Books matching: human folly
44 result(s)
- #1
Save:A Tree or a Person or a Wall by Matt Bell is a collection of dark and disturbing short stories that delve into themes of captivity, loneliness, marriage, existential horror, and the repercussions of human folly. The stories feature a wide range of characters, from refugees to mutant gang members, and explore post-apocalyptic worlds, dystopian societies, and surrealistic scenarios. Bell's writing style is haunting and evocative, with a focus on beautiful language and thought-provoking imagery that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.
EVEN BEFORE THE MAN WITH rough hands brought the boy to the locked room, even then there was always already the albino ape sitting on the chair beside the nightstand, waiting for the man and the boy t... - #2
Save:The Brooklyn Follies by Paul Auster is a heartwarming story about Nathan, a man who moves back to Brooklyn to die but ends up finding a new lease on life when he reconnects with his family, including his nephew and great niece. Through a series of chance encounters and humorous incidents, the characters navigate life's uncertainties and find hope and belonging in the bustling city. Auster's storytelling weaves together diverse stories and anecdotes, creating a narrative that is both light-hearted and thought-provoking, set against the backdrop of Brooklyn.
The book captures the essence of human folly and resilience, as Nathan's journey unfolds with a mix of humor, warmth, and philosophical musings. Auster skillfully blends real-life experiences with fictional elements, creating a narrative that is engaging, entertaining, and ultimately life-affirming. The Brooklyn Follies explores themes of family, relationships, and the unpredictability of life, offering a poignant reflection on the joys and challenges of existence.
I was looking for a quiet place to die. Someone recommended Brooklyn, and so the next morning I traveled down there from Westchester to scope out the terrain. I hadn’t been back in fifty-six years, an... 'Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds' by Charles Mackay is a comprehensive exploration of human folly and suggestibility throughout history. The book delves into various episodes of mass behavior, such as financial bubbles like the Tulip Mania and the South Sea Bubble, as well as societal delusions like belief in alchemy and witch hunts. Written in an engaging and entertaining style, Mackay's work highlights how little has changed over the years, showcasing the enduring nature of crowd psychology and the propensity for irrational behavior.
The personal character and career of one man are so intimately connected with the great scheme of the years 1719 and 1720, that a history of the Mississippi madness can have no fitter introduction tha...'The Decapitated Chicken and Other Stories' by Horacio Quiroga is a remarkable collection of short stories that delve into themes of death, violence, horror, adventure, and magical transformation. Quiroga's narrative style is compared to Edgar Allan Poe, with grotesque flourishes and disturbing tales that captivate readers. The stories are set in Latin America, showcasing the author's vivid descriptions of nature and his exploration of human foibles and illusions.
- #5
Save:'99 Stories of God' by Joy Williams is a collection of very short stories that delve into the absurdity and darkness of everyday life, capturing scenes that range from the O.J. Simpson case to philosophical musings on reincarnation. The stories are described as odd, cryptic, and wonderful, often leaving readers with a sense of whimsy and quizzicality. The writing style is noted for being witty, ironic, and fun, with a touch of surrealism that challenges readers to think beyond the surface.
The book features vignettes that explore God's involvement in hidden and diverse ways, ranging from dark to humorous scenarios. The stories are not traditional tales of religious inspiration but rather original and thought-provoking pieces that can make readers pause and reflect. Joy Williams' writing is praised for its beauty, weirdness, and revelatory nature, with some readers finding the collection to be a masterpiece of true literature.
- #6
Save:The Wind from Nowhere by J.G. Ballard is a science fiction novel that depicts a massive, worldwide windstorm that ravages the Earth, causing destruction and chaos. The book focuses on the scenario of hyperkinetic winds of increasing velocity forcing the population to seek refuge underground. Despite the novel's flaws, such as poorly drawn characters and a somewhat absurd antagonist, Ballard's single-minded focus on the scenario keeps the plot interesting. The storyline ratchets up the scale of the disaster with each chapter, showcasing the futility of the bureaucratic system in the face of global catastrophe.
Donald Maitland noticed it as he rode back in the taxi from London Airport, after waiting a fruitless 48 hours for his PanAmerican flight to Montreal. For three days not a single aircraft bad got off ... - #7
Save:'Fancies and Goodnights' by John Collier is a collection of short stories that combine sardonic wit, satire, and irony with supernatural elements. The tales involve magic potions, demons, genies, and ordinary people who often come to bad ends through fate or their own missteps. Collier's writing style is described as highly imaginative, stylish, and understated, with many stories featuring unexpected twists at the end. The book offers a mix of dark and macabre stories, as well as slightly supernatural or quirky tales set in the early 20th century.
Franklin Fletcher dreamed of luxury in the form of tiger-skins and beautiful women. He was prepared, at a pinch, to forgo the tiger-skins. Unfortunately the beautiful women seemed equally rare and ina... - #8
Save:"Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park" by Lee H. Whittlesey is a detailed account of fatal mishaps in Yellowstone National Park, covering a range of threats from natural elements to human behavior. The author provides a fascinating chronicle of tragic, stupid, and spiteful deaths in the park, structured by different types of hazards such as wildlife encounters, murders, and more. Whittlesey's writing style sets up each chapter to be easily digestible, making it an engaging read for those interested in understanding the dangers inherent in the park.
- #9
Save:The Last Coin by James P. Blaylock follows the story of Andrew Vanbergen, who, along with his wife, runs an inn and gets entangled in a series of bizarre and comedic events involving the mysterious guest, Mr. Pennyman, who is on a quest to find the last of Judas Iscariot's cursed pieces of silver. The book combines elements of humor, fantasy, and mystery, featuring quirky characters and ludicrous plot twists that keep the readers entertained throughout. Blaylock's writing style is described as insouciant and casual, with an engaging narrative that immerses readers in a funny and dangerous world filled with unexpected adventures.
ANDREW VANBERGEN USED a pruning ladder to get to the attic window—the sort with flared legs and a single pole for support. The pole clacked against the copper rain gutter and then hung uselessly, the ... - #10
Save:"Stormy Weather" by Carl Hiaasen is a wild and hilarious tale set in Florida during the aftermath of a devastating hurricane. The story follows a diverse cast of eccentric characters including honeymooners, con artists, a former politician turned wild man, and a law school dropout chasing escaped animals. As the chaos unfolds, the characters navigate through scams, fraudulence, and absurd situations with a mix of humor and wit, all against the backdrop of the hurricane-ravaged Florida Keys. Hiaasen's writing style is described as satirical, with intricate plot twists, black humor, and a keen eye for the wackiness and absurdities of southern Florida culture.
On August 23, the day before the hurricane struck, Max and Bonnie Lamb awoke early, made love twice and rode the shuttle bus to Disney World. That evening they returned to the Peabody Hotel, showered ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Skink )
