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Matthew C. Woodruff
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26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions: Unusual and Enjoyable Tales Kindle Edition

by Matthew C. Woodruff (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 133 ratings
2019 American Fiction Awards Finalist, 2021 International Book Awards Finalist and 2021 'Reader's Favorite' Bronze Medal Winner! An utterly fascinating and wryly composed collection of companion stories to Edward Gorey's alphabetical illustrations in 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies'. These darkly humorous tales capture the essence of wit and satire with one incredible tale for each child depicted in Gorey's most famous illustrations, from Amy's stumble down the stairs to Zillah's death by gin, these tales are all about human behavior, characteristics, chance and choice, and life and death. From Mystery to SciFi, from Drama to Fairy Tale and from Adventure to Gothic, this book has something for everyone.
Perfect for any Edward Gorey, Charles Addams, John Bellairs or Tim Burton fans.
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  1. Print length
    152 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    June 17, 2018
  4. File size
    1.6 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"It was a true work of artistry for the author to take 26 itty-bitty yarns and spin them into one spectacular, multicolored blanket with which to cover oneself on a cold night. From Amy's stumble down the steps to Zilliah's death by gin, I couldn't read these tales fast enough, and now I am greatly saddened that it has all ended.
Amazingly, I found myself laughing almost as frequently as I sobbed, which is really saying something about Mr. Woodruff's genius.
Best of all, though, was that all of these stores were told so casually, as if Mr. Woodruff was sitting in his rocker with a corncob pipe in his mouth, telling these macabre tales to his astounded audience." -official OnlineBookClub.org review
"Woodruff put together a grand collection of dark humor within the 26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions. Each story has a unique look into the depths of dark humor. The author uses imagery and adventure, and of course, misadventure to bring these stories to life." -Amy's Bookshelf Reviews

From the Author

Author's Note:

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07DV16VHR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Matthew C. Woodruff; 1st edition (June 17, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 17, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 152 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1720861757
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 133 ratings

About the author

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Matthew C. Woodruff

Matthew C. Woodruff

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With sardonic wit and complete irreverence, Matthew Woodruff is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Woodruff is a master of dark humor and satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

It is said that Matthew was born with a book in one hand and a pen in the other (his poor mother has never forgiven him but hey, at least it wasn't a typewriter...) Shortly after the release of his first book, Matthew was named 'Author of the Month' by Self Publishers Showcase for September, 2018. Matthew's first book, "26 Absurdities" was also chosen as a finalist in the 2019 American Fiction Awards and awarded a Bronze Medal in the 2021 Readers' Favorites International Book Awards.

A native New Yorker, Matthew is now on staff at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Matthew is an award winning magazine features writer, editor and publisher. Matthew's vision of the world around us - seen in his dark humor and dark fiction works - is unique and not to be missed.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
133 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book entertaining, particularly noting its macabrely funny elements. The writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as engaging. The readability receives mixed reactions, with some finding the stories interesting while others describe it as a long and tedious read.

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4 customers mention "Entertainment value"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book oddly entertaining and macabrely funny.

"...I found the writing to be engaging, entertaining, and macabrely funny. A definite acquisition for readers who enjoy dark humor." Read more

"interesting stories that were oddly entertaining , very short read... wish it was much longer" Read more

"Well written. Entertaining and Surprising. Sad but not in an overly emotional way. I liked it and read it quickly." Read more

"Interesting book..." Read more

4 customers mention "Reading quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy reading this book, with one describing it as their favorite book of the year.

"This is one of my favorite books of the year. There are 26 short stories, each one that had an impact on me...." Read more

"...Nevertheless they are good reading." Read more

"Great book just on a darker side...." Read more

"great book!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one customer finding it engaging and another describing it as a truly enjoyable read.

