Books matching: unsettling road trip
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- #1
'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' by Iain Reid follows a young woman on a road trip with her boyfriend to meet his parents, contemplating ending their relationship. As the journey progresses, unsettling events unfold, including mysterious phone calls from her own number and a sense of foreboding. The narrative builds tension through eerie moments and a creeping feeling that something terrible is on the horizon, reminiscent of classic horror elements.
Reid's writing style in this psychological thriller is described as atmospheric, disturbing, and mind-bending. The story keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book. The author skillfully weaves a plot that blurs the lines between reality and perception, leading to an ending that leaves readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.
The road is mostly empty. It’s quiet around here. Vacant. More so than anticipated. So much to see but not many people, not many buildings or houses. Sky. Trees. Fields. Fences. The road and its grave... - #2
The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a post-apocalyptic tale that follows a father and son as they navigate through a desolate and brutal world. The story delves into themes of survival, humanity, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. McCarthy's writing style, described as sparse and bleak, perfectly captures the grim and hopeless atmosphere of the dystopian setting, drawing readers into the harrowing journey of the protagonists.
When he woke in the woods in the dark and the cold of the night he'd reach out to touch the child sleeping beside him. Nights dark beyond darkness and the days more gray each one than what had gone be... - #3
'The Electric State' by Simon Stalenhag is a visually stunning sci-fi book that immerses readers in an alternate reality set in 1997. The narrative unfolds through eerie and haunting illustrations that are dark, immersive, and demoralizing, enhancing the storytelling experience. The book's plot slowly progresses, revealing a dystopian world where machines from different time periods hint at past wars on US soil, drawing parallels to historical events like the American Civil War, WWII, and Vietnam.
The writing style of 'The Electric State' is praised for its ability to marry nostalgia with expansive world-building, creating a dark and disturbing yet amazing atmosphere. Simon Stalenhag's attention to detail in his artwork, from scenery to characters, textures, and light sources, adds depth to the narrative, making the universe he presents feel intrinsically tied to reality. The book's ending is described as abrupt and open-ended, leaving readers wanting more and sparking discussions on forums to fully grasp the narrative and technology presented.
- #4
'Lullaby' by Chuck Palahniuk is a dark and twisted tale about a journalist who stumbles upon a deadly poem that causes the listener to die when read aloud. The book explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of words, all presented in Palahniuk's signature bizarre and provocative style. The story follows the journalist as he uncovers the origins of the lethal poem and embarks on a journey with other characters affected by its deadly effects, creating a narrative filled with satire, horror, and social commentary.
The problem with every story is you tell it after the fact. Even play-by-play description on the radio, the home runs and strikeouts, even that’s delayed a few minutes. Even live television is postpon... - #5
Handling Sin by Michael Malone is a picaresque novel that takes readers on a hilarious and adventurous road trip with the protagonist, Raleigh Hayes. The story kicks off with Raleigh receiving a bizarre fortune cookie that sets off a chain of events involving his eccentric father, a yellow Cadillac convertible, and a list of tasks to be completed. As Raleigh embarks on a journey to find his father in New Orleans, readers are treated to a mix of comedy, mystery, and heartwarming moments. Malone's writing style is described as clever, lyrical, and seamlessly blending humor with poignant emotions, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
ON THE IDES OF MARCH, in his forty-fifth year, the neutral if not cooperative world turned on Mr. Raleigh W. Hayes as sharply as if it had stabbed him with a knife. Like Caesar, Mr. Hayes was surprise... - #6
'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov is a controversial and haunting novel that delves into the twisted mind of Humbert Humbert, a pedophile narrating his obsession with a young girl named Lolita. The book is praised for its exquisite language, vivid descriptions, and the way it explores themes of obsession, desire, and the complexities of the human psyche. Despite the uncomfortable subject matter, readers find themselves captivated by the beautiful prose and the dark, multi-layered characters that Nabokov masterfully creates.
The narrative of 'Lolita' is told through the unreliable perspective of Humbert Humbert, who justifies his reprehensible actions while painting a heartbreaking portrait of Lolita, a character who embodies both innocence and corruption. The book skillfully weaves together elements of humor, horror, and tragedy, leaving readers unsettled and conflicted as they navigate through the intricate layers of the story and the characters' motivations.
Did she have a precursor? She did, indeed she did. In point of fact, there might have been no Lolita at all had I not loved, one summer, a certain initial girl-child. In a princedom by the sea. Oh whe... - #7
CRASH INTO ME is a book about four teenagers who bond online over their shared experiences with suicide attempts. They decide to embark on a road trip to visit the graves of celebrities who have committed suicide, with the intention of ending their own lives at the trip's conclusion. The story explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and finding hope in the midst of despair. The narrative is told through varying formats such as narrative, chatroom sessions, and lists, providing a raw and honest portrayal of the characters' struggles and motivations.
1. Bill Buckner, Red Sox first baseman, blew the 1986 World Series, ground ball rolled between his legs R AIN ARRIVES AT ABOUT SEVEN O’CLOCK. A UDREY AND I ARE still in the tent. I hear the first rain... - #8
'Cruddy' by Lynda Barry is a dark and disturbing coming-of-age tale that follows the life of 16-year-old Roberta, also known as Clyde, as she recounts her troubled past. Kidnapped by her father at age 11, Roberta is taken on a violent and surreal road trip in search of her grandfather's hidden inheritance. The narrative alternates between Roberta's harrowing past and her drug-fueled teenage years, where she befriends outcasts and delves into a world of chaos and self-discovery. The book is described as a blend of horror, humor, and dark realism, with compelling characters and a unique storytelling style that keeps readers gripped until the end.
The Turtle said, “Would you ladies like to join me in New Orleans? Would you like to experience the malodor of the sad drunk’s urine in Pirate’s Alley? Would you care to gaze upon the House of the Ris... Devolution by Max Brooks is a gripping horror thriller set in the wilderness of Washington state, where a small, utopian eco community faces a terrifying ordeal after being cut off from civilization by a volcanic eruption. The story, narrated through a diary and interviews, follows the community's battle for survival against hungry Sasquatch, exploring themes of humanity's relationship with nature and the primal instinct for survival.
The book delves into the consequences of a natural disaster on a group of middle-class individuals living in an advanced yet isolated community, highlighting their struggles, fears, and the gruesome encounters with the Sasquatch. Through a mix of diary entries and interviews, the narrative builds tension and suspense, keeping readers on edge as they witness the community's fight for survival amidst chaos and terror.
BIGFOOT DESTROYS TOWN. That was the title of an article I received not long after the Mount Rainier eruption. I thought it was spam, the inevitable result of so much online research. At the time I was...- #10
'The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All' by Laird Barron is a collection of interlinking tales of sublime cosmic horror that deliver spine-chilling horror to satisfy even the most jaded reader. The book combines elements of hardboiled noir, espionage, and a scientific backbone, showcasing Barron's strong and original literary voice in modern horror and the dark fantastic. The stories feature themes of ancient, alien invader Gods, dark and tormented protagonists on the edge of society, and a persistent feeling of unease that shakes the reader to the core.
Late afternoon sun baked the clay and plaster buildings of the town. Its dirt streets lay empty, packed as hard as iron. The boarding house sweltered. Luke Honey sat in a chair in the shadows across f...