Books Like...
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.
If you liked The Dog of the South, here are the top 100 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
'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.
People do not give it credence that a fourteen-year-old girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood but it did not seem so strange then, although I will say it did ... - #4
'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.
CHRISTMAS AGAIN in Yucatán. Another year gone and I was still scratching around on this limestone peninsula. I woke at eight, late for me, wondering where I might find something to eat. Once again the... - #5
Based on a True Story by Norm Macdonald is a unique novel that blurs the lines between truth and fiction, providing readers with a mix of hilarious anecdotes from Macdonald's life and imaginative tangents. The book follows Macdonald's journey from growing up to his time as a low-level comedian and his stint on SNL, all while interweaving elements of dry wit and comedic value that showcase his brash and uninhibited style. With a narrative that veers between reality and fantasy, Macdonald's memoir offers a humorous and entertaining exploration of his life experiences, peppered with self-indulgent yet funny moments that keep readers guessing about what is genuine and what is exaggerated.
He was always Lorne, never Mr. Michaels. He was smart that way. I took a seat across the desk from him, and there was a container of pencils that had been sharpened that very day and a bowl of fresh p... - #6
In the novel The White Dawn: An Eskimo Saga by James Houston, the story unfolds in the Canadian Arctic in the 1890s, where three stranded whalers are rescued by an Inuit community. The narrative delves into the unraveling social fabric of the Inuit village as the foreign whalers disrupt their way of life, introducing cultural clashes and destructive consequences. The book provides an insider's look into the Inuit culture, shedding light on their social norms, survival strategies, and the impact of outside influences on their society.
The author, James Houston, skillfully weaves a tale that explores the interrelations between the Eskimos and white explorers, highlighting the cultural differences and environmental pressures that shape their interactions. Through eloquent descriptions and a unique perspective that challenges Western cultural norms, Houston's writing offers readers a thought-provoking and enlightening journey into the complexities of the Arctic landscape and the clash of civilizations.
- #7
The Sot-Weed Factor by John Barth is a sprawling and epic satire set in the 17th century, filled with bawdy humor and colorful vocabulary. The story follows the protagonist, Ebenezer Cooke, as he blunders through a series of misadventures in colonial Maryland, encountering eccentric characters, absurd situations, and engaging in verbal battles filled with double entendres.
Barth's writing style in The Sot-Weed Factor is described as hilarious, uproariously funny, and clever. The novel is a mix of historical fiction, farce, and metafiction, with long conversations filled with wit, absurdity, and satire. The book is praised for its unique approach to storytelling, combining elements of classic historical novels with modern humor and a touch of postmodern experimentation.
Ebenezer and Anna had been raised together. There happening to be no other children on the estate in St. Giles, they grew up with no playmates except each other, and hence became unusually close. They... - #8
Peter De Vries' novel, The Tunnel of Love, is a witty and entertaining comedy that delves into themes of love, sex, marriage, parenthood, and friendship. The story follows a first-person narrator who is the art editor for a weekly periodical in Avalon, Connecticut. The narrator's life becomes intertwined with his friend Augie Poole's personal life when they are named as references at an adoption agency, leading to comedic and chaotic situations involving infidelity, sex, unwanted pregnancy, and adoption. De Vries' writing style is characterized by witty banter, clever dialogue, and gentle humor that explores the complexities of suburban life in the 1950s with a touch of satire and irony.
- #9
'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is a dark comedy set in New Orleans, following the eccentric and obnoxious protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. The plot revolves around Ignatius' misadventures and interactions with a range of bizarre characters in the city, showcasing a mix of humor and sadness. The writing style is described as unique, blending humor with a touch of melancholy, and featuring well-developed characters in a vividly constructed setting.
A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either ... - #10The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappearedby:Book 1 in the series:The Hundred-Year-Old Man
The book is about Allan Karlsson, a 100-year-old man who escapes from his nursing home on his 100th birthday and embarks on a series of adventures. Throughout the book, we learn about Allan's remarkable life, including his involvement in major historical events of the 20th century. The story is filled with humorous actions, unbelievable antics, and encounters with a variety of oddball characters, all while being pursued by a criminal. The narrative is a mix of modern-day crime caper and historical fiction, akin to a Swedish Forrest Gump tale, with elements of farce and humor.
The plot unfolds through a dual narrative structure, alternating between Allan's present-day escapades and flashbacks to his past as an explosives expert involved in key historical events. The book is characterized by its whimsical and humorous tone, as well as its light-hearted and enjoyable storytelling style. Readers are taken on a journey with Allan as he navigates through various escapades, misadventures, and chance encounters, providing a blend of entertainment, comedy, and a touch of life-affirming moments.
Allan Karlsson hesitated as he stood there in the flower bed that ran along one side of the Old Folks’ Home. He was wearing a brown jacket with brown trousers and on his feet he had a pair of brown in...