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Puppet Shows
A kindly organ grinder and his performing monkey adopt a young boy after his father spontaneously combusts; a barber living inside a whiskey bottle confronts the neighborhood nuisance who wields a dead squirrel like a pair of nunchucks; and an unruly gang of sock puppets are born in a basement dojo. Welcome to Puppet Shows, thirteen outlandish stories from a writer Tucson Weekly called "a very funny weirdo."
118 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2012
152 people want to read
About the author
Michael Frissore
6 books10 followersFuture author of a series of pro wrestling novels. Past author of a short story collection, two poetry chapbooks and an ebook (The Thief, 99 cents on Amazon).
My work has appeared in over 70 publications in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and has been nominated for the “Best of the Web” series and the Pushcart Prize. One of my short pieces appeared in a literary journal alongside things written by comedians Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt and David Cross.
A haiku of mine was read on Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast. I’m also Reference #14 on the "Toothbrush moustache" Wikipedia page, and Reference #2 on the German Paul Revere and the Raiders Wikipedia page, each for pieces I wrote for web sites that no longer exist.
Since I'll have no books available currently (other than "The Thief," just 99 cents on Amazon), here are links to two of my lil writings of yore.
Heckle
http://decompmagazine.com/heckle.htm
Flipper Hands McCreary
http://www.unlikelystories.org/13/fri...
My work has appeared in over 70 publications in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and has been nominated for the “Best of the Web” series and the Pushcart Prize. One of my short pieces appeared in a literary journal alongside things written by comedians Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt and David Cross.
A haiku of mine was read on Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast. I’m also Reference #14 on the "Toothbrush moustache" Wikipedia page, and Reference #2 on the German Paul Revere and the Raiders Wikipedia page, each for pieces I wrote for web sites that no longer exist.
Since I'll have no books available currently (other than "The Thief," just 99 cents on Amazon), here are links to two of my lil writings of yore.
Heckle
http://decompmagazine.com/heckle.htm
Flipper Hands McCreary
http://www.unlikelystories.org/13/fri...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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December 31, 2012I started this book in the frame of mind of reading a serious book. That didn't work. When I decided to embrace the strange and humorous the read was much smoother.
The humor in this book is really off-beat and incredibly amusing if a bit difficult and strange at times. Some of the stories will tickle you and a few might leave you scratching your head.
All in all it was an amusing and enjoyable read and I would recommend this book to those that have a healthy sense of humor.
The humor in this book is really off-beat and incredibly amusing if a bit difficult and strange at times. Some of the stories will tickle you and a few might leave you scratching your head.
All in all it was an amusing and enjoyable read and I would recommend this book to those that have a healthy sense of humor.
November 30, 2012
Puppets are People Too
In the sublime Divine Plan, absurdity is serious business. Michael Frissore's 'Puppet Shows' salute the alter-ego, the egotistical, and the nonsensical with 13 short tales.
The world turns inside out with a suicide by nail-clipper--(guess that's why they are banned on planes). A wanna-be Klingon (Star Trek fan) dad goes out like a human flare. An organ grinder marries his talking monkey. A boy's Granpa is obnoxious and insulting--dead or alive. A barber who resides in a whiskey bottle refuses to give a dead squirrel a haircut. A flying family of sock puppet super heroes--come to the rescue--or not. And there's more.
Head-shaking, smiles, OMG! and laughter will ensue from reading 'Puppet Shows'. You have been warned!
In the sublime Divine Plan, absurdity is serious business. Michael Frissore's 'Puppet Shows' salute the alter-ego, the egotistical, and the nonsensical with 13 short tales.
The world turns inside out with a suicide by nail-clipper--(guess that's why they are banned on planes). A wanna-be Klingon (Star Trek fan) dad goes out like a human flare. An organ grinder marries his talking monkey. A boy's Granpa is obnoxious and insulting--dead or alive. A barber who resides in a whiskey bottle refuses to give a dead squirrel a haircut. A flying family of sock puppet super heroes--come to the rescue--or not. And there's more.
Head-shaking, smiles, OMG! and laughter will ensue from reading 'Puppet Shows'. You have been warned!
