House of Leaves Readalong discussion

Hello,

How are we doing?

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Hi everyone!

So, I had a funny experience when I borrowed this book a couple of days ago. I'm currently living in France and I get a lot of what I read in English from a university library since the municipal library has a dismal selection of English language books. Anyway, the librarian mentioned that she had never seen anyone check out House of Leaves and she started flipping through the book. When she came across some of the pages that were nearly blank and saw the sideways and upside down text, she looked at me as though I was very strange. It probably didn't help that the other books I was checking out included American Psycho and some obscure books on literary theory...

Then again, the first time I saw someone reading House of Leaves on the subway, I had a hard time not trying to peep over their shoulder!

Anyway, thanks for setting up the readalong, Sophie! Looking forward to chatting more about the book with everyone soon.

I'm just at page 50, but I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm totally engrossed.

I bought this book a couple of years ago and never started reading it. Earlier today I was looking for something scary to read in October and then I saw this readalong for House of Leaves - perfect!

Rebecca, I don't think I'd have the courage, not to mention muscles, to read this one in public. :P

I'm on page 50 and must admit I really struggled through the echo section. Right now I'm having to force myself to read it, but I'm hoping that will change in the next 50 pages or so.

I'm on page 150-something. I am quite liking it so far but I'm feeling like this book probably needs to be read several times in order to get all of the allusions. I have some ideas on the first 100 pages that I'll try to post tomorrow. There's just so much!

Hello!

I just finished the third chapter (page 23), and am amused so far. I've had this book for a *long* time but didn't have the courage to read it. I don't typically read horror novels, and I never seemed to be right frame of mind for the book's postmodern nature. However, it is October, and I found out about this readalong from Regina.

So, thank you for helping me to read this book!

Rebecca wrote: "Hi everyone!

So, I had a funny experience when I borrowed this book a couple of days ago. I'm currently living in France and I get a lot of what I read in English from a university library since t..."

I love the idea of scaring librarians with our book choices. I once took a true crime book with me on a date. I wasn't planning on talking about it (I just like to have a back-up in case they don't show) but he just HAD to ask me about it. I've never had anyone try to get out of a social event so fast.

Niclas wrote: "I bought this book a couple of years ago and never started reading it. Earlier today I was looking for something scary to read in October and then I saw this readalong for House of Leaves - perfect!"

Really glad to have you aboard and hope that you enjoy it. :)

Laura wrote: "Rebecca, I don't think I'd have the courage, not to mention muscles, to read this one in public. :P

I'm on page 50 and must admit I really struggled through the echo section. Right now I'm having ..."

There are pieces (like the echo piece) that are heavier going. I have a dual reaction to this I think. On one hand, it slows the pacing down and could be unnecessarily difficult. On the other hand, I think it helps to introduce Z'd themes and adds to the textbook feel for me.

That said it does pick up.

Regina wrote: "I'm on page 150-something. I am quite liking it so far but I'm feeling like this book probably needs to be read several times in order to get all of the allusions. I have some ideas on the first 10..."

I'm with you on that Regina. There is so much to jump into if you have the inclination to.

Leslie Ann wrote: "Hello!

I just finished the third chapter (page 23), and am amused so far. I've had this book for a *long* time but didn't have the courage to read it. I don't typically read horror novels, and I n..."

It's great to have you. I hope you enjoy the experience.