Guy Portman's Blog, page 18
September 14, 2018
6 Dark Fiction Reading Recommendations
I am an avid fan of dark fiction. Here are 5 dark fiction books that I have read and one that I have written.
Definition: Dark fiction is concerned with the sinister side of human nature. It is often distinguished from the mainstream horror genre in that it tends not to be fantasy-orientated. Dark fiction may contain elements of black or satirical humour.
Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock
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About: Knockemstiff is a transgressive compilation of short stories. Their grubby setting, visceral pro...
September 7, 2018
12 Amusing One Star Book Reviews
Back in July, I dedicated a post to hilarious one star book reviews. Here is the second instalment.
Most books worth their salt have garnered at least a few terrible reviews. Often it is a case of the reviewer being opposed to the general consensus. In many instances bad reviews reveal more about the reviewer than the book.
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Here are 12 scathing, and in many instances amsuing one star book reviews.
Ulysses by James Joyce – ‘This book not only ruined a week at the beach but also damaged my sel...
August 31, 2018
6 Recommended Humour Books
This week’s post is devoted to six humour books – five that I have read and one that I have written. Click on the links to read the reviews.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
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The Metamorphosis is a bleak, existential nihilistic tale that comments on the human condition and the futility of life. This reader appreciated its dark humour.
My Review: Protagonist Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find that he has been transformed into a beetle. This awkward situation is exacerbated when Gregor...
August 24, 2018
Tomorrow’s World Front Cover Reveal
This is the front cover for Tomorrow’s World, my forthcoming satirical book of vignettes about the future.
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I hope you like it as much as I do.
Tomorrow’s World will consist of short, sardonic scenes that take you year by year into a future characterised by manic capitalism, virtual reality, celebrity worship, hyper-branding, a grotesquely ageing population and an ever increasing mandatory retirement age.
This quick read (40,521 words) will appeal to those who like humour and satire.
Tomorro...
August 17, 2018
7 Books For 7 Moods
This week sees the latest instalment in my books for different moods series. Here are 7 books for 7 moods/different states of mind. Click on the links to read my reviews.
In the mood for some short stories? If so, you may like the Kafkaesque:
Rashōmon and Seventeen Other Stories by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
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A sense of doom and despair permeates this somewhat disparate assemblage whose cynicism, dark humour and tormented, fin-de-siécle tone appealed to this reader. Click here to read my review.
M...
August 10, 2018
30 Free Humour Books
Today, I am posting four hours earlier than normal. This is to give you more time to take advantage of this free books offer.
Searching for you next humorous read? Look no further!
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I have teamed up with my fellow humour authors to offer you a selection of 30 FREE books, which include one of mine. Click on the link below to discover which one it is. This is a one off opportunity to get many of these books for free. But time is of the essence. The offer ends Saturday morning at 07:50 A.M. GMT....
August 3, 2018
My Works In Progress
This week’s post is about my works in progress. Presently, I am working on two projects, both of which are of the satirical, dark humour variety.
Tomorrow’s World will be my fifth book. It is a satirical book of vignettes about the future. It consists of concise, sardonic scenes that take the reader year by year into a future characterised by manic capitalism, extreme celebrity worship, virtual reality, a grotesquely ageing population and an ever increasing mandatory retirement age. Tomorrow’...
July 27, 2018
7 Books For 7 Moods
This week sees the return of my books for different moods series. If you are anything like me your choice of book often depends on your frame of mind. Here are 7 books for 7 different moods/states of mind. Click on the links to read my reviews.
In the mood for something morbid?
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
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This non-fiction work explores the more unfamiliar scenarios involving our dead bodies. The author applies a light approach to explore a taboo subject matter...
July 20, 2018
13 Humorous Quotes About Writing
This humour writer relishes humorous quotes about writing. Here are thirteen that have not previously appeared on my blog. Well, one them has, but I like it so much I am including it again.
If Moses were alive today he’d come down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments and spend the next five years trying to get them published. – Anonymous
An autobiography usually reveals nothing bad about its writer except his memory. – Franklin P. Jones
The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress....
13 Quotes about Writing
This humour writer relishes humorous quotes about writing. Here are thirteen that have not previously appeared on my blog. Well, one them has, but I like it so much I am including it again.
If Moses were alive today he’d come down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments and spend the next five years trying to get them published. – Anonymous
An autobiography usually reveals nothing bad about its writer except his memory. – Franklin P. Jones
The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress....
