10 Strange Books & the Strange Ways They Were Written

In the vast realm of literature, there exist books that defy convention not only in content but also in the peculiar manners through which they were penned. From unconventional writing materials to bizarre authorial rituals, these ten strange books weave a tapestry of literary eccentricity that captivates the curious reader.

1. “The Codex Seraphinianus” by Luigi Serafini

• Written in an entirely invented script and accompanied by surreal illustrations, this enigmatic encyclopedia perplexes readers with its whimsical language and fantastical depictions. Luigi Serafini’s creation challenges the boundaries of linguistic expression.

2. “If on a winter’s night a traveler” by Italo Calvino

• Calvino’s experimental narrative takes readers on a unique journey, intertwining ten different stories. The author cleverly engages readers by addressing them directly, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

3. “Tree of Codes” by Jonathan Safran Foer

• Crafted by physically carving out words from Bruno Schulz’s “The Street of Crocodiles,” Foer’s “Tree of Codes” presents a narrative through the voids left in the original text. The result is a visually striking and innovative literary sculpture.

4. “Only Revolutions” by Mark Z. Danielewski

• Danielewski’s unconventional approach to narrative structure requires readers to flip the book and read from both ends, creating a simultaneous experience for two characters. This dual perspective challenges traditional storytelling norms.

5. “The Raw Shark Texts” by Steven Hall

• Blending psychological thriller with postmodern narrative, Hall’s novel introduces the concept of “Ludovician sharks,” predatory entities that feed on memories. The book’s unconventional structure mirrors the protagonist’s journey through the depths of his own consciousness.

6. “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski

• A labyrinthine tale both in narrative and physical form, “House of Leaves” includes footnotes, appendices, and text that twists and turns on the page. This complex structure mirrors the disorienting experience of the characters within the story.

7. “The 50-Year Sword” by Mark Z. Danielewski

• Employing a unique storytelling technique, Danielewski’s novella unfolds over five different colored threads, each representing a different character’s perspective. The result is a visually and narratively intricate tapestry.

8. “Hopscotch” by Julio Cortázar

• Cortázar’s groundbreaking work allows readers to choose their own path through the narrative, offering multiple possible orders in which to read the chapters. This innovative approach invites readers to actively engage with the text, creating a personalized reading experience.

9. “Choose Your Own Adventure” series by Various Authors

• Popular in the 1980s and 1990s, these interactive books allowed readers to make choices at key points in the narrative, influencing the story’s outcome. The nonlinear structure added an element of excitement, making each reading a unique adventure.

10. “The Voynich Manuscript”

Perhaps the most mysterious book in history, the Voynich Manuscript is an illustrated codex filled with an unknown script and strange botanical drawings. Its author and purpose remain unknown, adding an air of intrigue to this enigmatic work.