Every novel ever written is, in a way, a unique expression of a unique mind. However, to crib from George Orwell, some books are more unique than others. With some novels—even bestsellers—you have to dig deep to find that spark of truly unique thought that makes it unlike every other novel out there. Even complex, […]

People read books for many reasons—to relax, to learn, to escape. Sometimes we read to challenge ourselves, and sometimes, the challenge is part of the fun, because the book we’re reading isn’t just a book—it’s a puzzle and a story. The five books listed here aren’t just entertaining; they’re also brain-busting book-sized puzzles that will take over […]

Having children is one of the most powerful aspects of existence—the opportunity to mold and educate a new human, to shape their personalities and moral code. Or, try to anyway—sometimes your kids go in directions you never expected. One day they’re perfectly happy watching Spongebob, the next, they’re binging Doctor Who and reading X-Men comics. That’s […]

According to famed psychologist Howard Gardner, there is not one measure of intelligence, but nine: Spatial, Naturalist, Musical, Logical-Mathematical, Existential, Interpersonal, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Linguistic, and Intra-Personal. This means that if your goal is truly to become smarter, you have to think in broader terms and do more than plow through a few extra crossword puzzles every week—you […]

Jeff Noon is the force behind some of the strangest works of science fiction we’ve ever read—and his new novel A Man of Shadows is no exception. Today, he joins us to talk about how the strangeness of his various works all springs from a single source—one you’ll find down a hole, or through a […]