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Started By
Message
House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski
Posted on 11/12/15 at 6:50 am
Posted on 11/12/15 at 6:50 am
Started reading this book yesterday, so i'm barely into it. It takes me a while to read books, because i usually read just before bed, and i end up falling asleep while i'm reading.
But, is this book worth the effort? I'm looking for a good horror or psychological thriller type novel. I've been having it on my shelf for a couple years and haven't cracked it because i don't want to waste that much effort on a book that turns out to be convoluted and unsatisfying.
I've read several reviews of the book. Some that state that it is "life changing" and "epic" but that sounds sort of pretentious to me. I've also read reviews where people have said it's exhausting, aggravating, the writing style is pretentious, and that one of the 2 story lines in the book is so boring and nonsensical it distracts from the other somewhat interesting story line. Goes on about all the unnecessary footnotes, many of which reference to books or novels that don't exist, and unnecessary bolding/underlining/italicising of random words to make you think it supposed to mean something but actually doesn't.
So, would you recommend it?
I'm not a "deep" reader. I don't read Tolstoy or Vonnegut. I don't read "the classics". I read for entertainment. I really enjoy historical fiction. Some books I've read that i enjoy.
Tom Clancy books
Eye of the Needle by Ken Follet
Camel Club series by David Baldacci
Child 44
The Yard
Dead of Night (and a few other Jonathan Maberry books)
Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters
Fool by Christopher Moore
But, is this book worth the effort? I'm looking for a good horror or psychological thriller type novel. I've been having it on my shelf for a couple years and haven't cracked it because i don't want to waste that much effort on a book that turns out to be convoluted and unsatisfying.
I've read several reviews of the book. Some that state that it is "life changing" and "epic" but that sounds sort of pretentious to me. I've also read reviews where people have said it's exhausting, aggravating, the writing style is pretentious, and that one of the 2 story lines in the book is so boring and nonsensical it distracts from the other somewhat interesting story line. Goes on about all the unnecessary footnotes, many of which reference to books or novels that don't exist, and unnecessary bolding/underlining/italicising of random words to make you think it supposed to mean something but actually doesn't.
So, would you recommend it?
I'm not a "deep" reader. I don't read Tolstoy or Vonnegut. I don't read "the classics". I read for entertainment. I really enjoy historical fiction. Some books I've read that i enjoy.
Tom Clancy books
Eye of the Needle by Ken Follet
Camel Club series by David Baldacci
Child 44
The Yard
Dead of Night (and a few other Jonathan Maberry books)
Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters
Fool by Christopher Moore
4
Posted on 11/12/15 at 7:40 am to BugAC
quote:
Started reading this book yesterday, so i'm barely into it. It takes me a while to read books, because i usually read just before bed, and i end up falling asleep while i'm reading.
You'll read this one fast. It goes by quickly.
quote:
But, is this book worth the effort? I'm looking for a good horror or psychological thriller type novel. I've been having it on my shelf for a couple years and haven't cracked it because i don't want to waste that much effort on a book that turns out to be convoluted and unsatisfying.
quote:
I'm not a "deep" reader. I don't read Tolstoy or Vonnegut. I don't read "the classics". I read for entertainment. I really enjoy historical fiction. Some books I've read that i enjoy.
Tom Clancy books
Eye of the Needle by Ken Follet
Camel Club series by David Baldacci
Child 44
The Yard
Dead of Night (and a few other Jonathan Maberry books)
Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters
Fool by Christopher Moore
It's way out of the realm of your normal reads. If you haven't thumbed through the pages, be prepared. It's super different from a straight story.
quote:
I've read several reviews of the book. Some that state that it is "life changing" and "epic" but that sounds sort of pretentious to me. I've also read reviews where people have said it's exhausting, aggravating, the writing style is pretentious, and that one of the 2 story lines in the book is so boring and nonsensical it distracts from the other somewhat interesting story line. Goes on about all the unnecessary footnotes, many of which reference to books or novels that don't exist, and unnecessary bolding/underlining/italicising of random words to make you think it supposed to mean something but actually doesn't.
So, would you recommend it?
I mean, everyone has their own tastes, so that's tough to determine especially with a book as different as it was. I read for numerous reasons and it wasn't anything like I had ever read before. If you're open to a different type of experience, then yeah, there's a good chance you'll enjoy it. But if you don't start getting "how" to read it, it can be extremely overwhelming.
All of the things that happen with the text that people discuss are relevant, they create a sort of cadence in the read. If that never comes through, they would annoy me yes.
quote:\
Some that state that it is "life changing" and "epic" but that sounds sort of pretentious to me.
Can any book be epic or life changing?
