Whether it’s an obscure book that turns out to be a beautiful literary gem, or a much-hyped novel that actually exceeds expectations, it’s always fun to be surprised. And then there’s the other kind of surprise, when a book turns out to be a dud. What books have surprised you, for good or bad?
You already know many of the books that were joyous surprises for me, like The Fish Book, ‘The Gadfly’ and ‘Pisti.’ I look forward to discussing yours!
For me, the most surprising book I've read was New Passengers by Tine Høeg. Mainly I went in with absolutely no knowledge beyond a recommendation from a friend of a friend, and I got it on ereader so had no idea it was full of formal experiments and poetic moments. I read it 2 years ago but it's still fuelling a new interest in translated books
Thanks Emily and Luke! I love experiences like this, when you go into a book totally cold based only on a slight recommendation and it turns into a wonderful and rewarding read.
"A Little Life" because I was surprised by how much I disliked it! For the record this is before the hater movement began and it there was just praise being heaped on it.
This book for me was another ereader surprise haha - I had no idea what I was getting into. I did enjoy it, but remember feeling that a book maybe shouldn't steamroll you the whole entire time :/
Yes! I think that's exactly right, and the word steamroll is perfect. It just hammers away at the protagonist and by extension the reader and it was just too much for me. It kept taking me out of the story.
Thanks, friend! I was also very much surprised by how much I disliked that book. (It started out trashing a restaurant I liked on Mulberry Street and went downhill from there.) I've never understood why it's been so hyped and beloved by others, and also turned into a play or something. No thanks!
Glad to hear! I appreciate most fiction and like to think I take it on its own terms. But this book I disliked immediately and refused to continue. I’ve never understood why—I had no idea what it was about and it was, like your experience, before some people turned against the stemming dominance of the trauma plot.
Hernan Diaz’s In the Distance surprised me, in a good way. I became interested in it after reading (and editing) your review of it. I figured I might like it, but not much beyond that because it was a Western. Was I wrong. It is that and so much more. I couldn’t put it down, and it was my favorite read from a few years ago and sticks with me today.
You're 100 percent right about that book. It's so wonderful! I also went into it having no idea it would be so compelling. And then Trust was great, too. I can't wait to read whatever he comes out with next!
My happiest surprise was The Light Years (and the other books in the Cazalet Chronicles) by Elizabeth Jane Howard. The most common ebook cover is really bad/cheesy looking but it had been strongly recommended to me so I tried it even though I doubted it would be good. It became one of my favorite series ever. A perfect example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover I guess!
I realize this is an unpopular opinion but my biggest disappointment surprise was My Brilliant Friend. I feel like there's a story I might enjoy in there but it just didn't pan out for me.
Thanks, Keke! There are so many books that I've put off because I didn't like the book cover design that turned out to be gems. To avoid that trap, I'm trying to place more of an emphasis on the back-cover description to spark my interest. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy My Brilliant Friend. Like A Little Life, folks either really like it or they really don't. I really enjoyed it, but have been struggling to return to her work years after finishing those novels. I'm just not as excited about it as I once was.
The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier was one that surprised and delighted me so much — such a fun, smart, distinct read, I loved it. Also, The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis hit me so hard— beautiful, desperately sad, and incredibly moving. I think about it often.
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata. It was VERY different from Convenience Store Woman, which I had read first, and had a truly wild ending. Do not be fooled by the cute hedgehog plushie on the cover - this book is extremely dark.
Thanks, Alanna! I've had my eye on Convenience Store Woman for a while, but was unaware of Earthlings. Within the last few minutes, I've seen this post as well as another both referring to Murata. This must be the universe telling me to check out her work!
I really loved Convenience Store Woman to the point where I picked up a copy in Japanese (my Japanese is rusty but I still think it'd be a fun project)
For me, it's Eclipse by Keiichiro Hirano, a Japanese novelist. Profound and suspenseful in equal measures, it's set in medieval France and explores the relationship between reason and faith.
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton. I never read romance but my sister suggested this. It is so smart and funny, plus the narrator just puts it over the top. Such a surprise. So fun.
Margot's Got Money Troubles (definitely worth the hype) but not normally my thing. Small Game by Blair Braverman just because it really wound up not being what I expecting.
Ghost Wall which I did sorta see coming but still has stuck with me years after I read it.
It's funny you mention Margot's Got Money Troubles because it seems that Rufi Thorpe is popping up everywhere I look. I've seen her mentioned in newsletters. Instagram is urging me to follow her, or maybe it's Substack? Who can keep track of everything and everyone we are being pushed to do and follow? Was the Blair Braverman book not what you were expecting in a good way? And Ghost Wall sounds really interesting. I'll check them all out!
Oh yes I liked them all! And I liked Margot's Got Money Troubles but it's exactly that kinda buzzy book I usually am put off by it's popularity. Small Game I found really profound in a way I wasn't expecting, I thought it would be like a fun thriller about surviving a reality TV show go wrong. And in a way it's that but also it's more than that.
I loved William S. Burroughs’ The Cat Inside—a tender, moving ode to his many cats. From what little I know of his life, it wasn’t what I expected him to write.
