Top Ten Most Unique Books I've Read (26)

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 12:00 AM
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. I missed Top Ten Tuesday when I wasn't blogging so I was really excited to do this week's! The topic this week is:

Top Ten Most Unique Books I've Read

This one was a toughie because most of the books I've read may contain some unusual elements, but they still are inspired by earlier books and/or remind me of books I've read before. Yet I managed to decide on a list though I'm sure there are others I've forgotten.


1. Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz - I may not have particularly liked Teeth or felt a connection to any of the characters, but I still have to admit that the premise was as unique as they come and the characters were downright bizarre, especially Teeth who is half fish and half boy.

2. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - Ready Player One takes the futuristic novel to an entirely new level. In 2044, the line between the real world and virtual reality has vanished, and most of humanity spends their days in a virtual utopia called the OASIS. By mixing together 80's pop culture and advanced technology, Cline has created a terrifying but convincing world that, in our day and age with Google Glass, doesn't seem that far off.


3. The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey - I rave about this book on a regular basis and basically tell everyone, even if you're not a fan of horror, to read it. One of the reasons why I love this book and the entire series, except The Final Descent which I still have yet to read, is because I have never read anything quite like it before. It's one of those rare finds I just happened to stumble upon, and I'm so happy I did!

4. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - It's been some time since I read this book, but I still remember the unusual setting and the haunting black and white photos scattered throughout the book. The Goodreads synopsis mentions "a mysterious island" and "an abandoned orphanage," but you can trust me when I say there is nothing normal about the island or the orphanage. I hope to read its sequel, Hollow City, sometime in the future!


5. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor - I had read so many glowing reviews for this book before I picked it up, but even then, I had no idea what I was in for. The scenes in Prague were just as fantastical and out of this world as the ones that took place in Eretz. Taylor created a world like I had never experienced, and I couldn't think of another book it reminded me of while I was reading it.

6. Eon by Alison Goodman - Eon is heavily influenced by Asian culture, but it has some unique characteristics that I have yet to see in any other book. The energy dragons are unlike any other dragons you may see in fantasy. Their presence is felt but they are rarely seen. These differences really made for a refreshing, enjoyable reading experience.


7. White Cat by Holly Black - White Cat became one of my new favorites when I read it last year. The premise is wild, and I knew it had great potential before I even read it. Cassel, the protagonist, is a curse worker, and his family seems like the magical equivalent of the Italian mafia. Black definitely outdid herself with this series. Having the power to affect someone's emotions or change their dreams with a touch of a hand? How does she come up with this?

8. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale tells the story of a futuristic society that has chosen to return to a past lifestyle. Women are no longer allowed to read or have jobs, and the commanders have the control. It's terrifying to even imagine and some scenes were upsetting, but it definitely brought something new to the table.


9. Wither by Lauren DeStefano - I just realized I've been picking a lot of dystopian reads, and Winter is yet another to add to the list because of its unique premise. In The Chemical Garden series, a botched experiment has led to shortened lifespans for both women and men. Women now have a life expectancy of only 20 years, and men take multiple wives at a young age in the hopes of increasing the population by having as many children as possible.

10. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - I read this one over my blogging break, and I unfortunately did not write a review for this one, but I plan to reread it eventually. This book is indescribable. Not only is it amazing, but it tells a story that seems somewhat familiar, but at the same time it is like nothing I've ever read before. Spain comes to life with Zafon's words, and suddenly it feels like it's no longer Spain but an unexplored world hiding countless dark secrets. I definitely enjoyed the mystery in this book!

What about you guys? What are some of the most unique books you have read? I could always use recommendations!




23 comments:

  1. OOh nice!! I need to go back and read this series by Rick Yancey! Enjoying his new one!

    Here's my Tuesday post

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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    1. The Monstrumologist series is amazing! I'm sure you'll love it :D

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  2. Teeth, White Cat, Eon, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone are definitely some of the most unique titles I've read as well, Courtney. I really need to pick up Shadow of the Wind soon as well - it's been on my TBR for too long but I'm thrilled to see you've enjoyed it. Fantastic Top Ten!(:

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    1. Thanks, Keertana! Definitely pick it up when you get a chance!

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  3. I have to read The Handmaid's Tale. Thank you for reminding me. Great list.

    My TTT

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    1. Thanks! And definitely give it a try. Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. I loved The Curse Workers (White Cat) series! I l also just picked it up last year and I listened to the audio version back to back. I love it when I can read a book one right after the other in a series so I'm glad I waited all this time. I think it's great to pick up something unusual every once in a while and shake things up. Great post, Courtney! :)

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    1. Thanks Rachel! I need to read the last one in that series pronto :)

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  5. I love The Handmaid's Tale!! Especially because it was SO ahead of it's time. Now there are SO many dystopians that are very similar to it and it came out so much before all of those. After this week I really want to read Ready Player One. I've seen it on so many lists :) Teeth does sound really different. I don't think I've ever heard of a book like that... but Hannah Moskowitz is on my list of authors that I'm wary of, since I read one of her books and it angered me to no end :)

    My TTT

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    1. Ooooo now I'm wondering what book of hers angered you. Yeah, I wasn't a huge fan of Teeth, but maybe I'll try one of her other books sometime in the future. :) Thanks for stopping by, Michelle!

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  6. Great picks! You know I also picked Ready Player One but also Miss Peregrine's is a great pick! I'm reading The Handmaid's Tale right now and the tone is very unique. It's haunting!

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    1. Yay! I'm glad you're enjoying it :D I hope to reread it in the future

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  7. What a fantastic list! I loved many of these books, especially Ready Player One, Eon, and Daughter of Smoke & Bone. I've also had my eye on The Shadow of the Wind for a long time. I'm glad it was a unique read for you. It sounds brilliant and I can't wait to pick it up myself. :)

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    1. Yay! I really hope you love it as much as I did :D

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  8. You're not the first person to comment about Miss Peregrine's haunting photos. I haven't picked up this book before so next time I'm at the library, I'm gonna check this out!

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    1. You definitely should! I hope you like it :D

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  9. I'll read The Monstrumologist eventually...I promise! Just need to be in the right mood, I think.
    I definitely need to read Ready Player One & The Shadow of the Wind soon as well!
    haha and you're right. In addition to those books listed here, you really do seem to read some weird books.

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    1. haha it's just because I'm such a weirdo :P And I am both excited and terrified about you reading The Monstrumologist! I'm afraid you won't like it, but if I had to guess, I would say you'd give it 3-4 stars. I'm anxious to find out

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  10. I see Miss Peregrine's in a lot of lists this week, I haven't read that book but it's definitely in my TBR, also Random Riggs is gonna visit my country this month. All the more reason to read Miss Peregrine's! Wither's cover is so nice, I hear a lot of great things about it, it's in my TBR too. :D
    my top ten tuesday http://wp.me/p3v5T1-nq

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    1. Oooo so jealous! I'd love to meet him! Thanks for stopping by :D

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  11. A huge yes for The Daughter of Smoke and Bone.It has one of the most amazing fictional worlds ever.Combine that with Taylor's magical writing style,the result is an unforgettable and unique read.

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    1. I know! I am reading Dreams of Gods & Monsters right now, and I'm so anxious to find out what happens next :)

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  12. I loved White Cat and think I'm gonna try to get to Ready Player One this summer. I have the audio with Wil Wheaton.

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