(Some of) The weirdest books I’ve ever read
Hiya readers! Do y’all ever get reader’s block? Like, you *want* to read and then every book you open just doesn’t do it for you. Ya know what I mean??? I could probably write a whole essay on ways to get over your reading slump, but I’ll settle with telling you my favorite way. Go to the library and find a weird book that you would never read. Seriously, if you normally read historical fiction or contemporary romance, go find a sci-fi book with a strange cover by an author you’ve never heard of and jump in head first. A lot of the time you’re in a rut because you’ve been reading a lot of books in the same genre, so if you start something you’re not used to it might grab your attention. I highly suggest the library because if you don’t like your random reading slump remedy, at least it didn’t cost you anything. Now that I’ve given you free advice that you didn’t ask for, here’s a list of some of the weird books you can try.
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
This is hands down the weirdest book I have ever read. No competition. It’s like historical fiction (emphasis on the fiction), but full of farce and fantasy. I was talking about this book for months after I read it. So. Weird. High probability of ending a reading slump. I’m not even giving you a synopsis, you should go in with zero expectations like I did and just let yourself be surprised on every page.
The Illuminae Files by Amy Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
This one isn’t weird because of the plot, but it is weird in terms of unconventional story telling. The book is told through various formats like intercepted messages or narrations of security camera footage. It’s a YA sci-fi novel set in space and the cast of characters is great! Also, another tip for reading slump recovery: try audiobooks – especially this one! It’s narrated by a full cast, and it is top notch.
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Ok. Groundhog Day meets Freaky Friday meets The Great Gatsby meets Agatha Christie. Does it sound weird? This one was a HEAD SCRATCHER. You know in mysteries when someone gets obsessed with solving a crime and they tack pictures and newspaper articles on the wall with red strings going everywhere? That was basically me while reading this book. And to be totally honest the ending threw me for such a loop that I had to really debate with myself if I even liked it. Which I think means it was at the very least an engaging book.
Lastly, and this is kind of a cop out, but literally anything by Blake Crouch. Every one of his books will have you thinking “WHAT IS GOING ON?!” The one I always recommend is Dark Matter, but that’s only because it’s the first book of his that I read. Seriously, all of them are slump busters.
I hope that if you are experiencing reader’s block this list helps you out of it!
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.