Books matching: failed quests
29 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
The Dog of the South by Charles Portis is a humorous and absurdist tale following the journey of Ray Midge, a man whose wife runs off with his best friend, taking his car and credit card. Determined to track them down, Ray embarks on a road trip from Arkansas to Belize, encountering eccentric characters like Dr. Reo Symes along the way. The plot is filled with quirky conversations and preposterous situations, creating a unique and entertaining narrative style that blends humor with subtle observations about human nature.
MY WIFE NORMA had run off with Guy Dupree and I was waiting around for the credit card billings to come in so I could see where they had gone. I was biding my time. This was October. They had taken my... - #2
'Bossypants' by Tina Fey is a humorous and insightful memoir that delves into the life and career of the iconic comedian. Fey shares anecdotes from her childhood, her experiences at Saturday Night Live (SNL), and her journey to creating the hit TV show '30 Rock'. Through a collection of essays, Fey discusses topics such as feminism, women's issues in show business, and her comedic approach to life, all while maintaining her signature self-deprecating humor and wit.
As I nauseously perused “How Shall I Tell My Daughter?” I started to suspect that my mom had not actually read the pamphlet before handing it off to me. Here is a real quote from the actual 1981 editi... - #3
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune follows the story of Linus Baker, a bureaucratic caseworker who is tasked with investigating an orphanage for magical children on Marsyas Island. Through his interactions with the children, including Lucy the Antichrist and other unique characters like a were pomeranian and an endearing blob, Linus undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The book combines elements of fantasy, found family, and queer romance, all wrapped in a heartwarming and enchanting narrative that explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the power of love.
The writing style in The House in the Cerulean Sea is described as charming, delightful, and heartwarming, with a touch of humor and magical realism. The story unfolds with a mix of whimsical elements, poignant moments, and gentle allegory, creating a narrative that celebrates diversity, found family, misfits, and queer love. The characters, especially the magical children, are portrayed with real and relatable emotions, making the book a comforting and uplifting read that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.
That was an understatement. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head. The blocks spun in slow, concentric circles. Daisy frowned in... - #4
In 'The Music Shop' by Rachel Joyce, the story is set in 1988 on Unity Street, a London suburb, focusing on Frank who owns a vinyl record shop. Frank has a unique talent for selecting music that resonates with his customers, providing solace and comfort through his music choices. The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of music to connect people. The writing style is described as charming, nostalgic, and rich in musical references, creating a warm and touching atmosphere throughout the story.
FRANK SAT SMOKING behind his turntable, same as always, watching the window. Mid-afternoon, and it was almost dark out there. The day had hardly been a day at all. A drop in temperature had brought th... - #5
A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming story about a grumpy old man, Ove, who is grieving the death of his wife and contemplating suicide. However, his plans are constantly interrupted by new neighbors and various situations that force him to interact with the world around him. The book delves into Ove's past, revealing the reasons behind his grumpiness and showcasing his transformation as he forms unexpected connections with those around him. The writing style is described as charming, sweet, and humorous, with a balance between touching moments and light-hearted humor.
He drives a Saab. He’s the kind of man who points at people he doesn’t like the look of, as if they were burglars and his forefinger a policeman’s flashlight. He stands at the counter of a shop where ... - #6
'Yes Please' by Amy Poehler is a memoir that delves into the life and career of the author, from her humble beginnings to her success in the comedy industry. Poehler shares stories about her childhood, her experiences with improv groups, her time at SNL, and the creation of Parks and Recreation. The book touches on various topics such as friendship, connections, struggles with depression and divorce, and the impact of technology on our lives. Poehler's writing style is described as funny, honest, and revealing, providing insights into her personal life with a mix of humor and sincerity.
My parents would later point to these two small moments and tell me that was when they knew I would be a performer. Honestly, I don’t think I had a burning desire to act at that young age. Back then, ... - #7
'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... - #8
Being There by Jerzy Kosinski is a short novel of political satire that follows the story of Chance, a simple gardener who has lived his whole life within the confines of a rich man's estate, absorbing the outside world only through television. After the old man dies, Chance finds himself thrust into the public eye, where his simple TV-informed utterances are mistaken for profound wisdom. Through a series of chance events and misunderstandings, Chance becomes an advisor to the wealthy and powerful, all while maintaining his simplistic outlook on life. The book explores themes of accidental fame, fortune, power, and the superficiality of it all, with a writing style that is reflective and engaging, leaving room for interpretation and reflection.
It was Sunday. Chance was in the garden. He moved slowly, dragging the green hose from one path to the next, carefully watching the flow of the water. Very gently he let the stream touch every plant, ... - #9
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is a charming tale about the adventures of Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and the egocentric Mr. Toad. The story follows their escapades in the English countryside, from Toad's reckless love for motor cars to their efforts to help him regain Toad Hall. The book is a blend of whimsical fantasy and meditations on friendship, with anthropomorphic animal characters that retain their unique qualities.
The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home. First with brooms, then with dusters; then on ladders and steps and chairs, with a brush and a pail of whitewash; ... - #10
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal is a novel that follows Nikki, a young woman who starts teaching a literacy class for Punjabi widows in a traditional Sikh community in London. What was supposed to be a basic literacy class turns into a platform for the widows to share their erotic stories, challenging stereotypes and expectations within the community. The book delves into themes of immigrant experiences, family dynamics, gender roles, and the empowerment of women through storytelling and connection.
The writing style of Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows is described as charming, funny, and poignant. It combines elements of romance, mystery, and cultural clashes with a feminist perspective, creating a light-hearted yet thought-provoking narrative. The book intertwines multiple storylines, addressing serious subjects such as family honor, racism, and arranged marriages, while also highlighting the importance of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling.
Nikki stared at the profile her sister had attached to the email. There was a list of relevant biographical details: name, age, height, religion, diet (vegetarian except for the occasional fish and ch...