these books will have you saying WTF

2024/4/5 Edited to

... Read moreIf you're into unconventional romance stories that defy norms, the 'unhinged' genre offers a wild ride. For instance, 'Kissing the Coronavirus' blends a lab setting with a forbidden romance in a unique way, reflecting how today's world inspires extraordinary storytelling. Another standout is 'Stuffed by the Were-Turkey,' which mixes paranormal elements with playful food-themed romance that's surprisingly entertaining. One of the more talked-about themes involves shifter romance, where characters might be anything from a protective door to a living pillow, as seen in works by authors like Vera Valentine and Sylvia Morrow. These imaginative setups lend a surreal, sometimes hilarious edge that keeps readers hooked. I especially appreciate how these books push boundaries with creative plots and character dynamics, offering readers an escape into bizarre yet compelling worlds. Whether you're a fan of twisted thriller vibes or dark, romantic fantasies, these unhinged books provide a diverse and unforgettable reading experience. If you're looking for something truly out-of-the-box, embracing these recommendations could open you to some of the most unforgettable stories around.

43 comments

linawithluv's images
linawithluv

these kinds of books (and covers) just make me realize that even i can write whatever i please and literally publish it 💀😭

Jen's images
Jen

I wish I was the person I was ten seconds ago before I read these titles

See more(2)

See more comments

Related posts

A bookshelf filled with various books, with the text overlay 'MIND F*CKING BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ', highlighting the article's theme of thrilling, mind-bending reads.
The cover of 'Wrong Place Wrong Time' by Gillian McAllister, a New York Times Bestseller, featuring a house at sunset, recommended as a mind-bending thriller.
The cover of 'A Head Full of Ghosts' by Paul Tremblay, a novel praised by Stephen King, presented as a book that will mess with your head.
6 books that mess with your head 📚🤯
You think you know what’s going on? Oh, that’s cute ☺️ These books will totally mess with your head 🫣 like a “wtf is going on” is around every corner. I love a page turning, mind f*cking thriller book 😩🩷 What’s your favorite mind bending book?? - #thrillerbookrecommendations #lemon8book
carmen 📚

carmen 📚

6749 likes

Two people are seated at a pink outdoor table, one eating and the other reading a book. The image is overlaid with yellow text stating, 'THESE BOOK WILL DESTROY OVERTHINKING,' illustrating the article's theme of using books to combat overthinking.
The book 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Tolle is displayed, with text highlighting its benefits for inner peace, spiritual awakening, and living in the present moment. It's described as mind-blowing and helpful for understanding overthinking.
The book 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' by David D. Burns is shown, with overlaid text emphasizing its cognitive power, positive shifts, helpful techniques, and mood-boosting effects, likening it to a personal therapist.
These books will destroy OVERTHINKING
My brain used to be a non-stop drama queen, overthinking EVERYTHING 😩 But girl, I was DONE 🙅‍♀️ Done with the anxiety, the sleepless nights, and the constant feeling of being on edge. I knew I deserved better – we all do! ✨ So, I embarked on a self-care journey, and that's when I stumbled upon
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

1652 likes

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 sou
(☆Boo𝙺diaries(☆

(☆Boo𝙺diaries(☆

3422 likes

A stack of six books, with a white text box overlay stating, "Six books so f*cking clever, I just stared at the wall in silence." This image introduces a collection of highly recommended thriller books.
The book "Jar of Hearts" by Jennifer Hillier, featuring a blue eye and pink petals on the cover. A text overlay reads, "I wasn't sure whether to scream or cry. Damn this book. Well done."
The book "The Good Daughter" by Karin Slaughter, with a cover showing a girl in a field under a cloudy sky. A text overlay states, "Just about every single chapter had me whispering, 'oh, no.'"
Books that STUNNED me
I loved how these books left my jaw on the floor! #thrillerbooktok #thrillerbooks #crimefiction #bookrecs📚 #bookrecommendation
Thriller Book Recs 2025

