Hi, I’m most likely going to the psych hospital soon. It’s really boring and I’d love some book recommendations to keep my brain busy.
Last time I was there I read House of Leaves (Mark Z. Danielewski) and that was perfect for it. I also love We Have Always Live in the Castle (Shirley Jackson) and Mysterious Skin (Scott Heim).
Here are some things I tend to like in books:
* Difficult to tell what’s “really happening” (ex: a ghost story where you’re unsure if there’s actually a ghost)
* Isolation: I love characters who are partially defined by feelings of deep separation from the larger world. A physically isolated setting, a traumatized protagonist, and a story about a cult would all be examples of what I mean.
* Big stylistic choices
* Abstract or nuanced ideas, unusual interpersonal dynamics
* Unsettling is great for me, terrifying is not
Right now I’d prefer to avoid prevalent or graphic scenes of animals being harmed, gore/torture, and graphic sexual violence (it can be present/part of the story, it’s just a lot for me RN). I’m also not looking for recovery tales or self help/mental health stuff.
Thanks!
by 666orwhatever