Books matching: dark humor in storytelling
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- #1
Save:'Dying for Christmas' by Tammy Cohen is a psychological suspense novel that revolves around the story of Jessica Gold, who is being held captive by a charming but narcissistic sociopathic stranger she met while Christmas shopping. The plot takes a dark turn as Jessica finds herself locked up in a deserted area, chained to a bed, and experiencing mysterious physical ailments. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a twisted journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
Three interesting things about me. Well, I’m twenty-nine years old, I’m phobic about buttons. Oh yes, and I’m dying. Not as in I’ve got two years to live, but hey, here’s a list of things I want to cr... - #2
Save:The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan is a gritty and raw portrayal of a teenage girl named Anais who has been through the foster care system and ends up in a facility for chronic young offenders called the Panopticon. The book delves into Anais's troubled life, drug addiction, and her interactions with other troubled youth in the facility. Written in a vivid and confident prose, the book explores themes of loneliness, survival, and the harsh realities of the foster care system, all while challenging the reader with its unconventional narrative style and complex characters.
IT’S AN UNMARKED car. Tinted windows, vanilla air-freshener. The cuffs are sore on my wrists but not tight enough tae mark them – they’re too smart for that. The policeman stares at me in the rear-vie... - #3
Save:The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.
The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a... - #4
Save:'My Sister, the Serial Killer' by Oyinkan Braithwaite is a darkly comedic tale set in Nigeria, exploring the complex relationship between two sisters, Korede and Ayoola. Korede, a nurse, finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after Ayoola, who has a habit of killing her boyfriends. As the story unfolds, tensions rise when Ayoola sets her sights on the man Korede has feelings for, leading to a series of events that test the sisters' loyalty and bond. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, sisterhood, jealousy, and the blurred lines between protection and enabling.
The writing style of the book is described as sharp, concise, and quick-paced. The short chapters and dark humor woven throughout the narrative keep readers engaged as they follow the moral dilemmas faced by Korede and the twisted antics of her sister Ayoola. The story not only offers a glimpse into Nigerian culture but also prompts contemplation on deeper issues such as familial obligation, surviving abuse, and the complexities of relationships within a patriarchal society.
Have you heard this one before? Two girls walk into a room. The room is in a flat. The flat is on the third floor. In the room is the dead body of an adult male. How do they get the body to the ground... - #5
Save:'Black and Blue' in the series 'Inspector Rebus' by Ian Rankin is a gripping crime novel that follows Inspector Rebus as he juggles multiple cases while dealing with personal demons and professional challenges. The plot delves into investigations surrounding a serial killer, an oil rig worker's murder, and potential corruption within the police force. Set in various locations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Shetland, and the North Sea oilfields, the book offers a wide scope and intricate storytelling. The writing style is praised for its fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last, with compelling character development and well-integrated subplots.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Inspector Rebus ) 'A Wolf at the Door and Other Retold Fairy Tales' is a collection of short stories that retell various well-known fairy tales from different perspectives and with unique twists. The stories range from traditional retellings to more modern and creative adaptations, exploring themes of transformation, identity, and the consequences of actions. The writing style varies across the stories, offering a mix of humor, darkness, and whimsy that keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.
Liz Wallach was a pretty good kid. She mostly did her homework on time and pretty much got along with her father and was usually polite to her girlfriends. She wasn’t perfect, by any means. She had be...- #7
Save:'Hitman' by Garth Ennis follows the story of Tom Monaghan, a professional killer with a unique set of powers obtained from an alien encounter. The narrative is set in the main DC continuity, where Tommy's moral code differentiates him from traditional heroes, leading to conflicts and alliances with various DC characters. The writing style combines dark humor, complex character development, and gritty storytelling, as Tommy navigates his way through Gotham City encountering both heroes and villains.
- #8
Save:'Bad Dirt' in the 'Wyoming Stories' series by Annie Proulx is a collection of short stories that vividly captures the essence of life in rural Wyoming. The book delves into the harsh realities and struggles faced by the characters living in tough, dried-out marginal lands. Proulx's writing style is described as spare, emotive, and evocative, painting a picture of the Wyoming landscape and its people with great detail and authenticity. The stories explore themes of isolation, human nature, survival, and the quirky behaviors of the characters.
ON ANOVEMBER DAYWYOMINGGAME& FISHWARDENCreel Zmundzinski was making his way down the Pinchbutt drainage through the thickening light of late afternoon. The last pieces of sunlight lathered his red-whi...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wyoming Stories ) - #9
Save:'Wonderland Avenue' by Danny Sugerman is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the 60s and 70s rock and roll scene, following the author's experiences as a young man entwined with the legendary band, The Doors. The book delves into Sugerman's close relationship with Jim Morrison, detailing the mentorship between the two and the impact of Morrison's persona on Sugerman's life. Through a mix of dark humor and poignant storytelling, the author narrates his descent into drug addiction, particularly heroin, and the struggles he faced in trying to find fulfillment and happiness while emulating his idol.
The writing style of 'Wonderland Avenue' is described as engaging and captivating, with readers often finding it hard to put the book down. Danny Sugerman's honesty and brutal self-reflection shine through the pages, offering a raw and authentic account of his life intertwined with the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle. The book navigates through themes of addiction, idolization, and self-discovery, painting a vivid picture of a young man's turbulent journey through fame, friendship, and personal demons.
- #10
Save:'SantaLand Diaries' by David Sedaris is a collection of humorous and satirical stories centered around the holiday season. The stories range from Sedaris' experiences working as a Christmas elf at Macy's to his observations on the absurdity and hypocrisy of our Christmas celebrations. The writing style is described as witty, droll, and at times darkly humorous, capturing the essence of Sedaris' unique perspective on the holiday season.
I was in a coffee shop looking through the want ads when I read, "Macy's Herald Square, the largest store in the world, has big opportunities for outgoing, fun-loving people of all shapes and sizes wh...
