I read a lot, I mean a ton, but there are just some books out there that are so messed up, so weird and so strange that I had to write them all down. If you are looking for something weird, if you are looking for something twisty, this list of books is it.
1. Flatland - a Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin a. Abbott
Get it at amazon.com
This book is only about 80-pages and it is so strange! It was written by an obscure English clergyman and it really dives deep into the adventures of A. Square, who lives in a two-dimensional world and who is lifted up to space. Such a great and – weird read!
2. Labyrinths - Selected Stories and Other Writings by Jorge Luis Borges
Get it at amazon.com
Each story in this book really has a way of lodging itself right into your brain and staying there forever. I still find myself flipping through the pages of this particular book. I love, love it.
***
Jorge Luis Borges will draw you into a world where reality blends with fantasy, time is not always linear, and infinity becomes a playground for the mind. After Labyrinths, you might even find yourself questioning the nature of existence. The masterful storytelling weaves complex ideas into rich narratives that are both enigmatic and intellectually stimulating. It's not just a book; it's an experience that continues to challenge and enchant long after the last page is turned. Truly a gem for the adventurous reader looking to embark on an unforgettable literary journey.
Frequently asked questions
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
3. The Animal Family by Randall Jarrell
Get it at amazon.com
If you read the Table of Contents in this book, it will tell you the story in a nutshell: a hunter, a mermaid, a baby, a bear, a lynx and a boy. Each member of the family is constructed in just the right way and you can really see the magic in this book.
4. The Well at the World's End by William Morris
Get it at amazon.com
When I first started this story, I had no idea that I was diving into a fairytale for adults. This story is all about the adventures of Ralph. He is the youngest of four princes and he ventures from the small kingdom he was raised in out into the wider world. Everything about his relationships are deeply sexual and he is drawn to the well at the World's End. Beautiful book!
5. Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs
Get it at amazon.com
This is not an easy read, but it is definitely one that is amazing. It moves from the literal world into fantasy, from demons to people with mold growing, from anal sex to addicts. It's VERY clearly written and definitely informative. Read it girls!
***
Naked Lunch is a groundbreaking novel by William S. Burroughs that explores controversial and taboo topics such as drug addiction, homosexuality, and surrealism. It was published in 1959 and was met with both praise and criticism for its graphic and unconventional style. The book is considered a major influence on the Beat Generation and has been adapted into a film and a stage production. Despite its challenging content, Naked Lunch has been praised for its social commentary and its examination of the human psyche. It remains a thought-provoking and influential work in literature.
Gallery Spotlight
Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.
Save
6. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Get it at amazon.com
If you haven't seen the movie, read the book first! This is a nightmare vision of the future, where all of the criminals take over after dark. It's told by the main character Alex and it is twisty and dark. I love, love this book!
***
"A Clockwork Orange" is a dystopian novel set in a future where society is overrun by criminals at night. It is narrated by the main character, Alex, and is known for its twisted and dark plot. The book explores themes of free will, morality, and the consequences of government control. It was adapted into a film by Stanley Kubrick in 1971, which received critical acclaim and controversy for its depiction of violence. The book itself has also faced criticism for its use of slang language, created by the author, Anthony Burgess. Despite this, "A Clockwork Orange" remains a cult classic and a must-read for fans of dystopian literature.
7. Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
Get it at amazon.com
You are either going to love it or hate it. You won't understand everything and it is definitely one you will reread a hell of a lot of times, but it is a masterpiece and worth the effort. Try it!
***
Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon is a postmodern novel that has gained a cult following since its publication in 1973. It is known for its complex plot, extensive use of historical references and themes of paranoia, conspiracy, and the effects of war. The novel follows the adventures of a group of characters, including a soldier in World War II, a mathematician, and a rocket scientist, as they navigate through a chaotic and bizarre world. It has been praised for its literary style and its commentary on the human condition. Despite its challenging nature, Gravity's Rainbow has received numerous accolades and is considered a must-read for any avid reader.
8. Godel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter
Get it at amazon.com
This book is very well known, too well-known to really be on this list - it even won a Pulitzer Prize. It's playful, it's weird and there isn't another book like it. It is by far one of the strangest books I've ever read. Its main aim is to use the drawings of M. C. Escher paired with the music of J.S. Bach to illuminate Godel's theorem, which is one of the strangest achievements in history.
9. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Get it at amazon.com
With awesome reviews, this book is a no brained for this list. A salesman turned insect sounds completely out of this world, but it's actually a deeper meaning that you've got to read to understand.
10. The Universal Baseball Association, Inc., J. Henry Waugh, Prop. by Robert Coover
Get it at amazon.com
So, I am not big into baseball or sports in general but this book? You read it and it is so surreal, you read the line: "The dice rattled in Henry's fist, tumbled out on the kitchen table: crack! hard grounder." and suddenly you aren't in the game, you are rolling dice and you are inside the head of the main character, Henry.
11. Curious Reality: from the World of "Spilt Milk" by D.K. Cassidy
Get it at amazon.com
This book is all about fantasy and normalcy, it's all about past deeds. It's a beautiful story and one that you won't be able to put down.
12. Rant by Chuck Palahniuk
Get it at amazon.com
The main character, Buster 'Rant' Casey was the most efficient serial killer. He moves from small town to big city where he becomes the leader of Party Crashing. This amazing mind-bending vision of the future is a true Chuck Palahniuk novel.
***
"Rant" by Chuck Palahniuk is a highly acclaimed novel that has gained a cult following for its unique and mind-bending plot. The book follows the story of Buster 'Rant' Casey, a serial killer who becomes the leader of a group known as Party Crashers in a futuristic city. With its dark and twisted themes, the book has been praised for its commentary on society and the human psyche. It has also been adapted into a film, further cementing its popularity. Available on Amazon, this book is a must-read for fans of Palahniuk's work and those looking for a thought-provoking and unconventional read.
13. The Green Child by Herbert Read
Get it at amazon.com
This book is a mixture of fantasy and reality. It moves from the English countryside all the way to the South American pampas. It is a moving, exciting story that is alive with poetry and still has an other-worldly suspense.
14. A Void by Georges Perec
Get it at amazon.com
I don't know how they wrote this book. I'm being serious. There is not a SINGLE 'e' in this book. It's a murder mystery book without the letter 'e'. How? HOW?
15. The Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow by Opal Whiteley
Get it at amazon.com
You want a weird book? This one is weird and haunting! It was a best-seller in 1920 and it's a childhood diary of a very unusual and strange 6 year old girl. It is open, it has some schizophrenia in it and it is remarkable.
Comments
Desiree: Very interesting suggestions, thank you. By the way, Tran Thi Hong Quyen ( sorry for the missing accents, I don't have those in my computer) Borges is not trivial at all, he is one of the most influential writers in the Spanish language.
USA43V3R: House of Leaves is also a great weird book. :)
Trần: Except Kafka all books are trivial and boost probably only the mind of the author
:
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge