Books matching: surreal journey
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- #1
The Hike by Drew Magary is a fantastical journey that follows Ben, a businessman, who embarks on a hike in the Pocono Mountains that takes a bizarre turn. He encounters man-eating giants, demons, and a foul-mouthed crab as he navigates through a surreal world filled with challenges and mysteries. The story is a blend of fantasy, horror, and adventure, with a touch of humor and irony. As Ben tries to find his way back home, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of laughs, chills, and suspense, making it an entertaining and offbeat read.
The writing style of The Hike is described as unique, compelling, and at times, bizarre. The narrative is fast-paced, with short chapters that keep the story moving along swiftly. The author, Drew Magary, creates a world that is both terrifying and hilarious, with unexpected twists and turns that leave readers on the edge of their seats. The book offers a mix of fantasy elements, horror themes, and philosophical undertones, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.
There were deer all over the road. He drove past a street crew in orange vests carrying a dead one off to the side of the highway, gripping the animal by its dainty hooves and moving it like they were... - #2
Ghost Lights by Lydia Millet is a novel that follows Hal Lindley, an IRS agent who embarks on a journey to Belize to search for his wife's boss, T., who has gone missing in the Central American rainforest. The book delves into themes of existential crisis, infidelity, loss, and human dissolution, all while exploring the complex relationships between the characters. Millet's writing style is characterized by elegant prose, believable dialogue, and dark humor, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
The walls were kittens and puppies. Like other pet facilities he had seen—even the Humane Society, where he had taken Casey when she was six to pick out a kitten—the kennel trafficked in a brand of cu... - #3
Days Between Stations by Steve Erickson is a novel that delves into magical realism, weaving intricate plots and subtle nuances that may require a re-read to fully grasp. The book explores themes of time, parallel universes, and the merging of reality with surrealism, creating a dreamlike narrative that captivates readers. Through lush and poetic prose, Erickson takes readers on a journey through a dystopian world where characters navigate through psychological insights, chaotic details, and surreal occurrences, ultimately leading to a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.
WHEN LAUREN WAS A small girl, she would stand in the Kansan fields and call the cats. One by one they would come to her through the grass, across which lay the ice of the coming winter, and she could ... - #4
Readers describe 'Smallcreep's Day' as a delightfully odd and dark tale, surreal yet grounded in mundane circumstances. The novel is noted for its rich language and imagination, offering a bitter rumination on the futility of life and the human condition without any real story or levity to lift it. The book delves into themes of the working man's lament, industrial slavery, heartless bosses, and purposeless roles, capturing the essence of dissatisfying marriages and crushed dreams. The writing style is described as slow yet strangely captivating, with resonances to the industrial world that make it quite a draining but unforgettable read.
It was late that morning when I moved out of our particular small corner of bearable noise into the body of the factory. The previous evening I had asked my wife to pack me extra sandwiches. This she ... - #5
'Blood Sport' by Robert F Jones is a surreal and creative coming of age saga that delves into the male human nature and the human condition. Set in a mythical river valley called Hassayampa, the story follows the bandit Ratanous, also known as Rat Nose, as he navigates through a world filled with rebellion against the laws of nature. The plot is described as one of the most creative and strange, with elements of fantasy that are unique and captivating, challenging traditional genre classifications.
- #6
'A Voyage to Arcturus' by David Lindsay is a surreal and inventive novel that follows the protagonist, Maskull, on a metaphysical journey to the planet Tormance orbiting the twin stars of Arcturus. The story delves into themes of reality, faith, and the nature of existence, with bizarre and eccentric elements such as new colors, strange body transformations, and encounters with enigmatic characters. Lindsay's writing style is described as unique, imaginative, and at times, philosophical, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges traditional storytelling norms.
On a march evening, at eight o'clock, Backhouse, the medium - a fast - rising star in the psychic world - was ushered into the study at Prolands, the Hampstead residence of Montague Faull. The room wa... - #7
The Troika by Stepan Chapman is a surreal and dreamlike novel that follows three unlikely protagonists - an old Mexican woman, a sentient Jeep, and a brontosaurus - as they wander through a desert filled with strange memories, dreams, and stories. The book delves into themes of madness, despair, and hope, creating a unique and curious world that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. While lacking a traditional plot structure, the book is praised for its beautiful scenes, fantasy environments, and the way it weaves together odd fragments to create a sense of coherence.
The three of them were crossing a desert of white sand. They’d been crossing it for as long as they could remember. Today they listened to the wind as they traveled. The wind hadn’t let up all day. It... - #8
'Going After Cacciato' by Tim O'Brien is a novel set during the Vietnam War, following a soldier named Cacciato who decides to desert the war and walk to Paris. The story is narrated by spec four Paul Berlin, providing glimpses into the squad's pursuit of Cacciato while reflecting on the horrors of war and the soldier's own experiences. The book blends reality with imagination, exploring themes of war, survival, and the power of the human spirit amidst chaos and despair.
O'Brien's writing style in 'Going After Cacciato' is described as imaginative, dreamlike, and poignant. The novel delves into the mental and emotional landscapes of the Vietnam War with subtlety, brutality, and dark humor, offering a unique perspective on the effects of war on soldiers and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The nonlinear narrative structure adds depth to the story, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.
It was a bad time. Billy Boy Watkins was dead, and so was Frenchie Tucker. Billy Boy had died of fright, scared to death on the field of battle, and Frenchie Tucker had been shot through the nose. Ber... - #9
'Temporary' by Hilary Leichter is a unique and surreal story that follows a nameless temp worker sent on bizarre placements by her agency, ranging from piracy to filling in as a mother. The book delves into themes of identity, impermanence, and the absurdity of the modern gig economy. The writing style is described as playful, inventive, and lyrical, with a touch of humor and deep underlying emotions that resonate with readers despite the book's experimental nature.
I have a shorthand kind of career. Short tasks, short stays, short skirts. My temp agency is an uptown pleasure dome of powder-scented women in sensible shoes. As is customary, I place my employment i... - #10
Inferno by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle is a modern retelling of Dante's Inferno, where a science fiction writer named Allen Carpenter finds himself in Hell after a bizarre accident at a convention. Guided by Benito Mussolini, he embarks on a journey through the levels of Hell, encountering famous characters and engaging in musings on sin and redemption. The book blends elements of science fiction and religious fiction, providing a fast-paced narrative with theological insights and satirical commentary on the genre.
The writing style of Inferno is characterized by a mix of humor, morality storytelling, and social commentary. The book offers a unique twist on the classic tale of Dante's Inferno, updating it for modern times and adding a dose of humor and modernized punishments. The narrative flows smoothly, engaging readers with vivid descriptions of sinners, their punishments, and thought-provoking revelations, making them reflect on their own actions and beliefs.
Call me Allen Carpentier. It’s the name I wrote under, and someone will remember it. I was one of the best-known science-fiction writers in the world, and I had a lot of fans. My stories weren’t the k...