Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Most Unique Books

From the Broke & the Bookish

The 10 6 Most Unique Books I've Read
1. I Am Not A Serial Killer (John Cleaver) by Dan Wells
This is the first book that comes to mind. I actually didn't realize it was part of a trilogy until I looked it upon Amazon just now. I'm not sure why this book sticks in my head - it could be that I don't read this genre much - but I think I really liked the twist: It takes a sociopath to track down another sociopath.

2. Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh
Years ago, Allie started a website illustrating episodes from her life, from her dogs to her depression. Her greatest hits plus 10 new anecdotes are compiled in this fabulous book. Buy the paperback not the Kindle version.

3. The Book of Bright Ideas: A Novel by Sandra Kring
I've never felt the realness of characters like I did when I read this book. I'd never before written to an author to express my true appreciation for their work until this one. It's a portrait of true friendship and sage advice.

4. & 5. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson / The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu (check out my review)
Although the truth behind each novel is different, they both deal with school bullying after rumors of sexual assault (in one case) or promiscuity (in the other). Each girl is isolated and placed in the role of school outcast as they struggle to maintain their sanity and heal from the crimes against them. As a survivor of sexual assault and a sexual assault advocate, I find both of these fictional portrayals plausible - that's not something I find in a lot of books dealing with this topic (i.e. do NOT read The Tenth Circle: A Novel by Jodi Picolt if you want a true-to-life picture of sexual assault and sexual assault survivors). There's a movie version of Speak starring Kristen Stewart. Whether you're a fan of her or not, she is excellent as the MC and the film is excellent. I highly recommend it even if you don't read the book.

6. House of Secrets by Lowell Caffiel
This is a true crime novel not for the faint of heart. It is literally the most horrifying thing I've ever read, and thus makes it on my "unique" list for that reason. Read the synopsis and you'll realize why.