historical accounts with quirky commentary, making the morbid subject matter surprisingly entertaining and engaging. By infusing the narrative with her distinctive voice and sense of humor, Vowell brings to life the stories of these historical figures and the places tied to their untimely deaths.
Going to Ford’s Theatre to watch the play is like going to Hooters for the food. So I had intended to spend the first act of 1776, a musical about the Declaration of Independence, ignoring the stage a...April 2005•271 pages - #5
Save:'Magnificence' by Lydia Millet revolves around Susan, a woman who inherits a mansion filled with taxidermy after her husband's death, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. The plot intricately weaves themes of love, loss, aging, moving on, and the mystery of everyday life. The writing style is described as magnificent, with witty observations on male behavior, realistic yet absurdist elements, and a unique blend of humor and depth that keeps readers engaged.
It was a stricken love, but still love. It was the kind of love that gazed up at you from the bare white flood of your headlights—a wide-eyed love with the meekness of grass-eaters. Soft fur, pink ton...November 2012•264 pages - #6
Save:Big Swiss is weird, witty, and totally unlike anything else - a must-read for fans of messy, dark queer fiction. You'll laugh, squirm, and maybe even cringe, but you won't be bored.
'Big Swiss' by Jen Beagin follows a therapist's transcriber named Greta as she breaks the fourth wall and engages in an affair with one of the people in therapy, Hudson. The story is filled with quirky elements like bees in the house, purple-haired geriatrics, and ultra Trump supporters. Despite some readers feeling let down by the lack of a satisfying ending, the book is praised for its humor, realness, and the way characters deal with difficult situations.
February 2023 - #7
Save:A delightfully funny, quintessentially English exploration memoir, best enjoyed as a classic romp through a vanished world - just be ready for some vintage attitudes and the bumbling charm of true amateurs.
'A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush' by Eric Newby is a humorous and entertaining travel adventure that follows the journey of the author and his friend, Hugh Carless, as they embark on a mission to climb Mir Samir in Afghanistan. The book captures the essence of British amateur travelers from a bygone era, showcasing their can-do determination, casual planning, and self-deprecating humor. Despite being grossly underprepared, Newby and Carless set off with only a few days of climbing practice in Wales and a lighthearted attitude, leading to a series of misadventures and challenges in the rugged terrain of the Hindu Kush region.
Newby's writing style in 'A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush' is characterized by wry, self-deprecating humor that offers insight into the eccentric characters encountered during the journey and vivid descriptions of the Afghan wilderness. The book provides a mix of naivety, modesty, and self-assurance bordering on arrogance, typical of the British explorers of that era. Despite the comical tone, Newby also delves into the cultural context of the places visited, offering an amusing yet informative narrative of their escapades in Northeast Afghanistan in the mid-1950s.
With all the lights on and the door shut to protect us from the hellish draught that blew up the backstairs, the fitting-room was like an oven with mirrors. There were four of us jammed in it: Hyde-Cl...January 1958•252 pages - #8
Save:Field of Honor: A Novel by D.L. Birchfield follows the story of Lance Corporal Patrick Pushmataha McDaniel, a half-blood Choctaw who has been hiding from the U.S. Marine Corps for over a decade. When his secluded home is invaded by the military, McDaniel discovers an underground Choctaw civilization, leading him into a world of culture and politics where traditional ball games reign. The book is filled with erratic, frenzied action reminiscent of the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and the quirky characters akin to those in "Catch 22." Birchfield's witty observations about the U.S. military, Choctaw history, and a blend of modern concepts with sacred Indian mythology create a unique and engaging narrative.
May 2004•236 pages - #9
Save:Sigrid Odegard, a Chief of Police from Norway, is facing a personal and professional crisis after a shooting incident. When her brother goes missing in upstate New York following the suspicious death of his African American girlfriend, Sigrid travels to America to find him. In her search, she partners with Sheriff Irving Wylie and delves into a complex investigation involving race relations, police practices, and family ties. Derek B. Miller weaves a gripping narrative set in 2008 that explores themes of mental illness, guilt, and societal issues with sensitivity and realism.
The book "American by Day" is a compelling police procedural with a strong female protagonist, engaging character dynamics, and a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Miller's writing style seduces the reader with witty observations on American life, clever dialogue, and a mix of humor and intelligent insights on contemporary issues. The story not only provides a thrilling mystery to unravel but also delves into deeper themes of inequality, racism, and cultural differences between Norway and the United States.
SIGRID ØDEGÅRD’S HANDS rest on the unopened blue folder as she stares out the window of her office. The seal of the Politi is embossed on the front in gold, red and black, meaning that someone decided...April 2018•352 pages
(Also, see 12 recommendations for the series Sigrid Ødegard ) - #10
Save:A madcap, clever, and uniquely funny tale that skewers modern culture - just be prepared for a healthy dose of absurdity. Great for fans of literary satire, but probably not for the literal-minded.
'The Bear Went Over the Mountain' by William Kotzwinkle is a whimsical tale that follows the journey of a bear named Hal Jam who stumbles upon a manuscript and decides to pass it off as his own novel. The story takes a satirical look at American culture, poking fun at societal obsessions with money, power, fame, and status. Through the eyes of a bear navigating the human world, readers are taken on a humorous and thought-provoking narrative journey that delves into themes of identity, connection to nature, and the absurdities of modern society.
Kotzwinkle's writing style in this novel combines elements of fantasy, magical realism, and clever observation to create a story that is both entertaining and meaningful. The book is praised for its wit, humor, and ability to present complex ideas in a lighthearted and engaging manner, making it a delightful read for those looking for a blend of fantasy and social commentary.
The farmhouse burned quickly. The beams and rafters collapsed into a fiery pile, and when the unsuspecting owner returned, all that was left of his house, and his novel, was a smoking hole in the grou...1996•310 pages
