Books matching: humorous and satirical tone
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- #1
Save:The Misenchanted Sword by Lawrence Watt Evans is a refreshing change from the usual fantasy tropes. The main character is intelligent and decent, stuck in a war that's gone on for a long time. The story focuses on a character and how the character is changed by magic and war, rather than the common fantasy plot of saving the world and defeating an overpowering enemy. The book is described as short and to the point, with a main character who is an ordinary person with some small talent for magic and a seriously flawed sword, making it more interesting than typical fantasy novels.
The marsh stank, with a sharp, briny stench that seemed to fill Valder’s head. He stared out across the maze of tall grass and shallow water for a long moment and then reluctantly marched onward, into... 'The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain' by Bill Bryson is a sequel to 'Notes From A Small Island' and follows the author's journey across England, Wales, and Scotland. Bryson adopts a grumpy old man persona throughout the book, providing humorous and candid observations of the British countryside, towns, and cities. He delves into the history, culture, and quirks of Britain, pointing out forgotten historical figures and sharing insights into the sights, tastes, and sounds of the country. Despite some readers finding the narrative meandering and occasionally repetitive, Bryson's love for Britain shines through as he explores various locations and shares his experiences.
BEFORE I WENT THERE for the first time, about all I knew about Bognor Regis, beyond how to spell it, was that some British monarch, at some uncertain point in the past, in a moment of deathbed acerbit...- #3
Save:In "Where'd You Go, Bernadette", Bernadette, an architect unhappy in Seattle, disappears, leaving her daughter Bee to unravel the mystery using emails, letters, and FBI documents. The book is a quirky and humorous tale that delves into family dynamics, personal growth, and the unique characters' interactions through a mix of emails, reports, and diary entries.
Galer Street School is a place where compassion, academics, and global connectitude join together to create civic-minded citizens of a sustainable and diverse planet. Student: Bee Branch Grade: Eight ... - #4
Save:The Loo Sanction by Trevanian is a spy novel that follows the adventures of Dr. Jonathan Hemlock, an assassin, professor, and art critic. In this sequel to The Eiger Sanction, Hemlock is approached by a secret British intelligence division known as The Loo to help retrieve secret sex tapes from a new sex club in London. The story is filled with action, witty dialogues, and comical characters, showcasing Hemlock's acerbic personality and penchant for violence. The writing style is described as bombastic, entertaining, and humorous, with a mix of intelligent lampoonery and traditional thriller hero action.
His pain was vast. But at least it was finite. Sharp-edged waves of agony climaxed in intensity until his body convulsed and his mind was awash. Then, just before madness, the crests broke and swirled...
(Also, see 88 recommendations for the series Jonathan Hemlock ) - #5
Save:'The Radiance of the King' by Camara Laye follows the story of Clarence, a white European man who finds himself broke and destitute in a West African nation. He seeks employment with the king, believing his white skin would elevate him above the natives, only to be manipulated and deceived by those around him. The narrative challenges European ideas about 'race', 'civilization', and 'Africa' through a mix of farcical events, hallucinogenic interludes, and quasi-religious moralizing. The writing style combines elements of surrealism, satire, and symbolism to portray Clarence's inability to understand the African landscapes and people around him.
The novel rewrites the Heart of Darkness in a Kafkan parable style, offering a terrifying perspective for white readers as Clarence is portrayed as unable to truly experience or comprehend the African country he finds himself in. The story delves into themes of perception, openness to experience, and cultural disorientation, using vivid descriptions of the African landscape and symbolic characters to create a complex narrative that blends humor and satire with deeper philosophical undertones.
- #6
Save:The Municipalists by Seth Fried is a science fiction novel that blends humor, adventure, and social commentary. The story follows a button-down bureaucrat named Henry and his liberated AI assistant, OWEN, as they navigate a city resembling New York in the near future. Their mission is to stop a rogue civil servant and his high society girlfriend from destroying cultural institutions to redirect urban renewal funds to impoverished neighborhoods. The book explores themes of city planning, AI with attitude, friendship, betrayal, and the widening gap between urban and rural communities.
1 In Suitland, Maryland, just outside DC, there is a large gray building that is home to the United States Municipal Survey. The main building boasts over 2 million square feet of assignable space. It... - #7
Save:'Another Roadside Attraction' by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and zany novel that explores themes of organized religion, counterculture movements, and the search for meaning. The story follows a group of eccentric characters, including John Paul Zimmer, Amanda Ziller, and Plucky Purcell, as they navigate a hot dog stand zoo, a mysterious mummy believed to be Jesus Christ, and the cultural upheaval of the 1960s. Robbins' writing style is described as descriptive, humorous, thought-provoking, and filled with quirky characters and plot twists.
THE MAGICIAN'S UNDERWEAR has just been found in a cardboard suitcase floating in a stagnant pond on the outskirts of Miami. However significant that discovery may be—and there is the possibility that ... - #8Rashby:
Save:In the book 'Rash' by Pete Hautman, readers are transported to the United Safer States of America, a future society where safety is paramount, and even minor injuries are criminal offenses. The protagonist, Bo Marsten, finds himself entangled in a series of events that lead to his imprisonment in a work camp in the tundra. Forced to play football, an illegal sport, Bo navigates the dangers of prison life while grappling with his own anger issues and seeking a way to survive within the confines of a society obsessed with safety. The narrative offers a satirical take on a world where personal freedoms are sacrificed for the sake of protection, blending elements of dystopia, humor, and thought-provoking social commentary.
Gramps, who was born in 1990, once told me that when he was my age the only way to wind up in prison in the USSA (back when it had only one S) was to steal something, kill somebody, or use illegal dru... - #9
Save:Rant by Chuck Palahniuk is a unique and unconventional novel that delves into themes of rabies, demolition style races, graphic sex, and time travel. Written in an oral history format, the story unfolds through a collection of interviews from various characters involved, offering different perspectives on the same events. Despite its unconventional structure, the book showcases great character development and explores a dystopian world where reality is twisted and surreal.
For me, I was sitting on an airplane, and some hillbilly sits down next to me. His skin, it’s the same as any car wreck you can’t not stare at—dented with tooth marks, pitted and puckered, the skin on... - #10
Save:No Way to Treat a First Lady by Christopher Buckley is a political satire that delves into the scandalous aftermath of a cheating president's death. The story follows First Lady Elizabeth Tyler MacMann, who is accused of murdering her philandering husband, leading to a high-profile trial filled with witty banter and clever satire. Buckley's writing style expertly combines mystery and humor, creating a fast-paced and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
The plot of No Way to Treat a First Lady revolves around the trial of Elizabeth Tyler MacMann, where she seeks the help of her former fiancé and renowned defense attorney, Boyce Shameless Baylor, to prove her innocence. Through sharp satire and humorous dialogue, Buckley skillfully exposes the flaws in the American legal system and media circus surrounding high-profile cases. The book cleverly blends real-life events with fictional elements, resulting in a captivating and entertaining read that offers a unique perspective on politics and justice.
There was no ambiguity as to who "her" might be, not after the force twelve media storm of the previous weeks. The country was convulsed. Seven-eighths of the nation's front pages and the evening news...
