William Kotzwinkle
William Kotzwinkle is an American author known for his work in both children's literature and adult fiction. He has written numerous novels, short stories, and screenplays, and is perhaps best known for his novelization of the film 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.'
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Fan Man
The book follows the life of Horse Badorties, a free-spirited, eccentric, and somewhat delusional hippie living in New York City during the 1970s. Horse is obsessed with fans and spends his days collecting them, resulting in a chaotic apartment filled with hundreds of fans. His life is a series of comedic and bizarre adventures as he interacts with a variety of outlandish characters, starts a band, and plans a concert in Central Park. The narrative is infused with a unique blend of humor, absurdity, and a touch of melancholy, capturing the spirit of an era and the eccentricities of its protagonist.
The 4656th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
2. Fata Morgana
"Fata Morgana" is a novel that weaves together elements of fantasy and reality, following the story of a successful screenwriter who embarks on a surreal journey after encountering a mysterious antique mirror. The mirror serves as a portal to an alternate dimension, where the protagonist is confronted with illusions and temptations that challenge his perceptions of life and art. As he navigates through this dreamlike world, he must distinguish between what is real and what is a mirage, all while grappling with his own desires, ambitions, and the seductive allure of the fata morgana—the mirage of water in the desert, symbolizing the elusive nature of his quest.
The 4939th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Midnight Examiner
The novel follows the life of a former serious novelist turned tabloid editor in New York City. The protagonist's life takes a turn when he gets involved with a B-movie actress and a gangster who wants to finance his own movie. The story is a mix of adventure, comedy, and satire, offering a humorous and insightful look into the world of tabloid journalism.
The 6203rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
4. Doctor Rat
The book is a darkly satirical novel that takes place in a laboratory where animals are subjected to cruel experiments. The story is told from the perspective of Doctor Rat, a deranged lab rat who has been driven mad by the experiments and now champions the ongoing torture as a necessary pursuit of knowledge. As the animals around him plan a rebellion to escape their fate, Doctor Rat's delusions of grandeur and twisted rationalizations of the scientists' actions provide a chilling reflection on the ethics of animal testing and the nature of complicity in systems of oppression.
The 17035th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
5. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial In His Adventure On Earth
In His Adventure On Earth
In this heartwarming tale, a gentle alien finds himself stranded on Earth, forming an unlikely friendship with a young boy named Elliott. As they navigate the challenges of hiding E.T. from curious adults and government agents, the bond between them grows, revealing the power of empathy and understanding across species. With the help of Elliott's siblings, they embark on a mission to return E.T. to his home planet, all while learning valuable lessons about love, family, and the importance of looking beyond differences to find common ground.
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6. The Bear Went Over The Mountain
In this whimsical and satirical tale, a bear stumbles upon a buried manuscript in the woods and, driven by curiosity, decides to pass it off as his own. As he embarks on a journey into the human world, the bear experiences the absurdities of fame and the publishing industry, encountering a colorful cast of characters who are oblivious to his true identity. Through humorous twists and insightful commentary, the story explores themes of identity, creativity, and the often superficial nature of success in modern society.
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7. Swimmer In The Secret Sea
Set against the backdrop of a serene winter landscape, the story follows the emotional journey of a couple, Johnny and Diane, as they prepare for the birth of their child. The narrative delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of love, hope, and the fragility of life. As the couple faces an unexpected tragedy, they are forced to confront their grief and find solace in each other's presence, ultimately discovering the profound strength and resilience that can emerge from shared sorrow.
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