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.
Oh yes, ye old Illuminatis Trilogy. It’s been over 35 years since I read it and it twisted my young brain up, set me up for life of weirdness.
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
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.
I keep an eye out for cheap copies, and then just give them to people. Besides my personal hardcover, I’ve probably bought and given away 10 copies over the years
Hail Eris!