Thriller Book Recs 2025

1468 likes

A dark, cozy library interior with bookshelves and armchairs. Overlayed text reads '5 BOOKS TO MAKE YOU A MIND READER' with a brain emoji and eye emojis. The Lemon8 logo and username '@meredithjao' are in the bottom left corner.
The book cover for 'Predictably Irrational' by Dan Ariely, featuring a gumball machine. Text highlights 'Hidden biases,' 'Emotional decisions,' 'Predictable irrationality,' and a 'Rating 4.12/5.' The background is a white textured fabric.
The book cover for 'What Every Body Is Saying' by Joe Navarro. Text highlights 'Hidden Signals,' 'Interview Techniques,' 'Body Language Leaks,' and a 'Rating 4/5.' The background is a white textured fabric.
5 books to make you a mind reader
5 books that helped me understand others WAY better 🧠👀 You know that feeling when you just can't tell if someone's being genuine? Ugh! These books helped me decode people like magic (well, almost) Turns out, there's SO much we can learn about people by just paying attention! From the
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

3783 likes

A collection of books titled 'weird books for weird girls' on a fluffy brown surface. Titles visible include 'The Virgin Suicides', 'Tender Is the Flesh', 'Organ Meats', 'One's Company', 'The Only Good Indians', and 'Our Share of Night'.
The book 'Cursed Bunny' by Bora Chung, a collection of short stories, is shown with summaries describing it as blurring magical realism, horror, and science fiction, featuring a dystopian gynecology office and a cursed rabbit lamp. It is 256 pages.
The book 'Lapvona' by Ottessa Moshfegh, a novel, is displayed with summaries about a motherless shepherd boy in a medieval fiefdom facing occult forces. It is categorized as horror, historical fiction, and magical realism, with 320 pages.
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 l
molly

molly

9745 likes

✨🤓📚This Trilogy Will Have You Going WTF!!?! 📖😭✨
If you’re looking for books that will absolutely mess with your mind… buckle up, because these are WILD. As a licensed therapist, it’s strange to say that I’ve encountered clients with stories eerily similar to these. The human mind is complex, disturbing, and sometimes… downright terrifying. 📖
Margarita

Margarita

979 likes

Books that even scared Stephen King
These scary books even terrified Stephen King and other famous authors. With that kind of endorsement, why wouldn’t you add them to your TBR? Some great horror books and dark thriller reads in this must-read list of book recs! #horrorbookrecommendations #scarybooks #booksoflemon8 #booktok
Scary Book Recs

Scary Book Recs

1847 likes

A display of three self-help books: 'Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before,' 'Find Your People,' and 'Badass Habits,' with text overlay 'Books that will: Turn your Life Around Seriously!' on a pink background.
A hand holds 'The Book of Boundaries' by Melissa Urban, a New York Times Bestseller, in a bookstore aisle. Text overlay states it offers scenarios and suggested responses.
A hand holds 'Badass Habits' by Jen Sincero, a book about cultivating confidence and upgrading life, in a bookstore aisle. Text overlay describes it as talking like a real friend.
Books that will turn your life around! 🫶🌸✨
These books have helped me turn my life around for the better and become a MUCH better version of myself! I want to share these finds with yall because no matter who you are or what stage of life you are at, these books WILL help you on that journey! TRUST ME! #bookfinds #BookReviews #st
RittenhouseArt

RittenhouseArt

2076 likes

A book open on a plaid blanket with a stick of butter as a bookmark, featuring the title "MUST HAVE BOOKS TO LEARN MANIPULATION," suggesting a list of books on the topic.
The book "The Art of Seduction" by Robert Greene, described as fascinating for understanding psychological attraction, with a warning that it can feel manipulative and should be read with caution.
The book "DARK psychology secrets" by Robert Dweck and Dan Proctor, highlighted as a scary but essential read for understanding manipulation, gaslighting, and control, to help identify toxic people.
Must have books to learn manipulation
I’ll be real—before reading these books, I thought manipulation was just something villains did in movies. Turns out, we’re ALL being manipulated daily, whether it’s by ads, politicians, or even our own friends (yikes) 😬 After reading these, I felt lowkey enlightened and slightly paranoid 🤯 But
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

