For most people, the title of a book is the first thing that catches your attention. That, or the cover design.
While the title doesn’t always give you a good idea of what the book is about, they are attention grabbers. This is probably why so many people go out of their way to come up with unique titles. This can lead to some crazy and funny titles to choose from.
How far will an author go to catch your attention? Let’s check out my top 10 list of unique, creative, or crazy book titles and find out.
A Morbid Taste for Bones
This book, written by Ellis Peters, sounds like it would be a dark thriller or horror story, but is, in fact, a detective story set in medieval times with a romance as the back-up talent.
This book is the first in a series. The hero is Cadfael, a man that has lived an eventful life as a sailor and crusader who decides that his calling is to be a monk.
Because of his powers of observation and his ability to use the forensic tools available during medieval times, he finds himself called on to investigate murders. This new role in the abbey starts with a murder in Wales.
This murder revolves around his abbey’s desire to bring the bones of a saint from Wales home with them. Since the people of the village are less than enthusiastic about losing their saint, members of the abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul are suspected of killing the village leader so they can claim the saint. The only other suspect is the love interest of the murdered man’s daughter.
Don’t Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It’s Raining
This is Judge Judy’s memoir and critique on the judicial system. With scathing remarks for deadbeat parents, people trying to cheat the system, and the welfare system, Judge Judy lets you know what she really thinks.
The reviews for this book are divided. People who wanted a behind the scenes of a tv judge are disappointed as are people who believe the writing is immature. Others are amused by Judge Judy’s wit and disgust with most people.
While this may not be a behind the scenes, who wouldn’t be interested to know what Judge Judy thinks of the business she’s given so much of her life to? Besides, I’m interested to see if the title comes up in the book, and in what way.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Milan Kundera has written a romance, but not the type of romance you would expect. While you can’t really be sure what to expect from the title, this is about the reality of love as we have made it out to be.
Based in 1960s Prague during Soviet occupation, this story tracks the weird love triangle, or square, or whatever you may want to call it, between a group of people and delves into the basest forms of human nature and the struggle against this.
As an extra, you get to see a struggle against communism playing out around the less than feel good love story. This is basically a love story for the pessimist.
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
This book is a memoir from Dave Eggers, telling the story of siblings that lost their parents and their attempt to rely on each other amidst anger and constant bickering.
Based on the reviews, many people see this book as self-centered and egotistical. Why people are surprised that a memoir would be self-centered is what I don’t understand.
The real question is, does the book live up to the title?
In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash
Jean Shepherd’s book is the influence behind the popular Christmas movie “A Christmas Story”. While the movie only portrays a portion of the story played out in this book, it has become popular based on the humor and realism.
The book is full of that dry wit and realism. Ralphie, visiting his hometown and his childhood friend Flick, reminisce about their exploits from that Christmas story to bad blind dates, and everything in between.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Based in the World War II era, this book, written by Mary Ann Shaffer, is written as a collection of letters. These letters are between a writer, Juliet Ashton, and members of a made-up society who accidentally found her name in a book.
The society comes up with their name on the spur of the moment when they are caught out past curfew by German occupants on the Island of Guernsey. This story follows the motivational story of the impact this writer and the society have on each other.
The Last Donut Shop of the Apocalypse
Who wouldn’t be intrigued by this title from Nina Post? This book is number 2 in a series apparently based on a town’s constant desire for staging an apocalypse in Pothole City.
This seems to be a spy adventure following a woman, Kelly Driscoll, who is determined to save the city from destruction.
Her salvation includes bringing peace between two warring donut shops, owned by siblings, seeking to dominate.
Oral Sadism and the Vegetarian Personality
This is an anthology of humorous articles written by members of the psychiatric community. These articles were chosen from those submitted to The Journal of Polymorphous Perversity, a parody journal created by psychologist Glenn C. Ellenbogen.
The articles are meant to bring humor to the study of psychiatry in parody form, showing humor can be found anywhere.
Do you think the vegetarian personality makes an appearance?
Occult Nazi Go-Go Girls Storm Tibet
A.K. Forest created this ‘create-your-own-story’ book as an anti-communism game.
You, the reader, lead your team of occult nazi go-go girls on their mission to keep a billionaire from taking over the world.
There really isn’t much more to say about that.
Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop and Other Practical Advice in Our Campaign Against the Fairy Kingdom
This book from self-professed fairy-hunter, Reginald Bakeley, is a humorous how-to guide for removing goblins, fairies, brownies, and other pesky fairy creatures from taking over your home.
Our faithful fairy-hunter will teach you the tricks of the trade on how to spot, trick, remove, and defend yourself against the fairy realm.
Did any of these titles catch your attention? Did I miss any you think should be included? Let me know in the comments.
For more fun with books and quotes, check out my life lessons from book titles.
Penny Layne Writes 