What was the most unusual (for you) book you ever read? Either because the book itself was completely from out in left field somewhere, or was a genre you never read… what was furthest outside your usual comfort zone/familiar territory?
The book furthest from my familiar territory was probably The Reincarnationist, by M. J. Rose. I just don't usually read suspense novels, mysteries or thrillers (this one seemed to have elements of all three) and I certainly found out that the hunch I always had of disliking these kinds of books was true. I did not enjoy it. The writing style, the pace of the story, anything. I had to force myself to finish it. Put it aside with relief, and I doubt I will be convinced to read a similar book in a long, long time.
The absolutely strangest book I've ever picked up was Pincher Martin by William Golding. In high school Lord of the Flies was required reading, and I liked it so much I always wanted to try more of Golding's works. I'd never heard of Pincher Martin before, but found a paperback copy at the Book Thing one day. It's a book about a man stranded on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean. There's nothing to eat, no fresh water, no shelter. For pages and pages he struggles to survive on the spray-soaked rocks, his body ravaged by the elements, starvation and sickness. The description of the landscape and Martin's actions was so weird most of the time I could not tell what was going on. It got so confusing I skipped the middle and read the end, to figure out what happened. That did not make any sense either. So really I don't know if this one counts; I did not understand the book, and did not read the entire thing. It was really bizarre. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?
Nope, I've never read it, but sure don't want to! Happy BTT!
ReplyDeleteYes, Pincher Martin is one of those books that take a lot of figuring out (and you really need to read the middle). But then when you've got it figured out, you ask yourself why you wasted all that time figuring!
ReplyDeleteSounds like I need to go back and read it again. I'm not so sure I want to. Would you say it's worth the effort?
ReplyDeleteI have never either book. I know about Lord of the Flies though. The other book sounds strange.
ReplyDeleteI liked Lord of the Flies in school, even better the second time I read it because I didn't have to do character sketches or essays on it. I've never looked into more works by him though. If I ever do though I'll be sure to skip it. My BTT is up.
ReplyDeleteI've never read it, although I've always meant to read more Golding.
ReplyDelete"The Road." I don't read science fiction, and have never read anything that disturbing before. But it has somehow stuck with me and for months after I finished the book, I was obsessed with finding out more. I highly recommend it.
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