Books matching: wit and engaging storytelling
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- #1
In "Nobody's Baby But Mine" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, genius physicist Dr. Jane Darlington decides to have a baby but wants to avoid passing on her intelligence genes. She chooses quarterback Cal Bonner as the father, believing him to be dim-witted. However, Cal turns out to be smarter than she thought, leading to a series of unexpected events including a fake marriage, hidden feelings, and family dynamics. The book blends humor, romance, and serious issues, showcasing the evolution of the characters and their relationships amidst a backdrop of football and familial love.
“Bull,” Jodie said. Everybody who knew anything about football knew that Cal Bonner, the Stars’ brilliant quarterback, had been demanding, temperamental, and generally impossible to get along with eve...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chicago Stars ) - #2
'The Sex Lives Of Cannibals' by J. Maarten Troost is a humorous travelogue that follows the author and his girlfriend as they move to a remote island in the Pacific, specifically the atoll of Kiribati. Through vivid descriptions and self-deprecating humor, Troost shares the challenges and absurdities of adapting to a completely different way of life, highlighting the cultural differences, struggles, and unexpected adventures they encounter during their time on the island.
In which the Author expresses some Dissatisfaction with the State of his Life, ponders briefly prior Adventures and Misfortunes, and with the aid of his Beguiling Girlfriend, decides to Quit the Life ... - #3
Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins is a historical romance set in the 1870s, following the journey of Maggie Freeman, a mixed-race orphan with a troubled past, and Ian Vance, a preacher and former bounty hunter. The plot revolves around their unlikely partnership as they navigate through Kansas and Wyoming, facing discrimination, danger, and a vigilante mob. The writing style is described as clever, well-paced, and laugh-out-loud funny, with a focus on the challenges and triumphs of the main characters as they find love and happiness amidst adversity.
Preparing dinner in the kitchen of the whorehouse where she worked as the cook, Maggie Freeman decided she’d had enough. If the owner, Hugh Langley, tried to force himself upon her again, she’d have t... - #4
In "God's Country" by Percival Everett, Curt Marder's homestead is destroyed, his wife abducted, and his dog killed by a gang of desperados. Determined to get his wife back, Curt enlists the help of a black tracker named Bubba. Together, they embark on a journey encountering various characters of the Old West, including General Custer, saloon singers, and prostitutes. The novel mixes humor with themes of prejudice and racism, portraying the harsh reality of African Americans in the Old West through a satirical lens.
The book is a blend of Western adventure, satire, and social commentary, with a focus on the relationship between Curt and Bubba as they navigate the challenges of the frontier. Through witty dialogue and inventive storytelling, Percival Everett brings to life a unique narrative that sheds light on the complexities of race and humanity during a tumultuous period in American history.
- #5
"Happy & You Know It" by Laura Hankin follows the story of Claire, a struggling musician who takes a job singing for a group of wealthy mothers and their children. As Claire becomes entangled in the lives of these privileged women, she uncovers dark secrets and hidden truths beneath their seemingly perfect facades. The novel is described as a mix of chick lit and drama, offering a glimpse into the world of upper-class motherhood, social media influencers, and the complexities of modern-day friendships.
Claire Martin didn’t want to throw herself in front of a bus, exactly. But if a bus happened to mow her down, knocking her instantly out of existence, that wouldn’t have been the worst thing in the wo... - #6
'Permanent Midnight' by Jerry Stahl is a candid and gut-wrenching memoir that delves into the author's harrowing journey through heroin addiction and the dark underbelly of Hollywood. Stahl's writing style is characterized by razor-sharp wit, dark humor, and a brutally honest depiction of his life, filled with outrageous stories and poignant anecdotes that captivate the reader. The book explores Stahl's struggles, self-deprecation, and eventual redemption, painting a vivid picture of his chaotic and drug-fueled existence.
I’m wearing a diaper. Right now. I’m not sure if it’s the June Allyson, TV-advertised slip-on brand, an official Depends, or some no-name, buy-’em-by-the-gross institutional variety. All I know is, I ... - #7
'Red Country' by Joe Abercrombie is a gritty and brutal tale set in a fantasy western world where not very nice people make hard decisions and face the consequences. The story follows familiar characters from previous installments as they embark on a journey filled with violence, revenge, and unexpected alliances, blending elements of western and fantasy genres seamlessly.
The novel is praised for its engaging storytelling, sharp dialogues, and well-developed characters struggling with their flaws and pasts. Abercrombie's writing style is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with wit, sarcasm, and dark humor, making 'Red Country' a satisfying and entertaining read for fans of the author's work.
They sat in front of Stupfer’s Meat House, which might’ve sounded like a brothel but was actually the worst place to eat within fifty miles, and that with some fierce competition. Shy perched on the s...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series First Law ) - #8
Orca, part of the Vlad Taltos series by Steven Brust, follows the perspective of Vlad's friend Kiera as she gets entangled in a complex scheme involving a shell business that could bring down the entire empire. The story delves into unraveling a ponzi scheme and a land swindle orchestrated by the Orca, with Vlad being his usual self - paying debts and getting involved in matters that may be beyond his control. The book includes critical plot revelations that affect the rest of the series and offers insights into the relationship between Vlad and his companion, Loiosh.
I’m sorry it has taken me so long to answer your letter, but the gods of Coincidence make bad correspondents of us all; I am not unaware that the passing of a few weeks to you is a long time—as long a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Vlad Taltos ) In "The Rover" by Mel Odom, readers are introduced to Edgewick Wick Lamplighter, a Third Level Librarian at the Vault of All Known Knowledge who is shanghaied into a world of magic and adventure. Wick, a dweller akin to a hobbit, finds himself aboard a pirate ship after a humorous misunderstanding. Throughout the book, Wick's character grows as he faces dangerous situations and uses his knowledge to negotiate challenges, all while on an unexpected journey with a motley crew. The story is described as a light-hearted and humorous fantasy adventure that is compared to classics like "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
Shadows, Wick thought sourly as he studied the treacherous mass of darkness at the end of the long bookcase, are foul and nasty things. They’re mostly useless, only showing someone where he is when he...- #10
'In a Sunburned Country' by Bill Bryson is a humorous travelogue that takes readers on a journey through Australia, exploring the vast landscapes, quirky locals, and unique wildlife. Bryson's writing style is described as witty, engaging, and informative, providing deep descriptions, interesting factoids, and a mix of humor and history. Through Bryson's adventures in Australia, readers get a sense of the country's epic scale, the geniality of its people, and the richness of its environment.
FLYING INTO AUSTRALIA, I realized with a sigh that I had forgotten again who their prime minister is. I am forever doing this with the Australian prime minister—committing the name to memory, forgetti...