2883 likes

Books I couldn’t put down📚🖤
These 4 books had me in a chokehold from start to finish! If you love getting emotionally wrecked, staying up way too late, and saying “just one more chapter”then this is your sign to start one of these books🤭📚❤️ #kindleunlimitedrecs #bookrecommendations #fantasybooks #lemon8bookclub #book
Sage|INHC

Sage|INHC

280 likes

Books I’d be forced to read in H3LL
For one reason or another, these books are synonymous with my own personal h3ll lmaoo…. That’s not to say they’re bad books, some of them are included because of HOW effective they are in their storytelling. What books would be torture to read again for you? - #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challen
carmen 📚

carmen 📚

7987 likes

books that make you feel something>>
Her Pretty Words 💙 ➡️ Enemies to lovers • Reverse grumpy sunshine • Forced Proximity • Small town • He falls first (and harder) • He is obsessed with her • Plot twist The Moment Promised🩷 ➡️Childhood friends to lovers • Summer fling • He falls first (and harder) • Small town • Found family • O
Amber Evergreen 📚

Amber Evergreen 📚

418 likes

I successfully wrote two books,and you can too!
Happy writing, my friends.💖 #indieauthor #howtowriteanovel #indieauthor #booktok #writingabook
Amber Evergreen 📚

Amber Evergreen 📚

316 likes

A person views a framed painting in a museum, with the overlay text "4 BOOKS TO BE A HIGH VALUE WOMEN" in bold red and white, introducing a list of empowering reads.
The book "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle is displayed, highlighted for promoting inner knowing, self-trust, courage, and authenticity, described as an awakening for breaking free from expectations.
The book "THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION" by Brené Brown is shown, emphasizing self-compassion, vulnerability, worthiness, and wholeheartedness, offering permission to embrace imperfection.
4 books to be a high value women
Hey ladies! 💘 Want to know a secret weapon in my self-discovery journey? Books 📚 Not just any books, but ones that challenge my thoughts, push me out of my comfort zone, ad make me see the world - and myself - in a new light. These pages have become my mentors, my confidants, my cheerleaders.
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

1194 likes

A stack of witchcraft books, including 'Plant-Based Magic' and 'Brownies & Bogles,' on a wooden surface. A note reads, 'The Witchcraft books I can't put down right now.'
The book 'Brownies & Bogles: A Compendium of Enchanting Fairy Lore' by Louise Imogen Guiney. It is described as a Victorian gem of poetry and short stories about fair folk.
The book 'A Floral Grimoire: Plant Charms, Spells, Recipes, and Rituals' by Patricia Telesco. It is a collection of spells for things one can forage and garden.
Witchy books I’m loving
I haven’t been able to put these down lately. I will have as many in my showcase as possible. Brownies & Bogles. A Compendium of Enchanting Fairy Lore by Louise Imogen Guiney available from @Crossed Crow Books A collection of poetry and short stories about fair folk. Written in 1888, it’s a
LizzieAndTheBats

LizzieAndTheBats

426 likes

6 books that mess with your head 📚🤯
You think you know what's going on? Oh, that's cute ☺️ These books will totally mess with your head a "wtf is going on" is around every corner. I love a page turning, mind f*cking thriller book 😮‍💨💓 What's your favorite mind bending book?? #thrillerbookrecommendations
Prophetess Alisa Elias

Prophetess Alisa Elias

559 likes

A stack of six books with plain white covers, accompanied by text stating they are "so clever" they made the reader wander for an hour.
The book cover for Shari Lapena's "She Didn't See It Coming," with a review describing it as a quietly dread-building thriller that leaves the reader breathless.
The book cover for Charlie Donlea's "Guess Again," featuring a review praising its deep, dark, and relentless plot that grips the reader from the start.
Oh, these books!!!
Here are some unputdownable clever thriller books that were soooo good! #suspensebooks #thrillerbooks #crimefiction #mysterybook #bookrecommendation
Great Thriller Reads

