Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves is a mind-bending work of postmodern fiction. The story is simple: a family moves into a house and finds a hallway that is larger on the inside than the outside. But House of Leaves contains a hidden depth that, like the hallway, becomes increasingly enigmatic as it is explored.

The plot is embedded in multiple layers of commentary, creating a nestled structure that turns the book into a labyrinth. In order to find a way out, the reader has to engage with deep philosophical questions. What is the relationship of author and text? How does the form of the novel differ from film and photography, and how do these mediums affect our view of the world? What is the nature of memory, history, darkness?

If you enjoy grappling with these kinds of Borgesian puzzles, I recommend picking up House of Leaves. It is a strange, dark odyssey that is sure to challenge your perspective of the world. - Anthony C.