I wouldn't say HoL is life changing in that it teaches me a grand idea about life. It's life changing in that it affected my thoughts on narrative, on the written word. If that's life changing ok.
In the end, it's a fast and interesting read so I might say go for it. But if you get 150 pages in (not much by that books standards) and the writing and techniques don't interest you, they really don't let up.
If that happens send me your copy
I've worn mine own reading it so many times.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 8:23 am to BugAC
This is probably going to be like asking people if they like david lynch. Some people love, some hate, some say you "don't get it", etc. Its' really just up to each individual.
I was like you, in that I heard it was one of the most incredible reading expereiences of all time, truly scary, thought provoking, and one of the greatest. To be honest, I kinda lost interest about halfway. Don't get me wrong, it absolutely is the most unique read I've ever had. Adn the story is good. But I think I fell victim to the hype. It was a good book, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying anything at all negative or bad about it. I just have no desire to read it again. Like freaux said, read a few hundred pages and see if you like it. If not, probably not worth continuing on. Isn't like 800 pages? If you dont' like it after 200 Idk if you'll like the whole thing.
I was like you, in that I heard it was one of the most incredible reading expereiences of all time, truly scary, thought provoking, and one of the greatest. To be honest, I kinda lost interest about halfway. Don't get me wrong, it absolutely is the most unique read I've ever had. Adn the story is good. But I think I fell victim to the hype. It was a good book, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying anything at all negative or bad about it. I just have no desire to read it again. Like freaux said, read a few hundred pages and see if you like it. If not, probably not worth continuing on. Isn't like 800 pages? If you dont' like it after 200 Idk if you'll like the whole thing.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 8:48 am to WG_Dawg
Well the introduction has my interest peaked, but yes, i'm afraid of a huge let down because of the hype. Problem is i have a few other books i'd like to read. Thinking of maybe tabling this one to get to a couple others on my shelf. Other books I'm thinking about starting.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Fall of Night by J. Maberry
Inferno by Dan Brown
The Godfather by Puzzo
Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy
Just not sure what i'm in the mood for. Red Rabbit and Inferno are tops of my list right now.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Fall of Night by J. Maberry
Inferno by Dan Brown
The Godfather by Puzzo
Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy
Just not sure what i'm in the mood for. Red Rabbit and Inferno are tops of my list right now.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 9:17 am to BugAC
I picked it up randomly several years ago and dug into it without ever having heard of any hype around it. So I went in pretty unbiased and fresh, and I was engrossed from the start. Both stories are deep and haunting. It really explores some deep aspects of life - but I didn't find it pretentious, at least not in the same vein as Dave Eggers.
If you want something similar but a tad easier of a read check out S. by JJ Abrams and Doug Dorst. It is also written / put together in a non-traditional format, with margin notes and physical supplemental documents, maps, pictures, etc.
If you want something similar but a tad easier of a read check out S. by JJ Abrams and Doug Dorst. It is also written / put together in a non-traditional format, with margin notes and physical supplemental documents, maps, pictures, etc.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 9:35 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
I was like you, in that I heard it was one of the most incredible reading expereiences of all time, truly scary, thought provoking, and one of the greatest. To be honest, I kinda lost interest about halfway. Don't get me wrong, it absolutely is the most unique read I've ever had. Adn the story is good. But I think I fell victim to the hype. It was a good book, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying anything at all negative or bad about it. I just have no desire to read it again. Like freaux said, read a few hundred pages and see if you like it. If not, probably not worth continuing on. Isn't like 800 pages? If you dont' like it after 200 Idk if you'll like the whole thing.
Yeah it's right around 800, but there are portions where you'll read 50 pages in 10 minutes just based on the font/organization.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 9:39 am to BugAC
quote:
Well the introduction has my interest peaked, but yes, i'm afraid of a huge let down because of the hype.
So start plying down the hype. It's an extremely interesting book with some great stories in. It's completely unique, but it won't change your life. There.
I still don't get the hype problem that some people see with media. Just expect people who love something to lack objectivity and, unless you trust them, speak too often in hyperbole. Done.
quote:
Problem is i have a few other books i'd like to read. Thinking of maybe tabling this one to get to a couple others on my shelf. Other books I'm thinking about starting.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Fall of Night by J. Maberry
Inferno by Dan Brown
The Godfather by Puzzo
Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy
Just not sure what i'm in the mood for. Red Rabbit and Inferno are tops of my list right now.
I've read everything on this list except Inferno (because I dislike Dan Brown's style), and HoL is easily my favorite. You said before you want a psychological/horror, and that's HoL to a T.