Great Thriller Reads

421 likes

books I wish I could read again for the first time 🤎
#emergingcreator #booktok #readersoflemon8 #bookrecomendations #lemon8challenge the stories that stuck with me most 🥹 some may be shocking but I truly love each of these! what books have stood out to you? (might TBR might need them 🫣)
The Bookish Brunette

The Bookish Brunette

160 likes

This image features three masked figures wearing hats with antlers, set against a blurry background. Overlay text reads, "8 books so brilliantly F*CKING WILD I shut them gently, as if handling a loaded gun," with a Lemon8 logo and username.
This image displays book covers for "Girl in a Rabbit Hole" and "Tender is the Flesh" against an antler background. Text below describes "Girl in a Rabbit Hole" as "crazy-good" and "Tender is the Flesh" as "grotesque, and kind of genius."
This image shows book covers for "The One" by John Marrs and "Recursion" by Blake Crouch, set against an antler background. Accompanying text praises "The One" as instantly hooking and "Recursion" as being like "Inception on m*th."
Books so brilliantly wild
These book recommendations will blow your mind!!! #mustreadbooks #booktok #bookrecs📚 #mustread #books
Thriller Book Recs 2025

Thriller Book Recs 2025

39 likes

jaw dropping books ✨
These were books I remember saying OMG while reading for many different reasons! *hold screen to pause to read and save for later 💖💖 I loved them all but check TW! Books mentioned— 💙Divine rivals by @beccajross (YA fantasy) 💚Nora goes off script (closed door romance) 💜Come morning light
Jules ✿

Jules ✿

82 likes

Wtf books I loved
These books are weird, wild, cool and totally unputdownable!!! #bookrecommendation #booktok #bookrecs #bookrecs📚 #books
Great Thriller Reads

Great Thriller Reads

33 likes

Red flags we only accept in books
like “you’re mine”? girl what do you mean bye-💀I think if a man said “you’re mine” I’d either be icked out or like hell yea 😭 #lemon8bookchallenge #lemon8bookclub #spiciestbooks #booktok #bookrecs
Readers.archive

Readers.archive

1466 likes

5 Books To Become That Girl
These are some of my favorite self help books that have truly inspired some major changes in my life. To reach your highest potential, you have to improve every aspect of your life- self confidence, discipline, the art of setting boundaries, communication and most importantly... Being comfortabl
megs💝

megs💝

771 likes

Great books or guilty pleasures?
These books make some people feel guilty about loving them. Whether it’s a twisty psychological thriller, a scary horror book, or a dark thriller book, these must-reads have controversial elements that make them even harder to put down. What books did I forget to mention? #thrillerbooks #d
Great Thriller Books

Great Thriller Books

675 likes

A collage of thriller and suspense book covers, including 'Beautiful Ugly,' 'Keep It In The Family,' 'The Family Upstairs,' and 'Home Before Dark,' with the title '7 Thrillers & Suspense Books To Read On Your Next Trip.'
A person holds Alice Feeney's 'Beautiful Ugly' book, featuring a stormy sea cover. Text describes the plot: a man searches for his missing wife on a remote island where nothing feels right.
A hand holds John Marrs' 'Keep It In The Family' book, showing a dark staircase on the cover. Text summarizes the plot: a couple renovating their new home uncovers disturbing secrets.
Thriller and Suspense Books For Your Next Trip!
If you’re looking for thriller book recommendations that will keep you hooked on your next trip, these suspense books seriously deliver. From fast-paced psychological thrillers to slower creepy mysteries with huge plot twists, every single one of these had me saying “just one more chapter” before b
Khadija | Solo Traveler

Khadija | Solo Traveler

111 likes

Books that altered my brain chemistry
These are book must reads and all of these books have made me cry. The perfect books to bundle up with and cry your eyes out. #emotionalbooks #booktok #bookrecommendation #booksoflemon8 #bookrecs
Fatuma’s 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕜

