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Books matching: witty wordplay

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  1. #1

    Mere Anarchy by Woody Allen
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    'Mere Anarchy' by Woody Allen is a collection of short stories that blend humor with absurdity. The book features a variety of comedic premises and characters, often poking fun at societal norms and intellectual concepts. Allen's writing style is described as witty, with intricate sentence structures and eccentric vocabulary, creating a unique reading experience that challenges the brain while evoking laughter. The stories revolve around quirky characters and bizarre situations, showcasing Allen's talent for fusing the sublime with the absurd.

    GASPING FOR AIR, my life passing before my eyes in a series of wistful vignettes, I found myself suffocating some months ago under the tsunami of junk mail that cascades through the slot in my door ea...

  2. #2

    The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid by Colin Meloy
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    Narrated by Bronson Pinchot, "The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid" follows the story of twelve-year-old Charlie, the son of an American diplomat, who is lonely and friendless in Marseilles, France. Charlie's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a boy named Amir who introduces him to a gang of kid pickpockets. As Charlie becomes part of this underground world, he struggles to navigate between his identity as a diplomat's son and the persona he adopts within the Whiz Mob. The book is praised for its engaging writing style, humorous characters, and vivid portrayal of Europe as a fascinating and exotic place.


  3. #3

    Pogo by Walt Kelly
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    Pogo by Walt Kelly is a long-running comic strip set in the Okefenokee Swamp, known for its social and political satire through the adventures of anthropomorphic animal characters. The book captures the essence of Pogo Possum, blending sophisticated wit, slapstick humor, allegory, Irish poetry, wordplay, and detailed artwork. The strips evolve from whimsical narratives of swamp creatures to sharp political caricatures as the series progresses, showcasing Kelly's talent for blending humor with social commentary.


  4. #4

    Scars: A Killers Novel, Book 5 - The Killers by Brynne Asher
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    'Scars: A Killers Novel, Book 5' by Brynne Asher follows the story of Cole Carson, a rugged and skilled CIA operative, and Bella Donnelly, an ex-MI6 agent who has been working for Crew for years. Their relationship is filled with push and pull, as they navigate a dangerous world of espionage and assassins. When Bella is set up to look like a terrorist, she goes dark, forcing Cole to make a wager with her to clear her name. As they work together to uncover the truth, their chemistry reignites, leading them on a path towards a second chance at love amidst action-packed spy shenanigans.

    The plot of 'Scars' is filled with suspense, action, and romance, with a strong focus on the intricate dynamics between Cole and Bella. The writing style of Brynne Asher keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with twists and turns that keep them guessing until the very end. delves into the complexities of the characters' pasts, their deep connection, and the challenges they face in balancing their personal lives with their dangerous professions.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Killers )

  5. #5

    The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
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    Frankie Landau Banks, a fifteen-year-old student at a prestigious boarding school, finds herself navigating the complexities of teenage social life and gender dynamics. Feeling underestimated and overlooked, Frankie embarks on a mission to break into an all-boys secret society in order to prove her worth and challenge the status quo. Through pranks, wit, and intelligence, Frankie emerges as a formidable character who refuses to conform to societal expectations. The narrative explores themes of feminism, teenage rebellion, and the quest for recognition in a male-dominated environment, all delivered in a clever and engaging writing style.

    Frankie and her mother went to the Jersey Shore for a four-day weekend with Frankie’s two divorced uncles and three cousins. They rented a creaky five-bedroom house on a tiny plot of cement, two block...

  6. #6

    Villa Incognito by Tom Robbins
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    "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...

  7. #7

    Good as Gold by Joseph Heller
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    'Good as Gold' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel that delves into the life of Bruce Gold, a college professor and the youngest son in a Jewish family, who is offered a position as Secretary of State. The book follows the upheaval in Gold's life as he navigates academia and politics, showcasing the hypocrisy and greed prevalent in both spheres. Through witty wordplay and sharp humor, Heller skewers the academia and government officials, notably taking aim at figures like Henry Kissinger. The narrative also explores Gold's internal struggles with his family dynamics, career choices, and societal expectations, painting a complex portrait of a man undergoing a midlife crisis.

    Heller's writing style in 'Good as Gold' is characterized by intelligent satire, dark humor, and intricate wordplay. The book offers a multi-layered narrative that intertwines political commentary with personal introspection, creating a thought-provoking and relevant exploration of power, wealth, and influence. Despite some readers finding the plot at times abstract or tiresome, the novel effectively captures the essence of Jewish-American experience, government satire, and midlife disillusionment, making it a compelling and insightful read.

    GOLD HAD BEEN asked many times to write about the Jewish experience in America. This was not strictly true. He’d been asked only twice, most recently by a woman in Wilmington, Delaware, where he had g...

  8. #8

    The Futurological Congress: From the Memoirs of Ijon Tichy - Ijon Tichy by Stanislaw Lem
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    The Futurological Congress by Stanislaw Lem is a satirical and dystopian novel that follows the protagonist Ijon Tichy as he attends a conference of futurologists, only to end up in a future society where civilization is falling apart due to overpopulation and mass drugging by the government to maintain control. The story is filled with futuristic ideas, inventions, neologisms, and hallucinatory experiences, creating a dreamlike and disorienting narrative that challenges perceptions of reality and societal norms.

    Lem's writing style in The Futurological Congress is described as unique, cutting, and humorous, permeating the book with a dark sense of humor that tackles serious themes such as societal control, drug-induced realities, and the consequences of technological advancements. The book explores multiple possible futures and realities through a series of nested hallucinations and delusions, inviting readers to question the nature of truth and the impact of societal manipulation through drugs and propaganda.

    The Eighth World Futurological Congress was held in Costa Rica. To tell the truth, I never would have gone to Nounas if it hadn't been for Professor Tarantoga, who gave me clearly to understand that t...

  9. #9

    Two Weeks Notice by Whitney G.
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    'Two Weeks Notice' by Whitney G. is an office romance between the CEO, Preston, and his assistant, Tara. The story follows Tara as she is caught stealing and is offered a job by Preston, leading to a love-hate relationship filled with tension and banter. Despite the initial challenges, their dynamic evolves as they navigate through emotional and steamy moments, showcasing growth and unexpected surprises. The book is praised for its witty wordplay, entertaining storyline, and well-developed characters, especially the grumpy yet swoon-worthy H and the feisty h.

    In the past, I was beyond ruthless—gutting hotels for the sake of making sure they never competed with my own and buying properties to make sure no one else would, but those days were long gone. Being...

  10. #10

    The Dead Father by Donald Barthelme
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    The Dead Father by Donald Barthelme is a strange and surreal novel that takes readers on a journey through a dreamscape land of mythology and unconscious desires. The story revolves around the Dead Father, a once godlike creature reduced to impotent acts of meaningless violence as his followers drag him across the land on a final quest. Barthelme uses a variety of stylistic tricks to examine and satirize the myth of fatherhood, creating a narrative that is often tough going but with flashes of brilliance. The book lacks a traditional plot or character development, focusing more on bizarre and humorous elements that challenge readers' expectations.

    The Dead Father is described as a funny and curious little novel that is worth the attention of readers familiar with Barthelme's unique fictional world. Despite its lack of traditional storytelling elements, the book offers moments of humor, wordplay, and wacky sentence structures that can elicit smiles from readers. While the writing showcases Barthelme's talent and skill, some readers find the book lacking in compelling narrative and descriptive writing, ultimately leaving them bored with the lack of fully fleshed characters and plot.


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