Dracula surprised me in a good way, because I didn’t think I’d like it. But really The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz ( I know her and love all her books). Because she went where I didn’t think she would!
I also didn't think I would like Dracula, but I too was pleasantly surprised. I need to check out Korelitz. I keep saying that I want to work more mysteries and thrillers into the mix here, and I need to actually do that.
I love Demon Copperhead, the first Kingsolver novel I’ve ever been able to finish. I kept buying her acclaimed novels but didn’t want to keep reading—not sure why. But Demon Copperhead hit home with me. Great story, memorable characters and scenes. Also, it hit home with me as someone who grew up in the southern Smokies who continues to meet seemingly intelligent, supposedly high-minded people who stereotype people from that region. I think Demon Cooperhead and James are a great pair of novels to read together.
Thanks, Brian! I like the idea of pairing the book with James, which I'm reading now. That's an incentive to pick it up because this is another book, like A Little Life and My Brilliant Friend above, that I've heard folks either love or don't. But I'm sure I will tackle it.
My biggest surprise was probably Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. God, it's good. I had no expectations, and I can't even remember why I picked it up. It's a little bit like if Infinite Jest were approachable and...focused.
Otherwise, House of Leaves is not a book I expected to enjoy, but it blew my face off with the innovative and genius ways the text layout forces you through the same experience the characters are having.
Thanks, Justin! Infinite Jest, approachable and focused--ha! I love it! I've read enough DFW to imagine what you mean, but that book has always felt too daunting to attempt. But I will check these other books out. Anything that's a face destroyer piques my interest!
I like to read detective novels set in different countries. Any of Donna Leon’s Commissario Brunetti series satisfied that solving process I love and she adds ecological themes, tolerance issues and they are the amazing.
For me, the most surprising book I've read was New Passengers by Tine Høeg. Mainly I went in with absolutely no knowledge beyond a recommendation from a friend of a friend, and I got it on ereader so had no idea it was full of formal experiments and poetic moments. I read it 2 years ago but it's still fuelling a new interest in translated books
Thanks Emily and Luke! I love experiences like this, when you go into a book totally cold based only on a slight recommendation and it turns into a wonderful and rewarding read.
"A Little Life" because I was surprised by how much I disliked it! For the record this is before the hater movement began and it there was just praise being heaped on it.
This book for me was another ereader surprise haha - I had no idea what I was getting into. I did enjoy it, but remember feeling that a book maybe shouldn't steamroll you the whole entire time :/
Yes! I think that's exactly right, and the word steamroll is perfect. It just hammers away at the protagonist and by extension the reader and it was just too much for me. It kept taking me out of the story.
Thanks, friend! I was also very much surprised by how much I disliked that book. (It started out trashing a restaurant I liked on Mulberry Street and went downhill from there.) I've never understood why it's been so hyped and beloved by others, and also turned into a play or something. No thanks!
Glad to hear! I appreciate most fiction and like to think I take it on its own terms. But this book I disliked immediately and refused to continue. I’ve never understood why—I had no idea what it was about and it was, like your experience, before some people turned against the stemming dominance of the trauma plot.
Hernan Diaz’s In the Distance surprised me, in a good way. I became interested in it after reading (and editing) your review of it. I figured I might like it, but not much beyond that because it was a Western. Was I wrong. It is that and so much more. I couldn’t put it down, and it was my favorite read from a few years ago and sticks with me today.
You're 100 percent right about that book. It's so wonderful! I also went into it having no idea it would be so compelling. And then Trust was great, too. I can't wait to read whatever he comes out with next!
I have In the Distance on my shelf because I loved Trust so much. But I keep passing over it. Now I will read sooner rather than later
Kate! I agree you must read In the Distance soon! I think you'll enjoy it, but you must let Donna and me know your thoughts either way!
My happiest surprise was The Light Years (and the other books in the Cazalet Chronicles) by Elizabeth Jane Howard. The most common ebook cover is really bad/cheesy looking but it had been strongly recommended to me so I tried it even though I doubted it would be good. It became one of my favorite series ever. A perfect example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover I guess!
I realize this is an unpopular opinion but my biggest disappointment surprise was My Brilliant Friend. I feel like there's a story I might enjoy in there but it just didn't pan out for me.
Thanks, Keke! There are so many books that I've put off because I didn't like the book cover design that turned out to be gems. To avoid that trap, I'm trying to place more of an emphasis on the back-cover description to spark my interest. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy My Brilliant Friend. Like A Little Life, folks either really like it or they really don't. I really enjoyed it, but have been struggling to return to her work years after finishing those novels. I'm just not as excited about it as I once was.
I do get put off by some book designs, so I’m going to try and adopt this moving forward.
I’m going to lend The Light Years to a friend who’s having an operation shortly.
It seems a lovely book for convalescing. Well written and engaging but also quite reassuring.
Yes!! It's perfect!
The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier was one that surprised and delighted me so much — such a fun, smart, distinct read, I loved it. Also, The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis hit me so hard— beautiful, desperately sad, and incredibly moving. I think about it often.
Thanks, EJ! Both of these sound really great! I will check them out.
would love to hear what you think!