Fatuma’s 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕜

91 likes

6 scary books their authors regret writing
These scary books were big hits with readers. But their authors had second thoughts. Most are still great horror book recommendations and dark thriller book recs in the opinions of many. But maybe not all. What are your thoughts? #scarybooks #disturbingbooks #booksoflemon8 #booktok #hor
Thriller Book Recs 2025

Thriller Book Recs 2025

227 likes

Books That Made My Summer Unforgettable ☀️📚
☀️📚 If your idea of a perfect summer day includes a pool chair, an iced coffee, and a thriller that completely wrecks your plans… this list is for you. These books had me saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it was 2 AM. 🖤 The Silent Patient 🖤 The Last Mrs. Parrish 🖤 Local Woman Mi
Julie Jones

Julie Jones

11 likes

A hand with light blue nail polish and a ring holds an open book by Amber Evergreen, titled "Her Pretty Words." Overlay text reads "Books with plot twists I never saw coming," highlighting the book's engaging narrative.
The cover of "Her Pretty Words" by Amber Evergreen is displayed, surrounded by text describing romance tropes like "enemies to lovers," "plot twists," "he falls first," "reverse grumpy sunshine," "banter galore," "dual POV," and "small town."
A hand holds the cover of "The Moment Promised" by Amber Evergreen. Text around the book highlights romance tropes such as "he falls first," "one bed," "banter galore," "plot twists," and "childhood friends to lovers."
These books are soooo good
#📚books #romancebooks #booklemon8 #booktok #romancebookrecs
Amber Evergreen 📚

Amber Evergreen 📚

82 likes

A person holds an open book titled 'The Seven Year Slip' by Ashley Poston. The image has text overlay 'BOOKS VS my expectations' and features the Lemon8 logo with user handles.
A person holds an open book, with five book covers overlaid, representing 'books that met my expectations'. Titles include 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' and 'Alchemy of Secrets'.
A person holds an open book, with five book covers overlaid, representing 'books on my TBR that I have high hopes for'. Titles include 'For the Record' and 'An Introvert's Guide to Life and Love'.
♡ books that... ♡
i've been seeing this cute little trend everywhere & i'm OBSESSED 🤩 it was way too much fun, something about putting books into these categories scratches a very specific itch in my brain 😂 💕 books that met my expectations 💕 i knew i’d love these ones & they delivered exactly wh
megs💝

megs💝

9 likes

A person holds an open book titled 'LEGENDS & LATTES' on a beach, with their feet visible in the sand. The text 'READ THIS AND OUTSMART ANYONE' is overlaid, suggesting the book's theme of gaining an intellectual edge.
A book cover for 'The Art of Thinking Clearly' by Rolf Dobelli is displayed, highlighted as an international bestseller. Surrounding text emphasizes its benefits for avoiding dumb decisions, seeing through misinformation, and unlocking brain efficiency.
The book cover for 'Never Split the Difference' by Chris Voss is shown, noted for over 2 million copies sold. Accompanying text promotes its ability to teach psychological tricks, boost confidence, and improve negotiation skills to help readers speak and win.
Outsmart anyone with these books 🧠✨
Not to be dramatic, but these books actually changed how I think. I used to just go with the flow in conversations, decisions, and negotiations—until I realized… people who think faster, read between the lines, and play the long game ALWAYS win. I picked up these books because I wanted to make b
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

218 likes

A stack of popular books including titles by Colleen Hoover, Hannah Grace, and Monica Murphy, with text overlay "Popular Books That I will Never Read" indicating the article's theme.
The book cover for "Icebreaker" by Hannah Grace, featuring an ice skater and a hockey player, with text overlay "I don't like smut." explaining why the user won't read it.
Multiple books from the "Off-Campus" series by Elle Kennedy, including "The Goal," "The Score," "The Take," and "The Deal," with text overlay "Not interested."
Popular Books I will NEVER Read
This might be a little controversial but… I will never read these books. No hate to anyone who likes these books, this is just my opinion and you can have yours! 😊 ❣️Icebreaker by Hannah Grace I don’t like smut in my books so that’s kind of a deal breaker for this. ❣️Off-Campus Series by E
Hannah 🧡

