Books Like...

'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.

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.

'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.

'The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving' by Jonathan Evison follows the story of Benjamin Benjamin, a man who has faced tragedy in his life and decides to take a caregiving class in a desperate attempt to find purpose. He lands a job looking after Trevor, a teenager with muscular dystrophy, and their relationship blossoms as they embark on a road trip across America. The novel explores themes of loss, grief, redemption, and the unlikely bond that forms between Benjamin and Trevor, with alternating chapters revealing Benjamin's tragic past and the challenges they face on their journey. The writing style is a mix of serious and comic, with fully fleshed-out characters and a narrative that moves between past and present events.

'The Passenger' by Lisa Lutz follows the story of Tanya Dubois, a woman who finds her husband dead and goes on the run, changing her identity multiple times to avoid being caught. The plot is filled with suspense, twists, and revelations about Tanya's past as she navigates a dangerous journey while trying to stay ahead of the authorities and her own secrets. The writing style is fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, with well-developed characters and a cleverly written plot full of unexpected turns that keep readers engaged until the end.

Mary Robison's novel 'Why Did I Ever' is a unique and fragmented narrative that delves into the life of Money Breton, a divorced mother juggling multiple crises while dealing with her troubled children and dysfunctional relationships. The book is written in a stream-of-consciousness style, with numbered chapters resembling diary entries, providing glimpses into Money's chaotic life filled with nocturnal drives, sad children, and personal struggles. Despite the lack of a traditional plot, the novel weaves together emotions and thoughts to portray the disparate and fragmented nature of memory and human experience.

Readers describe 'Riotous Assembly' as a satirical take on apartheid-era South Africa, showcasing the absurdity of the system through hilarious and exaggerated scenarios. The book follows the antics of characters such as Kommandant Els and Ms. Hazelstone in the fictional town of Piemburg, offering a comedic yet insightful commentary on the societal structures and injustices of the time. Tom Sharpe's writing style is praised for its wit, satire, and ability to blend humor with serious themes, providing a unique perspective on a dark period in history.

'True Grit' by Charles Portis is a Western novel that follows the story of fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross seeking revenge for her father's murder. The book is narrated in the first person by Mattie, who enlists the help of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down the killer, Tom Chaney. The plot is action-packed, with elements of gun battles, bravery, and a strong sense of justice prevailing throughout the story. The writing style is described as spare, clean, and filled with terse Western dialogue, making the narrative quick, to the point, and engaging.

The novel is praised for its strong and memorable protagonist, Mattie Ross, who is depicted as brave, stubborn, independent, and smart. The character of Mattie is highlighted as the heart of the story, with her unsentimental and matter-of-fact narration adding depth and humor to the events unfolding in the book. Readers appreciate the humor, character development, and the unique voice of Mattie as a narrator, making 'True Grit' a compelling and enjoyable read that delves into themes of revenge, courage, and perseverance in the Wild West.

'The Stench of Honolulu: A Tropical Adventure' by Jack Handey is a hilarious and absurd novel that follows the main character, Wrong Way Slurps, and his friend Don on a ridiculous adventure in Hawaii to find the fabled Golden Monkey. The story is filled with surreal and nonsensical humor, with a plot that is not meant to be taken seriously but rather enjoyed for its sheer silliness. The writing style is described as reminiscent of Handey's Deep Thoughts, with a series of jokes and quips loosely connected to create a nonstop chucklefest.

"Ask the Dust" by John Fante is a story set in LA in 1939, following the struggles of writer Arturo Bandini as he lives hand to mouth, blows his money as soon as he receives it, and falls in love with a waitress named Camila Lopez. Their relationship is portrayed as a love-hate dynamic, filled with volatile emotions and irrational choices. As the plot unfolds, Camilla ends up in a mental institution and disappears into the desert, leaving Bandini grappling with his own shortcomings and desires.

The writing style of "Ask the Dust" is described as dark, beautifully told, and capturing the essence of 1930s Los Angeles. The novel is praised for its vivid portrayal of dive bars, cheap rooms, and the struggles of a young writer beset by love and affliction. The relationship between Bandini and Camilla is depicted as a blend of bitterness and warmth, with tragic characters and gorgeous prose creating a brief yet rewarding narrative that keeps readers engaged until the poignant ending.