Here are a list of some of the most unique books I’ve read. Whether it’s because of the main character, the world building, or the story structure all of these books have stood out to me as unlike anything I’ve ever read or heard about otherwise.
What are some of your favorite unique reads? What do you think it takes for a book to be considered unique?
Thank you to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting this weekly book meme. Also feel free to ask me what I found unique about any of the above books in the comments!
Alison Doherty 
I’ve read a few books on your list. Every Day was really really unique. I was so surprised by that book. I do wish we would’ve got more answers by the end of the book. But otherwise it was really great!
Angie
Top Ten Unique Books
Yeah, Everyday was the first book I read by David Levithan. It surprised me so much when I found out his other books were more normal. Thanks for commenting!
I included The Book Thief on my list as well! I loved it, and I’ve never read anything narrated by Death before. And the flash fowards and spoilers that Death included… Wow. I was going to put Unwind on my list too, but I was limited to five books since I shared this week’s topic with my co-blogger XD
Book Thief was so unique. It was so crazy to me that someone could write such a unique novel about the holocaust since it’s been written about so many times, but Zusak definitely managed to do it.
Yes, Unwind was a really unique book! The concept was pretty scary and I did end up rating it lower stars than I expected because the tone felt really middle grade and I didn’t feel that worked with what was going on in the story? Very odd.
Gunmen, Raptors and Love Letters – Under The Mountain’s TTT
Yeah, the other books by Neal Shusterman that I’ve read were middle grade so the tone didn’t really bother me because that’s what I expect from him, but I see what you are saying.
I should have added Unwind to me list. I remember reading Jellicoe Road for the first time and being absolutely astounded at its ability to draw me in. Great list.
My TTT
Jellicoe Road was amazing, as was Unwind. I’m glad to see that you read and enjoyed them both. Thanks for commenting!
I’ve been meaning to get my hands on Every Day for a while now, and I’ve read Unwind and totally agree, it is certainly one of a kind. Here is my TTT
I would definitely recommend Every Day. It was conceptually the most interesting book I’ve ever read that was pulled off so well.
I’ve only read The Book Thief, but I’ve heard a lot about Infinite Jest. Uniqueness really lies in the eye of the beholder, so I enjoy that this is pretty subjective. If I’ve only read one book of a genre, I guess it would be pretty unique to me. But, overall I think it is good to surface books that also have different writing styles. I like to see writers try new things!
Such a good point about uniqueness being in the eye of the beholder. Like I almost never read sports novels, so the few that I’ve read are unique to me! Infinite Jest though would probably be unique to anyone who read it. I can’t even imagine anything similar to it.
I’m dying to read Special Topics in Calamity Physics – ever since I read Night Film (which made my list this week). A few other lists have The Phantom Tollbooth and I can’t believe I didn’t think of it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
My TTT.
I haven’t read Night Film yet, but I loved Calamity Physics when I first read it. I will definitely try to get my hands on it soon.
Great list 🙂 I read and enjoyed The Book Thief and definitely agree that it is unique. I have also read Every Day and that was also unique, but I just didn’t like that one very much. I really want to read Jellicoe Road, I got that as a gift and it looks so good. My TTT.
Jellicoe Road is SO GOOD! I don’t know why but I kept putting off reading it, but once I read it I was amazed at how unique and well written it was. Hope you enjoy!
Phantom Toolboth is remarkable for children’s lit. I’ve always found books that make me rethink my “taken for granted” views are unique.
From your list I have only read ‘The Book Thief’ which I loved so very much, partly because it’s so very different from everything else I have ever read.
I recommended it to my teenage daughter when she was without a good book and she absolutely adored it too. I need to check out some of the others on your list, if I were only to read one which would you suggest?
I’m glad I’m seeing The Book Thief on so many lists! I’m reading it soon.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!