books that’ll make you say “wtf did i just read”

Want summer reading full of absolutely strange and surreal and deranged books?? Me too!

This one’s for my weird girlies out there who want some classic weird literature. These books have everything from extreme cults, to cannibalism, to delusional women, to visceral details… so if that sounds like something you’d enjoy check these out! Other weird lit staples not pictured: Bunny and All’s Well by Mona Awad, Death Valley by Melissa Broder, and Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield.

⚠️ Check the trigger warnings on all of these! Every book pictured either deals with heavy themes or has explicit, gory details ⚠️

Add me on goodreads @ mollyreadz or follow me on ig @ molly.readz if u wanna be book friends <3

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2024/5/9 Edited to

... Read moreOkay, fellow bookworms, let's talk about those reads that stick with you long after the last page – the ones that make you pause, stare into space, and wonder, 'What was that?!' I'm a huge fan of diving into the deep end of literature, and there's something incredibly satisfying about a book that genuinely challenges your perceptions or takes you to a place you never expected. When I'm looking for a truly 'weird' book, I'm often seeking stories that blend genres, question reality, or explore the darker, more unsettling aspects of the human experience. It’s not just about gore (though some of these definitely have it!), but about psychological intensity, surreal narratives, and themes that provoke genuine thought. For example, 'Tender Is the Flesh' completely upended my understanding of dystopia and societal norms, making me confront ethical dilemmas I hadn't considered before. Similarly, books like 'The Virgin Suicides' explore psychological landscapes and the eerie beauty of tragedy, leaving a lingering sense of melancholy and mystery. If you're drawn to 'weird girl literature' or just books that mess with your mind, you probably appreciate narratives that don't shy away from discomfort. Think about stories that delve into extreme cults, like in 'Our Share of Night,' or explore the bizarre, almost dreamlike quality of delusion, as seen in 'One's Company.' These aren't just shock value; they often serve as powerful critiques of society, human nature, or our own deepest fears. 'Organ Meats,' with its unique blend of literary fiction and horror, or 'Cursed Bunny,' with its magical realism and unsettling short stories, are perfect examples of how authors can use the bizarre to illuminate profound truths. For those wanting to dive deeper into this genre, a great approach is to consider what specific 'weird' elements appeal to you. Are you into body horror, like certain aspects of 'Organ Meats'? Or perhaps the philosophical questions posed by a dystopian world, similar to 'Tender Is the Flesh'? Maybe you prefer the slow burn of psychological terror or the unsettling feel of magical realism, as found in 'Lapvona.' Don't forget to always check those trigger warnings – these books can cover very heavy themes, from visceral details to complex discussions of mental health, so it’s good to be prepared. This journey into the unconventional isn't for everyone, but for us 'weird girlies' and anyone looking to truly challenge their thinking, these books are a goldmine. They spark conversation, make you see the world a little differently, and definitely give you something to chew on long after the final chapter. Happy (and disturbing) reading!

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Me's images
Me

this is just my take, but I would not recommend lapvona unless you truly enjoy disturbing topics. for example, it contains subjects like rape, incest, gore, etc. I would not recommend it unless you enjoy such topics. it traumatized me deeply because I was not aware of how disturbing it would be.

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Eleora Flint

Our share of night was one of the most beautiful, thought provoking book you listed. I read it and wish I never finished it truthfully i genuinely wish i could erase my mind and read our share of nights brand new

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