Books to Read in Public to Trick People into Thinking You are Smart
It's all about performing for the gaze of others, am I right ladies?
(I kid I kid.) But if you are going to read in public and someone just so happens to glance your way, they might as well perceive you as intelligent and interesting. No harm in that!
Here are some fiction book recommendations that will immediately signal to onlookers that they are in the presence of a sophisticated, well-read literary genius.
The sheer girth of one of these honkers is sure to impress passersby. There are four books (so far) in the series and each one clocks in at over 1000 pages. If you're a fantasy enthusiast searching for an epic tale that transcends the typical boundaries of the genre, look no further than Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive series. This monumental saga, planned to span ten volumes, transports you to the intricate world of Roshar—a realm shaped by magical storms, populated by diverse cultures, and rife with political intrigue. Sanderson masterfully builds a setting where magical "Stormlight" infuses gemstones, empowering knights with supernatural abilities, and where an impending apocalypse looms over civilization. The series captivates with its intricate plotlines, compelling characters, and ethical dilemmas that will make you ponder long after you've closed the book.
What sets The Stormlight Archive apart is Sanderson's unparalleled skill in world-building and character development. From the honor-bound warrior Kaladin to the intelligent but stifled scholar Shallan, each character undergoes transformations that are as satisfying as they are believable. The series also delves deep into themes like power, responsibility, and the human condition, all while delivering heart-pounding action sequences and mind-bending magical systems. If you're searching for a fantasy series that offers not just escapism but also intellectual and emotional richness, The Stormlight Archive is an investment well worth making.
When I read them, I had to have my whole entire brain activated, and I’m sure that energy was radiating off of me and everyone around me sensed I was Doing Some Heavy Reading™. Very impressive.
Not only will this book make you seem smart, but edgy and rebellious too. It’s often on the list of banned books and I don’t know about you, but I’ll take any chance I can get to piss off a conservative while simultaneously reminding them I’m smarter.
If you think graphic novels are just spandex-clad superheroes saving the day, The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman is about to upend your world. This Pulitzer Prize-winning tour de force doesn't need capes or cosmic battles to hold your attention; it achieves that feat by offering a raw, poignant, and unforgettable account of a Holocaust survivor's experience. It skillfully conveys the real, harrowing magic of human resilience and memory, captured in stark black-and-white illustrations.
Maus turns the horrifying reality of the Holocaust into an allegory where Jews are portrayed as mice and Nazis as cats, but make no mistake, there's nothing cartoony about this tale. It's a gut-punch of a narrative that manages to be deeply personal while commenting on the broader inhumanities of war and prejudice. So go ahead, swap your superhero sagas for a different kind of "epic" struggle—one that challenges not only how you think about graphic novels, but perhaps, how you think, period.
I’ll be honest, the average day to day citizen that might witness you reading this book will think nothing of it because it appears unassuming. But for those who know, they know.
And they will know your IQ is at least in the 400 range, if not higher.
If you think a book is just a static object meant for a linear journey from cover to cover, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is here to say, "Hold my footnotes." This labyrinthine novel is like nothing you've ever read before—unless you often find yourself reading architectural blueprints that morph into love letters while doubling as a psychological horror narrative. It's a book within a manuscript within a maze, and it makes Inception look like a Saturday morning cartoon by comparison.
Are you the sort who loves to unravel mysteries, but finds crossword puzzles just don't cut it anymore? Then take a plunge into this house of textual mirrors. Just a word of warning: much like the characters who venture into the book's ever-changing, claustrophobic corridors, you may find yourself a little changed by the experience. You'll start to question the reliability of narrators, of your own memory, and maybe even the dimensions of your own living room. Strap in for a reading experience that's not just off the wall, but literally about walls—walls that expand, contract, and haunt your dreams.
I’ll confess to you, I kinda hated this book. (It just made me so mad ok! If you know, you know.) BUT if I ever see someone reading it in public I am for sure making a bee-line and going right up to them to talk about it. My first question will be: are you hating it as much as I did? And if they say they are in fact ENJOYING it, I am congratulating them on being far, far, smarter than the rest of us.
Are you reading this for school (smart) or are you just reading this for your own pleasure (even smarter). Either way, people will think you are intelligent and well-read.
Mary Shelley said “lemme invent a whole new genre real quick”. Her timeless classic is way more than its Hollywood caricature; it's an existential romp through the perils of playing god and the consequences of abandoning your creations. No mad scientist's lab required—just a mind willing to grapple with the complex ethical questions that were as relevant in the early 19th century as they are today.
Ditch the popcorn horror flick version of Frankenstein and dive into the nuanced narrative where the real terror lies in the human soul, not in stitched-together body parts. When I read it, I was surprised because it is not about what you think it’s going to be about! Dr. Frankenstein's "creature" isn't just an assemblage of corpses; he's a tragic figure, eloquent and tortured, yearning for love and acceptance.
So, if you're hungry for a novel that combines Gothic atmosphere with thought-provoking themes—ones that have inspired debates about ethics, technology, and the human condition for two centuries—then this seminal work should be next on your reading list. And no, it doesn't come with an instruction manual for building your own monster. But it will build a more nuanced understanding of humanity's monstrous tendencies.
In closing, whether you're looking to impress, provoke thought, or simply engage with some extraordinary literature, these books are more than just pretty covers. They offer depth and complexity, and they're sure to ignite conversations, stimulate your intellect, and maybe even elevate your public reading game to genius level.
If these aren’t doing it for ya, of couse I have a billion more recommendations.
Check out this guide to queer literature.
And the highly rated books in my monthy reading wrap-ups.
I’ll be back soon for loads more reviews and recommendations. Peace out :)
