Books matching: unexpected outcomes
59 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Tales of the Unexpected' by Roald Dahl is a collection of short stories that captivate readers with unexpected twists and turns. The stories feature a variety of settings and themes, showcasing Dahl's mastery in crafting unique and original narratives. From tales of uppity early 20th-century British characters facing peculiar problems to shocking endings and twisted psyches, each story in this anthology offers a glimpse into the dark and unexpected side of human nature. Readers are taken on a journey through suspenseful and sometimes chilling storylines that leave a lasting impact.
Richard Pratt was a famous gourmet. He was president of a small society known as the Epicures, and each month he circulated privately to its members a pamphlet on food and wines. He organized dinners ... - #2
Save:'Kiss Kiss' by Roald Dahl is a collection of 11 short stories that delve into the dark and macabre, often with unexpected twists. The writing style is described as crisp, surprising, and smoothly written, with a touch of British black humor. Each story starts innocently but ends with a chilling or eccentric conclusion, leaving the reader both entertained and slightly unsettled. Dahl's unique storytelling perspective shines through in these tales of the unusual, reminiscent of stories one might expect to find in 'Twilight Zone'.
Billy Weaver had travelled down from London on the slow afternoon train, with a change at Swindon on the way, and by the time he got to Bath it was about nine o’clock in the evening and the moon was c... - #3
Save:'Cryptid Zoo' by Gerry Griffiths is a thrilling story set in a zoo featuring legendary creatures akin to Jurassic Park. The plot revolves around the chaos that ensues when these cryptids escape and wreak havoc, leading to a fast-paced and gory narrative. The writing style creates an atmospheric and suspenseful read, with a focus on introducing the cryptids and building tension as the story progresses.
The chopper lifted off and banked toward a butte where the pilot was instructed to wait for an hour before returning to pick them up unless Jack summoned him sooner with his miniature two-way radio tu... - #4
Save:"The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins" by Dr. Seuss is a whimsical tale about a young boy named Bartholomew Cubbins who, while on a journey, finds himself collecting 500 hats, each with its own unique twist. The story revolves around Bartholomew's encounters with a king who becomes increasingly frustrated as Bartholomew's hats keep reappearing, leading to comical and absurd situations. is noted for its fantastical elements, imaginative storytelling, and engaging plot that captures the attention of both children and adults alike.
In a fairy tale-like setting, the narrative unfolds as Bartholomew faces challenges with the king and his magical hats, leading to a series of humorous and entertaining events. Dr. Seuss's writing style in this book is described as clever, creative, and engaging, with illustrations that complement the story perfectly. is praised for its ability to entertain and captivate readers with its unique storyline and vibrant characters, making it a delightful read for both young readers and adults.
- #5
Save:Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories is a collection of 14 spooky tales carefully selected by Roald Dahl himself after reading over 700 ghost stories. While not written by Dahl, these stories are described as sufficiently creepy and written with great care, making them suitable for young ghost story enthusiasts. The book includes stories from various authors such as Edith Wharton, Mary Treadgold, and J. Sheridan Le Fanu, each offering a unique and entertaining take on the ghost story genre.
Dahl's introduction in the book sheds light on his process of curating the best ghost stories for a television series, ultimately leading to this collection. The stories range from classic ghost tales to more modern interpretations, providing a diverse mix of spooky and imaginative narratives that are both entertaining and interesting for readers of various ages.
- #6
Save:'Pretty Monsters: Stories' by Kelly Link is a collection of short stories that blend elements of modern fairy tales with a creepy edge, appealing to the young adult audience while maintaining depth and complexity. Link's stories range from fantastical to supernatural, featuring unique and imaginative scenarios such as a handbag with a village inside, a monster negotiating eating a camper, and an undead babysitter. The writing style is described as spare yet convincing, seamlessly mixing reality and fantasy to create compelling and memorable worlds for readers to explore.
ALL OF THIS happened because a boy I once knew named Miles Sperry decided to go into the resurrectionist business and dig up the grave of his girlfriend, Bethany Baldwin, who had been dead for not qui... - #7
Save:'Mindbridge' by Joe Haldeman is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of first contact with an alien species. The story follows a unique protagonist facing extraordinary dilemmas while dealing with interstellar travel, planetary exploration, and the ability to form a mindbridge for mind reading. The plot involves encounters with intelligent alien presences and the challenges of communication and understanding between different species.
Jacque Lefavre’s first world was to be the second planet out from Groombridge 1618. It wasn’t an especially promising place; the planets accompanying small stars rarely pan out. They wouldn’t have was... - #8
Save:In 'vN' by Madeline Ashby, the story revolves around Amy, a von Neumann machine living with her human father and vN mother. The plot kicks off with Amy's vN grandmother Portia attacking humans, triggering a series of events that lead Amy to go on the run, suddenly grown up and with Portia on a partition of her hard drive. The book explores themes of self-replicating machines, the relationship between humans and AI, and the complexities of family dynamics in a futuristic world where robots coexist with humans.
Amy woke on the floor of a cage that hummed. She tried moving her legs and kicked the fencing nearest her feet, igniting a spark that jolted up from her toes to her teeth and left her so rigid even he... '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.
- #10
Save:"The Best Laid Plans" by Terry Fallis is a humorous Canadian political satire that follows the story of Daniel Addison, a political backroomer who convinces an engineering professor, Angus McLintock, to run as a Liberal candidate in a Conservative stronghold. The book explores the unlikely candidacy of Angus, the challenges of Canadian politics, and the humorous interactions between the characters. The writing style is described as witty, engaging, and filled with gentle humor that provides a glimpse into the world of politics.
Before I quite literally found myself in deep shit, my day had actually been ripe with promise. I’m a big believer in signs. After six straight days of rain, I believed the sun burning a hole in the c...