November 22, 2012
A fun collection of crazy short stories. They are very well-written and entertaining, if a little out-there. Read this if you have a good sense of humor and an appreciation for the ridiculous. (Check out his blog and you will see what I mean.)
February 3, 2013
Read other book reviews at Book Junkie Joint.
When it comes to the bizarrely humorous, Michael Frissore's Puppet Shows is serious. No kidding!
I started reading this book with a serious state of mind. On the first story alone, I was immediately dumbfounded and seriously lost. After reading the first story, I asked myself, "What the hell just happened? What the hell did I just read?" (O.o)
In all fairness, while the description of the book gave a little hint about its contents, I wasn't fully prepared for the insanity that is confined in this little treat. So then, after reading the first story, I loosened up a little and decided to open up to the bizarre. I found myself quirkily smirking and grinning involuntarily afterwards.
The stories in this book are all randomly odd and bizarre. There is no whatsoever logic in it and strangely enough, you don't really need logic while reading this book. This in itself is what sets this book apart from all others. It ventures into the weird, the funny and sometimes, the gruesomely insane.
Imagination-wise, well, I had a blast imagining all the stories actually happening! I mean, there's that organ grinder marrying his performing monkey. There's also a mental facility run by overly eccentric people. And come on, suicide by a nail clipper is just awesome!
Oh, and what I liked best about this book is that sarcasm leaps out from its pages much like how wet paint naturally drips down a wall. It's hard to portray sarcasm especially in written form, but surprisingly enough, this book really had sarcasm pat down! I especially love Q.Q's lines and the randomly woolly mammoth!
Also, I admire the fact that this book is a non-conformist. In the publishing world, it's hard to find a book that hinges humor on purely insanity because it has limited audience and the author can't even get any assurance that people will like it. For me, this book is like a brave foray into a well-defined territory in an attempt to bring something different, and indeed, this book really brings something entirely different!
I highly recommend it for people who would like to read something very different from usual. Just do read this book with an open mind and a wild imagination. I promise you'll be okay, and you won't regret it.
When it comes to the bizarrely humorous, Michael Frissore's Puppet Shows is serious. No kidding!
I started reading this book with a serious state of mind. On the first story alone, I was immediately dumbfounded and seriously lost. After reading the first story, I asked myself, "What the hell just happened? What the hell did I just read?" (O.o)
In all fairness, while the description of the book gave a little hint about its contents, I wasn't fully prepared for the insanity that is confined in this little treat. So then, after reading the first story, I loosened up a little and decided to open up to the bizarre. I found myself quirkily smirking and grinning involuntarily afterwards.
The stories in this book are all randomly odd and bizarre. There is no whatsoever logic in it and strangely enough, you don't really need logic while reading this book. This in itself is what sets this book apart from all others. It ventures into the weird, the funny and sometimes, the gruesomely insane.
Imagination-wise, well, I had a blast imagining all the stories actually happening! I mean, there's that organ grinder marrying his performing monkey. There's also a mental facility run by overly eccentric people. And come on, suicide by a nail clipper is just awesome!
Oh, and what I liked best about this book is that sarcasm leaps out from its pages much like how wet paint naturally drips down a wall. It's hard to portray sarcasm especially in written form, but surprisingly enough, this book really had sarcasm pat down! I especially love Q.Q's lines and the randomly woolly mammoth!
Also, I admire the fact that this book is a non-conformist. In the publishing world, it's hard to find a book that hinges humor on purely insanity because it has limited audience and the author can't even get any assurance that people will like it. For me, this book is like a brave foray into a well-defined territory in an attempt to bring something different, and indeed, this book really brings something entirely different!
I highly recommend it for people who would like to read something very different from usual. Just do read this book with an open mind and a wild imagination. I promise you'll be okay, and you won't regret it.
June 6, 2013
I must say, it took me a few pages to get with the flow of this quirky set of stories. I had fallen into book review burn-out in the last few months no thanks to life itself throwing me obstacles and lots of work stress, so this was a nice side step from my normal genres that normally lack a lot of humor. The stories did make me "lol," which was great. I kept wanting to know what silly thing would happen next. And as a writer myself, I appreciated the fact that Frissore poured his weird and boundless imagination onto the pages of this book seemingly without holding back. Even his character names were hilarious.
