"House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski

"House of Leaves" made me put the book down multiple times before picking it back up. I don't think any book did this to me besides "Sadly, porn" (I hated and still hate that book). However, with "House of Leaves," I kept coming back because I liked it. Chapter 9 is where things get real because you understand you're a part of the book. You're in the house.

What makes "House of Leaves" stand out is two-fold:

1. The book's formatting makes it rapidly swap genres (even to graphic novels, even though there's only text).
2. The reading experience isn't passive, but you're constantly "asking" the author questions and receiving "answers" a few pages later.

The dialogue with the author part I've only seen done masterfully once in "Blindsight" by Peter Watts (that's why I love that book). Here, though, it is on an entirely new level.

One thing that disappointed me after reading "House of Leaves" was the lack of theories and content on the internet to devour after finishing it. It isn't because the book answers all of its questions—but probably due to its age. See, it was released before YouTube and its book theories.

I am happy I've finished "House of Leaves." I didn't like the erotic parts or the unnecessary "horror" of childbirth going south. I haven't been scared once (but puzzled, confused and surprised I was multiple times). I enjoy that now I can pick up on all the pop-culture references to "House of Leaves" like I can with Twin Peaks.

Oh, and the backrooms? Yes, it's in the house.

Overall, go pick up a copy. You won't regret it—or maybe you will—but that's part of the book.

It's all in the house.