Which Novels Highlight Absurdity Like 'Through The Looking-Glass' Does?

Exploring novels that delve into the complexities of friendship, I find 'A Separate Peace' by John Knowles to be a profound exploration of the bond between two boys at a New England boarding school during World War II. The novel masterfully portrays the nuances of their relationship, including jealousy, loyalty, and betrayal. Another compelling read is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini, which examines the enduring yet strained friendship between Amir and Hassan against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history. The story is a poignant reminder of how personal choices can impact relationships. For a more contemporary take, 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell offers a heartfelt look at the friendship and budding romance between two misfit teenagers. Each of these novels provides a unique lens through which to view the struggles and triumphs of friendship, making them essential reads for anyone interested in the dynamics of human connections. Additionally, 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a gripping tale of a group of college friends whose bond is tested by dark secrets and moral dilemmas. The novel explores how far people will go to protect their friendships and the consequences of their actions. 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky is another must-read, capturing the essence of teenage friendships and the challenges of growing up. These stories not only highlight the struggles of friendship but also celebrate its enduring power, offering readers a deep and emotional journey through the lives of their characters.

I’ve been diving into graphic novels for years, and 'Chew' is one of those rare gems that mixes absurdity with heart. If you’re into that vibe, 'The Umbrella Academy' by Gerard Way is a wild ride with its bizarre family dynamics and apocalyptic stakes. Another one I’d recommend is 'Transmetropolitan' by Warren Ellis, which throws you into a dystopian future with a journalist who’s as chaotic as the world he’s reporting on. For something lighter but equally weird, 'Scott Pilgrim' by Bryan Lee O’Malley is a must. It’s packed with quirky humor, video game references, and a love story that’s anything but ordinary. These picks all share that same off-the-wall energy that makes 'Chew' so unforgettable.

Sibling rivalry is such a juicy theme in novels, and 'Malibu Rising' by Taylor Jenkins Reid nails it. If you’re into that dynamic, 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett is a must-read. It explores the lives of twin sisters who take drastically different paths, and the tension between them is palpable. Another great pick is 'The Nest' by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, where four siblings fight over their inheritance, and it’s messy in the best way. For something darker, 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart dives into the complexities of family bonds and secrets among cousins, which feels like sibling rivalry on steroids. These books all capture that mix of love, jealousy, and competition that makes sibling relationships so fascinating.

Exploring the mentor-apprentice dynamic in literature always fascinates me, and 'The Old Man and the Sea' is just the tip of the iceberg. One of my favorites is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss, where Kvothe’s journey under the guidance of the enigmatic Abenthy and later the mysterious Elodin is both thrilling and deeply moving. Another gem is 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, where Santiago learns profound life lessons from the alchemist, blending spirituality with mentorship. For a more classic take, 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens beautifully portrays Pip’s growth under the influence of Magwitch and Miss Havisham, though their roles are unconventional. In the realm of fantasy, 'Eragon' by Christopher Paolini showcases the bond between Eragon and Brom, a relationship filled with wisdom, sacrifice, and legacy. Each of these novels offers a unique perspective on mentorship, making them unforgettable reads for anyone who cherishes such bonds.

'Catch-22' is a masterclass in exposing the sheer madness of bureaucracy through its circular logic and paradoxical rules. The novel’s titular phrase—where you can’t avoid dangerous missions unless you’re insane, but asking to be grounded proves your sanity—perfectly captures the trap of irrational systems. Joseph Heller paints a world where paperwork and rigid protocols override human lives, like soldiers forced to fly endless missions because some unseen authority keeps moving the goalposts. The characters’ struggles highlight how bureaucracy dehumanizes. Yossarian’s desperation to escape the war is constantly thwarted by arbitrary decisions from faceless officers. The more he fights, the tighter the system’s grip becomes, mirroring real-life frustrations with red tape. Even the dead are treated as administrative problems, with Doc Daneeka’s name staying on payrolls long after his 'death' because the records say so. The satire cuts deep, showing how institutions prioritize rules over reason, leaving individuals powerless against the machine.

As someone who grew up devouring stories about kids overcoming challenges, I’ve always been drawn to tales of empowerment. 'Matilda' is a classic, but there are so many others that inspire. 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' by Lemony Snicket is a standout—the Baudelaire siblings face endless adversity but never lose their wit or resilience. Another favorite is 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett, where Mary Lennox transforms not only a neglected garden but also her own life and those around her. For something more modern, 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio is a heartwarming story about Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, who teaches everyone around him the power of kindness and self-acceptance. 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry also deserves a mention—Jonah’s journey to challenge a dystopian society is both thought-provoking and empowering. These stories remind us that children have the strength to change their worlds, no matter how small they seem.

In 'Catch-22', the absurdity of war is shown through the bureaucratic madness that traps soldiers in impossible situations. The main character, Yossarian, is caught in a paradox where he can’t be grounded from combat missions unless he’s insane, but wanting to avoid danger proves he’s sane. This circular logic highlights the illogical nature of war. The novel also uses dark humor to expose the senselessness of military decisions, like increasing the number of missions just to meet arbitrary quotas. It’s not just about the chaos of battle but the systemic insanity that makes war a farce. The characters’ struggles to survive in this irrational system make the reader question the very purpose of war.

As someone who spends hours curled up with my Kindle Basic, I've found highlighting quotes to be super intuitive once you get the hang of it. To highlight a passage, simply press and hold your finger at the start of the sentence you want to mark, then drag to the end. A small toolbar will pop up—select 'Highlight' from there. You can choose different colors like yellow, pink, or blue by tapping the highlight again and selecting 'Color' from the menu. One neat trick I love is organizing highlights by creating a 'My Clippings' folder on your computer. Connect your Kindle via USB, navigate to the 'documents' folder, and you’ll find a 'My Clippings.txt' file containing all your highlights. For deeper organization, I export this file to apps like Evernote or Notion, tagging quotes by theme or book. This makes revisiting favorite lines a breeze, whether it’s a poignant moment from 'The Song of Achilles' or a witty line from 'Good Omens.'