Books matching: mind bending experience
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- #1
'True Hallucinations' by Terence McKenna is a deep dive into the realms of consciousness and psychedelics as experienced by a group of individuals on an expedition to the Amazon in 1971. The book follows the McKenna brothers and their friends as they search for an oral hallucinogen, encountering psilocybin mushrooms instead. The narrative unfolds in a mix of adventure, spiritual exploration, and scientific inquiry, with vivid descriptions of the events that unfolded during their time in La Chorrera. Terence McKenna's writing style captivates readers with its lucidity and intelligence, drawing them into a world where hallucinogens, shamanism, and cosmic theories intertwine.
- #2
'An Other Place' by Darren Dash is a unique and twisted adult novel that takes readers on a mysterious and unsettling journey to a strange city. The plot unfolds with an unsavoury protagonist navigating through the oddities of this unfamiliar world, where the currency, daily routines, and behaviors of its inhabitants are vastly different from our own. The book keeps readers engaged with its compelling storyline, leaving them wanting more even after the final word.
The author, Darren Dash, creates a world unlike any other, drawing readers into a realm filled with mystery, imagination, and light horror. The characters in the book are portrayed as real and relatable, evoking a range of emotions from readers who find themselves immersed in the personal journey of the protagonist as he tries to comprehend the enigmatic place he finds himself in.
I’ve come to Amsterdam for work, not leisure, and have no intention of savouring the seedy pleasures of its red light district until I find myself wandering by a row of garishly illuminated windows on... Bunny by Mona Awad is a bizarre and unsettling novel that follows Samantha, a graduate writing student, as she navigates the strange world of her creative writing program. The book delves into themes of loneliness, struggle, female friendship, and the power of the mind, all wrapped in a surreal and twisted narrative. As Samantha becomes entangled with a group of girls called The Bunnies, the story takes a dark turn, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is described as unique, audacious, and at times, darkly humorous, keeping the reader engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and eccentric characters.
And then they hug each other so hard I think their chests are going to implode. I would even secretly hope for it from where I sat, stood, leaned, in the opposite corner of the lecture hall, departmen...- #4
The Fisherman by John Langan is a cosmic horror novel that offers a fresh take on the genre, focusing on the underlying horror of loss rather than existential dread. The story follows Abe and Dan, two men bonded by heartbreak and fishing, as they are drawn to Dutchman's Creek by a local legend. The narrative weaves together elements of cosmic horror, quiet horror, and psychological terror, creating a dark and brooding tale that explores themes of grief, obsession, and the consequences of seeking the unknown.
I had most of it [Howard said] from Reverend Mapple. He was minister at the Lutheran Church in Woodstock, and what you’d call a local history buff. After I heard the story I’m going to tell you, I did... 'The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All' by Laird Barron is a collection of interlinking tales of sublime cosmic horror that deliver spine-chilling horror to satisfy even the most jaded reader. The book combines elements of hardboiled noir, espionage, and a scientific backbone, showcasing Barron's strong and original literary voice in modern horror and the dark fantastic. The stories feature themes of ancient, alien invader Gods, dark and tormented protagonists on the edge of society, and a persistent feeling of unease that shakes the reader to the core.
Late afternoon sun baked the clay and plaster buildings of the town. Its dirt streets lay empty, packed as hard as iron. The boarding house sweltered. Luke Honey sat in a chair in the shadows across f...- #6
Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson is a psychological novel that follows Natalie Waite, a 17-year-old college freshman, as she navigates the challenges of her dysfunctional family life and the unsettling experiences she encounters at an all-girls college. The book delves into Natalie's inner turmoil, her struggles with fitting in, and her descent into paranoia and confusion. Jackson's writing style is described as dense, interior, and almost motionless, with a focus on character introspection and psychological tension.
Mr. Arnold Waite—husband, parent, man of his word—invariably leaned back in his chair after his second cup of breakfast coffee and looked with some disbelief at his wife and two children. His chair wa... - #7
'North American Lake Monsters' by Nathan Ballingrud is a collection of dark and haunting short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and the monstrousness within us. The book explores a variety of horror elements such as vampires, zombies, werewolves, and supernatural beings, but focuses more on the psychological terror induced by human actions rather than the supernatural events. The stories are deeply emotional, beautifully written, and filled with vivid imagery that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
You Go Where It Takes You He did not look like a man who would change her life. He was big, roped with muscles from working on offshore oil rigs, and tending to fat. His face was broad and inoffensive... - #8
Imajica by Clive Barker is a sprawling fantasy epic that takes readers on a journey through the Five Dominions, with Earth being the Unreconciled Fifth. The story revolves around the attempt to reconcile Earth with the other Dominions, filled with bizarre and compelling worlds, dark elements, and intricate mysteries. Clive Barker's writing style is praised for its vivid imagery, imaginative world-building, and complex characters, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that blends fantasy, mythology, and epic storytelling.
It was the pivotal teaching of Pluthero Quexos, the most celebrated dramatist of the Second Dominion, that in any fiction, no matter how ambitious its scope or profound its theme, there was only ever ... - #9
Kara discovers a hole in the wall of her uncle's museum that leads to a terrifying alternate dimension full of monsters and dangers. With her friend Simon, they navigate through different worlds while trying to find their way back home, encountering cosmic horror, body horror, and a mix of humor and weirdness along the way. The story combines elements of horror, supernatural, and humor, providing a unique and creepy reading experience with well-developed characters and a detailed world-building.
They start to come around when I explain that it’s a little tiny museum in a storefront in Hog Chapel, North Carolina, although there’s so much stuff jumbled together that it looks bigger than it is. ... - #10
'Exquisite Corpse' by Poppy Z. Brite is a graphic and horrifying novel that delves into the world of homosexual cannibal serial killers with AIDS. Set in New Orleans, the book follows a convicted serial killer who rises from the dead to build a new life in the French Quarter, encountering dangerous desires and a love that brings fear along with lust. The narrative explores dark themes of psychopathy, violence, and sexualized carnage, seducing the reader into a macabre world filled with gore and disturbing imagery.
The writing style of 'Exquisite Corpse' is described as mature, eloquent, and fearless in its examination of taboo subjects. Poppy Z. Brite's lucid prose offsets the gore fest horror thrill, providing a balance between the graphic violence and the luscious descriptions of the narrative. The novel is praised for its compelling storytelling, tight writing, and the ability to keep the reader engaged despite the disturbing content, making it a page-turner that explores the depths of human depravity.
Sometimes a man grows tired of carrying everything the world heaps upon his head. The shoulders sag, the spine bows cruelly, the muscles tremble with weariness. Hope of relief begins to die. And the m...