The Hanged Man

By Francesca Lia Block,

Book cover of The Hanged Man

Book description

After the death of her father, Laurel is haunted by a legacy of family secrets, hidden shame, and shattered glass. Immersing herself in the heady rhythms of a city that is like something wild, caged, and pacing, Laurel tries to lose herself. But when she runs away from the past,…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Hanged Man as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This was another book that I read in high school, and I revisit it every few years. Block’s language is sheer poetry, and every line is perfection. I have to content myself with knowing that I will never write this well, and that’s okay.

The book centers around narrator, Laurel, who lives with her mother and father in a perfect dream house in Los Angeles. When Laurel’s father falls sick and goes to the hospital, and her life begins to unravel, she begins to have visions of a skeletal lover who visits her when no one else is around. Is…

From Ava's list on cool, culty Los Angeles.

Want books like The Hanged Man?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Hanged Man.

Browse books like The Hanged Man

Book cover of The Day of the Locust
Book cover of Less Than Zero
Book cover of White Oleander

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,605

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in death, Los Angeles, and presidential biography?

Death 399 books
Los Angeles 363 books