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata. It was VERY different from Convenience Store Woman, which I had read first, and had a truly wild ending. Do not be fooled by the cute hedgehog plushie on the cover - this book is extremely dark.
Thanks, Alanna! I've had my eye on Convenience Store Woman for a while, but was unaware of Earthlings. Within the last few minutes, I've seen this post as well as another both referring to Murata. This must be the universe telling me to check out her work!
I really loved Convenience Store Woman to the point where I picked up a copy in Japanese (my Japanese is rusty but I still think it'd be a fun project)
Ah! That's a great project!
I agree! Earthlings is even difficult to define.
Murata has a new novel, Vanishing World, coming 4.15 that sounds amazing.
For me, it's Eclipse by Keiichiro Hirano, a Japanese novelist. Profound and suspenseful in equal measures, it's set in medieval France and explores the relationship between reason and faith.
Thanks, Harish! This book sounds right up my alley, so I'll definitely check it out.
You should definitely try it. I have recently published a review of it in my substack.
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton. I never read romance but my sister suggested this. It is so smart and funny, plus the narrator just puts it over the top. Such a surprise. So fun.
Thanks, Rhiannon! I also never read romance, but have been looking for a way in. This book sounds delightful!
fair warning. It does get a little spicy a couple times.
lol OK!
Margot's Got Money Troubles (definitely worth the hype) but not normally my thing. Small Game by Blair Braverman just because it really wound up not being what I expecting.
Ghost Wall which I did sorta see coming but still has stuck with me years after I read it.
Oh also weird one and I definitely commented on your Dracula review but Dracula is incredible and I love the second life it's gotten recently.
One of my favorite reviews! Dracula is so weird and wonderful!
It's funny you mention Margot's Got Money Troubles because it seems that Rufi Thorpe is popping up everywhere I look. I've seen her mentioned in newsletters. Instagram is urging me to follow her, or maybe it's Substack? Who can keep track of everything and everyone we are being pushed to do and follow? Was the Blair Braverman book not what you were expecting in a good way? And Ghost Wall sounds really interesting. I'll check them all out!
Oh yes I liked them all! And I liked Margot's Got Money Troubles but it's exactly that kinda buzzy book I usually am put off by it's popularity. Small Game I found really profound in a way I wasn't expecting, I thought it would be like a fun thriller about surviving a reality TV show go wrong. And in a way it's that but also it's more than that.
Speaking of Margot's popularity, I just read another newsletter that mentioned it! I'm glad you enjoyed these books!
obsessed with Ghost Wall—the dense text blocks on the page!
I’m going to have to check this book out for sure!
Update: I saw Ghost Wall at the store recently and skimmed the first chapter and was like yup I’m getting this. Thanks, Leigh and AI!
I loved William S. Burroughs’ The Cat Inside—a tender, moving ode to his many cats. From what little I know of his life, it wasn’t what I expected him to write.
Thanks, Hermione Jane! I was unaware that Burroughs wrote an ode to cats. As a cat lover, I definitely need to check that out!
Dracula surprised me in a good way, because I didn’t think I’d like it. But really The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz ( I know her and love all her books). Because she went where I didn’t think she would!
I also didn't think I would like Dracula, but I too was pleasantly surprised. I need to check out Korelitz. I keep saying that I want to work more mysteries and thrillers into the mix here, and I need to actually do that.
I love Demon Copperhead, the first Kingsolver novel I’ve ever been able to finish. I kept buying her acclaimed novels but didn’t want to keep reading—not sure why. But Demon Copperhead hit home with me. Great story, memorable characters and scenes. Also, it hit home with me as someone who grew up in the southern Smokies who continues to meet seemingly intelligent, supposedly high-minded people who stereotype people from that region. I think Demon Cooperhead and James are a great pair of novels to read together.
Thanks, Brian! I like the idea of pairing the book with James, which I'm reading now. That's an incentive to pick it up because this is another book, like A Little Life and My Brilliant Friend above, that I've heard folks either love or don't. But I'm sure I will tackle it.
Interesting—you make me realize Cooperhead, like A Little Life, is a trauma plot, one in NY, one in Appalachia.
Loved and Missed / Susie Boyt—so unexpectedly tender without ever veering towards saccharine; just beautiful—was my favourite read of 2024!
Thanks, Jae! The NYRB rarely misses with what they publish.
My biggest surprise was probably Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. God, it's good. I had no expectations, and I can't even remember why I picked it up. It's a little bit like if Infinite Jest were approachable and...focused.
Otherwise, House of Leaves is not a book I expected to enjoy, but it blew my face off with the innovative and genius ways the text layout forces you through the same experience the characters are having.
Thanks, Justin! Infinite Jest, approachable and focused--ha! I love it! I've read enough DFW to imagine what you mean, but that book has always felt too daunting to attempt. But I will check these other books out. Anything that's a face destroyer piques my interest!
Have you read DFW's Broom of the System? It's my favorite of his.
I like to read detective novels set in different countries. Any of Donna Leon’s Commissario Brunetti series satisfied that solving process I love and she adds ecological themes, tolerance issues and they are the amazing.