Books Like...
'Gringos' by Charles Portis is a humorous and witty novel that follows the adventures of Jimmy Burns, an ex-Marine living in Mexico, as he navigates through a series of misadventures involving a diverse cast of characters including hippies, archeologists, and UFO enthusiasts. The plot revolves around Jimmy's search for a young man named Rudy Kurle, leading to unexpected encounters and challenges in the Mexican jungle. Portis' writing style is described as clear, insightful, and filled with dry humor, offering a satirical take on American expatriates living in Mexico.
If you liked Gringos, here are the top 42 books to read next:
- #1
'The Masters of Atlantis' by Charles Portis is a humorous and eccentric tale about the Gnomon Society, a fictional 20th-century initiatory order that arrived in the US following World War I. The story follows the adventures and misadventures of Corporal Lamar Jimmerson, who becomes involved with the society after being entrusted with a sacred text from Atlantis. As Jimmerson spreads the teachings of Gnomonism, he recruits new adherents like Sidney Hen and Austin Popper, leading to a series of comical and absurd situations. The writing style of the book is described as consistent, engaging, and masterful, with a tone that balances humor and satire.
YOUNG LAMAR JIMMERSON went to France in 1917 with the American Expeditionary Forces, serving first with the Balloon Section, stumbling about in open fields holding one end of a long rope, and then lat... - #2
'Norwood' by Charles Portis is a character-driven novel set in the 1960s South, following Norwood Pratt, a restless ex-marine who embarks on a road trip from Texas to New York. Throughout the journey, Norwood encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a surly bread delivery man, an educated chicken, and the girl of his dreams. The book is filled with deadpan humor, crisp writing, and witty dialogue, making it a hilarious and entertaining read that focuses on the journey rather than the destination.
NORWOOD HAD TO GET a hardship discharge when Mr. Pratt died because there wasn’t anyone else at home to look after Vernell. Vernell was Norwood’s sister. She was a heavy, sleepy girl with bad posture.... - #3
The Dog of the South by Charles Portis is a humorous and absurdist tale following the journey of Ray Midge, a man whose wife runs off with his best friend, taking his car and credit card. Determined to track them down, Ray embarks on a road trip from Arkansas to Belize, encountering eccentric characters like Dr. Reo Symes along the way. The plot is filled with quirky conversations and preposterous situations, creating a unique and entertaining narrative style that blends humor with subtle observations about human nature.
MY WIFE NORMA had run off with Guy Dupree and I was waiting around for the credit card billings to come in so I could see where they had gone. I was biding my time. This was October. They had taken my... - #4
Excavation by James Rollins is a thrilling adventure novel set in Peru, where an archaeology team faces traps, ancient mysteries, and dangerous adversaries as they uncover a lost Inca civilization. The plot intertwines multiple storylines, involving a group trying to survive in a cave and two characters solving a mystery connected to the dig. The book is filled with action, suspense, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they delve into the world of archaeology and exploration.
The writing style of Excavation is described as vivid, engaging, and fast-paced. James Rollins expertly weaves together elements of mystery, history, and science fiction, creating a page-turner that immerses readers in a world of adventure and discovery. The characters are well-developed, the history is fascinating, and the story's pace is captivating, making it a compelling read for fans of archaeological thrillers.
Crashing through the misty jungle, Francisco de Almagro had long given up all prayer of ever outrunning the hunters who dogged his trail. Panting, he crouched along the thin path and caught his breath... - #5
'Gospel' by Wilton Barnhardt follows the journey of two main characters, Patrick O'Hanrahan and Lucy Dantam, as they search for a lost first-century gospel that could potentially revolutionize Christianity. The plot involves a mix of historical references, intriguing characters, and a quest filled with endless intrigue that includes encounters with a mad monk, a rabbi, the CIA, a TV evangelist, and more. The writing style combines elements of scholarship, humor, and mystery, with footnotes that add depth to the narrative and challenge the reader to question the book's premise.
2. It had parted as the flower falls from the wilting stalk, as the tide recedes to reveal the mud beneath the sea, gone as the moon behind a large cloud, as Helios in bed at Eridanus at nighttime’s e... - #6
'The Quest' by Nelson DeMille follows the journey of two journalists and a photographer in war-torn Ethiopia during the civil war. They come across a dying priest who reveals the location of the Holy Grail, leading them on a quest to find this ancient relic. The story involves violence, danger, and a mix of adventure and mystery as the characters face challenges and threats while seeking the Holy Grail.
The plot of 'The Quest' is set in the 1970s and revolves around the search for the Holy Grail in Ethiopia. includes vivid descriptions of the Ethiopian civil war, the characters' quest, and their encounters with various factions in the conflict. The writing style is detailed and descriptive, providing insight into the characters' motivations, the historical context, and the challenges they face on their journey.
The elderly Italian priest crouched in the corner of his cell and covered himself with his straw pallet. Outside, screaming artillery shells exploded into the soft African earth, and shrapnel splatter... - #7
Map of Bones by James Rollins is a thrilling adventure novel that combines elements of murder, secret societies, historical facts, and fast-paced action. The book follows the Sigma Force team as they race against time to solve the mystery of stolen ancient bone relics, delving into historical secrets and uncovering a plot that could change the world. With a blend of science, mystery, and adrenaline-fueled sequences, this book keeps readers engaged from start to finish, drawing comparisons to popular works like The Da Vinci Code and Clive Cussler novels.
Lieutenant Rachel Verona climbed down the narrow stairs that led deep under the Basilica of San Clemente. The excavation below the church had been under way for two months, overseen by a small team of...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sigma Force ) - #8
H. Rider Haggard's 'King Solomon's Mines' is a classic adventure novel set in uncharted Africa, following the English adventurer Allan Quatermain on a quest to find a lost friend and a legendary treasure. The story is filled with imaginative perils, exciting discoveries, and a sense of mystery that keeps the reader engaged. The writing style is described as addictive, entertaining, and easy to read, transporting readers to a different time and place with its vivid descriptions and captivating storyline.
IT Is A CURIOUS thing that at my age—fifty-five last birthday—I should find myself taking up a pen to try and write a history. I wonder what sort of a history it will be when I have done it, if I ever... - #9
'Serpent' in the NUMA Files series by Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos follows the underwater adventures of Kurt Austin and his team at NUMA. The story is filled with suspense, historical elements, and a treasure hunt, all while keeping the readers engaged until the final page. weaves together theories, archaeology, and action adeptly, with a compelling archaeological twist that sees Kurt and Zavalla rising to the occasion in typical fashion. Despite being a new series, some readers feel that the book resembles classic Dirk Pitt adventures, with familiar dynamics and perilous situations.
NINA KIROV STOOD AT THE TOP OF THE ANCIENT STAIRWAY, EYES sweeping the nearly stagnant green waters of the lagoon, thinking she had never seen a coast more barren than this isolated stretch of Morocca... - #10
Empires of Sand by David Ball is a historical adventure fiction novel set in the 19th century, dividing its narrative between Paris and the Sahara during the Franco-Prussian War. The book follows French protagonists through a tale of action, love, and cultural narrative, immersing readers in a world of intrigue, deception, and forbidden love on an exotic stage. The writing style is described as old-school adventure with a vibe reminiscent of stories like Indiana Jones, focusing on detailed historical events and rich character development.
“The children! Hold fire!” It was too late. The gun roared and kicked back against the huntsman’s shoulder. It was a long shot, a hundred and fifty meters or more. He had almost not seen the boar, nea...