Must-Read Books That Are Off-The-Wall Crazy

Published by Likewise | Apr 25, 2025Explore an eclectic collection of bizarre and unpredictable books that push the boundaries of imagination and storytelling.

Geek Love

National Book Award Finalist, Geek Love takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the life of the Binewskis, a circus-geek family engaged in the bizarre practice of breeding their own exhibit of human oddities. Crafted by the talented Katherine Dunn, this narrative explores themes of identity and familial loyalty through characters like Arturo the Aquaboy, who is driven by immense ambition and has flippers for limbs, as well as Iphy and Elly, the alluring Siamese twins. The dark undertones of this family saga shine through Oly's story—a hunchbacked albino who navigates the world of ugly beauty and sibling rivalry. With a notable average rating of 3.9, the book has garnered praise for illuminating our perceptions of the freakish and the normal.

Hospital is a narrative that captures the chaotic blend of medical drama, dark comedy, and human tragedy. Set in a world where life hangs by a thread, readers are drawn into a universe where a helicopter's landing marks a new chapter in an apocalyptic landscape. The Rubber Nurse keeps a watchful eye, embodying the chaotic spirit that this bizarre hospital fosters. With its surreal tone, this story questions life, love, and the struggles of humanity amidst the harsh truths of existence.

Sayaka Murata's Earthlings is a mind-bending exploration of alienation and identity. Following Natsuki, a young girl convinced she’s from another planet, this strange coming-of-age tale traverses childhood trauma and the quest for belonging. With her talkative plush hedgehog, Piyyut, Natsuki navigates the complexities of her family dynamics and societal pressures to conform. Written in Murata's distinctive style, this novel challenges the boundaries of reality and invites readers to consider the true nature of happiness and freedom in an increasingly stifling world, earning an average rating of 3.8.

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins is a riveting saga that combines fantasy elements with human emotion. Following Carolyn and her siblings, raised under the enigmatic Father, the narrative delves into a power struggle involving secrets that could alter the very fabric of existence. With the disappearance of Father, Carolyn's mission takes on an edge of desperation, crafting a tale that is fierce, imaginative, and utterly engrossing. The book boasts a commendable average rating of 4.3, establishing it as a noteworthy entry in contemporary fantasy.

A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear tells a true story blending socio-political commentary with dark humor. The book unfolds in Grafton, NH, where a group of libertarians attempted to implement their radical self-government plan, inadvertently inviting bears into their lives. This lively narrative explores the absurd consequences of diminishing governmental structures, characterized by environmental challenges and interpersonal conflicts within a community at the mercy of both nature and their ideals. Its average rating stands at 3.6.

Mikhail Bulgakov's timeless classic, The Master and Margarita, remains extraordinarily relevant. The narrative intertwines the devil's antics in Soviet Moscow with the poignant love story of the Master and Margarita. Characters navigate the surreal landscape defined by political satire, philosophy, and metaphysical questions of good and evil. This evocative tale has resonated since its publication, earning a stellar average rating of 4.5, known for its fierce commentary on human frailty and love amidst corruption.

Augusten Burroughs' memoir, Running with Scissors, tells a gripping true story of the author's chaotic childhood. Raised by a poet mother who willingly entrusted him to her psychiatrist—a man embodying the quintessential eccentric—Burroughs dives into candid memories of living in a bizarre environment that lacked rules and structure. The combination of dark humor with harrowing circumstances paints a vivid picture of survival amid chaos, achieving popularity as a bestseller.

Tom Robbins' Jitterbug Perfume is an eclectic and comedic tale that traverses time and space, connecting ancient history with modern existential musings. The story revolves around a janitor on a quest for a magical bottle that could potentially hold the essence of the universe. This adventurous romp allows readers to experience the wit and wisdom embedded in Robbins' prose, illuminating the joy of individual expression and cultural commentary, achieving a commendable average rating of 4.4.

Georges Bataille's controversial work, Story of the Eye, explores the boundaries of sexuality, violence, and transgression through explicit narrative. With a focus on sadism and eroticism, the book invites readers into a shocking odyssey, embodying both a celebration and a critique of the human condition. Riding on the waves of taboo, this novel has cemented its status as a hallmark of twentieth-century erotic literature.

In Hell's Angels, Hunter S. Thompson dives into the notorious world of outlaw motorcycle gangs, intertwining journalism with storytelling. His firsthand experience encapsulates the essence of the Hell's Angels in the 1960s, capturing their antics and the broader cultural landscape. What emerges is not merely a tale of rebellion and counterculture, but a reflective narrative that critiques American society. With an impressive average rating of 4.2, Thompson’s work stands out as essential reading for anyone fascinated with the intricacies of cultural movements.

Iain Reid's psychological thriller, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, strikes a poignant and unsettling chord. As a Netflix original adaptation, this novel encapsulates existential dread and the intricacies of human relationships. The story follows a couple experiencing a deeply disquieting journey that challenges perceptions of love, consciousness, and ultimately reality. With its gripping narrative and haunting themes, this book encourages readers to reflect on the edges of their own experiences, maintaining an average rating of 3.4.

In a word, the diversity showcased in these eleven titles presents not only unique stories but also challenges to conventional narratives and societal norms. From the bizarre to the profound, they stretch the limits of imagination and creativity, inviting avid readers to explore the both the enchanting and the unsettling realms of literature.