I really enjoyed the constant references to old movies, songs, shows, characters and inside jokes. This is a great read for someone who just needs to relax and shed their "taking life too seriously" skin. The stories were well written and nicely compiled. Although I was in amazement at the off-the-wall scenes, especially with the monkey spouse and poorly raised kid, they still made sense. Do not approach this book with any amount of expectations or seriousness. You will be disappointed. BUT! If you go into it with NO expectations and an incredibly open mind, your sense of humor will do the rest (considering you have one). I don't do half points, but I decided to give this my 3.5 star rating. Buy it on Amazon. Read it. Laugh a lot, and be grateful there are writers out there who can create this type of material.
I really enjoyed the constant references to old movies, songs, shows, characters and inside jokes. This is a great read for someone who just needs to relax and shed their "taking life too seriously" skin. The stories were well written and nicely compiled. Although I was in amazement at the off-the-wall scenes, especially with the monkey spouse and poorly raised kid, they still made sense. Do not approach this book with any amount of expectations or seriousness. You will be disappointed. BUT! If you go into it with NO expectations and an incredibly open mind, your sense of humor will do the rest (considering you have one). I don't do half points, but I decided to give this my 3.5 star rating. Buy it on Amazon. Read it. Laugh a lot, and be grateful there are writers out there who can create this type of material.
December 30, 2013
I'm not sure what I expected, but it surely wasn't what I got. And in this case, it's not a bad thing - it was a pleasant surprise! There is nothing logical about the stories Michael has given us, however it's a fun illogical where you just kind of roll with it. The stories don't make any sense, but at the same time that's what makes them fun and interesting. They're not your typical short stories, they are completely unique and completely Michael. Some of these stories include suicide with nail clippers, a man married to a talking monkey, an individual stealing the bodies of dead celebrities, a man who legitimately believes there is a monster in his son's room, and so much more.
The writing is very well done and it's easy to picture these quirky stories in your mind through Michael's descriptive writing. I typically have trouble getting into short stories, but I found myself immersed in each of these stories - not only because they were a delightful rad, but I had to find out what off the wall adventure was going to happen next.
Puppet Shows is the best book to read after you've had your heart ripped out by another book and cannot stand to feel for a while. It's fun, lighthearted, and goofy. If you're a fan of Monty Python humor, you will definitely enjoy this book. If you have never heard of Monty Phyton, I suggest renting of their movies, watching a few of their YouTube videos, and reading Puppet Shows - a compilation of short stories that should not be missed.
The writing is very well done and it's easy to picture these quirky stories in your mind through Michael's descriptive writing. I typically have trouble getting into short stories, but I found myself immersed in each of these stories - not only because they were a delightful rad, but I had to find out what off the wall adventure was going to happen next.
Puppet Shows is the best book to read after you've had your heart ripped out by another book and cannot stand to feel for a while. It's fun, lighthearted, and goofy. If you're a fan of Monty Python humor, you will definitely enjoy this book. If you have never heard of Monty Phyton, I suggest renting of their movies, watching a few of their YouTube videos, and reading Puppet Shows - a compilation of short stories that should not be missed.
May 19, 2013
These are some uncommonly twisted, irreverent and wholly amusing short stories, with the underlying thought being “just where did that idea COME from” running through my head.
While seemingly unconnected, these thirteen stories all manage to carry a singular solid thread throughout: Frissore’s ability to turn a phrase and make the mundane slightly absurd. There are certainly stories that will provide you with a new perspective on the everyday life adventures, and others that will have you wondering just where one could encounter these characters in your daily life. Particularly effective for me was the slightly more sarcastic responses and comments made by characters: we all have that interior voice that has a tinge of edge, his characters don’t hit their mute buttons.
Completely entertaining, this is not a book for the dour, the realist or people who can’t appreciate some offbeat moments of levity in their life. With sock puppet art, and some clever pen and ink (it appears) sketches appearing throughout the text, there is also visual interest that enhances, separates and even just gives a feeling of light-hearted fun to stories that are just that.
