17-06-2025
Nine Weird And Wonderful Books That Are Hard To Put Down
Recently, u/Interesting_Win_2154 asked the good folks over at r/suggestmeabook for a book that's "too weird to explain and too good to put down," so we thought we'd share some of the suggestions.
Sharkheart by Emily Habeck
"Newlyweds navigate marriage and that the husband is turning into a great white shark."–seb2433"I'm reading Sharkheart right now. The premise sounds very strange but is somehow wholly believable in the pages of the book."–rivalsportsstats
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
"A woman becomes the caretaker of her friend's stepkids. The kids catch on fire when they're upset."–seb2433
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
"200ish pages, though it's the first in a completed series. Weird, Lovecraftian, eerie, and confusing. It's told from the perspective of an unnamed biologist as she joins an expedition into an area that's been cordoned off from the rest of the world by the government due to the strange phenomena that occur within it's borders. She's a withholding narrator, often alluding to things but only providing details later, if at all, deeply introverted to the point of being misanthropic. It's heavily implied that her perception/mental state and that of the other characters around her are altered by the effects of the area they're exploring. Very vivid descriptions of nature and violence alike."–sivez97
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
"Best possible answer to this request. Such a weird and wonderful book."–backcountry_knitterBrief description: This dark fantasy novel follows Carolyn, a seemingly normal human who was 'adopted', alongside a dozen other children, and raised by a mysterious powerful figure, who has abilities and knowledge beyond this world.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
"Just finished this and wow! Very weird and thought provoking. On the shorter side too!"–Agreeable-Panda-8922Brief description: This haunting novel is centred around a woman who's decision to stop eating meat spirals into a nightmarish trial of subjugation and suffering at the hands and minds of those around her.
The Hike by Drew Magery
"It's about a man who goes on a hike and an existential journey."–Cerrida82"Coming here for this! It's an absolute roller coaster ride of a book that leaves you wondering what that hell did you just read."–mintbrownie
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
"l read it all in one day and then all I could do was stare at the wall and ruminate on the very weird vibes it gave me, I will never read it again, but I am glad I read it."–SuspiciousSide8859Brief description: This unsettling but thought-provoking novel follows Natsuki, whose childhood was far from normal. When she is older, the 'regular' life that she lives is threatened by the secrets and dark memories of her past, and she must take actions to continue surviving.
Geek Love
"I'm here to beg OP to read this – I love to recommend this, but only when someone really is seeking the weird."–Foreign_End_3065Brief description: This is the bizarre tale of a family/travelling circus who've set out to breed their own exhibit of human oddities. As they travel around the U.S, they're met with varying attitudes and responses.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula le Guin
"I would say The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula le Guin ticks all your boxes."–CurlsandCream"That book should tick everyone's boxes."–jtr99Brief description: This science fiction novel tells the story of a lone emissary who is sent to the alien world of Winter in order to aid the world's inclusion into the growing intergalactic civilisation.
H/T to u/Interesting_Win_2154 and r/suggestmeabook for having the discussion!
Any of your own recommendations fit the bill? Let us know in the comments below!