"...I found the writing to be engaging, entertaining, and macabrely funny. A definite acquisition for readers who enjoy dark humor." Read more

"I liked the fact that you could read a story and be done with it and put it down. If you don’t have a lot of time this works out great...." Read more

"Well written. Entertaining and Surprising. Sad but not in an overly emotional way. I liked it and read it quickly." Read more

"Truly Enjoyable Read..." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some finding the short stories interesting while others describe it as a long and tedious read.

"This is one of my favorite books of the year. There are 26 short stories, each one that had an impact on me...." Read more

"Love the short stories!" Read more

"...What terrible stories! It was a long and tedious read!" Read more

"...I really enjoy reading them all. All the different ways the stories ended was interesting." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Karen Ingalls
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Enjoyable Read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of my favorite books of the year. There are 26 short stories, each one that had an impact on me. They are all about human behavior, characteristics, chance and choice, and life and death. My favorites were LEO, CLARA, SUSAN, TITUS, AND YORICK.
    This is the first book I have read by this author, but not my last.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko
    4.0 out of 5 stars One sad story after another
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The stories of these twenty-six children fit the title perfectly. Each of the stories ending in the freakiest ways. All these children lived one sad story after another. The settings were, however, well researched.

    The first story, Amy, ended quite dramatically. Basil’s mother, a quantum physicist, lost Basil through a time machine. Poor Clara! the zookeeper's daughter let herself go. Desmond was the little brave boy who saved his mother and his little unborn sister. Ernest story was so sad. Did he have to die? Even Fanny succumbed to leeches. George hid and could not be found. Hector, the poor harassed Spanish boy, or is it Ida and Ivy, twins from hell. James, stole and drank the Lakka or is it the Lye? Kate believed his parents were Zombies. Leo, the artist extraordinary swallowed tacks. I had advance suspicion that he would do that. Maud, the pirate’s daughter suffered shipwreck. Neville, survived an accident that killed his whole family, went to live a desolate life with his heartless aunt Clerdance. Olive, who tried to outsmart the dwarfs. Prue went looking for her doll and found herself in the wrong place. Quentin and the research team. Why did they not listen to the warnings of the old woman? Rhoda, the circus, the lion and the fire blower, all trouble waiting to happen. Susan learned to throw tantrum from Jennifer her new friend. Was it really tantrums? Titus lived by pilfering food and goods in Dublin back ways until he pilfered the wrong package. Una’s mother, Natalie Hayle reported her missing. Did she do her in? Victor goes on a field trip and…Winnie, so little no one noticed her embedded in ice. Xerxes, did in by mice? Yorick and the maple tree, one of those freak accidents. Zillah, a child drinking vodka?

    What terrible stories! It was a long and tedious read!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • J from Florida
    5.0 out of 5 stars and macabrely funny. A definite acquisition for readers who enjoy dark ...
    Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Matt's stories tell the behind the scenes adventure (or should I say misadventure) for each child in Gorey's picture book. His descriptive words help the reader draw his/her own picture of the characters and events. I found the writing to be engaging, entertaining, and macabrely funny. A definite acquisition for readers who enjoy dark humor.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nicole Arnold
    5.0 out of 5 stars Short stories
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Love the short stories!
    One person found this helpful
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  • diane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book just on a darker side.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Clever but darkish not a chipper book to read to little ones!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Laurie
    1.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Premise, Poorly Executed...
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I love Edward Gorey and so badly wanted to enjoy this book. Unfortunately, its stories read like sophomoric attempts to explain the punchlines of wickedly dark, witty humor far better left to the imagination. The book's premise seemed creative, but the writing is insufferably amateurish. Returning immediately for a refund.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • M. Turnbull
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good when you have little time to read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the fact that you could read a story and be done with it and put it down. If you don’t have a lot of time this works out great. I didn’t think the stories themselves we are terribly interesting.
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  • na
    4.0 out of 5 stars interesting stories that were oddly entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    interesting stories that were oddly entertaining , very short read... wish it was much longer
    3 people found this helpful
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