Books matching: bizarre events
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- #1
Save:'The Curse of Lono' by Hunter S. Thompson follows the adventure of the good doctor and illustrator Ralph Steadman as they cover the Honolulu Marathon in 1980. The story takes a wild turn as chaos ensues during their exploits in Hawai'i, where they encounter harsh conditions, mental fatigue, seedy elements, marathons, pounding surf, flooded cottages, elusive marlin hunting, Samoan war axes, red fleas, and copious amounts of alcohol. is a blend of pure gonzo narrative, colorful illustrations by Steadman, Thompson's correspondence, and excerpts of Hawaiian history and lore, creating an exhilarating and bizarre tale that showcases Thompson's humorous and informative writing style.
I have been writing a good deal, of late, about the great god Lono and Captain Cook's personation of him. Now, while I am here in Lono's home, upon ground which his terrible feet have trodden in remot... - #2
Save:In The Sorcerer's House by Gene Wolfe, the story unfolds through letters written by the protagonist, Baxter Dunn, who finds himself unexpectedly gifted a haunted house in an out-of-the-way town. As Baxter navigates the mysterious happenings surrounding his new residence, he encounters strange creatures, delves into his family history, and confronts his twin brother. The narrative is described as layered, complex, and ultimately ambiguous, with a deceptive simplicity despite the clarity of the language used. The book is praised for its imaginative glimpses into the supernatural, the unreliable narrator, and the intriguing plot twists that keep readers engaged.
This letter will surprise you, I know. You and I have been e-mailing since my conviction. Twice a year, perhaps, if not less. And sending Christmas cards; or rather, I have sent them. I hear from Mill... - #3
Save:The Castle of Otranto is considered one of the first gothic novels, setting the stage for the genre with its elements of romance, horror, and supernatural occurrences. The story revolves around Prince Manfred of Otranto, who faces tragic events such as the death of his son, a mysterious giant helmet falling from the sky, and a series of unexpected twists and turns within the castle's walls. The narrative is set in a chivalric Middle Ages backdrop filled with cruelty, tyranny, and the struggle for power, creating an atmosphere of foreboding and intrigue. The novel introduces classic gothic themes such as secret passages, supernatural occurrences, and a sense of impending doom.
The writing style of The Castle of Otranto is often described as melodramatic, entertaining, and humorous. Despite its flaws and dated elements, the book is praised for its historical significance in shaping the gothic fiction genre. The characters, including Prince Manfred and the brave heroine, navigate through a web of secrets, mistaken identities, and eerie events, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful conclusion. Overall, the novel offers a unique blend of gothic elements, moral dilemmas, and unexpected plot developments that continue to captivate readers interested in early gothic literature.
Manfred, Prince of Otranto, had one son and one daughter: the latter, a most beautiful virgin, aged eighteen, was called Matilda. Conrad, the son, was three years younger, a homely youth, sickly, and ... - #4
Save:'Chronic City' by Jonathan Lethem is a surreal and dystopian tale set in a near-future Manhattan. The story follows former child actor Chase Insteadman, who lives on residuals and is engaged to an astronaut stranded in space. As Chase navigates this strange world, he befriends the eccentric Perkus Tooth, and together they engage in philosophical discussions, smoke pot, and embark on a quest to acquire elusive items like chauldrons from eBay. The narrative is filled with oddities like a tiger rampaging through the city and a mysterious mist covering lower Manhattan, all while exploring themes of reality, authenticity, and the blurred lines between the real and the ersatz.
This was in the headquarters of the Criterion Collection, on Fifty-second Street and Third Avenue, on a weekday afternoon at the end of summer. I’d gone there to record a series of voice-overs for one... 'Fluke: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings' by Christopher Moore follows the story of a whale researcher named Nate Action Geek who delves deep into the mystery of why humpback whales sing. The plot takes unexpected turns as Nate discovers more about the whales than he ever anticipated, leading him into environmental and animal protection actions. The writing style is described as quirky, witty, and humorous, reminiscent of the author's signature clever and outrageous storytelling.
Amy picked the whale. It had been a stressful morning for her, and Quinn wanted to convey his complete confidence in her, so he handed over the headphones and took directions as they narrowed down whi...- #6
Save:In 'The Summer of the Ubume' by Natsuhiko Kyogoku, the story unfolds in 1952 Tokyo, where rumors of missing babies and mysterious pregnancies at the Kuonji obstetrics clinic set the stage for a dark and gruesome mystery. The narrative follows a cast of unique characters including a secondhand bookseller who is also a shaman, a private detective with second sight, and a journalist, as they delve into the eerie occurrences. The book expertly weaves together elements of Japanese folklore, supernatural creatures, and psychological aberrations, creating a suspenseful and gothic plot that challenges the boundaries between reality and illusion.
Natsuhiko Kyogoku's writing style in 'The Summer of the Ubume' is characterized by its intricate and meticulously constructed plots, blending ancient traditions with modernity in a way that captivates readers. The novel explores the relationship between the human brain and consciousness through the protagonist's unique approach to solving mysteries using exorcism as a philosophical dialogue. Despite a slow start, the book gains momentum as the investigation unfolds, immersing readers in a world of demons, possession, and psychological intrigue that culminates in a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.
- #7
Save:Cosmos by Witold Gombrowicz is a strange and unsettling novel that delves into the mind of a young narrator who slowly loses grasp of reality, finding eerie connections between seemingly insignificant details. The narrative is driven by a morbid undercurrent of sexual frustration, leading the protagonist into a series of disturbing events. The writing style is described as unhinged, with bewitching descriptions of the intense summer countryside, creating a stream of consciousness narrative that blurs the line between rationality and irrationality.
Sweat, Fuks is walking, I’m behind him, pant legs, heels, sand, we’re plodding on, plodding on, ruts, clods of dirt, glassy pebbles flashing, the glare, the heat humming, quivering, everything is blac... - #8
Save:"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... - #9
Save:'Antkind' by Charlie Kaufman is a complex and surreal novel that revolves around a three-month-long film and the main character's attempts to remember and recreate it. The writing style is described as immersive and enjoyable, with moments of humor and absurdity. The plot includes false starts, tangents, and self-deprecating humor, all while exploring themes of life's meaning, validation, and the struggle to be seen and loved.
My beard is a wonder. It is the beard of Whitman, of Rasputin, of Darwin, yet it is uniquely mine. It’s a salt-and-pepper, steel-wool, cotton-candy confection, much too long, wispy, and unruly to be f... - #10
Save:"Tales of Burning Love" by Louise Erdrich is a novel that follows the story of Jack Mauser and his four wives, as they recount their marriages amidst a deadly blizzard. The narrative is structured in a non-linear way, jumping between past and present, with multiple storylines converging from previous books in the Love Medicine series. The writing style is described as masterful, with intricate characterizations and a humorous touch, creating a multi-dimensional portrayal of the characters and their relationships.
Holy Saturday in an oil boomtown with no insurance. Toothache. From his rent-by-the-week motel unit, Jack Mauser called six numbers. His jawbone throbbed, silver-fine needles sank and disappeared. A h...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Love Medicine )
