Let’s discuss unique books. What is the first one that comes to your mind? The uniqueness can be about the book’s plot, structure, ideas, themes, topics etc.

For me such a book is Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. It’s been a while since I’ve read it but I remember how mindblowing it was for me. Every time I thought it couldn’t surprise me more, it actually did. There’s a bit of everything there: peculiar characters, a substance called ice-nine that can freeze water on contact (as humans are around 60% water, it can instantly kill them), a fictional religion called Bokononism based on the idea that human life has no absolute truth or meaning, a tiny island nation with its own bizarre world. All of these come together to show us a satire of the absurdity of humanity.

As for a unique book structure, I have to say it’s Cain’s Jawbone by Edward Mathers. It’s a kind of puzzle book where pages are not in order and you need to arrange them in order to guess whodunnit. I haven’t finished this one yet but it’s a cool challenge.

  • agamemnonymous@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    15 天前

    It’s the only book I’ve read more than once, and I’ve read it at least 3 times. Sometimes I’ll flip to a random page as a form of divination

    • EntheoNaut@lemmy.ml
      4·
      15 天前

      I read twice in my twenties and my copy was completely trashed as I’d loan it to friends often. The last time I loaned it out was not returned before I left town.

      I may need to read it again soon, probably buy a copy. I’ve been using the library for my reads the last few years and now I only buy books tht I know for sure I plan a reread.

      Just this week got used copies of Embassytown and Lord of Light so I wouldn’t need to check them out again.