If not, try something like The Terror by Simmons. A little historical fiction, a little Poe-esque psychological terror, and some horror. Highly recommended.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 9:49 am to Freauxzen
quote:
If not, try something like The Terror by Simmons. A little historical fiction, a little Poe-esque psychological terror, and some horror. Highly recommended.
I have that on my "to read" shelf as well.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 9:54 am to BugAC
quote:
I have that on my "to read" shelf as well.
I absolutely loved it. Simmons' prose is just awesome. It's a little long, but I was engrossed by the details of crossing the ice. Probably my favorite modern horror book so far.
I'm on a fantasy kick now, but I'm looking to reach back into horror after catching up with Stormlight and Qvoth this winter.
I don't know what horror that is. I am, however, reading Danielewski's newest series, Book 1 the Familiar and that is a beast. I do not recommend to anyone not already engrossed with his stuff.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 10:15 am to BugAC
Yes. this is a very fun book to read. Enjoy!
Posted on 11/12/15 at 10:42 am to PhilipMarlowe
House of Leaves is perhaps my favorite book of all time. I read it in one sitting, only stopping occasionally to get food. I didn't sleep, and by the end, I was as addled as the narrator.
I related to this passage way too much while reading it:
But, yes, it is pretentious as all hell. That's a feature, not a bug. It's boldly ambitious and it knows it. It completely plays with the idea of what narrative fiction is or can be, and it tells its story through typeface as well. It's not the easiest of reads, nor is it as unreadable as Ulysses (sorry, but that book is impenetrable). It's the perfect level of experimental versus spinning a good yarn. And the story is quite good (well, both of them, honestly).
But looking at the rest of the OP's reading list, this is not going to be up his alley. That's fine. Not everything is for everybody.
I'm currently reading Danielewski's recent project The Familiar. He's only released two books so far of a planned 30 book series... which will all amount to one story. Each book is essentially a chapter. And it takes the typeface thing to new levels. If you're a fan of HoL, you should check it out.
I related to this passage way too much while reading it:
quote:
You might try then, as I did, to find a sky so full of stars it will blind you again. Only no sky can blind you now. Even with all that iridescent magic up there, your eye will no longer linger on the light, it will no longer trace constellations. You'll care only about the darkness and you'll watch it for hours, for days, maybe even for years, trying in vain to believe you're some kind of indispensable, universe-appointed sentinel, as if just by looking you could actually keep it all at bay. It will get so bad you'll be afraid to look away, you'll be afraid to sleep.
Then no matter where you are, in a crowded restaurant or on some desolate street or even in the comforts of your own home, you'll watch yourself dismantle every assurance you ever lived by. You'll stand aside as a great complexity intrudes, tearing apart, piece by piece, all of your carefully conceived denials, whether deliberate or unconscious. And then for better or worse you'll turn, unable to resist, though try to resist you still will, fighting with everything you've got not to face the thing you most dread, what is now, what will be, what has always come before, the creature you truly are, the creature we all are, buried in the nameless black of a name.
And then the nightmares will begin.”
But, yes, it is pretentious as all hell. That's a feature, not a bug. It's boldly ambitious and it knows it. It completely plays with the idea of what narrative fiction is or can be, and it tells its story through typeface as well. It's not the easiest of reads, nor is it as unreadable as Ulysses (sorry, but that book is impenetrable). It's the perfect level of experimental versus spinning a good yarn. And the story is quite good (well, both of them, honestly).
But looking at the rest of the OP's reading list, this is not going to be up his alley. That's fine. Not everything is for everybody.
I'm currently reading Danielewski's recent project The Familiar. He's only released two books so far of a planned 30 book series... which will all amount to one story. Each book is essentially a chapter. And it takes the typeface thing to new levels. If you're a fan of HoL, you should check it out.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 10:45 am to Baloo
quote:
He's only released two books so far of a planned 30 book series... which will all amount to one story. Each book is essentially a chapter.
holy hell
Posted on 11/12/15 at 10:51 am to WG_Dawg
It's fricking amazing.
I'm not going to lie, Danielewski is my favorite author and his level of self-important punk rock pretentiousness hits my sweet spot. I even have a House of Leaves tattoo.
But HoL fans tend to be cultists.
I'm not going to lie, Danielewski is my favorite author and his level of self-important punk rock pretentiousness hits my sweet spot. I even have a House of Leaves tattoo.
But HoL fans tend to be cultists.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 10:53 am to Baloo
Good call on that passage.
Agree.
Whutttt? Kind of surprised by this.
I'm not going to say that academics don't bow to Joyce too often, they do, but after all the hype I felt Ulysses was fantastic, and that it made complete sense. I was shocked at how easy it was to read. Finnegan's Wake is another story, however.
