Books Like...
Quicksand by Steve Toltz is a darkly humorous novel that delves into the life of Aldo Benjamin, a paraplegic and failed businessman, narrated by his friend Liam Wilder, a policeman and failed writer. The book follows Aldo's tumultuous life, from a false rape accusation in his youth to a series of suicide attempts and a murder trial. Toltz intricately weaves together the story of these two eccentric characters, portraying the complex and bizarre events they find themselves entangled in. The writing style is described as intelligent, original, and filled with wild observations and rants that may be challenging to read at times, but ultimately rewarding.
If you liked Quicksand, here are the top 6 books to read next:
- #1
Save:A Fraction of the Whole is a gleefully chaotic literary ride - by turns hilarious, bizarre, and surprisingly moving. It’s not for everyone, but if you enjoy literary mayhem, wild characters, and pitch-black comedy, it’s a modern cult classic worth tackling.
A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz is a rollicking and epic novel that follows the lives of the Dean family, focusing on the complex relationship between the eccentric father Martin, infamous criminal uncle Terry, and the reflective son Jasper. The book is filled with bizarre plots, sharp twists, and a mix of black humor and heartbreak, offering a unique combination of adventurous storytelling and deep humanistic tragedy. Set in Australia but with detours to Thailand, the novel delves into themes of family dynamics, misanthropy, philosophy, and the complexities of human relationships, all wrapped in a package of outrageous characters and unpredictable plot developments.
I’ve been asked the same question again and again. Everyone wants to know the same thing: What was Terry Dean like as a child? They expect tales of kiddy violence and corruption in the heart of an inf...February 2008•675 pages - #2Moneyby:
Save:A savage, hilarious, and brilliantly written satire of 1980s excess, 'Money' is a literary rollercoaster - bold, bleak, and often jaw-droppingly funny. Stick with it if you love biting wit and don’t mind a narrator you’ll love to hate.
'Money' by Martin Amis is a dark and satirical novel that follows the twisted adventures of John Self, an alcoholic and misogynistic director of commercials in the 1980s. The story delves into themes of excessive indulgence, self-destruction, and the obsession with wealth and materialism. Through a chaotic narrative, the book explores the depraved life of the protagonist as he navigates through the film industry, showcasing the lavish lifestyle, eccentric characters, and ridiculous scenarios in a humorous yet unsettling manner.
The writing style of 'Money' is described as modern, adult, and filled with dazzling prose that captures the reader's attention. Despite the challenging themes of extreme depravity, violence, and self-destructive behavior, the book is commended for its humor, wit, and skillful storytelling. Martin Amis intricately weaves a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, portraying a vivid and darkly humorous depiction of a society consumed by greed and excess.
as my cab pulled off FDR Drive, somewhere in the early Hundreds, a low-slung Tomahawk full of black guys came sharking out of lane and sloped in fast right across our bows. We banked, and hit a deep w...1984•427 pages Deeply funny and insightful, this book is a wild, reflective ride through the messiness of modern life - sometimes a bit blunt, but always engaging. A must for fans of clever, character-driven commentary, but those looking for pure escapism or mind-blowing plot twists might want to adjust their expectations.
"I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom" by Jason Pargin is a captivating read that expertly blends humor and social commentary. The plot follows a group of complex characters navigating a surreal world filled with absurdities, where their motivations are revealed in depth. Pargin showcases a keen understanding of human nature and the impact of social media, making readers think while keeping them entertained.
The writing style is engaging, with well-crafted sentences and skillful phrasing that captures abstract ideas perfectly. Pargin balances wild scenarios with grounded observations, creating a mix that feels both relevant and thought-provoking. While some readers may find elements familiar or predictable, the book offers sharp insights wrapped in an entertaining narrative, making it a worthy addition to Pargin's body of work.
September 2024•429 pages- #4
Save:A madcap, witty romp perfect for anyone craving a light, entertaining mystery with heart, laughs, and loveable disaster energy. It's not super gritty, but it's a fantastic escape.
'Finlay Donovan Is Killing It' by Elle Cosimano follows the story of struggling writer and divorced mom, Finlay Donovan, who gets mistaken for a contract killer after a misunderstanding at a Panera. Offered money to dispose of a husband, chaos ensues as Finlay navigates through outlandish situations, real-life murder investigations, and a series of misadventures with her ex-nanny turned partner in crime, Vero. The plot is described as a mix of mystery, humor, and suspense, with a touch of romance, all wrapped up in a fast-paced and witty narrative style that keeps readers entertained and rooting for the quirky protagonist.
The writing style of 'Finlay Donovan Is Killing It' is praised for its humor, unpredictability, and carefully plotted storyline. Readers find the book to be a fun and light-hearted rom-com mystery, with engaging characters, amusing situations, and a dash of absurdity that adds to the entertainment value. Despite the unlikely premise, the story is engaging and fast-paced, making it a delightful read for those looking for a blend of humor, mystery, and a touch of romance in a well-executed plot.
It’s a widely known fact that most moms are ready to kill someone by eight thirty A.M. on any given morning. On the particular morning of Tuesday, October eighth, I was ready by seven forty-five. If y...February 2021•357 pages - #5
Save:Demon Copperhead is a masterfully written, emotionally intense novel that’s equal parts harrowing and humane - a modern American classic, but definitely not a light read.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a poignant novel set in Lee County, Virginia, during the height of the oxycodone crisis. The story follows the life of Demon Copperhead, from his birth to a single mother, through abuse, foster homes, teenage years as a football player, drug addiction, recovery, and new beginnings. Kingsolver expertly portrays the struggles of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness in Appalachia, weaving a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
On any other day they’d have seen her outside on the deck of her trailer home, good neighbors taking notice, pestering the tit of trouble as they will. All through the dog-breath air of late summer an...October 2022•628 pages - #6
Save:A brilliantly surreal, darkly funny, and thought-provoking classic - equal parts hilarious and horrifying. Stick with the chaos and you’ll see why it’s called one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.
'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.
The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.
Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea...January 1961•534 pages
