House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
In a nutshell, House of Leaves is a story centered on one man’s discovery that his new family home is larger on the inside than the outside, by one inch. However, via lengthy footnotes, you're exploring the story alongside a troubled tattoo artist whose stories of his own are at times hilarious and at other times, deeply disturbing. The novel is intriguing in its strange and intricate story as well as the way that it experiments with typography and labyrinthine design, which often mimic and mirror the information that it's presenting. It truly is a roller coaster ride of a read.
Rant by Chuck Palahniuk
Told in the form of an oral biography, various characters discuss their memories of Buster "Rant" Casey, who escapes from his small-town home for the big city where he becomes the leader of an urban demolition derby. As memory is subjective, the characters present their stories and recall events in an occasionally conflicting timeline. In classic Palahniuk style, this book has it all - originality, action, gore, intrigue, a sick sense of humour, and a story that you'll never forget. I've read many books by Palahniuk and this one has always been my favourite!
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
Narrated by 15 different characters, Faulkner tells the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her poor, rural family's quest and individual motivations to honour her wish to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. The story presents 15 different points of view with each chapter narrated by a single character. Clearly, I'm a huge fan of writing with non-traditional and odd formatting but the way that Faulkner explores the complex themes of family as liberating vs family as destructive and constraining is frustratingly brilliant.
Xmas, Jamaica Plain by Melanie Rae Thon
Xmas, Jamaica Plain is a short story about a couple of substance addicted homeless teenagers who have no place to keep warm during Christmas. So as not to freeze, they break into a house whose owners appear to be away on holiday. I have read and reread this story countless times and every single time, I'm struck with awe by the intensity of the story but also by the romantic simplicity in the way that Thon wove the story. It's absolutely hauntingly beautiful.
Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue
Taking place in late-18th century London, the story is loosely based on the account of 16-year-old Mary Saunders who, motivated by her longing for "fine clothes," finds herself seduced into a life on the cold, dangerous streets. She is soon taken in by a successful prostitute who teaches her the tricks of the trade. Donoghue writes such a beautifully gripping story that slowly increases in tension throughout the entirety of the book. Her attention to detail is impeccable and evocative.
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