I did read Ulysses right in the middle of my "consume all classic literature you possibly can in as short a time as possible" while being guided by some magnificent professors, so that may have helped.
Without spoilers, what do you think about it so far? I'm about a third of the way in myself. Interesting, but not hooked yet.
quote:
ut, yes, it is pretentious as all hell. That's a feature, not a bug. It's boldly ambitious and it knows it. It completely plays with the idea of what narrative fiction is or can be, and it tells its story through typeface as well.
Agree.
quote:
It's not the easiest of reads, nor is it as unreadable as Ulysses (sorry, but that book is impenetrable).
Whutttt? Kind of surprised by this.
I'm not going to say that academics don't bow to Joyce too often, they do, but after all the hype I felt Ulysses was fantastic, and that it made complete sense. I was shocked at how easy it was to read. Finnegan's Wake is another story, however.
I did read Ulysses right in the middle of my "consume all classic literature you possibly can in as short a time as possible" while being guided by some magnificent professors, so that may have helped.
quote:
I'm currently reading Danielewski's recent project The Familiar. He's only released two books so far of a planned 30 book series... which will all amount to one story. Each book is essentially a chapter. And it takes the typeface thing to new levels. If you're a fan of HoL, you should check it out.
Without spoilers, what do you think about it so far? I'm about a third of the way in myself. Interesting, but not hooked yet.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 11:03 am to Freauxzen
Ulysses is designed to be impenetrable. Joyce even claimed it was. There's a famous study which I don't have a link to, in which they gave a copy of Ulysses to a bunch of people and a month later followed up and asked for the book back and what they thought. Everyone praised the book, but by studying fingerprints on the book, practically no one got past the first 100 pages. It's a hard f'n book.
As for The Familiar, certain stories are more interesting than others. I'm fascinated by the Orb, but we barely got anything on it. The epileptic girl getting a dog dragged for most of the book, though it had some of the most interesting typographic storytelling with all of the parenthesis, but the final 50 pages brought pay off. It veers off in a cool direction, and it ties the rain in. It's not as obsessive of a read as HoL, but I'm also older and have other things going on, so I can't be as obsessive.
As for The Familiar, certain stories are more interesting than others. I'm fascinated by the Orb, but we barely got anything on it. The epileptic girl getting a dog dragged for most of the book, though it had some of the most interesting typographic storytelling with all of the parenthesis, but the final 50 pages brought pay off. It veers off in a cool direction, and it ties the rain in. It's not as obsessive of a read as HoL, but I'm also older and have other things going on, so I can't be as obsessive.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 11:06 am to Baloo
quote:
I'm not going to lie, Danielewski is my favorite author and his level of self-important punk rock pretentiousness hits my sweet spot. I even have a House of Leaves tattoo.
Pics or it didn't happen
But honestly I want to know what it is... I know we have a lot of these coincidences, but a buddy and I who are big lit fans (and music fans strangely enough) considered getting HoL tattoos. I had a couple of cool ideas but am not punk enough to follow through
We did make a short film at one point though.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 11:08 am to Baloo
quote:
Ulysses is designed to be impenetrable. Joyce even claimed it was. There's a famous study which I don't have a link to, in which they gave a copy of Ulysses to a bunch of people and a month later followed up and asked for the book back and what they thought. Everyone praised the book, but by studying fingerprints on the book, practically no one got past the first 100 pages. It's a hard f'n book.
Infinite Jest was a harder read imo.
quote:
As for The Familiar, certain stories are more interesting than others. I'm fascinated by the Orb, but we barely got anything on it. The epileptic girl getting a dog dragged for most of the book, though it had some of the most interesting typographic storytelling with all of the parenthesis, but the final 50 pages brought pay off. It veers off in a cool direction, and it ties the rain in. It's not as obsessive of a read as HoL, but I'm also older and have other things going on, so I can't be as obsessive.
It's slowing me down, but I'm working my way through it. I do see the possibilities of where this thing is going though, that's what keeps me going.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 11:21 am to Freauxzen
It was either that or Hold Steady lyrics. The lyrics didn't quite fit... or I would've has
The kids at the shows now have kids of their own. And the sing-along songs will be our scriptures.
The kids at the shows now have kids of their own. And the sing-along songs will be our scriptures.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 11:23 am to Freauxzen
I'm with you on Infinite Jest. The crazy thing is I love DFW's essays. He's such a great writer, but Infinite Jest... what a chore. Just read Consider the Lobster. Same with Joyce. Read Portrait of an Artists as a Young Man.
Posted on 11/12/15 at 11:28 am to Baloo
That's super cool.
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