Hannah 🧡

1409 likes

Must-Watch WTF? Movies ⁉️
1. I’m Thinking of Ending Things, 2020 ⭐️Rate: 8/10 🎬Review: Usually I recommend people to not watch or read reviews, just enjoy the film in their own way. This one, though, is better if you are well prepared for it. It's a twohour fifteen minute film that requires another twenty minutes for
Emma Taylor

Emma Taylor

1141 likes

4 Books That Will Change Your Life… 🤍
Here are 4 non-fiction books that I have read that changed my life and I hope will change your life too! These books all approach different aspects of life that I needed help on and I think can benefit other people. - I Will Teach You To Be Rich: This book specifically helps people get a handle
Alex Davis

Alex Davis

205 likes

A woman smiles while holding a cup, sitting on a yellow couch in a cozy room with bookshelves. Text overlay reads "BOOKS TO BE HIS DREAM GIRL Or you just gotta be a better version of yourself, a high value women EVERYDA."
The book cover for "UNTAMED GLENNON DOYLE" is prominently displayed in a room with bookshelves. Text highlights it as "Raw," "Soul-stirring," "Liberating," and a "Must-read" for breaking free from expectations.
The book cover for "YEAR OF YES SHONDA RHIMES" is on a table with drinks. Text describes it as a "hilarious and inspiring reminder to say YES to opportunities," highlighting it as "Adventurous," "Motivating," and "Eye-opening."
Books to be a high value woman
Ladies, ever felt like you were chasing a mirage of “perfection”? 🙋🏻‍♀️ I sure did. I hustled, I strived, I tried to cram myself into a mold that wasn't even *mine*. It was a recipe for burnout, not brilliance. Then, a few books told a different story. They weren't about being flawless o
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

153 likes

Dark books you should definitely read
I highly recommend these dark thriller books. So damn good! #thrillerbooks #crimefiction #thrillerbooktok #mysterybooks #crimebooks
Thriller Book Recs 2025

Thriller Book Recs 2025

1 like

An overhead shot of a person's legs in jeans and slippers, holding multiple takeaway drinks, with the title "Books everyone needs to Read in my personal opinion" overlaid.
A hand holds John Green's "Turtles All the Way Down" book, featuring an orange and white cover with swirling text and a 20% off sticker. The text praises its portrayal of anxiety and invasive thoughts.
A hand holds Holly Jackson's "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder," featuring a cover with torn paper and red string. The accompanying text describes it as a thrilling mystery with an insane plot twist and a cute love story.
Books Everyone Needs to Read (IMO) 🫶
Truly the greatest books I have ever read. #johngreen #johngreenbooks #book #bookrecommendations #goodreads #yabooks #crimebooks #youngadultbooks #trending #nicholassparks
amberleelively

amberleelively

701 likes

A sepia-toned image of a person wearing glasses with the overlay text '6 books so damn dark, I almost don't want to tell anyone about them'. A Lemon8 watermark is visible at the bottom left.
The book cover for 'The Perfect Child' by Lucinda Berry, featuring a hand holding a pink balloon, overlaid on a sepia background. Text describes a six-year-old dismantling her adoptive mother's life.
The book cover for 'The Butcher's Wife' by J. Law, showing a silhouette on a hill, overlaid on a sepia background. Text describes a woman hiring a PI to investigate her husband, uncovering something worse than murder.
Dark books I really enjoyed
I wholeheartedly recommend these if you love dark thriller books like I do! #booktok #mustread #crimefiction #thrillerbook #thrillerbooktok
Great Thriller Books

Great Thriller Books

22 likes

Books scared Stephen King…
These aren’t just scary stories—they’re nightmare fuel that left even Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, and George R.R. Martin seriously shaken. If you're hunting for horror books that are actually terrifying, add these spine-chilling reads to your TBR. Perfect for fans of psychological horror, book
Great Thriller Reads

Great Thriller Reads

223 likes

See more