Books matching: surreal scenarios
29 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Salt Slow' by Julia Armfield is a collection of short stories that delve into the realms of horror, magical realism, and surrealism. The stories are described as fantastic, creepy, unsettling, and darkly delightful, often featuring creepy or fantastical twists in mundane everyday settings. Armfield's writing style is praised for its beautiful prose, eerie and abstract imagery, and the ability to create wacky, weird, and vivid characters that explore themes of transitions, female queerness, and gothic elements.
Our bathroom shelves are a graveyard of bottles – discarded jars and lotion pumps left to clog at their necks and nozzles, ointments used for two weeks and then abandoned. My Mother buys special sloug... - #2
Save:"Dr. Bloodmoney" by Philip K. Dick is a post-apocalyptic novel set in the near future of 1972, exploring a world ravaged by two nuclear apocalypses. The story is centered around a rural town in West Marin populated by colorful characters, including mutants with unique powers, a man orbiting Earth in a satellite, and a talking dog. The narrative structure, typical of PKD, switches between different points of view, offering a refreshing take on the post-apocalyptic genre. Despite the bleak setting, the book maintains an optimistic tone and incorporates eccentric humor throughout the storyline.
EARLY IN THE BRIGHT sun-yellowed morning, Stuart McConchie swept the sidewalk before Modern TV Sales & Service, hearing the cars along Shattuck Avenue and the secretaries hurrying on high heels to the... - #3A Date With Angel: And Other Things That Weren't Supposed To Happenby:Book 1 in the series:Kim and Angel
Save:A Date With Angel: And Other Things That Weren't Supposed To Happen' in the series 'Kim and Angel' by J. Judkins is a science fiction lesbian romantic comedy that follows the story of introverted and neurotic gamer and nerd Kim who encounters a mysterious woman named Angel, whom she believes to be an alien. As Kim tries to unravel the mystery of Angel's origins and conceal their deepening relationship from her friends, the book takes readers on a journey filled with humor, geeky references, and unexpected twists. The writing style is characterized by witty and engaging conversations between the main characters, Kim's neurotic inner monologues, and a good-hearted tone that blends humor with sweet and endearing moments.
- #4
Save:'P. S. Your Cat is Dead' by James Kirkwood Jr. is a book that delves into the complexities of life through a unique and intriguing storyline. The plot follows a wretchedly unhappy man who finds himself in a bizarre situation involving a burglar, an ex-girlfriend, and a sexually adventurous friend. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey filled with mystery, humor, and unexpected twists. The writing style of the book is described as genuine, funny, and heartfelt, capturing the essence of a bygone era in New York while remaining relatable and vivid.
The book is a blend of humor, heartache, and self-discovery, offering readers a thought-provoking narrative that keeps them engaged and entertained. With its abstract and easy-to-read style, 'P. S. Your Cat is Dead' presents a refreshing take on storytelling that is both timeless and captivating.
'Perchance to Dream: Selected Stories' by Charles Beaumont is an eclectic collection of short stories that range from drama to horror, from science fiction to weird. The writing style is reminiscent of episodes of The Twilight Zone, as Beaumont was a writer for the show. The stories are described as having a good amount of imagination, with characters, scenes, and settings coming to life deftly and showcasing a verisimilitude to the human condition that is hard to match. The book features a variety of topics, from a blues band's needs to a murderer trying to avoid the electric chair, offering a plethora of experiences in a single collection.
Ray Bradbury introduces the author in the book, highlighting Beaumont's talent for storytelling and the influence he had on classic TV shows of the 50s and 60s. The stories in the collection were written between 1952 and 1960, yet they are said to have aged well, with the words flowing off the page like notes from an expert musician. Overall, the book is praised for its reflection of the author's talents in horror, science fiction, and satire, making it a recommended read for fans of The Twilight Zone and those interested in weird fiction.
Automatically, Hall sat down. Instinctively, he leaned back. Dizziness flooded through him, his eyelids fell like sashweights, the blackness came. He jumped up quickly and slapped his right cheek, the...- #6
Save:'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' by Haruki Murakami is a collection of 24 short stories that take readers on a journey through strange and whimsical worlds. The stories are full of surprises, strange twists, and infinite spaces, showcasing Murakami's talent for describing the little nothings in between moments where time seems to stand still. Each story becomes a small journey in itself, with complete and believable worlds that blend the real and the surreal in a compelling and engrossing manner.
The writing style in 'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' is thought-provoking and unique, with Murakami's ability to meld the real and the surreal into compelling narratives. The stories range from day-to-day strangeness to psychological breaks, exploring themes of loneliness, disconnect, and multiple realities. Murakami's magical realism is beautifully envisioned, and even in his short stories, the depth of ideas is as realized as in his novels, with graceful and fast-moving writing that carries readers through each tale.
To put it in the simplest possible terms, I find writing novels a challenge, writing short stories a joy. If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting ... - #7
Save:'Collected Stories, Vol. 1' by William F. Nolan, Stanley Wiater, Robert Bloch, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson is a collection of early short stories by Richard Matheson, a highly influential writer in the science fiction genre. The book features stories that have inspired countless authors and filmmakers, with themes ranging from horror and suspense to science fiction and fantasy. Matheson's writing style is described as straightforward brilliance, offering readers a bag of candy filled with wonderful treats in the form of captivating and imaginative tales.
After being directed, he walked out of the building into the overcast day. The threat of rain had been constant since he'd woken up that morning as the bus was pulling over the mountains into Casca Va... - #8
Save:'The Acid House' by Irvine Welsh is a collection of short stories that delve into the gritty and dark underbelly of Scottish society. Welsh's writing style is described as experimental, using inventive use of the Scottish dialect and unique syntax to draw readers in. The stories are a mix of brutal and funny, with a clear, sharp view of post-Thatcher Scotland portrayed through lyrical prose and rich language.
Marge shrugged sheepishly. Gary had a temper and he’d been really uptight since he got out. He turned to me, pleading for understanding. — You see how it is, Jock? Every fucking time! Treated like I’m... - #9
Save:Readers have described "The Collection" as a diverse anthology of 32 short stories by Bentley Little, showcasing a wide range of themes from thought-provoking to downright nasty. The stories vary in quality, with some being memorable hits like "The Sanctuary," "The Phonebook Man," "Life With Father," and "The Idol," while others are considered misses. Bentley Little's writing style is praised for its ability to deliver creepy and entertaining tales that delve into bizarre and terrifying concepts, often with a touch of dark comedy.
Religious fanatics have always seemed scary to me, and when I hear them espousing some wacky eschato-logical theory or promoting their perverse interpretations of the Bible, I always wonder what their... - #10
Save:'The Club of Queer Trades' by G.K. Chesterton is a collection of clever and original short stories where things are never what they seem. Each story starts with a wildly improbable scenario that is sensibly explained by members of the Club of Queer Trades, a club dedicated to creating unique new professions. The book is described as a delightful and surreal collection of detection puzzles, with interconnected stories that feature unusual trades and quirky characters. The writing style is praised for being well done, funny, and original, with a touch of oddness that makes it both off-putting and interesting.
Rabelais, or his wild illustrator Gustave Dore, must have had something to do with the designing of the things called flats in England and America. There is something entirely Gargantuan in the idea o...