I received an eBook galley from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
While seemingly unconnected, these thirteen stories all manage to carry a singular solid thread throughout: Frissore’s ability to turn a phrase and make the mundane slightly absurd. There are certainly stories that will provide you with a new perspective on the everyday life adventures, and others that will have you wondering just where one could encounter these characters in your daily life. Particularly effective for me was the slightly more sarcastic responses and comments made by characters: we all have that interior voice that has a tinge of edge, his characters don’t hit their mute buttons.
Completely entertaining, this is not a book for the dour, the realist or people who can’t appreciate some offbeat moments of levity in their life. With sock puppet art, and some clever pen and ink (it appears) sketches appearing throughout the text, there is also visual interest that enhances, separates and even just gives a feeling of light-hearted fun to stories that are just that.
I received an eBook galley from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 18, 2013
Puppet Shows is a book filled with multiple different humorous stories. You'd be quite surprised at how many short stories there are in this tiny book.
There are only a few words I can say about this, it's humorous, original from any books I've read, plus the way it was written was superb. For me honestly, it was a real page turner.
These are the short stories that you would read to your teenage kid before bed; if they would want you to that is. And the type of stories that you would read to just have a bit of a laugh once in a while. You could pick the book up, read a story, and it will brighten your day with its indirect humor. It's brilliant for spontaneous reading.
I completely recommend it to those who have a very very busy schedule and is dying for something short and enjoyable to read.
There are only a few words I can say about this, it's humorous, original from any books I've read, plus the way it was written was superb. For me honestly, it was a real page turner.
These are the short stories that you would read to your teenage kid before bed; if they would want you to that is. And the type of stories that you would read to just have a bit of a laugh once in a while. You could pick the book up, read a story, and it will brighten your day with its indirect humor. It's brilliant for spontaneous reading.
I completely recommend it to those who have a very very busy schedule and is dying for something short and enjoyable to read.
January 16, 2013
You definitely can't go into this one with a serious outlook, if you do I just don't think you will get this collection of quirky and strange tales and then you would be missing out on all the fun.
Frissore has managed to create a very unusual collection of short stories indeed. Full of the imaginative and bizarre and just plain ridiculous and yet, he some how pulls it all off and it just works.
Go into this was with the expectation of having some fun and keep your mind open and you will truly be taken on a magical ride where anything is possible and almost everything happens. Or better yet, don't have any expectations at all and just along for the ride.
3.5 Stars!
Frissore has managed to create a very unusual collection of short stories indeed. Full of the imaginative and bizarre and just plain ridiculous and yet, he some how pulls it all off and it just works.
Go into this was with the expectation of having some fun and keep your mind open and you will truly be taken on a magical ride where anything is possible and almost everything happens. Or better yet, don't have any expectations at all and just along for the ride.
3.5 Stars!
March 22, 2014
Puppet Shows is a collection of short stories each with their own bizarre plot and often times humorous ending.
I found each of the stories to be well written, enjoyable, and a little off the wall. I particularly liked Grandpa & Me which begins with a crazy little bedtime story and ends with the ghost of grandpa. The quirky action leading up to the grandpa's death is comical and strange. It's certainly a reading experience you'll not soon forget.
The stories contained within Puppet Shows are odd, outrageous and sometimes shocking, but nonetheless entertaining. I recommend picking up a copy.
I found each of the stories to be well written, enjoyable, and a little off the wall. I particularly liked Grandpa & Me which begins with a crazy little bedtime story and ends with the ghost of grandpa. The quirky action leading up to the grandpa's death is comical and strange. It's certainly a reading experience you'll not soon forget.
The stories contained within Puppet Shows are odd, outrageous and sometimes shocking, but nonetheless entertaining. I recommend picking up a copy.
May 15, 2013
Wow. What a ride. This is just incredible. I was never sure what I was thinking and I love that. This is a fun, crazy, wicked read. Do yourself a favor and pick this up (or download it).
March 23, 2014
5,5/10
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews